Fashion-Girl Instagram Has Spoken—These 8 Summer Dress Trends Are Already *It*

Ready for some new summer dress trends in 2021? If you said yes, then we're on the same page, so we need to talk about all of the cool pieces to know about for the season ahead. Fashion girls are already wearing some of the trends that are poised to take over this summer, and I, for one, can't get enough of them. We're seeing a wide range of designs, so no matter what your style is, I'm confident that you'll find your perfect summer dress.

I'm particularly loving open-back dresses, sleek tube silhouettes, and the fun ocean prints that Versace popularized in its S/S 21 collection. But there are plenty more that are about to be huge once we hit peak summer. It's not too early to plan out your summer wardrobe, and if you want to get a jump-start on the best summer dress trends for 2021, now's the time.

1. Open-Back Dresses

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

"Naked" pieces are officially taking over, and the open-back dress is one of my favorite takes on skin-baring fashion items. Subtle yet impactful, these showstopping dresses are just stunning.

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2. "Floss" Dresses

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(Image credit: @handinfire)

Brands like Nensi Dojaka are really putting strappy "floss" dresses on the map. Look for pieces with asymmetrical and convertible straps that are so thin you can hardly see them.

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3. Ocean Prints

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(Image credit: @samimiro)

Versace is a major favorite among fashion insiders right now, and it's easy to see why when you look to the brand's S/S 21 collection, which had stunning pieces like the starfish- and shell-print dresses that have already reached cult status. Expect to see many more ocean prints emerge this summer.

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4. Dresses With Arm Warmers

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

While it may sound counterintuitive to wear dresses with arm warmers during the hottest months of the year, I happen to think these pieces are perfect for summer nights when you would normally throw on a light jacket or sweater.

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5. Saturated Shades

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Bold color is making a big comeback this summer. If you've been living in neutrals, there's no need to retire the pieces in your closet. However, you might want to consider injecting your wardrobe with some fun color. I particularly love the different shades of saturated orange that are everywhere on the market.

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6. Strapless Tube Dresses

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Calling all minimalist fashion girls. If you love streamlined, '90s-inspired pieces, you'll definitely want to get in on the resurgence of strapless tube dresses that's happening right now.

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7. Retro Florals

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(Image credit: Courtesy of With Jéan)

We've already talked about the retro-floral trend a lot, but that's because it's one of the biggest standout trends of the season. If you want to add some fun pieces to your closet, don't sleep on this one.

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8. Micro Minidresses

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Another skin-baring trend I can't get enough of? Micro minidresses that have the shortest possible hemlines. Bonus points if it has an unexpected print.

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Next, shop 25 cool fashion finds I'm obsessing over right now.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.