Summer sundress time is around the corner, and with that comes our favourite task: Overhauling our closets, dusting off the sunglasses and planning a sunny shopping spree with our most trusted friends who will tell us if a dress is a must or a must-not. To properly prepare for said credit card escapade, the Tharwa Edition team have compiled a list of stunning options that are a guaranteed go-to.

This summer is about having fun with fashion and not sticking to the same monochrome bodycon dress routine. If it doesn’t have an interesting cut, then it needs a compelling pattern; if it doesn’t come with a fabulous pattern, it needs a unique texture, such as lace, fringes or flower petals; if it doesn’t come with that, then it needs a gorgeous colour and cut.

15 Best Summer Dresses To Invest In Now

From Zimmermann to Coperni, there is a fabulous summer dress in every designer’s collection. With that said, here are our favourite pieces to invest in for the summer…

Errand Edition

Summer evokes fantasies of faraway vacations and tanning at the beach all day long, but it doesn’t mean that there is no work to do or errands to run. But here is the key to how to make them more fun: Put on your most fabulous summer dress and sunglasses, grab your best friend, and an iced latte and reward yourselves with a lemon sorbet after all the errands are run and all the work is done. Flowing A-line dresses are an especially great choice for walking around all day without worrying about potential creases or fit faux-pas after the first 10k.

^{From left to right: Determined Vaquera Printed Cutout Stretch-Jersey Midi Dress, Dhs6,780, Johanna Oritz. Cleo Pintucked Cotton-Blend Poplin Mini Dress, Dhs1,420, Simkhai. Mutti Broderie Anglaise Cotton-Blend Maxi Dress, Dhs2,340, Charo Ruiz. Gathered Linen-Blend Maxi Dress, Dhs1,110, Farm Rio. Scalloped Guipure Lace Maxi Dress, Dhs1,395, Farm Rio.}

Gourmet Garments

Let it be brunch with your girlfriends or drinks and dessert, an excellent ensemble is always a must and with these, you can do nothing wrong. Whether you want to dress in gelato colours or like a blue summer sky. Keep it short and sweet if you are just meeting for a quick catch-up and dancing or longer and elegant for date night and a romantic walk under the stars. There is a right option for every occasion and especially the following dresses deserve at least 5 Michelin stars.

^{Alight Lace-Trimmed Ramie Bustier Mini Dress, Dhs4,235, Zimmermann. Matchmaker Strapless Appliquéd Linen Mini Dress, Dhs7,315, Zimmermann. Floral-Appliquéd Stretch-Satin Gown, Dhs2,485, Coperni. Cape-Effect Tie-Detailed Ruffled Charmeuse Dress, Dhs15,785, Lanvin. Misty Scarf-Detailed Ruched Tie-Dye Jersey Midi Dress, Dhs1,335, Siedrés.}

Summer, Sand and Sandals

Prints and patterns are best accessorised with a fruity drink in one hand, sunscreen in the other and sand between your toes – or under Aquazzura’s summer sandal collection. Here are the ultimate summer dresses ideal for a day at the beach club and to cheer on your favourite water polo team. A fringe ensemble and you are ready for an impromptu beach party. If you go for a more classic cut with just one colour but in multiple different shades, you are dressed to impress at a spontaneous yacht outing in the evening.

^{Dazzling Striped Crocheted Cotton Maxi Dress, Dhs2,190, La DoubleJ. Fruits Queen One-Shoulder Cutout Fringed Printed Crepe De Chine Dress, Dhs1,195, Farm Rio. Mare Striped Metallic Crochet-Knit Maxi Dress, Dhs4,090, Missoni. Acanella Embroidered Tulle Halterneck Maxi Dress, Dhs5,905, Agua by Agua Bendita. Meagan Boyd Evergreen Printed Linen Midi Dress, Dhs2,445, Alémais.}

Image: @zimmermann