Summer has arrived in Australia, meaning we’re all digging our favourite warm-weather style staples out of our wardrobes.
That means bikinis, denim shorts, strappy sandals and, of course, the queen of summer fashion: casual dresses. Because what’s better than tossing on a floaty frock on a sticky summer day and just soaking up the heat?
As we head into 2022, many of us will be updating our own summer dress collection with new trends – so what’s on the style agenda for casual dresses in the new year? Read on to find out.
Citrus squeeze
Colour is very much “in” for summer 2022, especially bold citrus hues like orange, green and yellow.
We’ve seen a return to saturated colours in the fashion world, from runway shows to celebrity style, so make the most of it with a vibrant dress that feels casual, but looks fashion-forward.
Aere Ruffle Sleeve Linen Mini Dress, on sale for $98, from The Iconic.
(The Iconic)
Lennie Tiered Midi Dress, $129.99, from Forever New.
(Forever New)
Wayne Cooper Button Front Tiered Mini Dress, $169.95, from Myer.
(Myer)Max it out
Maxi dresses have been on-trend for quite a while now, with hemlines gradually growing longer and longer.
The best thing about a maxi is that it can feel super chic and high-fashion while still being insanely comfortable and keeping most of your skin covered.
Atmos&Here Estelle Maxi Dress, on sale for $63, from The Iconic.
(The Iconic)
Atmos&Here Curvy Willa Shirred Maxi Dress, on sale for $63, from The Iconic.
(The Iconic)
Belle & Bloom No Regrets Slip Dress, $90.97, from Myer.
(Myer)Opt for a mini
On the flipside, mini-skirts (and dresses, by extension) are making a full fledged comeback as we embrace more ’90s and ’00s inspired trends.
Summer is the best time to get your legs out and enjoy the warm weather, so style one of these casual minis on the hottest days of the season.
Brooke Mini Jersey Dress, $69.99, from Forever New.
(Forever New)
M.N.G Niki Dress, $69.95, from The Iconic.
(The Iconic)
Forever New Curve Cameron Curve Utility Mini, $149.99, from Myer.
(Myer)Bringing sexy back
Casual doesn’t have to mean modest – you can definitely still ooze sex appeal in a more laid-back summer style.
Fashion houses have been experimenting with sexier, figure-hugging and cut-out styles lately, so try injecting some of that raciness into your own summer wardrobe.
Aere High Neck Linen Mini Dress, $150, from The Iconic.
(The Iconic)
Savel Ashley Knit Dress, $129.95, from The Iconic.
(The Iconic)
Subtitled Finley Cut Out Knit Dress, $99.95, from The Iconic.
(The Iconic)Drape it, baby
We saw a touch of drapery in the cowl-neck trend that dominated 2021, not high end fashion labels are sending more and more draped dress styles down the runway.
Luckily for us, this is the perfect trend to embrace in summer, when loose flowing fabrics reign supreme in our wardrobes.
Printed draped dress, $139, from Zara.
(Zara)
ASOS DESIGN drape detail voile midi dress, $116, from ASOS.
(ASOS)
Asymmetric draped dress, $59.95, from Zara.
(Zara)
