Shop the dress styles predicted to dominate this summer

Summer is always the busiest time of the year. As a beautifully long season, it's guaranteed that a range of weddings, parties, BBQs, and holidays are packed into the schedule. And dresses are the easiest way to simplify a look and your wardrobe.

After a simple linen number to keep you cool and casual? Like a bit of a retro vibe to your look? Wanting to test out a different style to add to your repertoire? We've found the dress trends predicted to rule this summer so you can stay ahead of the curve.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

Linen dresses

Linen is just always going to be an Aussie summer staple. With options from Topshop, Atmos&Here and AERE, keeping things cool and simple has never been easier.

From left to right:

Topshop twist shoulder mini linen dress in mono abstract print, $95

Atmos&Here Hope Linen Blend Tiered Midi Dress, was $85.99, now $53.99

ASOS DESIGN slash neck cotton linen mini shift dress, $60

AERE Orla Linen U-Neck Mini Dress, was $130, now $78

VRG GRL Valeria tie front linen mini dress, $241

Other options:

AERE Fern Linen Maxi Dress, was $170, now $119

Never Fully Dressed Mimi linen cut-out midaxi dress, $181

Chocolate brown

For anyone whose wardrobe is a strict black-on-black look, then chocolate is the shade you need to take a lighter approach to your summer wardrobe.

From left to right:

AERE Eve Mini Linen Shift Dress, was $130, now $90

Assembly Label Colette Linen Slip Dress, $100

Seed Heritage Linen Structured Shift Dress, was $169.95, now $139.95

Hansen & Gretel Quinn Mini Dress, $249

AERE Nora Linen Mini Shift Dress, was $150, now $90

Other options:

Witchery Trim Detail T-shirt Dress, $129

& Other Stories Tank Midi Dress, was $149, now $119.20

Polka dots

It's retro, and it's everywhere. The polka dot has made a comeback to be the print of the summer. Already sported by Scarlett Johansson and Hailey Bieber, these are some of the top retail options to join in the dotty style.

From left to right:

AERE Tessa Polka Dot Linen Mini Dress, $140

Atmos&Here Anne Polka Dot Maxi Dress, $109.99

Commonry Zoe Dress, was $279.95, now $199.95

Sosandar Spot Print Midi Shirt Dress With Belt, was $165, now $115.50

ASOS DESIGN linen look tie front mini dress in polka dot, $67

Other options:

ASOS DESIGN chiffon cowl neck maxi slip dress in chocolate polka dot, $88

ASOS DESIGN denim mini shift dress in polka dot print, $80

Gingham dresses

Gingham is another timeless classic retro look. Recently spotted on Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, and Sarah Jessica Parker, gingham has established itself as more than a nostalgic print; it's celebrity–certified cool.

From left to right:

ASOS DESIGN shirred bodice maxi dress in blue gingham, $76

Cotton On Haven halter linen blend mini dress in black gingham, $40

AERE Gingham Linen Tie Detail Mini Dress, was $120, now $60

Rails Adine Dress was $487.69, now $440.27

Abercrombie & Fitch flowy midi dress in black gingham, $172

More options:

MORE TO COME Lolita Mini Dress, $120.07

MORE TO COME Lili Maxi Dress, $165.95

Drop waist dresses

You may have noticed that waistlines are looking notably lower these days, but if you hate low-rise jeans, don't take the same approach with the drop waist silhouette. Its popularity lies in its ability to elongate your frame.

From left to right:

SNDYS Stella Maxi Dress, $179.50

Calli Mia Gathered Dress, was $169.95, now $65

ASOS DESIGN slash neck button down dropped waist mini dress in black, $55

PISTOLA Adrienne Drop Waist Mini Dress, $284.48

Tokito Tailored Drop Waist Mini Dress, was $99, now $129.95

READ MORE: We're calling it! Bandanas will be the accessory of the summer