The Dress Report: Key Trends, Brands, and Styling Tips to Be Aware of This Summer

      With summer approaching at last, it's an ideal moment to explore this season's most sought-after item—the dress. Summer invites us to swap out jeans, knitwear, and suede layers (thanks for your service!) for something lighter and more playful. I've taken on the task of assessing the current trends in dresses. As a fashion editor, I frequently sift through runway images, study street style photos, analyze Instagram, gather insights from colleagues and fashion friends, and review archival photography to pinpoint the key styles that are emerging in meaningful ways; my latest focus has been on summer dresses.

      Dresses are a staple in our wardrobes all year, but they truly flourish in summer. The summer dress appears in a variety of styles, ensuring there's always one that fits your taste, and this year's offerings are a perfect reflection of that diversity. With this in mind, I've worked to compile the ultimate guide to dresses for 2025. Explore my insights on the most significant trends, brands, styling techniques, and best-selling dresses that will define this summer.

      **The Dress Report: Your Guide to Summer 2025 in Dresses**

      **Small Brands, Big Impact**

      Peachy Den, Susamusa, Kitri, Sister Jane, Rayan, Zeena Shah

      A notable surge of small, independent designers is gradually gaining dedicated followings. Emerging from the British capital, local brands like Peachy Den and Susamusa embody cool London style, drawing inspiration from '90s and '00s Brit-pop culture. "I have a deep sense of nostalgia," shares Isabella Weatherby, founder and creative director of Peachy Den. "I love revisiting my childhood clothing, memory boxes, and diaries for inspiration." It's no surprise that contemporary stars such as Olivia Dean, Dua Lipa, Raye, and Beabadoobee have been spotted in the brand's garments, boosting their popularity.

      For a whimsical, English-country-garden aesthetic, Kitri Studios, Sister Jane, and Damson Madder have established themselves as favorites among the fashion-savvy. Their collections boast standout fabrics, lace details, bows, and charming designs, particularly evident in their top-selling dresses. "At Sister Jane, storytelling is crucial in our design process," reveals Bernice Arriagada, senior designer. "Each collection carries a narrative that influences every dress. We draw inspiration from various sources, but vintage styles are always our first choice. Whether for a celebration or a casual outing, our customer wants her dress to stand out." Similarly, Kitri Studios' founder Haeni Kim believes that "everyone desires a dress that looks and feels fabulous—something easy, comfortable, and versatile."

      **Explore Dresses from Small Brands:**

      - **SISTER JANE**: Haven Ruffle Midi Dress – Retro vibes with ample ruffles.

      - **KITRI**: Danna Tulip Print Dress – Delicate and sweet, perfect for day wear.

      - **PEACHY DEN**: The Marie Knit Mini Dress in Jam – A striking red piece that's a timeless favorite.

      - **DAMSON MADDER**: Angelina Midi Dress – A fun addition with an effortless feel.

      - **SISTER JANE**: Grassland Cross Straps Midi Dress – Exemplifying the nostalgic '90s.

      **Why the '90s Feel So Now**

      (Image credit: Khaite, Getty, Toteme, Launchmetrics Spotlight)

      Once again, the red-carpet fashions of the 1990s are making waves in today's runway designs. Icons like Kate Moss, Sarah Jessica Parker, Halle Berry, Naomi Campbell, and Gwyneth Paltrow epitomized a style that favored slinky, bias-cut dresses or straight column silhouettes with minimal embellishment in understated tones. It’s fitting that today’s fashionable dress brands are now incorporating these styles. The Row, Khaite, and the Stockholm-based Toteme are increasingly sought after, drawing inspiration from the pioneering work of Calvin Klein, Jil Sander, and Prada, offering minimalist pieces for those seeking simplicity.

      **Shop '90s-Inspired Dresses:**

      - **TOTEME**: Compact Knit Halter Dress – Emphasizing simplicity and refinement.

      - **THE ROW**: Nicole Dress in Silk – A beautifully understated piece.

      - **KHAITE**: Isabella Dress in Bone – A contemporary classic currently trending.

      **Australian Brands of Note**

      DISSH, Christopher Esber, Launchmetrics Spotlight, Zimmermann, Esse Studios, Posse, Net-a-Porter

      As summer approaches, our yearning for escapism intensifies. This leads to a desire for travel and warmth, and what better source than Australia? Many luxury retailers are embracing Australian designers, much to the delight of fashion enthusiasts. Brands like Christopher Esber, Zimmerman, and Aje have tapped into the trend for romantic, flowing dresses that reveal just a hint of skin, while labels like St. Agni, DISSH, and Posse offer more casual options focused on simple