10 Drop Waist Dresses to Refresh Your Summer Wardrobe
Drop waist dresses are proving to be the silhouette of the summer. Discover where to shop the chicest styles.
As the weather gets warmer and the long-awaited travel season slowly approaches, our Instagram and TikTok feeds get flooded with flowy dresses and fresh summer styles. If, like us, you are constantly on the lookout for the latest trends, you may have already noticed that most of these chic styles taking over social media have one thing in common: drop waisted cuts. Without a doubt, It girls and style experts have declared fit-and-flare styles as the silhouette of the summer—and we are all for it. Not only does this trendy cut exude a sense of femininity and youth like no other, but it’s also extremely flattering.
Found in mini, midi, and maxi lengths, drop waist dresses can be worn to daytime and nighttime events alike due to their versatile fit and enduring charm. Easy to accessorize up or down, these whimsical designs usually feature flattering slim bodices and dramatic flared skirts in a perfect juxtaposition of volume and texture. Although most of these playful styles are too much of a statement for the shyer dressers, there’s an endless variety of drop waist dresses to suit a wide range of tastes and preferences. Whether it’s Carolina Herrera’s feminine take on the trendy fit-and-flare cut, or Cos’ contemporary version of a knit maxi dress, scroll down and discover the chicest selection of drop waist dresses to elevate your summertime wardrobe.
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For an elevated take on the trendy drop waist cut, Co's chic tank dress can carry you from day to night anytime. Featuring a slim cotton jersey bodice contrasted by a full taffeta skirt, the juxtaposing volumes create a unique silhouette for an effortless statement of style. Pair it with sandals, flats, or mules for the ultimate summer getaway ensemble.
Co Tank Dress in Cotton Jersey and Taffeta, $895, Co
Looking to live your best dolce vita summer? This drop waist dress by S/W/F will have you feeling like an Italian goddess all season long. Crafted in lightweight cotton, this pleated maxi dress is the only thing you'll need to pack for your next vacation. Featuring cut-out details on both sides of its fitted bodice, pair this whimsical dress with your favorite flats for the ultimate Mediterranean look.
S/W/F Cross-Cut V-Neck Drop-Waist Maxi Dress, $399, Anthropologie
For a stroll through the park or a weekend brunch with friends, Reformation's drop waist dress is the perfect daytime ensemble for the hot months. In a soft shade of butter yellow, still trending among It girls and celebrities, its lightweight linen fabric makes it the ultimate minidress for spring wandering. Featuring a fitted at bodice and an A-line skirt, its delicate pleats add a touch of feminity to this minimalist design.
Reformation Isabeli Linen Dress, $218, Reformation
And speaking of chic pleats, Cos' take on drop waist dresses is one ruled by texture and juxtaposition. Combining horizontal tubular ribbing on the fitted bodice with sheer vertical pleats that ripple from the dropped waist, this contemporary design is that versatile summer dress your closet has been waiting for. Knitted from a cotton-blend and available in green and navy shades, this intricate maxi dress guarantees timeless use.
Cos Pleated Knitted Maxi Dress, $170, Cos
Featuring pleated taffeta over the chest and hem, combined with a slim crepe bodice, Cinq à Sept's take on drop waist minidresses guarantees the most flattering fit. With a romantic sweetheart neckline and delicate spaghetti straps, this minidress exudes timeless feminity like no other. If you are searching for the perfect summer cocktail dress, look no further.
Cinq à Sept Orla Drop-Waist Minidress, $198, Saks Fifth Avenue
Ideal for a daytime wedding or cocktail event, Carolina Herrera's drop waist midi-dress merges unique feminity and ultimate breathability to get you through any summertime function. Its sleek straight neckline is completed with thin halter straps that elevate the look and guarantee support. Its ruched bodice is complemented with a stunning floral aplique that ties this feminine look together.
Carolina Herrera Gathered Flower Dropped Waist Midi-Dress, $2,290, Saks Fifth Avenue
In a striking shade of fuchsia, bound to make a statement wherever you go, Aje's take on drop waist dresses will have you feeling the belle of the ball. Its fitted ruched bodice clashes with its draped full skirt, finding the perfect balance of volume and style. Ideal for weddings and cocktail parties, this breathtaking gown guarantees to make you the star of the evening.
Aje Violette Bubble Hem Maxi Dress, $695, Aje
For a cleaner take on Regencycore, Nia's drop waist dress is the perfect ensemble for those spending all summer in the city. In a strapless cut, its corset-inspired bodice features a delicate eyelet lace detail for a subtle touch of romance. Combined with an A-line miniskirt that adds just the right amount of volume, this design guarantees that fit-and-flare silhouette that will be trending all season.
Nia Patchouli Dress, $98, Nia
Because no woman can resist a dress with pockets, Staud's take on drop waist dresses is one you'll want to wear summer after summer. Featuring a cross-front halter neckline combined with a fitted chino bodice, this cotton dress guarantees a chic look no matter the occasion. Contrasted with a poplin full skirt, this design embodies modern sophistication and summertime elegance.
Staud Harrington Dress Navy, $450, Staud
Featuring a playful bubble skirt—proving to be one of the biggest summer trends—paired with a slim bodice, this lightweight minidress can be your perfect companion for the hot months ahead. With an asymmetric neckline and a cable knit texture, this drop waist minidress can adapt to any occassion and keep you looking feminine and stylish all season.
Mango Short Puffed Hem Dress, $160, Mango
