Summer dresses for every occasion

Off the shoulder

A one-shoulder number is flirty so save this for your weekend wear. Don a pair of ballet flats for a BBQ and a pair of chunky heels for night topped with a jean jacket.

Floral Dress, $25. Winners.

Pleat it

Try a pretty pleated number in a bright sunny shade that will keep you cool and comfortable.

Pleated dress with print, $39. Joe.ca

Try tribal

Make this vibrant tribal pattern appropriate for the office with an oversized blazer. Complete your outfit with earth-toned accessories such as wood bangles or a raffia clutch.

Alice + Olivia alameda printed crepe dress, $390. Netaporter.com.

Flower power

Break free from the traditional florals this season and go for a dark and stormy number for those days you’re feeling ready for fall.

Dress, $35 (US). H&M.

All ruffled up

Not only will a nude shade look fabulous against your faux tan, this decorative neckline takes an unstructured dress up a notch.

Dress, $50 (US). H&M.

Cocktail cutie

Your ideal summer après-work ensemble, this beautiful asymmetrical dress also works for more formal family occasions.
A Moveable Feast Starling Dress, $165. Aritzia.

Picnic chic

Wear this colourful striped number to a local park for an impromptu al fresco meal. Pair it with bright flats and a fedora to complete the casual look.

Dress, $70. Esprit.

Feeling blue

This royal blue maxi elongates your body and hides any imperfections — wear it for a chic stroll with lace-up gladiators.

Shelbys summer dress, $198. French Connection.

Garden party

Wear this silk floral number with a cropped cardigan a la Betty Draper and play up the ‘60s era style with a strand of pearls.

Silk Knotted Floral Dress, $185. Banana Republic.

Line it up

The great crisscross pattern gives a more formal feel to a casual dress. Belt it for the city or let it flow loose and breezy as a beach cover-up.

Dress, $120. Bedo.

Get graphic

A formal dress with graphic splashes of colour is ideal for any skin tone. Take it to the office with a blazer in white or black.

Teenflo Printed Emmy Dress, $375. Holt Renfrew.

In living colour

A maxi that incorporates colour-blocking streamlines your figure and this combo of dark and bright shades is perfectly flattering for warm weather. 

Colour-block maxi dress, $50. Smart Set.