Meet (and shop) the best beach dresses for a seriously stylish summer...
Now the sun is shining, it’s (finally!) starting to feel like summer is nearly here.
Despite it still being a little chilly outside, the shops are fully stocked with summer-holiday clothes, so it’s time to think about your beach wardrobe before all the best bits sell out.
The key place to start? It has to be the do-it-all beach dress.
This season we’re obsessed with pom-poms and boho prints (make sure these are high on your priority list) and we’re spoilt for choice.
As ever, those savvy designer brands and the high street have offered up plenty of cool, easy styles to get your fix.
Other trends to take to the beach? The 70s look is still going strong, so make sure nod to the trend in something suitably floaty and printed.
Cold shoulder dressing is another area to experiment with for your do-it-all beach dress collection, and comes in cool styles from the likes of Topshop and Mango.
Fancy splashing out? Investing a little more in your beach dress means it will last this season and the next, making that extra cost a little more worthwhile. Head to Lisa Marie Fernandez and Marysia for some statement new-season styles.
It’s also well worth spending a little extra time searching for the perfect day-to-night option, to take you seamlessly from the beach to the bar.
Tips to bear in mind when investing in your new summer staple? Opt for something suitably substantial if you can, remember to choose lightweight fabrics that won’t have you sweltering in the sun, and don’t be afraid to experiment with colour and prints.
Beach dresses for every shape, style and budget
Shop our edit of the best styles to shop now...
Talitha Beach Cover-Up, £305
Go boho and try this beautiful embroidered top from Talitha.
Whistles Beach Dress, £95
Go loose-fit and slip into this navy dress from Whistles.
Madewell Beach Dress, £165
Add a pop of colour to your beach wardrobe with this smock style dress from Madewell.
Zimmermann Beach Dress, £410
Throw on over your printed bikini with slides for the ultimate summer look.
Zara Beach Cover-Up, £29.99
Frilly, chambray and perfect for holiday dressing - try this floaty option from Zara.
Marysia Beach Dress, £320
Take it to the max and slip into this striped number from Marysia.
Topshop Beach Cover-Up, £32
Black, loose-fit and under £35 - this is a must-have.
March 11 Dress, £1045
Go for the fash-pack favourite and snap up this red billowing sleeve style dress from March 11.
Lisa Marie Fernandez Beach Cover Up, £495
Go for the super stripe and try this style from Lisa Marie Fernandez.
Whistles Cold Shoulder Beach Cover-Up, £110
Looking for the style to go with everything? This white Whistles style is the way to go.
Frame Denim Beach dress, £315
The LBD of the beach - this Frame option ticks all the right boxes.
Zara Beach Dress, £29.99
Crochet, striped and a total bargain - this is a winning option for your holiday wardrobe.
H&M Beach Dress, £39.99
Keep it simple and try this backless maxi dress from Mango.
Topshop Playsuit, £36
Looking for a style for festival season? Try this patchwork playsuit from Topshop.
Gul Hurgel Beach Dress, £528
Go for the frill and try this pastel midi dress. Just add slides and gold hoops.
Missoni Striped Crochet-Knit Beach Dress, £2160
Will we ever get bored with a Missoni print come summer? Answer? No way. Go floor-length in this gorgeous mixed blue print. Beach dresses never looked so glam.
Zeus & Dione Tilos Silk-Blend Tassel Dress, £605
For resortwear that will to take you from a day at the beach all the way through to evening, this is the brand for you. We're obsessed with its gorgeous textures and fabrics for summer, and the Tilos tassel dress is top of our wish list.
Mango Striped Beach Dress, £59.99
Beach dresses never looked so sophisticated. Snap up Mango's striped belted shift before it flies off the shelves...
Emilio Pucci Silk Beach Dress, £650
For some flamboyant colour, this Pucci dress will make you a ray of sunshine on the beach. Team with gold accessories to look super chic.
We Are Handsome Beach Dress, £300
If you like to walk a little more on the wild side, then you'll love We Are Handsome's grungy printed crepe beach dress.
