Confession: I recently pledged to dress appropriately for the great British summer, and it’s been a revelation. Having spent most of my summers in the Mediterranean and the tropics, my idea of warm-weather dressing has never quite aligned with the UK’s… let’s say interpretation of summer. Earlier this year, I found myself obsessed, compulsively refreshing Monsoon’s new-in section and making 'accidental' detours past the gorgeous Princess Street store in Edinburgh. The colourful prints, the rich colourways - they lure me in every time. Plus, I found that Monsoon dresses were versatile enough to become my go-to for whatever the British weather throws our way during summer. Mission complete.
It all started with the pink Patricia ruffle-sleeve midi dress I wore on Mother’s Day. Honestly, I felt like a princess for the day. The dress caught plenty of stares, and the good kind. Those ruffles? Bold but totally wearable, with a flow that felt like it was made just for me. It’s hands down the best dress in my wardrobe right now, and I’ve shamelessly worn it on repeat for my anniversary and any day I want to feel a little extra. Since then, Monsoon has had me hooked, a seamless mix of daily go-tos, workwear wins, and occasion-ready pieces that I keep coming back to.
The prints always feel like a holiday, and the shapes somehow flatter perfectly. Whenever I’m stuck on what to wear, these dresses save the day — always on point, just like my favourite Self-Portrait pieces. They’re the kind of dresses that never fail to make me look and feel flawless.
If you're not familiar with the brand, Monsoon’s designs are effortlessly elegant yet approachable. Think floaty silhouettes, intricate embroidery, and rich textures that nod to bohemian romance without feeling overdone. Moving seamlessly from easy day dresses to occasion-ready styles, some pieces could easily be mistaken for designer without the eye-watering price tag. And I’d say most of the pieces I have fit true to size, so I always recommend sticking with your usual. As a petite woman, I find its dresses tend to run a bit longer than I’d like, but that hasn’t bothered me.
So, without further ado, and after plenty of scrolling, here are the Monsoon dresses truly worth your attention. Consider this your go-to list of pieces you’ll want to wear on repeat.
Shop: The best Monsoon dresses that could be designer
Monsoonwww.monsoon.co.uk
If I had to choose just one Monsoon dress to wear forever, it would be this. My beloved pink version is sadly sold out (for now), but thanks to its cult following, it’s back in stock in a rich red and classic navy. Honestly? If I were you, I’d get both - it’s the kind of dress you’ll want in every colour. The exaggerated ruffle sleeves are dramatic yet totally wearable, the skirt has the dreamiest swish, and it’s guaranteed to make you feel special. I reach for it on anniversaries, family occasions, or any day I want to feel extra feminine. For daytime, I pair it with mesh ballet flats; for evening, strappy heels do the trick.
Monsoonwww.monsoon.co.uk
Bow, puff sleeves, and polka dots, the timeless trio that never loses its charm. This sheer, velvet-spotted midi is finished with a collared neckline, short puff sleeves, and a statement bow at the front, making it equal parts feminine and polished. It’s the kind of piece you can wear to work, a meeting, or a smart dinner without having to overthink your outfit. Just add heels, and you’re set for morning-to-evening dressing.
Monsoonwww.monsoon.co.uk
New in and already a pre-fall favourite, this dress will quietly dominate wardrobes once the leaves turn crimson. In rich burgundy check, with charming tie-front bows along the bodice, it’s perfect for those "just in case" plans. Dress it down for coffee or style it up for dinner — it’s a versatile winner you’ll reach for on repeat.
Monsoon www.monsoon.co.uk
If denim isn’t usually your thing (it’s not mine either), but you’d still like to weave a little into your wardrobe, this dress could be the one. What won me over is its perfect balance, casual thanks to the denim, yet polished with its structured shape. If you’re only buying one denim dress this year, make it this one.
A classic collared, button-through design with long sleeves and a swishy midi hem, it’s timeless and endlessly versatile. I’ve worn mine to a weekend picnic, for a leisurely city stroll, and even on a quick coffee run. Pair it with boots in autumn, trainers come spring, or sandals when the sun’s out. It’s the definition of an effortless wardrobe workhorse.
Monsoonwww.monsoon.co.uk
Black in summer? Always. I wore this on my birthday with my Strathberry Osette Raffia bag, and it was the perfect celebration dress. The XL tie straps (totally on-trend), super flattering form-fitting bodice, and sheer A-line skirt scattered with bold embroidered florals make it effortlessly dramatic. It’s the kind of dress that turns heads without trying too hard, and it’s the kind of dress that makes you feel confident about your body, even if you’re showing some skin.
Monsoonwww.monsoon.co.uk
Polka dots aren’t just for New Year's Eve; this print has ruled every IT-girl’s feed all summer, and it’s here to stay. For dressier occasions, the Sicily fit and flare midi (available in multiple prints and colourways) secures its place as a forever dress. It was the most popular dress on the internet last year, and with its fitted sleeveless bodice and swishy fit-and-flare skirt, it’s easy to see why. Universally flattering, endlessly wearable and yes, it has pockets.
Monsoonwww.monsoon.co.uk
Another ruffle moment? Absolutely. This one is pure magic, think peak Sienna Miller in her 2000s boho-chic glory. Made for autumn days when you want to turn heads, it features romantic blouson sleeves, a smocked waistline, and cascading ruffles that flow as you move. Wear it desk-to-dinner with heeled boots and nothing else.
Monsoonwww.monsoon.co.uk
For butter-yellow lovers, this is your dream dress. This one’s earned its fair share of 5-star reviews and for good reason. The fit is beautiful, the shade of yellow is spot-on for the season, and it pulls you in at all the right places. Simply put, it’s a dress worth buying. Made from a cotton-linen blend in a dreamy yellow shade, it features voluminous puff sleeves, delicate appliqué swirls, and vintage-inspired buttons down the front. It feels like sunshine and nostalgia rolled into one, the ultimate pick for brunch, cruise holiday, garden parties, or any sunny occasion where you want to channel British summer vibes to the fullest.
Image credit: @annelorasscagliusi
Anne Lora Scagliusi is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia with over a decade of international experience. She began her career in Dubai, covering major fashion events and global trends, and her work has appeared in Vogue, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour. Now based between Italy and the UK, Anne is rarely seen without one of her signature Self-Portrait dresses and believes that great style should be as practical as it is polished, especially when parenting a toddler.