Trending dress styles to wear during a heatwave – from babydoll to balloon
Stylists reveal the best dress silhouettes to wear in hot spells.
As heatwaves continue to sweep Europe with uncomfortably climbing temperatures, getting dressed has become as much about staying cool as looking stylish.
Fortunately, the fashion trends appear to have got the memo. This summer’s most popular dress styles are centring around relaxed silhouettes, breathable fabrics and flowing shapes.
“It’s certainly practical for a heatwave, but I don’t think that’s the whole story. It’s really a dressier evolution of loungewear, comfort without compromising on style.”
From Sabrina Carpenter-approved babydolls to the milkmaid midi, these are the dress silhouettes dominating both the high street and social media, and how to wear them.
Babydoll dress
Once purely associated with the swinging Sixties, the babydoll dress has found a new generation of fans thanks to stars such as Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo.
“Babydoll dresses have had a huge resurgence this summer, largely thanks to Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo, who’ve made the silhouette cool again for a new generation,” says Hasler.
“They work so well in a heatwave because they’re billowing and floaty, skimming the body.”
Despite its playful name, stylist Clare Chambers aka The Personal Brand Stylist says the silhouette can look surprisingly sophisticated if styled right.
“[Babydoll dresses are] good for hot summer days because they’re short, fitted and flared and yet despite their name.. […] they don’t look ridiculously young and girly. In fact, it’s the opposite; they can be really chic.”
She notes the style works best on those with a small to medium bust, as larger busts can make the waist appear wider.
Hasler recommends pairing the dress with chunky trainers or simple ballet flats if you’re dressing it up, suggesting to steer away from ditsy floral patterns or decorative bows that can feel overly childlike.
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Balloon dress
The balloon or bubble-hem dress is this summer’s newest silhouette that has made itself a firm favourite in the heatwave.
Designer and founder of British occasion-wear brand Scarlett & Jo Gifi Fields says structure beyond the silhouette is what makes the trend wearable.
“Look for a defined shoulder or an open neckline to provide structure [which] balances the curved hem,” says Fields.
“The fabric must also have enough substance to hold the silhouette without becoming stiff or heavy,” recommending cotton as your best port of call.
Chambers says balancing the top half with statement earrings or a chunky necklace can balance the proportions of a large lower hem.
She also says a thin belt can add bring back a bit of shape if desired and slim Mary Janes can make the look more formal than the regular trainer.
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Linen dress
One style that is immune from the trends is the classic linen dress.
“Linen is the perennial summer fabric because it’s completely natural, breathable and incredibly durable, so it works as hard as you do in the heat,” Hasler explains.
“Essentially, you’re wearing a plant, which is why it performs and adapts so well when temperatures rise.”
She suggests pairing the natural-looking fabric of linen with large, standout jewellery pieces and metallic sandals for contrast, while a raffia and tan leather can create a chic yet effortless casual look.
Fields says it’s also worth considering the cut when it comes to linen, recommending to look for “thoughtful shaping, an open neckline and a skirt that is more A-line than anything too clinging.”
Mango Linen Midi-Dress with Belt, £69.99
Nightie-style slip dress
Lingerie-inspired dressing dominated the spring/summer 2026 runways, most notably at Dolce & Gabbana, who centred its collection around pyjamas, hosieries and teddies.
“The key to wearing a nightie-style slip dress without it looking like sleepwear is [to] contrast, both in accessories and footwear,” says Hasler.
“Hoop earrings and trainers give it an interesting edge, and if you’re not too hot you can also layer a plain white T-shirt over or underneath to make it feel like a more daytime outfit.”
Fields also recommends introducing structure to create edge and also make it more public-appropriate.
“A crisp shirt worn open or a cropped jacket will immediately give the dress more definition,” says Fields.
“The dress should retain its fluidity, but the overall outfit needs one or two more structural elements.”
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Milkmaid midi dress
The milkmaid midi has become a warm-weather favourite, worn by celebrities from Margot Robbie to Dakota Fanning, having surged in popularity when cottagecore boomed in the early 2020s.
“Milkmaid dresses have endured because they’re such a genuinely feminine, flattering shape that suits every body type,” Hasler explains.
“They’re comfortable to wear and skim the tummy beautifully, which is why women keep coming back to them.”
But if you want to move away from the classic cottagecore connotations, she recommends styling the dress with looser, messier hair (as opposed to pristine curls or braids), hoop earrings and slim trainers.
Fields says going for “a darker colour or bolder print” instead of white or pastels, with “fewer ruffles” can also steer away from the prairie aesthetic.
“This is the ideal dress to pair with chunky sandals and a structured bag rather than a pretty pair of sandals and a straw bag,” explains Chambers.
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