Recently, a friend commented on the fact that I always wear dresses. In fact, she said, she’s not sure she’s ever even seen me in jeans. ‘You make so much effort,’ she said, as if she were annoyed by this fact. What I didn’t say in return is that she’s quite wrong: while dresses do make one look as though much effort has been exerted, the truth is that a dress is just an easy ready-made outfit that doesn’t require much thought at all. Of course, this does mean that much attention has to be paid in order to find the best kinds of dresses on which you can always rely. But I can safely say I have achieved this – and it’s all thanks to Whistles.
I’ve always loved Whistles but it’s recently that the brand has really turned me into something of a shopping addict. This is because its summer 2025 collection is, in my humble opinion, its best yet, full of super-chic pieces to work for every kind of plan. From the best barrel leg jeans I’ve seen to versatile midi skirts and work-ready tailoring, there are so many great separates that you could build an entire wardrobe from them – and then some. I have to say, though, it’s the dresses which have really stolen my heart.
There are shirred sun dresses which are perfect for packing in your suitcase but would look equally great under a light jacket for work, and there are beautiful linen dresses in relaxed silhouettes which will save you from any heatwave. A shift dress with textured detail comes in 2025’s most popular shade – butter yellow – and is crying out to be worn with heeled flip-flops and a tan, while the crochet midi will be the piece you most reach for this summer and next. For any summer weddings, try the classic sleeveless dress in the most irresistible shade of plum, or the lime lace style that just needs black strappy sandals and gold jewellery.
In fact, I could really wax lyrical about each and every dress available at Whistles right now, but I won’t – you’ve got shopping to do.
Shop: The Best Summer Dresses At Whistles Right Now
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The dream holiday dress, just throw this on with sandals and you're ready to go.
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This dress will prove to be incredibly versatile: dress up for weddings or simply wear with trainers for sunny afternoons with friends.
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All this needs is summer's most popular shoe – heeled flip-flops – and your favourite jewellery.
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With its lace inserts and a striking lime hue, this dress will make a real impact – without you even having to try. Perfect for balmy holiday evenings or even under an oversized blazer for weddings.
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The dream sun dress, this is also available in yellow, as well as a petite version.
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Need a smart dress for work which is also heatwave-friendly? This linen style is just that.
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Consider this the LBD upgrade you didn't know you needed – until now. With metallic accessories and your best sunglasses, this will make you summer's best dressed.
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Pictures don't do this dress justice – the delicate crochet detail looks far more expensive than it is, while the soft colour taps into 2025's obsession with butter yellow.
Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia's head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, The Financial Times, Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter. But please don't look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person