Ironically, I’m actually not the biggest dress person. On most summer days, you can find me in a casual combo of jeans and a tank or, more recently, leggings or bike shorts. However, that doesn’t mean I’m not qualified to speak on the matter. In fact, my mild aversion to wearing dresses makes me pickier when shopping for them, and this selectiveness translates to those I’m willing to recommend to others, too.
So which brands do I turn to when I need a summer frock? Over the years, I’ve developed a handful of favorites—15 to be exact—and based on my Instagram findings, it seems that the majority of fashion people I love to follow are aligned with my selections. Ready to find your new summer investment (for as little as $30)? To see, read about, and shop each brand, just keep scrolling.
Faithfull the Brand has been a favorite among the fashion set for several seasons now, and I think it’s obvious why.
Whether it’s through unique prints, fun and flattering silhouettes, or both, Staud’s dresses always stand out.
We’ve been fans since Ciao Lucia launched, but the cult favorite is even better now that it’s more readily available on some of our favorite sites such as Shopbop and Moda Operandi.
With each dress more Insta-famous than the last, Cult Gaia will never steer you wrong.
H&M’s dresses just keep getting better, and now that it has so many trend-forward options, its affordable frocks rival a lot of the higher-end brands on this very list.
Name one thing better than a dress you can wear both to bed and to brunch.
While Revolve’s whole site is a trove of summer-ready dresses, I’m most partial to those by LPA.
For a chic investment piece you’ll wear for years to come, look no further than luxury label Tove.
If you have an Instagram account, then whether or not you even realize it, there’s a good chance Réalisation’s dresses are popping up on your feed all day.
Rixo’s dresses will stick with you from summer to summer. Though, that doesn’t mean you won’t be tempted to buy more with each new collection, especially since its prints and silhouettes are constantly evolving.
Feeling fancy? A Jacquemus dress will always satisfy your craving to dress up.
Dôen’s boho-inspired and breezy dresses are not just thoughtfully designed. They also empower women in the workforce with every purchase.
Between its open-back dresses and smocked styles, it’s no surprise that editor-beloved brand SIR has seriously blown up this year.
Last but certainly not least, With Jéan has got you covered with easy minis and midis that are pretty much guaranteed to bring in all the compliments.
