Our favourite designers have truly made case for the frock this summer. Here are some of our top picks for all of the season's ocassions
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Summer’s (almost) heating up and the warm breezes of May have us yearning for a new dress investment. For the sun-drenched season ahead, we're advocating for an embrace the dress in all its versatile glory.
Day or night, city or countryside, office or bar – our favourite designers have truly made case for the frock this summer. Here, Vogue Scandinavia hand-picks the 48 best dresses to suit any kind of schedule or sojourn.
Related: The best 80+ bikinis to shop now
Everyday comfort
Finding summer's perfect everyday dress can feel like the search for a needle in a haystack. So this season, we've done the hard-yards for you, narrowing the overwhelming choices down to the eight ultimate dresses that can adapt to day-to-day demands. Ganni's denim midi dress will be one of the most hardworking in your wardrobe, while those with longer sleeves will lend themselves to the season's cooler days.
Daytime parties
Is your summer calendar filling up with daytime parties and indulgences? We recommend opting for dresses that are flowing and feminine – with veering into territory that may be too formal. To fit the mood, look at combining no more than two significant design features, such as a pattern, a mini silhouette or interesting straps.
Evening festivites
Extended daylight hours and warm evenings make it inevitable that you'll be an after-hours social butterfly this summer. Lean into the mood of the season and don't be afraid to show a little skin. Our picks feature cut-out details, as mastered by Christopher Esber, and barely-there spaghetti straps as perfected by Sir, Pucci and Filippa K.
Office appropriate
When it comes to office appropriate, many often play it safe and look past the dresses in their wardrobes. But this season, Vogue Scandinavia begs to differ. If you're in a very corporate environment, a shirt dress by Polo Ralph Lauren or Stylein will tick all the right boxes. Or, if your role is more demanding of physical movement and time on your feet, a midi-length cut and fabric with natural stretch will maintain your professional comfort and confidence.
Beach days
As summer is approaching, the beach days are getting closer by the hour. There is no other feeling like putting on that perfectly sheer, lightweight dress, with your favourite bikini underneath and a pair of summer shoes on your feet. This season, styles by Bananhot and Anna Kosturova are turning our heads.
More formal affairs
Summer's elegant pleasures – think a brunch with your in-laws, a museum visit or sun-drenched afternoon tea – all deserve a dress of equal elegance. This is something that can be defined in many ways, but it most commonly calls for a dress that falls beyond the knees. In other cases, we believe a mini dress with the right details, like an voluminous sleeve, high boat neck or elegant belt detail, can also make the cut in this category.
