There's no end to how much I can talk about dresses and it's always a joy bringing you a selection of the frocks I adore. Today's offering? The best summer dresses with sleeves. Summer is synonymous with shrunken lengths and sleeveless dresses, however, given the current forecast in the UK (and indeed in Paris), the possibility of going sleeveless may not be for a couple of weeks. We may not be spending as much time outside as we'd like to, but that isn't to say we can't be hopeful about summer days and in this instance, optimism looks like a few sleeved inches.
In recent years, Scandinavian influences have reigned supreme and there's been a surge of billowy-sleeved, often shapeless dresses, in addition to styles with a bohemian feel. This time of year is also when the timeless cottagecore and peasant-style dresses begin to reappear. You can't mention sleeved dresses without paying homage to puff-sleeved styles and wrap dresses (which there are plenty of this season). Continue reading for my edit of sleeved summer dresses. From the likes of Matteau and Sleeper to vintage-inspired independent brand Franks London, as well as a few high-street favourites, there's a dress to suit all budgets and styles.
Shop the Best Sleeved Summer Dresses for 2024:
M&S Collection
Pure Cotton Square Neck Midaxi Dress
This dress is just one of Mark and Spencer's beautiful summer styles.
MATTEAU
Gathered Stretch-Linen and Lyocell-Blend Maxi Dress
Gingham is a timeless summer print and Bernadette's jaunty iteration adds a contemporary touch.
Massimo Dutti
Dress with Sash Belt Detail
The transparent detail, gathered waist and asymmetric hem are just a few of the notable style elements.
Sleeper
Arle Ruffled Linen Maxi Dress in Black
I adore the contrasting colour on the sleeves.
FRANKS LONDON
The Delilah Dress Midi Navy
Frank's latest drop includes this timeless bold polka dot print in a sweeping silhouette.
SAVANNAH MORROW
Sky Belted Plissé Bamboo and Silk-Blend Maxi Wrap Dress
Savannah Morrow often create long sleeved dresses with natural fabrications.
Nobodys Child
Red Floral Zelda Midi Dress
Such a pretty bold print.
If Only If
Dillie Primrose
This is high on my summer wish list right now.
RIXO
Meg
Look no further than Rixo if you're searching for some jolly motifs for the summer.
COS
Oversized Short-Sleeved Linen Midi Dress
This linen style is perfect for a heatwave.
Hill House Home
The Ophelia Dress
New season Hill House is well worth the investment!
SLEEPER
+ Net Sustain Atlanta Off-The-Shoulder Shirred Linen Midi Dress
Sleeper's Atlanta dress is arguably one of the most versatile high-end summer dresses. It's a firm fashion editor favourite and I can attest to the impeccable quality.
Reformation
Marielle Dress
The cutest mini.
Solid
Striped
X Sofia Richie Grainge Soglio Dress
A form-fitting and effortless dress to see you through transitional weather.
Significant Other
Demi Long-Sleeve Gold Satin Dress
This slinky style is a wonderful option for a wedding guest outfit.
Arket
Smock Maxi Dress
Pair this forest hue with bold gold jewels.
CHRISTOPHER ESBER
Ruffled Silk-Georgette Maxi Dress
Christopher Esber's latest designs lean towards romantic styles and are perfectly frothy. Least forgetting the delicious clementine hue.
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities.
She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist.