You Will Be Shocked—These Are the 8 Dress Trends Our Editors Are Avoiding This Summer
There's nothing like the start of a new season that makes you want to take stock of your style and the pieces hanging within your capsule wardrobe. If you too reside in Britain, then chances are you haven't seen the summer-geared garments you own for the best part of, what, eight months (unless you've been fortunate enough to spend time in warmer climes elsewhere, that is). While rediscovering these items can often spark delight, I also understand and anticipate that they might not bring you the same excitement they once did. Even your most loyal items can lose appeal with time. And that seems to be the case with the Who What Wear team and their respective dress collections.
Speaking with my colleagues this week about what they want to treat themselves to for summer 2025, they all said they wouldn't mind a gorgeous new dress. Not the the ones they already own aren't still relevant, but the general consensus seemed to be that, with so many fresh-looking dress trends touching down this season, now seems like the ideal moment for an update in that arena.
Talking further, it became clear that there a few summer dress trends we're each avoiding for one reason or another. For many, it's because they already own them and are looking to expand their frock horizons. For others, however, there are certain 2025 dress trends that just don't gel with them. So, in the name of fashion diplomacy, I decided to give them a forum for these thoughts and opinions.
Below you'll find the dress trends our editors won't be shopping this summer, some because they feel a little dated, others because we've already had our fill.
8 "Dated" Summer Dress Trends Our Editors Aren't Into, and 8 They Are
1. Passing: Tank Dresses
Wearing: Voluminous Dresses
"I think I might be over the classic tank dress this summer—especially the super minimal, clingy ones. They’ve just been everywhere the last few years and while they’re super easy to chunk on and low-maintenance to style, they don’t feel particularly exciting to me anymore. Instead, I’ve been drawn to slouchy shapes that are just as comfortable to wear." – Humaa Hussain, Junior Branded Content Editor
Shop the Trend:
COS
Gathered Halterneck Maxi Dress
Reformation
Maribelle Dress
2. Passing: Straight Hemlines
Wearing: Asymmetric Hemlines
"I've found myself avoiding a classic straight hem lately. Don't get me wrong, I'd never say this is 'out' as a trend, but with the early noughties being so prominent in style right now, I've found myself attracted to dresses with more asymmetric hemlines; think high slits, layers and ruffled edges that offer dimension and interest. The same can be said for sleeves—I've seen countless one shoulder styles dominating at the few weddings I've attended!" – Rebecca Rhys-Evans, Senior Fashion and Beauty Editor, Branded Content
Shop the Trend:
& Other Stories
Fringe Maxi Dress
CHRISTOPHER ESBER
Verve Asymmetric Lace-Trimmed Silk-Georgette and Ribbed Jersey Dress
ACNE STUDIOS
Asymmetric Corded Lace-Trimmed Cotton Maxi Wrap Dress
3. Passing: Ribbed Dresses
Wearing: Broderie Dresses
"Ribbed dresses feel a little too simple for me this summer, so instead I'm leaning into the return of the boho aesthetic with brodering anglaise, intricate lace and pretty detailing." – Florrie Alexander, Shopping Editor
