The Simple, Throw-On Dress Trend Fashion People Always Reach for During a Heatwave

If I've leant one thing about dressing for warm weather, it's that less really is more. On a sweltering day when your hair is sticking to your forehead and your cheeks are a burning shade of crimson, there's nothing less appealing than the idea of faffing around with multiple layers. Instead, I've learnt that it's best to stick with a single item if possible, and in my experience, the best candidate for the job is a shift dress.

Falling down from the arms in an A-line shape, this comfortable dress trend skims the body without clinging to it. Ideal for summer's scorching days, the simple silhouette makes getting ready in the morning all the more easy and less daunting.

A favourite amongst those in the know, the elegant dress is a staple throughout the summer months. However, I'd say it's more popular than ever this year, as much of 2024's fashion has centred around simple, timeless pieces.

Often styled with trending flip flops or sleek ballet flats for a pretty look, I've also seen the dress trend worn with knee high boots and loafers on cloudier days, further attesting to its sheer versatility.

A classic shape never goes out of style, this elegant dress has been around since the '60s. Having ebbed in and out of style since then, 2024's shift dresses are mainly found in light linens and cottons and designed in classic colours that can see you through many summers to come.

Saturating the fashion scene, the shift dress has also made its way into the shop fronts at pace. From Reformation's lightweight linen style to Kitri's pretty printed dress, scroll on to discover our edit of the best shift dresses to shop this season.

SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST SHIFT DRESSES:

Reformation

Jessi Linen Dress

£148

This pretty linen dress is an influencer favourite.

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Linen A-Line Dress

£77£67

Shop this linen dress whilst it's on sale.

Free People

Full Of Sunshine Cotton-Linen Mini

£60

This comes in every pretty colour you can think of.

COS

Twist-Detail Mini Dress

£85

Style with knee boots or wear with ballet flats.

Prada

Cupro-Blend Minidress

£1600

This pretty Prada dress is at the top of my wish list.

Abercrombie & Fitch.

Linen-Blend Shift Mini Dress

£52

This versatile mini is also available in beige and black.

Reformation

Aubree Linen Dress

£98

This also comes in five other shades.

Nobodys Child

Black Palermo Mini Shift Dress

£49

The cotton composition makes this naturally breathable and idea for hot summer days.

Kitri

Marina Blue Cygnus and Lyra Print Mini Dress

£165

This pretty summer dress is destined to sell out.

Khaite

Pranta Silk Satin Minidress

£1330

I always come back to Khaite for their elevated basics.