These are fashion insider's go-to labels for stylish summer dresses

With the new season finally on the horizon, now is the time to take stock of your wardrobe and start thinking about the items you'll need for your summer capsule and what better place to start that summer dresses? After all, dresses are a key element of almost every summer wardrobe, acting as the perfectly polished, all-in-one outfit that can be styled in a snap.

So, exactly what kind of dresses are trending for summer 2024? To understand the answer to this question, I called upon the experts, and by experts, I mean I took to instagram (and Pinterest, and TikTok) to gain some insight into favourite brands of those in the fashion know.

And surprisingly, while some designers cropped up time and time again (Celebrity fave, Doen, I’m looking at you), there was actually a whole host of diversity in terms of styles. From Aussie brand Beare Park, faved by the more minimalist style set, to Farm Rio’s loud and proud holiday ready dresses, the best influencer-approved summer dress brands are as varied and versatile as they come.

If you’re wondering what shapes to invest in for the new season? We’ve got you covered too. As you’ll see, maxi styles are set to be big news, especially in fluid shapes that drape rather than hug the body. On the other end of the spectrum, minis are also in and this season they’re worn ultra-shot in simple silhouettes. When it comes to print, you can’t go wrong with a bold floral or classic stripes for something more traditional. Let’s be honest though, whatever style you opt for, these influencer-approved brands are sure to have you looking great.

So, without further ado, keep scrolling for the go-to labels for the best summer dresses, as seen on all the most stylish fashion insiders.

DÔEN

Any brand that counts Taylor Swift, Kaia Gerber and Selena Gomez as fans is definitely doing something right and that's before we even get into the list of fashion insiders who swear by DÔEN for their favourite summer dresses. The Californian founded brand was created as a celebration of womanhood, a celebration that's evident in their love of natural tones, ditsy florals and vintage inspired designs. If you've got a spring wedding, summer garden party or just want to live out your cottagecore fantasy, DÔEN is for you.

Farm Rio

Last year, we spoke to Farm Rio's head of design Thalita Cotrofe and she let us in on a secret: "Summer dresses are our love language at Farm Rio," she told us, and this is evident in the brands offering. Whether they're working with colour, print or shape, they create pieces that exude a sense of playfulness, "for the woman with a free spirit," Thalita told us.

Faithfull The Brand

Launched in 2014, Faithfull The Brand is definitely not a newbie on the summer dressing scene but over the years they've built up a firm following of stylish fans (including our fashion editor, Penny Goldstone) who flock to them for their minimalist linen, fun prints and summer-approved styles. Trusted for not only creating chic and easy-to-wear dresses, they're also B corp certified and committed to creating thoughtfully produced pieces, so you can not only look great but feel great when you're wearing them too.

Beare Park

If you're a fan of minimalist dresses with simple, sleek silhouettes, you need to have Aussie founded brand, Beare Park, on your radar. Launched in 2021, their focus is on creating pieces that feel timeless yet luxurious and it shows through their use of elegant draping and buttery fabrics as well as the classic colour palette of black, cream and rust tones which flows throughout the collection.

Alémais

If you need further proof that Aussie brands make great summer dresses, then Alémais is here to further back up the claim. With its own distinctive artistic aesthetic, Alémais are big on print and colour which bring a sense of childlike fun to their dresses. Expect to see 70's inspired logos, fun fruity prints and a healthy dose of palm trees emblazoned on their holiday-ready styles.

Asta Resorrt

If you're jetting off somewhere sunny sometime soon, you'll most likely be planning your holiday wardrobe. Known for their colour pop knit dresses, Asta Resort are the influencers go-to brand for beachside ready summer dresses and they definitely deserve a space in your suitcase. Simply throw on after a day of sunbathing with a pair of thong kitten heels for an instantly chic look.

Siedrés

Whether you're browsing online for outfit inspiration or heading to the shops to fill your basket with the newest trends, it's impossible to avoid the Y2K resurgence that's found it's way back into our wardrobes. One influencer-approved brand that's doing it oh-so-well is Siedrés with their collection of frill trimmed mini's and boho inspired patchwork prints. Just add a pair of western boots to any of these looks and that's your festival outfit sorted.