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Few pieces nail effortless summer-in-the-city style quite like a minimalist dress. Whether you opt for a sleek midi à la Kendall Jenner, a long and flowing fit, or a simple mini dress, its versatility and one-and-done nature makes it a must-have in any warm-weather wardrobe. Styling-wise, turn to barely-there pairs of flip-flops and sleek shoulder bags for added everyday elegance. Brands like The Row, Khaite, and Lemaire have perfected the minimalist shift, but clean-lined dresses can be found across the price spectrum. Contemporary brands like Leset, Faithfull and The Frankie Shop make some of our favorite styles.
Vogue’s Ultimate Minimalist Summer Dress Edit:
- The Relaxed T-Shirt Maxi: Cos cotton midi T-shirt dress, $100
- The Easy Strapless: Faithfull Hedy strapless gathered maxi dress, $290
- The Modern Drape: Dôen Enya pleated maxi dress, $298
- The Spaghetti Strap: Éterne tank ribbed maxi dress, $225
- The Flowing Maxi: Róhe gathered open-back maxi dress, $600
- The Classic Red: Staud Martine linen-blend maxi dress, $398
- The Mini Tank: Gap linen-blend mini dress, $70
- The Simple Shift: Uniqlo linen blend mini dress, $40
- The Drop-Waist LBD: Toteme jersey and tulle maxi dress, $1,040
- The Sleek Sheath: The Row Jovienne knitted dress, $1,350
For those who appreciate romance, a fluid maxi or strapless number will get plenty of wear. Debating your entire closet on a scorching day? Summer’s less is more motto rings especially true when a 90-degree afternoon is forecasted; a mini tank or spaghetti-strap midi will be a reliable choice to take the guesswork out of getting dressed. Draped and fit and flare styles meanwhile make for great work options, while maxi T-shirt dresses epitomize off-duty chic. It’s getting hot out there—beat the heat in style with one of our favorite minimalist summer dresses, below.
