John Lewis is great for a lot of things - swimwear that sells out in seconds, furniture that looks much more expensive than it is (take these John Lewis sofas, for example) but something you might not have looked for in there before is its dresses. John Lewis dresses are surprisingly chic, offering hundreds of on-trend styles that are ready to add to your basket.
This season's trends bring a delightful mix of bold prints, vibrant hues and innovative cuts (asymmetric all the way) all of which are designed to have you looking great under the summer sun. The colours you need to keep your eyes out for are chocolate brown, pale blue and butter yellow. Brown is a colour we can't seem to get rid of, and John Lewis is on board - take this Asymmetric Shirred Dress, £42, for example, from John Lewis' ANYDAY collection, available in a delightful chocolate brown. Crochet is another trend we revisit summer after summer, perfect for lounging poolside and packing on every summer holiday (it is crease-proof, after all). John Lewis received the crochet memo, with countless knitted options available. Our favourite? This sporty-chic Knit Dress, £65 in cream.
From everyday shift dresses, to satin cocktail dresses fit for your next wedding, shop the best John Lewis dresses below.
Shop: The Best John Lewis Dresses
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
With an on-trend one-shoulder design, flattering shirred chest and slightly flared skirt, all this dress is missing is a pair of chunky black fisherman sandals.
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
Leaning into the ballet-core coquette trend this ivory dress features a round neckline and a flattering long-sleeve design. In fact, this dress looks almost like it could be a top and skirt, which makes it all the more versatile.
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
Black probably isn't the colour you think about when you think of summer, but the silhouette of this dress definitely screams summer. There's one thing the tiered dress needs, and that's a pair of cowboy boots. Silver boots would look fabulous with this black dress, along with a holographic bag and black sunglasses.
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
A knitted dress is a must on your holiday packing list, as it's just so versatile. It's the type of dress you can wear to dinner one night, then the next wear to the beach with a bikini underneath. It takes almost no styling, too. Simply add a pair of colourful flip flops and an oversized beach bag and off you go.
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
The tie detailing is what really caught our eye on this dress. Its flattering tied waist can cinch in to accentuate your curves and a maxi length. This poplin dress would be best styled with other earthy tones, for example a beige or sand-coloured blazer or cardigan for the chillier evenings.
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
This blue dress from John Lewis is a must on your holiday packing list. Featuring a tiered cut, complete with broderie anglaise detailing, this dress is comfortable and stylish. Plus, it's made from pure cotton, which makes for an easy, breezy look for a summers day.
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
If you're on the hunt for a dress that will immediately make you look put together without actually putting too much effort in, the Riveria stripe dress is perfect for that. With an A-line floaty shape and spaghetti straps, this dress with its out-there print is there to add something a little extra to your holiday wardrobe.
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
This crochet number is one of the best dresses John Lewis has to offer right now, featuring an almost-sporty design with black piping. For a look that's straight off the runway, pair this knit dress with a black trouser underneath, and of course, a chunky black sandal.
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
For a pop of colour in your summer wardrobe, this cheesecloth dress in lime green is the answer. This dress is about to become the hardest working piece in your wardrobe, as it can be paired with almost any pair of footwear; from sandals, to Adidas trainers, to chunky loafers for a more formal look.
John Lewiswww.johnlewis.com
If midi or maxi isn't your thing and you prefer a shorter dress, this dress is still modest with a flared skirt. The tie at the back of the neck almost gives it a Ganni-esque finish, but the best part is that it's made out of a breathable cotton to keep you cool.
How do I style a maxi dress?
For a casual day look, you can pair a maxi dress with an oversized denim jacket, one from Anine Bing or Whistles for example. This combination will exude that effortless chic look that, let's be honest, we're all aiming for this summer. Adding a wide hat and a pair of sunglasses will only help to further elevate the look - and will offer sun protection, of course.
When transitioning a maxi dress from day to evening, you'll need some essential accessories to help. Swap out your casual ballet flats or sandals for strappy heels, and add some statement jewellery like a chunky hoop. For practicality, add a bag with metallic accents and layer your entire outfit with a blazer for an extra layer of warmth in the chillier evenings.
What is the best material for a summer dress?
Cotton and linen are usually two summer fabric favourites. Cotton because it has natural breathability and style, which will help keep your body cool. It's also available in lots of different weaves and styles, from crisp poplin to soft jersey, depending on whether you're going for a more casual or polished look. Alternatively, linen is also highly breathable and has a unique texture that looks slightly more sophisticated than cotton. Saying that, linen can also give a more laid-back look as it does crease slightly more than cotton.
Gemma Lavers is a Fashion Writer at Bauer Media, writing for brands like Grazia, heat and Closer. Gemma specialises in all things clothing and enjoys outfit planning (especially for holidays), scrolling social media for the next trend and shopping (probably for a new coat).