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Nothing screams effortless summer-in-the-city style quite like a minimalist dress. Just take Kendall Jenner, for example. Earlier this season, the model/mogul stepped out in a mini tank dress that rivaled an iconic Carrie Bradshaw look from the original Sex and the City series from the Australia-based brand St. Agni, proving that sometimes less really is more. Just in time for peak heat, find our edit of 40+ minimalist summer dresses, which are quickly becoming the ultimate cool-girl staple.
Vogue’s Ultimate Minimalist Summer Dress Edit:
- The Supermodel Staple: St. Agni Vas knit mini dress, $269
- The Two-Toned T-Shirt Dress: Esse Studios Tee Duo maxi dress, $690
- The LWD: Faithfull the Brand Anais cotton maxi dress, $235
- The Sultry Slip: Simkhai Gwynn corded satin maxi dress, $795
- The Classic Red: & Other Stories draped sleeveless midi dress, $99
- The Fringe Find: Simon Miller Casablanca fringe dress, $395
- The Tank Dress: Toteme pleated organic cotton-jersey midi-dress, $290
- The Mellow Yellow: Proenza Schouler Auden open-knit maxi dress, $1,490
- The LBD: Reformation Elvira dress, $248
- The Summer Stripes: The Frankie Shop oversized striped maxi dress, $245
But first! Let's zoom in on that St. Agni dress she wore. The quietly luxurious label is a must-have in any warm-weather wardrobe, whether you choose the aforementioned supermodel staple, the tank dress in a moody oxblood color, or a tie-detailed, open-back dress. Styling-wise, turn to barely-there pairs of fashionable flip-flops and sleek shoulder bags for everyday elegance. Similar to St. Agni, Posse is another Aussie brand we can’t stop shopping. Posse’s roster includes summery separates, from pajama-like pants and tailored suit vests, to easy jersey dresses that you can wear as a coverup by the beach or at the office for polished perfection. Meanwhile, clean-lined dresses from Bondi Born, Toteme, and The Frankie Shop make the perfect mate for any summer shoe—think pairs of mesh Mary Janes, simple strappy sandals, or even the occasional sneaker.
An LBD is another minimalist mainstay—and the ones from Reformation, Cos, and Joseph in our edit are as timeless as ever. Bright white dresses from Dôen, Another Tomorrow, and Faithfull the Brand are not to be missed either. Like Jenner’s very own, tank top dresses from Mango, Source Unknown, and Simkhai are proving to be the unsung It item of the season.
Consider yourself a self-proclaimed minimalist yet are still looking to weave some color into your warm-weather wardrobe? Turn to Proenza Schouler or Khaite’s mellow yellow maxis or & Other Stories’s cherry red draped dress. Finally, no minimalist summer dress edit could be complete without mention of the covetable two-toned dress, from By Malene Birger’s strapless style to Esse Studio’s casual-cool T-shirt option.
This summer a minimalist summer dress is the only way to beat the heat in style. Below, prepare to sport (and shop!) 40+ minimalist summer dresses that scream chic.