7.3.8 The Ultimate Guide to Summer Dresses | FatFace UK
Style Guide
summer dresses

Top 10 summer dress styles & ways to wear

When the days stretch a little longer and the air feels lighter, there’s nothing quite like slipping into a great summer dress. Easy, versatile and endlessly wearable, it’s the piece you’ll reach for whether you’re heading to the coast, exploring the countryside or simply soaking up the sunshine closer to home. At FatFace, our dresses are designed for real life…flattering, relaxed, and comfortable enough to take you through the whole day. Here’s our top 10 summer dress styles and how to find the one (or two…or three) you’ll live in all season long.

Summer dresses


Floral dresses

Nothing says summer quite like a floral dress. Soft prints and sun-washed colours bring an easy, feel-good energy to your wardrobe.

When to wear?

  • Garden gatherings
  • Holidays
  • Brunch with friends
  • Summer events

How to style?

  • Pair with simple sandals for daytime ease
  • Add a denim jacket for when it cools down
  • Keep accessories natural and understated
Shop Floral dresses
Floaty dresses

Floaty dresses

We love them. They’re lightweight, breathable and easy to move around in. Floaty dresses are made for warm days and relaxed plans.

When to wear?

  • Beach days
  • Countryside walks
  • Weekend getaways

How to style?

  • Style with flat sandals or espadrilles
  • Add a woven bag for a laid-back feel
  • Let the silhouette do all the
    talking with minimal extras

Jersey dresses

Soft, comfortable and easy to throw on. Jersey dresses are the ultimate everyday staple.

When to wear?

  • Running errands
  • Travel days
  • Relaxed weekends
  • On the school run

How to style?

  • Pair with trainers for an off-duty look
  • Layer with a lightweight knit or hoodie
  • Add a crossbody bag for practicality
Shop Jersey dresses

Pocket dresses

Now, you can’t think of FatFace and not be thinking about a dress with pockets. A true must-have for us. Oh, and did we mention? Over 60% of our dresses have them! It’s effortless style meets everyday practicality…because everything’s better with pockets.

When to wear?

  • Busy days
  • Casual plans
  • Picnics (for extra snacks)
  • Days out

How to style?

  • Wear with sandals or trainers for a relaxed feel
  • Dress up with wedges for evening plans
  • Layer with a denim jacket orcardigan when needed
Shop dresses with pockets

Linen dresses

Summer’s go-to fabric. Naturally breathable and lightweight, linen is made for staying cool in the heat.

When to wear?

  • Holidays
  • Warm weather days
  • Summer evenings

How to style?

  • Pair with leather sandals for a timeless look
  • Add sunglasses and a straw bag
  • Embrace the relaxed, slightly textured finish
Shop linen dresses

Mini dresses

A summer staple and we love them. Light, playful and perfect for those warmer days.

When to wear?

  • Holidays
  • Beach days
  • Sunny weekends
  • Casual days out

How to style?

  • Wear with sandals or trainers
  • Add a lightweight layer for balance
  • Keep proportions relaxed for an effortless feel
Shop Mini dresses

Midi dresses

The perfect balance of comfort and elegance, offering a flattering, easy-to-wear silhouette.

When to wear?

  • Everyday plans
  • Days out
  • Summer weddings

How to style?

  • Pair with sandals, trainers or heels
  • Add a belt to accentuate your figure
  • Layer with a jacket or knit for versatility
Shop Midi dresses
Shirt dresses

Shirt dresses

A true all-rounder. Relaxed but still put-together, with a timeless feel. It’ll take you from workdays to lunch dates with ease.

When to wear?

  • At the office
  • Lunch date
  • City breaks

How to style?

  • Wear loose for a laid-back look or belt it for shape
  • Pair with trainers or sandals
  • Layer over swimwear as a beach cover up
Tea dresses

Tea dresses

Softly fitted with a vintage-inspired feel, tea dresses are flattering and easy to wear.

When to wear?

  • Day-to-evening plans
  • Summer parties
  • Weekend lunches

How to style?

  • Pair with sandals or low heels
  • Add delicate jewellery
  • Keep layers light and simple
Denim dresses

Denim dresses

A casual classic that works year after year. Practical, versatile and easy to style.

When to wear?

  • Everyday wear
  • Travel days
  • For when the temperature drops

How to style?

  • Pair with white trainers for a relaxed feel
  • Add sandals in warmer weather
  • Layer with a knit or jacket for cooler days

What shoes to wear with a summer dress?

The right shoes can completely change the feel of your outfit. From relaxed daytime to something a little more elevated. These are some of our favourites:

Sandals

Sandals

Your go-to for warm days (and when you want to show off that brand new pedicure). Easy, breathable and incredibly versatile.

Shop sandals
Trainers

Trainers

Perfect for all-day comfort and plans which require you on your feet!

Shop trainers
Flats

Flats

Great for a more polished look, a dainty flat can really elevate your outfit without having to throw on a heel.

Shop flats

What to wear over a summer dress?

Sometimes the weather doesn’t always play ball and you need an additional layer for those cooler days. Luckily, we’ve got you covered:

Denim Jackets

Denim jacket

A timeless go-to that works with almost any dress.

Shop denim jackets
Lightweight Knitwear

Lightweight knit

Easy to throw on when the temperature drops.

Shop lightweight knits
Shirts

Shirt or overshirt

The perfect layer, especially for those days you want to shield from the sun.

Shop shirts
Blazers

Blazer

For a slightly smarter feel, this will instantly elevate your outfit.

Shop blazers

How to wear summer dresses in autumn & winter?

Your favourite summer dresses don’t have to be packed away when the seasons change. With a few simple layers, they can work just as well in cooler weather. Try adding tights and swapping sandals for ankle or chunky boots, then layer up with a cosy knit or an easy throw-on jacket. A longer coat or scarf can help bring everything together, while mixing lighter fabrics with heavier textures keeps the look feeling balanced. It’s all about adapting what you already love, so you can keep wearing your go-to dresses right through the seasons.

Made to fit you

Great style should feel as good as it looks, which is why all of our dresses are also available in petite. Designed with the same care, quality, and effortless feel, our petite styles are thoughtfully proportioned for a flattering fit that doesn’t need adjusting. Because great style should never need a tailor.

Shop Petite dresses
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