12 best mini dresses that will carry you through summer and beyond

Best: Overall

Rating: 9.5/10

Omnes is one of our firm favourites – the brand is all about keeping things sustainable and affordable, yet still on-trend. If you’re yet to be acquainted with it, we’re here to change that. This bright pink mini is everything you could want and more; fuchsia is the colour of the season, and the design is one of our favourites. The tie detailing at the back is a gorgeous design feature and means you can adjust how it fits around your waist. We found that it fit perfectly in length, skimming our mid-thigh. It’s a great all-rounder that we’ll be spotted wearing to everything from nights out to days in the park. The piste de resistance is the fact the label is made from seeded paper, so you can plant it and grow wildflowers.

Best: Shirt dress

Rating: 8/10

A shirt dress is undoubtedly a summer wardrobe staple – it’s the perfect throw-on-and-go piece that can be worn on repeat. This one from Asos has an oversized silhouette, which makes it comfortable yet considered. Owing to it being white, we’d recommend sticking to underwear that matches your skin tone. In terms of styling, the options are endless: wear with trainers, ankle boots or sandals and throw on a spring jacket over your shoulders in case the temperature drops.

Best: Slip dress

Rating: 8/10

Slip dresses are a sartorial must-have during the warmer months, but not all are made equal. This one from Free People, though, is a firm favourite. The wrap feature adds extra shaping, and the slinky design makes it ideal if you’re looking for something that you can easily wear day and night. As for sizing, it fits true to size and is comfortable and easy to wear – unlike other satin dresses we’ve tried in the past, this one didn’t cling. While we’ll be wearing this all summer long, we’ll also be donning it when the weather cools with tights, ankle boots, a jumper and a leather jacket. It’s safe to say we’re here for how this one can transcend seasons.

Best: For cut-out sides

Rating: 8/10

If you’re looking to tap into the cut-out detailing trend in a more modest way, this dress from Missguided feels very Jacquemus and offers the perfect solution. The high neck and puff sleeves contrast brilliantly with the length. The fit pleasantly surprised us – the cut out on the sides made the waistline appear smaller. Should you be concerned about going for white, the same design is available in black.

Best: Hot pink denim dress

Rating: 7/10

With hot pink the colour of the season, this denim shirt dress is the perfect way to tap into the trend. It’s not for the fainthearted as it is seriously bright, but if it’s a statement piece you’re looking for, this certainly ticks that box. In our opinion, the oversized cut of this dress is best when wearing something of this colour, and we found it to fit true to size. Because it’s denim, it’s a good one to have on hand for a cooler summer’s day. Our 5ft6in tester noted it came up quite short, so it might not be the best option for those with longer legs, and we’d recommend wearing cycling shorts (£35, Gymshark.com) underneath. When it comes to accessories, we’d keep things simple and wear the dress with a pair of white trainers.

Best: Cotton dress

Rating: 9/10

Nobody’s Child has delivered the epitome of a summer dress here. The prairie design means it has a floaty silhouette, which makes for the perfect fit for a hot day. Similarly, the cotton fabric is breathable, only adding to its appeal as a piece to wear this summer. The ruffle detailing and tassel around the neck offer a feminine touch.

If you’re yet to order from Nobody’s Child, this one is true to size. In terms of styling, the options are endless – while white trainers or sandals are our favourites, opt for a pair of cowboy boots if you’re looking for an edgier look.

Best: LBD

Rating: 8/10

Few things work harder than a little black dress, and while perhaps not a colour many lean towards for summer, this one is the ideal pick if you’ve been searching for one for the warmer climes. It has a fitted bodice, which then goes out into a flared skirt – a design that really works to accentuate the waistline. The neckline can be adjusted to fit how you like it, thanks to the tie detailing. The fabric is lightweight, and you’ll want to wear it year after year – it’s timeless. If you like the design but don’t need another LBD in your wardrobe, it’s also available in red.

Best: White dress

Rating: 8/10

Nothing quite says summer like a white mini dress, and Topshop has certainly delivered. This particular style is giving us real Tove on a budget vibes thanks to the tie detailing on the front, while the frilled straps are a pretty addition. As for the fit, the ruched bodice works to accentuate the waist but isn’t too figure-hugging, so it isn’t uncomfortable – quite the opposite. On scorching days you’ll be glad for the cotton lining and its breathable properties. Should you wish to dress it up, pair with wedges or heeled sandals. A versatile dress you’ll reach for time and again.

Best: Wrap dress

Rating: 8/10

Summer calls for loose linen (or a linen-cotton blend, in this case), and this wrap dress is the perfect option for holidays. While it serves as a fantastic throw-on-and-go design, it can be dressed up with a pair of espadrille wedges or down with sandals or white trainers. We were pleasantly surprised with this one, and the best thing of all is that it is not at all see-through. It screams summer and deserves a spot in your suitcase.

Best: Floral mini

Rating: 8/10

While florals might not be for everyone, this vintage-inspired print is a firm favourite of ours and the perfect design for summer. The square neckline draws attention to the collarbone, while the fit and flare cut is comfortable and flouncy. Should you be worried about the short length, the puff sleeves work to counter this while also adding an additional fun detail. We’d recommend wearing this dress with chunky white trainers.

Best: Silk dress

Rating: 8/10

If you’re the type of person who likes investing in seasonal garb, this Realisation Par dress deserves a spot in your summer wardrobe. Thanks to the simple, floral design, it transcends trends, meaning you’ll be wearing it for years to come. The deep V-neck accentuates the collarbone, and we like that you can tie it at the back to adjust how it fits against your silhouette. The silk fabric means it’s breathable, which you’ll be glad for during stifling summer days. If you’re unsure about this exact print but love the design, it’s also available in four different patterns, including one of our favourites, the rosalita (£180, Realisationpar.com).

Best: Cut-out dress

Rating: 7/10

Okay, this one might not have universal appeal, but if you’re obsessed with the cut-out designs that were all over the SS22 catwalks, you need to see it. Never Fully Dressed’s mini offers the perfect way to emulate the look of one of Nensi Dojaka’s dresses. It has a slinky, body-skimming silhouette that packs a real punch. It’s arguably best saved for a night out, but you’d easily be able to rock it as daywear; just throw on a chunky knit cardigan or a bomber jacket over the top to dress down the look.