The Best Summer Dresses of 2022

Every time warmer weather rolls around, I get the sudden urge to find the best summer dresses on the market. Which can takes me weeks, because I spend so much time sifting through the spring and summer 2022 fashion trends to find the ones that are going to prove timeless rather than just being a flash in the pan. This year, though, I turned to the experts to decipher exactly which sundresses I should be investing in this year, and my finds are truly second to none. And, luckily, many of them fall in line with the trends that have already been dominating the runways (and the streets) this season. 

What dress trends do we need to know about for summer 2022? 

"As the weather gets warmer, clothing pieces are getting shorter. Cut-outs and Y2K nostalgia are continuing their reign over trends this season,” says Andrew Gelwicks, a celebrity stylist and writer who has worked with stars like Dixie D’Amelio, Uzo Aduba, and Chrishell Stause recently. “Slim dresses with cut-outs are following the nostalgia trend we saw on runways.” This makes sense, given the fact that cut-out dresses popped up on the red carpet most recently on the Met Gala red carpet on celebrities like Kaia Gerber and Kacey Musgraves. Gelwicks recommends that shoppers look for dresses that feature "chic cut-outs to add to your closet this summer." 

Early 2000s-inspired fashion trends, however, have been more prevalent with the street style crowd on celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo. Rodrigo has leaned heavily into the nostalgia trend on her Sour concert tour, where she has styled a mix of vintage Betsey Johnson, fishnet tights, and micro mini skirts. 

What colors are trending for summer 2022? 

Along with the early aughts energy and slinky cutout inspiration, Gelwicks was quick to mention a few colors he’s been seeing everywhere lately. “Bold colors are holding their place in this upcoming season's trends,” Gelwicks says.

“Daytime or nighttime, mixing up staple neutral colors with a colorful dress will fit perfectly into the vibe of summer 2022.” He called out “bright reds and yellows” in particular. 

Are there any brands to look out for? 

What makes a brand stand out to a stylist with access to everything? "Bright colors and show-stopping silhouettes." he says. “They are flirty, chic, and great for all body shapes and sizes."

Keep reading to shop out summer 2022’s most in-demand dress trends, straight from the expert. If you’re looking for the next best linen dress to add into your rotation or are hoping to pick up a classic white sundress, there are a few of those on this list, too. 

Sleek Cut-Out Dresses

There's no denying how popular cut-out dresses have been lately. This summer, follow Gelwicks' advice and opt for a slightly longer one that features cut-outs across your midriff for a look that's at once and elevated and sexy.

Or, play with cut-outs across your back or on your ribcage to test out the trend for yourself. 

Y2K-Inspired Picks 

Travel back in time this summer by way of a few vintage-inspired frocks. Travel back in time this summer by way of a few vintage-inspired frocks. Think: oversized hibiscus prints that you might have styled on a family vacation, slinky halter dresses, swirled prints and pieces with bedazzled elements that will shine in the summer sun. 

Red Dresses

Gone are the days of exclusively wearing neutrals in the summer months. Stop traffic in one of these bright red frocks from Wear VAST. Choose from a solid slip dress or a printed silky version to make more of a statement. 

Yellow Dresses

Just like red, bright shades of yellow are trending. Recently spotted on celebrities that Gelwicks has styled like Uzo Aduba, the sunny hue is everywhere this season. Shop flowy picks from Wear VAST below.

Summer Whites

I can't possibly talk about summer dresses without mentioning a few all-white options. A classic in any summer-weather-lover's wardrobe, my favorite picks for this season from Wear VAST.

Linen Dresses

Just like white frocks, the best linen dresses are my go-to when the weather heats up. The famously lightweight fabric was basically designed to be worn when scorching temperatures roll in. But, they needn't all be white.