Chic is a fashion aesthetic that leans toward sleek silhouettes and understated elegance. The look is often complemented by classic pieces like tailored blazers and little black dresses.
If you’re a fan of the casual chic style, shop these Chic dresses that are sure to elevate your summer wardrobe. These versatile pieces are perfect for weekend getaways, work days and everything in between.
Everlane The Linen Bias Cut Dress
With a back-slit hemline and full-lining, this linen midi dress is a new wardrobe essential. It’s breathable and perfect for a warm summer day, but also looks lovely layered under an outer coat in cooler temperatures.
Everlane is known for its elevated basics that have earned stamps of approval from fashionable celebs like Riley Keough and Meghan Markle. The sustainable brand’s latest collection features seven dresses that work seamlessly into your summer wardrobe. From striped and organic cotton styles to ribbed knit options, these versatile dresses will be staples for years to come.
Khaite Sleek Maxi Dress
In an era of micro trends, New York label Khaite nails it when it comes to polished staples that transcend them. Founded in 2016 by Catherine Holstein, the brand caters to New York’s cool girls with covetable wardrobe essentials that balance grit with glamour and blur day and night.
From leather biker jacket dresses to fluid silk chiffon godet maxi dresses, Khaite’s minimalist designs exude modern sophistication. Wear with heels and dainty jewelry to elevate your look from day to night. Shop the ‘Leibel’ dress in soft pink.
Sir Floral Lace Cutout Dress
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The lustrous silk maxi dress from Australian label SIR is a chic, feminine staple you’ll love reaching for on stylish vacations and go-to wedding guest dresses alike. This black design features contrast floral lace cut-out detail through front to accentuate the waist, while the bias cut silk satin softly skims the body. Style with heels for an elevated evening look.
Toteme Crepe Maxi Dress
A slinky slip dress with a silky back is a summer wardrobe staple for vacation days and beachside lunches. Show off your lace-up sandals or wear it with lug-sole leather boots come fall.
Stockholm-based Toteme offers luxurious wardrobe staples that transcend trends. Founded in 2014, the brand takes a longevity-centric approach to its designs and crafts pieces that work season after season. Expect to find foundational basics crafted from fabrics like wool and organic cotton. Try the rounded neck, concealed button down short cuffed sleeves drop waist Toteme Santa Marta Crepe Dress.
Missoni Mohair Maxi Dress
It’s not quite time to put away your knitted maxi dresses for the season. But if you’re in the market for one that keeps things cool, consider this Ulla Johnson dress with flounced details, delicate pin tucking and a waist-cinching tie.
Headed to your summer getaway? This Veronica Beard poplin midi is just right with its structured one-shoulder silhouette and towel-like printed fabric. Add heels, a fascinator and dainty jewellery for a look that’s perfect for black-tie events. Or try this Aje linen silk midi with a middle cutout for a more fun, flirty feel.
Asceno Velvet Maxi Dress
A velvet maxi dress is a chic staple to have in your closet for both summer dinners and breezy beachside lunches. Try Reformation’s sleek clingy silhouette or Nili Lotan’s scarf print halter, which oozes effortless summer style.
Fringe is still on our radar, and a knitted version like this Proenza Schouler White Label dress plays with the trend in the best way. With flounced details and waist-cinching ties, this one is made for day to night wear. Elevate a plaid shirtdress with black boots or sneakers.
Proenza Schouler White Label Dress
New York based label Proenza Schouler fuses impeccable craftsmanship with youthful, radical design wit. Designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez take inspiration from contemporary art and youth culture to create collections that are both wearable and fresh.
For their reimagined White Label line, the duo dreamt up clothes for the private and personal aspects of a woman’s life. Think of it as Proenza Schouler’s chill, erudite cousin who’s getting her graduate degree at Columbia and doesn’t mind taking the subway. That’s the kind of look this gingham cotton poplin dress captures.
Altuzarra Draped Leather Midi Dress
From shibori-dyed maxis to cozy knotted and sarong-style knits, Altuzarra’s collection evokes the intrepid spirit of world travelers and trekkers. But don’t worry, these looks will definitely translate to your closet.
Whether you’re planning a beach vacation or a dinner party, pack your summer wardrobe with these chic dresses. In butter-y yellow, Loulou Studio’s shirt dress is on-trend for the season while a halter neck silhouette makes it a perfect choice to wear with those lace-up sandals. In a dark navy hue, Simkhai’s broderie anglaise midi offers a sophisticated alternative to white for sunny days or evenings.
Christopher Esber 2-in-1 Maxi Dress
Looking like a sweater and skirt in one, this Christopher Esber dress makes it easy to master summer chic in one fell swoop. Alternatively, lovebirds’ striped linen body con midi will do the same with its on-trend netted effect and burnt orange hue.
A floaty white cotton maxidress will keep you feeling fresh all spring and summer long. Featuring thin tied straps and a classic silhouette, Loveshackfancy’s offering is the epitome of summer ease. BNWT. Size 6 AU/2 US. RRP $1090. 100% cotton. Made in Australia.