What are the recent trends in dress shapes?

[Jacopo]

I never really got to grips with the oversized dress shapes which just drown me, nor the Amish-style multi-tiered frilly look. Am I right in thinking there's much more of a fitted trend now, some really nice midi fit-and-flare things as well as some shift-style shapes? What would be good buys for spring/summer now?

Where have you already looked, and what have you liked?

Me+Em, ASOS, Principles. I was hoping MN style gurus would have suggestions.

I am too short and curvy for the trapezoid shaped dresses and the Amish style is too stepford wives for me. Too old and fat the skimpy stuff too. Hoping to see some nice suggestions from the fashionistas 😊

I'd hoped for loads of suggestions on here?

I've always hated the tiered dresses. Also hate florals. My natural inclination is towards stuff that's quite work wear-y or single colour, ideally quite a striking colour. But they tend to be set at a much higher price point than I can afford.

I'd love to know what this year's new stuff will be. Please god it's not more of the same.

I really struggle to find any dresses that look right on me, most make me look like a frumpy old woman! Definitely can’t wear the oversized boxy ones - I’m short and petite frame. Can’t wear anything requiring boobs or a cleavage - don’t have one sadly. Can’t wear anything sleeveless as my upper arms are skinny, old and wrinkly.

Im going to look for a fitted shirt dress that flares a little from the waist.

It’s much too broad a question.

It’s one thing to ask for specific recommendations within narrow parameters- but the OP is essentially asking other people to look at every dress on the Internet and then come back and tell her which ones are worth her attention.

She could do that herself …

Do you know your body shape? That will influence what will suit you.

I’ve seen some nice denim dresses around.

That’s not what she’s asking at all. She’s asking are the oversize dresses still in this year? Are the prairie style dresses in this year? If not, what styles are in / going to be in?

Nowhere does she ask for specific links, dresses or suggestions. Just general style guides for what we might be seeing this summer eg shift dresses, shirt dresses.

Did you get out of bed on the wrong side this morning?

This is an excellent thread on dresses - a good number of sources listed for anyone (of any age) who cares to look through them:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/styleandbeauty/5500493-quality-dresses-for-older-women?reply=150964849

You make a fair point! I did spend quite a lot of time looking at many sites yesterday and it does look as if the trends are going away from the tiered look and more into the fit and flare midi.
I haven't yet found my ideal summer dress, which would have:
no print, or maybe a geometric print - no florals
midi length
fitted at the waist but flared/full/gored skirt - not gathered
sleeves - any length
not black
affordable
There are some lovely ones at £300 but that's beyond my budget. Below £100 would be great.

Unfortunately that link is not working at the moment but I will try it again later.

I was also wondering what was on trend after reading a thread yesterday about, what looked to me a lovely Julian McDonald dress, but was, according to one poster, a little dated.

I always find the ‘Who What Wear’ site a good place to start on upcoming trends, colours etc.

https://www.whowhatwear.com/fashion/hm-spring-colour-trends-2026?utm_source=newsletteruk&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=wwwuk_07032026&lrh=cf019b8f107f911db8d0acba2a56ab4200901f2206f7da23f26b3ad0d5c4fd2b&utm_content=Final&utm_term=WWW%20UK%20Master%2030%20Day%20Engaged

Oh, apologies, @Jacopo - no idea why the link is kaput. Just find the thread under Style & Beauty.

(I’m glad you’ve returned - OPs who ask very vague questions that might use up a heap of posters’ energy often never do!)

But gores are expensive!

It’s really not - re read the actual question. She’s not asking what dress shapes are available for sale, and/or what would suit her. She’s asking what dress shapes are in fashion for SS26.

I know it’s popular on here whenever anyone asks what’s in fashion to do a variation of “don’t be a sheep, just wear whatever you like and suits you.” Pretending the question is impossible to answer is just a new twist on that.

Anyway OP, dresses are looking a bit more fitted across the bodice this year, with loose skirts.

Skirts rather than dresses seem to keep getting mentioned, so it might be easier to shop for separates.

I don’t think it’s an unreasonable question at all tbh and I don’t think that other dress thread linked to below is at all useful.

I read that statement skirts are supposed to be big for 2026, which is exciting as I love printed skirts with plain black tops.

For plain cotton dresses that are not fussy, I’d probably start by looking in Cos and Arket for ideas.

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie- I am with you being happy about the statement skirt trend - a plain top or shirt with a patterned skirt does feel easier than dresses.

Thank you

• *@FancyBiscuitsLevel @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie that's a good idea about taking a lateral view and looking at skirts instead!

And I'm glad that it does seem as if we are moving away from the milkmaid era.

Er no she's not, she's asking what may be in for 2026 and I was tagging along hoping to find out too!

I really hope we are moving away from the milkmaid look! I have no idea who those dresses were supposed to look good on - it certainly wasn’t me!

She isn’t asking that at all though.