This Is The Unexpected Dress I’m Wearing On Repeat This Summer – And No, It’s Not From Zara Or H&M

Dress season is finally within arm's reach, and while we’re sure you’ve already bookmarked some of your favourite spring dresses, let's be honest - there's truly no such thing as too many. We've already waxed lyrical about the hidden gems at H&M and Zara, but I've just unearthed a new treasure trove of affordable, high quality finds from an unexpected high street hero. Enter: Next, whose dresses have emerged as my surprising go-to for the season. The brand’s dress game has quietly levelled up, but the style I can't stop wearing? The Bandeau Midi Dress, a drop-waist style that nails alfresco style without even trying.

Already loved by the fashion crowd, Next's bandeau midi has gained plenty of popularity, courtesy of its simple yet chic navy and white colour block design, and on-trend drop-waist style. Made from a soft-to-the-touch cotton fabric, it'll keep you cool once the weather turns balmy, making it a non-negotiable suitcase staple for the kind of summer holidays that consist only of poolside lounging come daytime and dinner plans come evening - with an Aperol Spritz on standby, of course.

This one-and-done midi makes summer dressing a walk in the park, with the only thing left to consider being your choice of kitten heels and accessories (a Y2K-style bangle should do the trick when it comes to jewellery). But that doesn't mean you can't wear it for every day occasions - just pair with trainers for a more laid-back look, or opt for toe-ring sandals for a slightly more put together ensemble.

With drop-waist dresses emerging as one of 2025’s biggest dress trends, it’s no surprise this Next number has quickly risen to the top of fashion editor wish lists. The silhouette first made waves during the SS24 runway shows, where Ferragamo sent out pleated drop-waist minis and Jil Sander paired full skirts with clean, ribbed tank tops. Now, the look has filtered onto the high street, with more affordable brands like Next and COS embracing the trend across everything from minis to flowing maxi dresses - proving the drop waist is as timeless as it is stylish.

So, if you’re looking to invest in a versatile summer staple that taps into one of the season’s biggest trends without compromising on comfort or wearability, this Next dress is it. Shop it now before it inevitably sells out.

Shop: Other Colours Of The Next Dress

Image credits: @louise.thompson

Emma Richardson is a fashion commerce writer for Grazia. She was previously a fashion and beauty commerce writer for Heat and Closer, and has contributed digital content for a variety of lifestyle brands. Emma finds much of her inspiration in celebrity style, with Sienna Miller often being a major influence, and loves a pair of ballet pumps and a trusted trench coat.