Every Editor Agrees With Me: These 10 Brands Are the Best for Summer Dresses

We’re calling it. It’s time to ditch tights. As the idea of wearing a spring dress in 16-plus-degree weather gets closer this week, we’re already planning the styles we’re going to wear from now until summer. Granted, these may still be with a winter coat on hand, but we’re telling you now is the best time to buy spring dresses. It got us thinking about all the dress brands we rely on each year for spring, and it’s only fair for us to share our top 10 with our favourite people.

What we realised is a lot of the spring dress trends we want to wear come from around the globe, and this is to be expected, seeing as the UK isn’t best known for its warm climate. Of course, Australian brands, including Aje, Alémais and Oroton, know how to do a good spring/summer dress, along with French labels Musier Paris and Rouje (founded by two of our most-loved influencers), which help us all gain French style credentials with ease. And we can’t forget Scandi style, so Danish brand Baum und Pferdgarten naturally made the cut. Sure, some of these brands can be snapped up at boutiques, but thanks to the joys of online shopping, these labels have been made accessible for us all to shop, no matter where we live. So to make sure you get to play dress-up in the best frocks this season, here are the 10 online dress brands we always rely on for spring.

Give your wardrobe an Aussie twist with an Aje dress. The signature puffy sleeves, cut-outs and attention to detail will be everything you need to elevate your spring look with minimal effort. The thick, quality fabrics make them perfect for UK weather, too. 

Naturally, any brand founded by Anne-Laure Mais is going to be on a premium level. Bringing that certain je ne sais quoi to fuss-free separates, the dress edit may be small, but it packs a punch with cut-outs and backless styles leading the way. 

Created in the 1930s and reinvented in 2018, Oroton has fast become a go-to for accessible luxury dresses, bags, jewellery and suiting. For spring, there's everything from wedding guest–ready dresses to throw-on-and-go shirt styles. 

Launching during the rocky road of 2020, Alémais strives to be a brand that puts people and the planet first. Supporting local artisans and being transparent, the Australian label is making waves in the world of sustainable fashion. Fun prints, unique cuts and outfits you'll want to love for a lifetime are to be expected. 

We always have a soft spot for London-born brands, and Amy Lynn—founded by two sisters in 2017—is a strong contender when it comes to dresses. Affordable styles with a difference, each design has standout details and isn't afraid to wow with ruching, ruffles, cut-outs and punchy hues. 

A favourite at Copenhagen Fashion Week, Danish label Baum und Pferdgarten has mastered the art of dresses you'll want to wear on heavy rotation. Trend-led, but with longevity in mind, each style is one you'll want to bring back out year after year. 

A lot of people strive to possess the effortless style of a French girl, and Rouje founder Jeanne Damas has made it easier. The floral tea dresses, camis and wraps are always noticeably Rouje.

With Karen Millen's IRL shops closing in 2019, the now online-only store is still a go-to when it comes to dresses. Ticking off everything from bridesmaid and wedding guest to cocktail, it's also the destination to rely on for spring day dresses. 

For days when we want everything under one online roof, The Outnet never fails. Of course, the likes of Zimmermann, Ganni and Cecilie Bahnsen are fail-safe options around this time of year. But with all great dresses, the best ones don't tend to stick around for long here, so be quick. 

What we love more than a great dress label is a sustainable dress label. New Zealand designer Maggie Marilyn is committed to creating clothes with less impact. Using organic, recycled and deadstock materials, each piece is carefully crafted, and it shows in the quality. Loved by fashion editors and influencers, it's a haven for summer dresses you'll get the wear out of. 

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Next up, the only spring/summer 2023 trends you need to know

Opening Image: @spiritedpursuit