Our style experts have curated a selection of women’s designer dresses for summer that champion free-flowing movement and timeless design. With flattering florals and versatile silhouettes, Trilogy’s designer dress collection is full of go-to gems. Read our guide to find the perfect designer dress to add to your wardrobe.
How to Style a Dress
To style a dress for summer, simply prioritise comfort, form and function. Build a capsule wardrobe of summer essentials so you can mix and match with ease - versatile dress designs are a must for hassle-free dressing on warmer days.
Trilogy’s collection of easy-going shift dresses and statement midi dresses are ideal for transitional seasonal wear. For long-lasting comfort, the best dress styles should be crafted from free-flowing, premium fabrics. Look for quality materials such as super-soft cotton, light linen and luxe silk that’ll last for years and keep you cool all day.
Designer Dress Brands at Trilogy
Our latest collection of designer dresses features eclectic designer brands Natalie Martin, Rails, Faithfull The Brand, Bella Dahl and Rixo. Our portfolio includes timeless classics and refreshing pops of colour to elevate your capsule collection. From versatile neutrals to vibrant topical palettes, our collection of designer dresses includes free-flowing structured shift dresses and sophisticated, flattering camis. Explore some of our season highlights below.
Styles of Dress for Summer
Maxi Dresses
With flowing silhouettes and floor-length hemlines, designer maxi dresses are universally flattering. From wonderful silk designs that hug the body to casual chic styles for a laid-back look, maxi dresses remain an ever-popular dress style, as versatile as they are flattering. Easy to elevate or dress down for casual days, our designer maxi dresses offer effortless comfort and sophisticated style, no matter the occasion.
How to Style a Maxi Dress
From workwear to cocktail hour, maxi dresses are a summer style staple thanks to their versatile design. For a smart-casual office look, style your maxi dress with a structured blazer for a professional look. Pair your floral, flowing maxi dress with a designer leather jacket for a summery look with an edge or, or a bohemian look on those balmy days, opt for a casual, free-flowing maxi with flat knee-length boots.
A light and breezy maxi dress with strappy sandals is a match made in heaven for the height of summer, offering freedom and function without compromising style.
Mini Dresses
A much-loved style, mini dresses typically feature a stylish cut and shorter hemline that sits above the knee for an edgy look. Designer mini dresses are a firm favourite at Trilogy that can be both playful and stylish. Our collection of designer mini dresses for women champions free-flowing movement, versatile fits and bright fresh palettes. Relaxed, flowy fabrics are a go-to for the summer months, and our laid-back mini dresses are the perfect choice for cool, chic daywear.
How to Style a Mini Dress
From the perfect designer mini dress for cocktail hour to a luxe go-to look for bottomless brunch, mini dresses are a popular dress style to complement any occasion. Balance a floral mini dress with a designer jacket and white trainers for a fashionable, off-duty look. Add a feminine touch to your winter outfits with a long sleeve mini dress with tights, or pair your mini dress with a cashmere jumper for a cosy autumnal ensemble.
Midi Dresses
The midi dress style is the perfect balance between a maxi and a mini dress. Featuring a flattering hemline that falls below the knee, designer midi-dresses remain a popular go-to for the summer months thanks to their flattering cut and practicality. Versatile and comfortable, elevate a midi dress for the evening with a fitted jacket, heeled boots and statement accessories.
How to Style a Midi Dress
Floral midi day dresses effortlessly complement white trainers for go-to daytime chic. For an evening-style midi dress, opt for a statement halter neck or off-the-shoulder neckline with a luxe material such as chiffon or silk for an elegant, feminine look.
Day Dresses
Versatile, comfortable, and easy to style, day dresses often feature a relaxed fit for an easy, laid-back style. Available in comfortable, quality fabrics such as organic cotton for long-lasting wear, designer day dresses are a Trilogy favourite and a perfect go-to for everyday style. Build a capsule wardrobe of much-loved styles to feel comfortable and chic all summer long.
How to Style a Day Dress
Style your designer day dress with comfort in mind! On sunnier days, add a pop of colour with a floral or jungle-print day dress, and with white sandals for an effortless summer look. Denim jackets make the perfect light layer for breezier days. Statement trainers and jewellery can easily elevate a day dress if you’re on the go. If you’re heading to the office, day dresses are perfect for summer workwear; simply style them with a statement belt and stylish flats.
What Jacket to Wear with a Dress
For a casual daytime look, a denim jacket is a versatile option that can be paired with various dress styles, from maxi to mini. For added flair, tailored blazers add structure and dimension to even the most simple dress. Similarly, you can pump up the attitude with a leather jacket or lean into a more feminine and romantic look with a lightweight cardigan.
The Best Shoes to Wear with a Dress
Consider the dress style, length, and colour when finding the best shoes to wear with a dress. Maxi dresses are one of the most versatile styles as they can easily transcend from day to night; simply swap out a pair of sandals for some stylish heels.
Dress and Boots Outfit Ideas
Pairing a dress with boots is a stylish and practical choice for transitional, mid-season wear. Experiment with different textures and colours such as leather or suede to add depth to your outfit. Compliment a designer midi dress with knee-high boots for a chic and sophisticated look.
Dress and Sandals Outfit Ideas
Sandals instantly offer a relaxed and comfortable look, and are the perfect match for summer. From a go-to gladiator style to a chunky statement design, compliment strappy sundresses and floral midis with sandals for instant summer style.
Dress and Heels Outfit Ideas
Pair a classic black cami dress or designer mini with elegant ankle-strap stilettos for a stand-out look. Pair a floaty day dress with heeled sandals for instant summer chic. Wedge heels complement a designer midi dress with ease and create the perfect look for a summer wedding.
Wondering how to find the best dress style? At Trilogy, we always recommend timeless designs and versatile cuts that can be dressed up or down with the right accessories. We recommend investing in a capsule wardrobe of statement designer dresses, made to last and crafted from quality fabrics.
What to Look for in a Designer Dress
Some essentials to look for in a designer dress include the fabrics, the quality of the finishing, and a timeless design that will last through the seasons. A good designer dress should make you feel comfortable and confident after every wear.
Consider the Occasion
Always consider the occasion! Whether you’re buying a dress for a wedding or corporate event or simply looking for a go-to summer essential, make sure the style is in tune and appropriate. Subtle colour palettes will mean you can wear your dress again and again, and floaty fabrics are fab for daywear, offering flexibility and comfort no matter what you’re up to.
Choose the Right Material
Always look for high-quality, luxe materials. Comfortable, stylish and durable, high-quality designer dresses are made to last. Look for designer dresses with flattering cuts and high-quality fabrics such as rayon, organic cotton and FSC-certified fibres. Organic, naturally sourced materials are kinder on your skin and quality fabrics will keep the dress shape all day long.
Invest in a Staple Design
Investing in a capsule dress wardrobe will build a versatile collection of trusted favourites. Invest in key pieces with a versatile colour palette, with featured styles that you can mix and match. Must-have staples for summer include florals, floaty numbers, chic black camis, pastel tones and playful pinstripes.
Find Your Perfect Size
Always measure up before buying a dress online. At Trilogy, our designer dresses include helpful information on fit and style. For the ultimate experience, visit one of our stores, where our in-store style experts will be more than happy to assist you in finding the perfect designer dress.
Shop our full collections of designer dresses today or for more style advice and expertise, head to our style guide.