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30 May These are the Most Expensive-Looking Summer Dresses on the High Street Right Now

Posted at 06:16h in Dresses, Seasonal, Shopping by

Suddenly, it seems it is just about time to start swanning around in our most gorgeous summer dresses. Or at the very least putting them on the summer holiday packing list if the sunshine hasn’t quite reached us yet. Aside from the joy of the warmer weather itself, the carefree way in which summer allows one to get dressed is a relief after the trickier transitional style that precedes it. And the fact that the high street summer collections are hitting down hard and looking oh-so-good, is doing nothing to quell our enthusiasm for hazy summer days and wafty silhouettes. As always, top of our summer capsule wardrobe hit list is affordable but expensive looking summer dresses. The one-and-done, transformative wonder of a perfect summer dress will always be the easiest way to get dressed in the heat.

There is plenty to get excited about this year too, even if you’re on a budget, with the high street offering up a plethora of expensive looking options that won’t break the bank. There are some recurring trends you will see popping up, including summer-ready fabrications like crochet, Broderie Anglaise, and luxe-looking linen. The classic white dress remains a summer wardrobe stalwart making a great investment piece for summers to come, as does a timeless black dress. Shirring, drop waists, tank dresses and bubble hems are all making appearances too, if your looking for a trend-led addition to your summer dress rotation. And if you simply don’t have time to scour the high street, don’t worry, we have narrowed the options for you. From COS to Arket and H&M to & Other Stories, these are the most expensive looking summer dresses on the high street this summer. You are welcome.

Arket

Arket white Loose-fit maxi dress with wide short sleeves. Crafted from a soft cotton weave, washed to give a slightly crinkled feel. Detailed with an elasticated neckline with gatherings which makes for versatile styling either off or on shoulders.
Arket Off-Shoulder Maxi Dress, £77

In staple white or black, on or off-shoulder, this light and airy maxi is a summer must-have.

Arket red Mini dress with a slim fit and straight cut crafted from a linen blend. Styled with adjustable straps and concealed zip closure at centre back. Panel seams down front and back for a close-fitting silhouette.
Arket Linen-Blend Mini Dress, £77

This perfect red linen mini dress also comes in black.

Arket brown A-line, ankle-length dress with a subtly glossy surface, crafted from a rib-knitted jersey with a hint of stretch. A fluid style designed with wide shoulder straps and a deep U-neck at front and back. Split stitch at centre front and back.
Arket Rib Jersey Dress, £77

This expensive-looking shade of brown will look great with other neutrals and gold jewellery on summer days and nights. The dark blue version is also a classic choice if brown is not your cup of tea.

Arket cream Slim-fitted T-shirt dress crafted from a blend of viscose and linen. A maxi-length style with cap sleeves, raw edges and a keyhole opening with hook-and-eye closure at centre back.
Arket Cap-Sleeve Dress, £119

Equally chic in cream or brown.

Arket black Loose-fitted dress crafted from a linen weave. Styled with self-tie bow at back of neck.
Arket Bow Linen Dress, £67

The bow-back detail on this black linen mini dress is so cute.

Arket blue and white Shirt dress with an oversized fit crafted from cotton. Styled with raglan sleeves and hidden pockets at side seams. A button-up style with side slits and box pleat at back.
Arket Long Shirt Dress, £97

This is sold out in some sizes so move fast on this long and loose shirt dress.

Arket white Cotton midi dress with a slim fit and A-line skirt. This style features cap sleeves a waist detailed with intricate pleating for a fitted silhouette. Hidden buttons at front. Lined.
Arket Midi Pleat Dress, £97

The pleating detailing on this white midi is so good.

Arket Roomy T-shirt dress cut from a single jersey fabric made of cotton. This is a full-length dress designed with a crew-neck and a cut-seam at centre back.
Arket Relaxed T-Shirt Dress, £47

This relaxed t-shirt dress comes in eye-catching red or dark blue.

& Other Stories

& Other Stories white Linen a-line dress featuring a round-cut neckline, shaped in a minimalistic, short silhouette. Finished with an invisible centre back closure and full-length seam.
& Other Stories Linen A-Line Dress, £77

This staple linen mini dress comes in fresh white, black, or a cute floral print.

& Other Stories green and white leaf print Midi dress designed with pleated detailing, a v-cut neckline, and short sleeves. Secured at the back with thin ties.
& Other Stories Pleated Midi Dress, £95

A throw-on pleated midi dress you will reach for again and again on hot days. It comes in several colours too, including cream, black, green, and blue.

& Other Stories white Long-sleeve midi dress featuring a tiered finish and tie details tracing the chest.
& Other Stories Tiered Tie-Detail Midi Dress, £97

This full coverage but airy number comes in white or black cotton.

& Other Stories Sleeveless A-line midi dress featuring a halterneck with thin spaghetti straps.
& Other Stories Sleeveless Halterneck Midi Dress, £125

Whether you plump for the red or yellow floral you will be on-point in this pretty and versatile midi dress that could be easily dressed up or down.

& Other Stories beige Sleeveless linen midi dress with a workwear-inspired finish, featuring utility pockets and an eyelet-detailed buckle belt. Traced with concealed snap button closures.
& Other Stories Linen Utility Midi Dress, £125

If you prefer a little structure this chic utility dress is for you.

& Other Stories black Jersey tank midi dress that gently flares at the waistline.
& Other Stories Tank Midi Dress, £85

This easy staple tank midi dress comes in black, or this season’s favourite butter yellow.

& Other Stories cream Long-sleeve midi dress featuring an open-knit structure. Detailed with scalloped cuffs and hemline.
& Other Stories Scalloped Knit Midi Dress, £95

A perfect crochet midi is a summer staple.

& Other Stories borwn One-shoulder mini dress featuring a twisted shoulder strap.
& Other Stories brown One-Shoulder Midi Dress, £77

This one-shoulder linen mix number is perfect for day to night.

& Other Stories white A-line mini dress featuring a textured finish and a sweetheart neckline. Detailed with silver-toned metal buckles at the straps for an adjustable fit.
& Other Stories 100% COTTON Textured Mini Dress, £125

A little dressier maybe, but this white cotton dress screams summer nights.

& Other Stories black Sleeveless midi dress featuring a shirred neckline and wide adjustable neck ties that frame the shoulders. Finished with a tiered, gently gathered skirt.
& Other Stories Gathered Sleeveless Midi Dress, £95

This gathered detail sleeveless midi dress with tie shoulders comes in several shades you should take a look at, but the black is so versatile.

& Other Stories green Halterneck maxi dress with a pleated finish and thin shoulder straps.
& Other Stories Pleated Halterneck Maxi Dress, £125

So gorgeous.

& Other Stories white Midi dress featuring three-quarter sleeves, a scooped neckline and a gently pleated finish.
& Other Stories Pleated Midi Dress, £125

Milkmaid vibes in a good way.

COS

COS knitted striped mini dress. A-line silhouette with tubular trims can be found at the neck and armholes.
COS KNITTED MINI DRESS, £85

You will never stop wearing this.

The COS Spring Summer 2024 collection proposes a wardrobe of modern staples. Offered in a refreshing colour palette, this A-line midi dress is crafted from airy organic cotton and printed with slender stripes. It's designed with a V-neckline, shaping bust darts and a voluminous pleated skirt.
COS STRIPED A-LINE MIDI DRESS, £95

A summer classic.

COS red knit racerback dress is knitted from a recycled-nylon blend and cut in a form-fitting shape that flares out to a ruffled hem.
COS KNITTED RUFFLED-HEM MIDI DRESS, £110

This also comes in black, but this deep red hue is too gorgeous.

COS white sleeveless midi dress has a boat neckline and is shaped with a form-fitting cotton-jersey bodice and voluminous poplin skirt.
COS VOLUMINOUS SLEEVELESS MIDI DRESS, £85

A tank dress is something of an essential this summer and COS’ loose take is so versatile in white or navy.

the COS womenswear designers play with fabric and texture. This black maxi dress has an elegantly draped bodice that echoes the gathers of the voluminous skirt. Style it with mules for summer events.
COS RUCHED MAXI DRESS, £95

Such a gorgeous ruched maxi dress that comes in black or red.

Crafted from soft cotton, this reimagined white COS tiered dress is designed with gathers that draw the eye towards the back, where a vertical ruched seam sits above a subtle cutout. Layer it up in the transitional months, styling it alone with sandals when spring fades into summer.
COS OPEN-BACK TIERED MIDI DRESS, £95

So pretty.

This COS pleated navy maxi dress has horizontal tubular ribbing on the fitted bodice, which changes into sheer vertical pleats that ripple from the dropped waist. It's knitted from a cotton-blend and rendered in timeless midnight-navy.
COS PLEATED KNITTED MAXI DRESS, £115

If you didn’t get your hands on this gorgeous sheer skirt knit maxi dress last summer in black, you have a second chance this summer in navy or sage green.

Holiday packing is made easy by versatile pieces like this burgundy kaftan. Crafted from cotton, it's cut to a midi length and features wide cuffs and a V-neckline that's held in place by slender ties. Layer it over your swimwear for al fresco lunches.
COS TIE-DETAIL KAFTAN, £85

This tie-detail kaftan also comes in black, but the burgundy is so expensive looking.

H&M

H&M black Short dress in an airy cotton weave featuring a fitted bodice with a sweetheart neckline, narrow shoulder straps and wide smocking at the back. Gathered seam at the waist with elastication at the back and a flared skirt. Unlined.
H&M Flared-skirt cotton dress, £17.99

She’s a keeper.

H&M Calf-length, loose-fit dress in a cotton crêpe weave with a V-neckline and pearly buttons down the front. Short sleeves with sewn-in turn-ups, a narrow, detachable tie belt at the waist and a high slit at each side of the hem. Unlined.
H&M Button-front crêpe dress, £27.99

Beach ready.

H&M white Calf-length dress in a crinkled cotton weave featuring a square neckline and a low-cut back with gathers. Narrow shoulder straps that thread through small loops and tie at the back. Unlined.
H&M Tie-detail throw-on dress, £15.99

H&M’s tie-detail throw-on dress comes in sizes XXS-4XL, as well as 5 other shades.

H&M Short, fitted bandeau dress in a soft weave with a slight sheen. Draped bodice with a concealed silicone trim at the top and long, flowing ties that fasten in a bow at the back. Gathers at the waist, a voluminous, flared skirt and a concealed zip at the back. Detachable, adjustable shoulder straps.
H&M Flared-skirt bandeau dress, £37.99

Such a fun holiday print. This bandeau dress is ready to party, but there is also a maxi version.

H&M white Short, fitted dress in a soft knit with a round neckline and a partially open back that has narrow ties with beaded ends at the top. Long sleeves and a straight hem.
H&M Open-back knitted dress, £24.99

This open-back knitted dress with beaded tie detail looks so beach-ready in black or white.

H&M bright blue Calf-length dress in an airy cotton weave with broderie anglaise. Sweetheart neckline with a gathered cut-out section at the front, an open back and spaghetti shoulder straps that cross, tunnel through the side sections and tie at the back. Seam below the bust, covered elastication at the back of the waist and a flared skirt with gathered tiers for added volume. Lined bodice.
H&M Broderie anglaise dress, £44.99

This pretty Broderie Anglaise maxi dress comes in bright blue or white.

H&M Short, fitted dress in a cotton crêpe weave with a deep, round neckline and narrow shoulder straps that thread through loops and tie at the back. Concealed zip and hook-and-eye fastener at one side. Partly lined.
H&M Strappy dress, £18.99

This cotton and linen dress is a really flattering fit in real life and is available in sizes 4-22.

H&m white Short dress in woven fabric made from a cotton and linen blend with broderie anglaise at the front. Round neckline and an opening with narrow ties at the back of the neck. Short, wide sleeves and shaping darts at the back of the waist for a flattering silhouette. Unlined.
H&M Linen-blend broderie anglaise dress, £32.99

So pretty.

H&M Calf-length, fitted tube dress in heavy, ribbed jersey with a concealed silicone trim at the top to keep it in place.
H&M Ribbed tube dress, £17.99

Also in green, cream, and black, this stripe version looks way more expensive than it is.

H&M cream Short dress in a cotton weave with a round neckline, V-shaped opening at the front and long balloon sleeves with narrow elastication at the cuffs. Detachable, braided tie belt at the waist with knotted ends, a fitted bodice and a flared skirt with godet pleats for added width. Short cotton underdress with narrow shoulder straps.
H&M Tie-belt balloon-sleeved dress, £19.99

There is a tie-dye version to this dress too, which is mostly sold out but check for your size in case…

H&M brown Calf-length, fitted dress in a sheer knit with a delicate boat neckline at the front, low-cut back and long sleeves. Overlocked edges at the cuffs and hem. Unlined.
H&M Low-back knitted bodycon dress, £24.99

So good in brown paired with raffia and gold, but also comes in cream or black.

H&M A-line poplin spaghetti strap midi dress in beige stripe.
H&M A-line poplin dress, £19.99

Easy peasy. This poplin dress also comes in white, but I love this striped version in summery pale yellow pinstripe.

H&m Calf-length dress in crinkled satin featuring a square neckline with covered elastication and a small frill trim at the front and back. Spaghetti shoulder straps and an overlocked hem. Unlined.
H&M Satin slip dress, £19.99

This colour…

M&S

This cami-style shift dress is a versatile addition to your warm-weather wardrobe. It's made in a regular fit from pure cotton poplin to provide breathability, with an on-trend midi-length hem. The breezy sleeveless style features a square neck for a feminine look. It's complete with a side zip fastening for an easy on and off. M&S Collection: easy-to-wear wardrobe staples that combine classic and contemporary styles.
M&S COLLECTION Pure Cotton Midi Cami Shift Dress, £39.50

Made from pure cotton poplin this flattering dress is unsurprisingly selling at pace. It comes in sizes 6-24 and petite and long ranges. This striped version is also a pretty take.

This strappy slip dress from our Per Una collection is crafted from a breathable linen-rich fabric that falls elegantly around your figure. It's cut in a relaxed fit and features a gathered round neckline for a feminine look. This style is complete with a drawstring fastening at the back for a comfortable, adjustable fit. Per Una: stylish designs crafted with carefully considered details and feminine flourishes.
PER UNA Linen Rich Striped Midi Slip Dress, £49.50

So ready for summer vacation…

This pure cotton Albaray dress is an effortless choice for day-to-night style. It's made in a regular fit with a flattering waisted silhouette and a flowing midaxi skirt. The one-shoulder neckline creates an elegant look, while the sleeveless design ensures a cool feel.
ALBARAY Pure Cotton Midaxi Waisted Dress, £95

The colour and the silhouette are both TDF.

This knitted unlined dress from Per Una is crafted from pure cotton for a breathable feel. The sleeveless design is cut in a regular fit and features a v-neck for a flattering look. It's complete with a midi-length hem for a sophisticated finish. Per Una: stylish designs crafted with carefully considered details and feminine flourishes.
PER UNA Pure Cotton Textured Midi Knitted Dress, £49.50

Crochet never gets old for summer.

This beach dress is a lightweight and breezy style that's perfect for slipping on over your swimwear. It's cut in an easy regular fit with slim, adjustable straps framing a flattering v-neckline. Tiers in the midaxi-length hem give the piece a flippy shape and lovely movement. M&S Collection: easy-to-wear wardrobe staples that combine classic and contemporary styles.
M&S COLLECTION V-Neck Strappy Midaxi Tiered Beach Dress, £27.50

The easiest throw-on summer dress that will look chic from beach to bar.

With its glinting shell embellishments, this linen-blend dress is an elegant piece for those special occasions. It's designed in a regular fit, with a flattering column shape and a strappy square neckline. A side zip fastening ensures a neat look, while the lining offers a smooth feel. M&S Collection: easy-to-wear wardrobe staples that combine classic and contemporary styles.
M&S COLLECTION Linen Blend Embellished Midaxi Column Dress, £69

So dreamy.

This round-neck tea dress is a versatile piece that can be styled for daytime or evening wear. It's made in an easy regular fit from lightweight material, with an all-over animal print for a statement look. The midaxi hem gives a timeless shape, while short sleeves provide an airy feel. Its back-button fastening offers a smart finish. M&S Collection: easy-to-wear wardrobe staples that combine classic and contemporary styles.
M&S COLLECTION Animal Print Round Neck Midaxi Tea Dress, £39.50

It’s all about leopard print this year…

This knitted mini dress from Nobody's Child is crafted from pure cotton for a comfortable feel. It's designed in a bodycon style with a relaxed fit for a flattering silhouette. The sleeveless piece features a high square neckline and a pretty textured finish.
NOBODY’S CHILD Pure Cotton Knitted Square Neck Mini Dress, £79

Or red…

This pinafore dress is crafted from striped linen-rich fabric for a fresh feel. It's cut in a regular fit, with a flattering waisted shape and graceful midi length. The design is complete with a square neckline and elegant crossover straps at the back. M&S Collection: easy-to-wear wardrobe staples that combine classic and contemporary styles.
M&S COLLECTION Linen Rich Striped Midi Waisted Dress, £45

Such a cute pinafore style.

This elegant dress is a stylish piece for warm days. It's made in an easy regular fit from comfy pure cotton. The all-over print gives an eye-catching look, and it features a breezy midi-length skirt. Shirred detailing at the bodice creates a flattering shape, while the sleeveless design and a square neckline provide a modern finish. M&S Collection: easy-to-wear wardrobe staples that combine classic and contemporary styles.
M&S COLLECTION Pure Cotton Printed Midi Waisted Cami Dress, £39.50

Perfect with glowing skin and gold accessories on holiday. Ditto this similar green version.

M&S COLLECTION Ruched Midi Waisted Dress, £45

This flattering shirred waist number comes in white or brown.

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

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