10 Ways to Style Your Summer Dress

As the temperature rises and the sun begins to shine, it's time for your favourite summer dresses to start making an appearance in your wardrobe again. 

From flowing maxis to chic minis, summer dresses are quite possibly our favourite part of the season. There are so many remarkable ways to style them - and not just in the summer season, either!

Need inspiration on how to effortlessly wear your favourite dresses from season to season? Discover 10 fabulous ways to style your summer dresses, courtesy of our very own Joe Browns stylists. 

There’s nothing better than snacking al fresco beneath the summer sun. A floaty summer dress will help you to feel fabulous as you sit back and enjoy a picnic with friends or play host to your very own garden party (complete with funky picnicware and stand-out garden decor to show off your style). If you’re conscious of those pesky grass stains, avoid light colours or make sure you pack a cosy garden rug so there’s no chance your dress will get spoiled. 

Our favourite garden party look is a lively floral print dress teamed up with a pair of colourful flat shoes to avoid heels sinking into the grass. A roomy bag is key if you’re heading to a picnic or bringing food to a party - ditch the plastic carrier bags for a much chicer look.

Obviously, it’s never a good idea to wear white to a wedding - and you should probably steer clear of all black, too, unless you’re styling it very carefully to add a splash of colour. But other than that, most summer dresses are fair game as long as they match the vibe of the wedding you’re attending. 

Classy yet comfortableasual, a tea dress is a popular wedding guest outfit choice for an outdoor wedding. For a more formal occasion, our party dress collection is packed full of inspiration, including dresses in light fabrics and bright colours to bring seasonal style to your wedding guest outfit. 

Pair your wedding guest dress with a coordinating clutch bag and a cute pair of heels for the ultimate look. A shawl, pashmina, or cropped jacket is a good idea, too, to cover your shoulders and keep you cosy as you party into the night.

If you’re headed to a summer wedding in a tropical destination, wear a dress with an exotic print or vibrant colour to match your surroundings. Why not draw your styling inspo from the wedding’s destination?  Whether it’s a flowing Grecian gown for a Greek wedding or a marvellous Moroccan design for nuptials in the High Atlas, this can be a great way to embrace and celebrate the culture around you. 

Speaking of which, don’t forget to consider culture when planning your summer wedding outfits. In some destinations, you’ll be expected to cover more skin than in others, so pick a long-sleeve dress in a lightweight and thin fabric to keep cool while honouring the country’s customs. 

Don’t forget to consider the temperate of your destination. Looser fabrics and sleeveless styles may be more comfortable for weddings in hotter climates, however, a light cover up is always recommended to avoid too much sun exposure. 

Still struggling to achieve the perfect look for your loved one’s big day? Our wedding guest style guide has all the tips you need. 

Wondering how you can dress for work in summer? Your summer dress can be styled to give it a professional edge, so you can look fabulous all summer long, from boardroom meetings to happy hour at the bar.

While we’re all about jersey fabrics and strappy styles, you might want to opt for a smarter look. Try a midi dress in a subtle print for that lovely blend of formal and feminine. 

Business attire doesn’t have to be boring  when you have Joe Browns tailored styles on your side. Wear your summer dress with a boxy fitted blazer to give you a stand-out look that says you’re ready for business.

Of course, a dress isn’t the only option when it comes to summer workwear. Discover more perfectly professional ideas in our summer workwear guide. 

Whether you’re strolling through the shops on a weekend or heading off on an exciting holiday abroad, a summer dress is the perfect option for adventuring. 

A shirt dress is a really versatile look that’s perfect for hitting the shops during the day right through to stopping off for a bite to eat in the evening. For a more exotic look, we love a wrap dress with a bold and beautiful print worn with some remarkable colourful jewellery to really give off those holiday vibes. 

Add a pair of pumps for a look that’s all set for a day out and about (and they’ll keep your feet happy too).

A summer dress is perfect for a day trip to the seaside. Our boho dresses will add some free-spirited charm to your style, ready to make any beach your personal catwalk. Choose from pretty paisley to patterned prints for a look that really shows off your beach babe personality. 

If you’re looking for new ways to welcome boho style into your wardrobe this summer, we’ve got you covered. From opting for a touch of fringing for a playful movement to your ensemble to styling your favourite boho maxi dress with a pair of suede Western-style boots, there are loads of ways you can make boho style your own. 

Boho beach dresses also make for a classy yet effortlessly casual too. Our top tip? If you’re planning on taking a dip, throw on a swimsuit under your beach dress, ready for a quick change. 

Pair your beach dress with some summer sandals to feel the sand between your toes and don’t forget your beach hat and sunglasses too! For more beachy outfit ideas beyond the classic summer dress, see our 10 summer-ready outfit ideas!

Dressing for a daytime event? Match the hues of summertime with a breezy blue dress that complements the sky or a vibrant yellow summer frock to reflect those sunshine vibes.

Of course, a summer day means sunny rays - so wear a sunhat and sunglasses with your summer day dress. They’re the perfect accessories to shade you from the bright beams while looking super sophisticated with a dash of drama.

Why not accentuate your figure by wearing your summer dress with a belt? A warm-toned tan belt will perfectly match your golden glow this summer. Add a few casual accessories in the form of beaded bracelets for that extra eye-catching touch, and finish with sandals to show off that pedicure. 

Needing an evening look this summer? Enjoy those warm summer nights by stepping out in an occasion dress with a hint of sparkle, like sequins or glitter. In a rush? Transform your summer day dress into an evening gown with the help of sparkling jewellery like statement earrings, along with an occasion bag and some oh-so-glamorous heels. 

Another perfect way to embrace the elegance of the evening this summer is to wear a strappy summer dress in darker, richer colours, contrasting against the pastels that are so popular during a summer’s day. 

Summer is festival season - and if you’re looking for a summer dress to pack for a festival or wear to a gig, we have plenty of ideas for you!

If you’re someone who loves to dance freely to the music, the flowing fabric of our maxi dresses will swirl around you beautifully as you move. Pick a bright and vibrant pattern to truly add to the joy and fun of the festival atmosphere. Don’t opt for a full floor-length dress, though - festivals are notorious for mud, so choose a dress that stops at the ankle or higher!

As festivals and gigs often require you to be on your feet, we suggest pairing your festival dress with some sturdy boots or comfy trainers so your fun isn’t spoilt by achy arches.  

We’d all love the weather to be sizzling sunshine all summer long, but sadly that’s not always the case. The good old British weather forecast can change in the blink of an eye, so you might find yourself suddenly feeling the breeze when out and about wearing your summer dress if you don’t come prepared. 

The good news is summer dresses can be teamed up with a classic pair of leggings to keep your legs warm during cooler weather. Tunics are another Joe Browns fave if you’re looking for the best way to keep all the glam of a summer dress with added pizzazz and practicality. 

If you’re wondering what to wear over a summer dress, a fine-knit cardigan or denim jacket gives a lovely laid-back look that’s as timeless as it is chic.

When summer starts to come to an end, the heartbreak of parting ways with your favourite frock for another year can be too much to bear. But fear not!

With a few handy tricks, your summer dress becomes a year-round wardrobe staplegown. Swap your pumps for boots to heat up those feet, layer up with a blazer or a cosy cardigan, or layer under with a long-sleeve shirt. It’s easy to wear your favourite summer dress in spring, autumn, or even winter! Just see our guide to creating a transitional wardrobe for more tips on taking different clothes from season to season. 

So there you have it! Whether you choose to wear different summer dresses to suit each exciting event in your social calendar or style the same dress in different ways to create a new head-turning look every time you step outside, we can all agree a summer dress is a real must-have this season. Why not show off your styles on Facebook and Instagram? Or head to our inspiration page for further fashion tips.