3 Of The Hottest Dress Trends For Summer 2025 (& 2 That Are Outdated)

Every summer brings out shorter hemlines, cooler fabrics, and plenty of swimwear, but specific trends also pop up during the warmer months each year. While a sunny color is already set to dominate spring and summer 2025, certain dress fabrics, styles, and silhouettes will be also popular throughout the season. Conversely, there are some outdated fashion elements that style enthusiasts will want to avoid when planning day-to-night beach outfits this summer. 

Women spoke exclusively to fashion stylist and lifestyle expert Joseph Katz, who offers personal Skype Style sessions and shares exclusive fashion insights and style tips on his The Katz Walk YouTube channel. The LA-based expert provided some much-needed insight about the hottest (and nottest) dress trends for summer 2025. 

"This season's summer dresses are really fun and offer a great variety for all body types," Katz said. "I love the draping trend which has always been a great go-to for all body types." From flirty and floral patterns to classic lines and sheer fabrics, the latest summer 2025 trends promise to be stylish and refreshing.

According to Katz, modernized floral prints will be a major dress trend for the warmer months. "We are seeing cool new prints and unique silhouettes," he exclusively told Women, highlighting this blue maxi dress from 4th & Reckless alongside this long sleeve plisse piece from NA-KD as prime examples of modernized takes on the classic print. 

This trend has runway approval, with everything from tapestry-inspired patterns to saturated florals appearing in collections from designer brands like Marques' Almeida and Buerlangma. Beyond flowery dresses, there are plenty of outside-the-box methods for incorporating florals into your wardrobe this summer. Statement bags and flirty jewelry are just the beginning.

While wrap dresses have served us well in the past, they're one silhouette that can be left on the rack when shopping for your summer vacation. For the uninitiated, wrap dresses feature one side of the garment overlapping with the other, usually held in place with a belt-like strap or ribbon. The pieces are often highlighted as being easy and cute, but they aren't the most style-savvy option this year. "Skip the wrap dress and opt for the draping for summer," Katz told us, with the fashion expert recommending this asymmetrical ruched dress from KHY as an alternative.

Trend-followers looking for a breezy dress option should know that sheer fabrics are officially "in" for the summer, and the material is exceptionally versatile. "Sheer fabrics are still going strong this season, showing up in everything from floaty dresses to layered separates," style expert Katz explained. "Whether you go with a simple slip or play it up with bold colors and matching pieces underneath, it's all about making the look your own." Katz recommended this patchwork bodycon dress from Urbanic, with the piece combining trendy florals and transparent material for the ultimate summery look.

Milkmaid dresses have been majorly trendy the last few years. The cottagecore-inspired silhouette, consisting of puffed sleeves and a fitted bodice, first rose to popularity in the early 2020s. Milkmaid-style gowns were even the go-to look of summer 2024, but Katz tells us that the countryside aesthetic isn't the most fashion-forward option this year. 

"Skip the milkmaid dress and opt for a minimalistic look [featuring] clean lines," the LA-based expert advises, recommending the soft line draped maxi dress from NA-KD as a sleek summer piece. While the summer months of 2025 won't be exclusively focused on minimalism, more chic and understated designs will definitely be a refreshing alternative.

Shirt dresses are another trendy pick for summer 2025, with the casual pieces playing into the popularity of corpcore and office siren aesthetics while managing to remain easygoing. "When in doubt, reach for a modern shirtdress — it's the ultimate styling shortcut," Katz exclusively told us. "Treat it like a blank canvas and let your accessories do the talking, whether you're headed to the office or out for the weekend." 

The lifestyle expert recommends this navy side bow dress from Pomelo for an affordable, unique option, while the striped Sterford pocket shirt from The Frankie Shop serves as a fun and daring pick. Whether you're looking to beat the heat while still looking professional this summer or simply want to channel some "Severance" chicness into your vacation wardrobe, shirt dresses are a trendy choice for the warmer months.