19 best summer dresses you're seeing all over Instagram

Shop well, and the best summer dresses will become pieces that can be wheeled out every season, not just every year. It's imperative now, more than ever, that we make smart purchases and spend our money in areas we'll see a good return – so if treating yourself to a ‘do it all’ summer dress is going to achieve that for you, then we wholeheartedly support the investment. They'll be the silhouettes that see you through ‘til it’s time to dig out your knitwear again, after all.

As per usual, there's a smorgasbord of shapes, lengths, colours and fabrics to choose from for 2024, but if you're struggling with where to look first, let the SS runways guide you.

White is the go-to hue according to the Victoria Beckham and Valentino runways (as well as at Coperni, Stella McCartney, Gabriel Hearst, Michael Kors, Prada, Dior, Christopher Esber and so on), so take a leaf out of your engaged/soon-to-be-wed friend's book and set your sights on the ethereal shade for the season ahead.

And as for the materials? Linens and lightweight, breathable cottons are a good place to start. You'll thank yourself for it on those warm and stuffy days where anything too clingy will make you feel claustrophobic. There's truly nothing worse.

Luckily, we've tried and tested a few of this year's bestsellers so you don't have to trawl through them all. ICYMI, shirred dresses are big news this year – especially at House of CB and Damson Madder.

Floaty frocks and maxi and midi styles will, of course, always remain a comfort blanket for most of us, and although a miniature hemline can be quite daunting, don't shy too far away from them – they're everywhere this summer and your legs will be grateful for the hit of vitamin D.

Scroll down to see and shop the rest of our fave new-in summer dresses for 2024.

Looking for brand specific summer dresses? These are the best & Other Stories summer dresses, ASOS dresses and H&M summer dresses. There's also modest summer dresses and summer dresses with sleeves if you want to cover up a bit more, Don't forget to also shop the best wedding guest dresses and bridesmaid dresses, swimwear brands, summer loungewear, beach dresses and summer workwear. For more from GLAMOUR UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.