Style

The Drop-Waist Dress Is Summer’s Most Versatile Trend—Here’s How to Style the Look


Simple, elegant, and modern—here’s how to wear the drop-waist dress like a fashion pro this summer.
drop waist dress trend
Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images

What could be better than wearing a dress on a warm summer’s day and looking good without any effort? A drop-waist dress, which is one of hottest style trends for summer 2025, promises just that. The garment is elegant, light, and perfect for anyone who likes thing to be uncomplicated yet undeniably chic.

One reason drop-waist dresses are so popular? They may be a modern trend, but they still have a classic and timeless feel. The dropped waist creates a unique and unexpected silhouette that makes the piece feel special and intentional, with the added advantage of visually lengthening the body.

With off-the-shoulder versions, deliberately selected details will have the biggest impact. Pair one eye-catching statement piece, suc as studded Mary Janes, with minimalist jewelry or simple hair ties. If you’re going big on accessories—a printed silk scarf, for example—pair it with neutral sandals or flip flops. The result? A look that’s elegant enough for the city yet relaxed enough for the beach.

The Drop Carlota Maxidress
Courtesy of brand

The Drop Carlota Maxidress

Lululemon 2-in-1 Maxidress
Courtesy of brand

Lululemon 2-in-1 Maxidress

2. Drop-waist dresses with straps
CANNES FRANCE  MAY 20 Gili Biegun wears white dress Shona Joy burgundy heels  shoes Roger Vivier brown bag Virag Kerenyi...
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Little strappy dresses—especially white ones—are an absolute classic in any summer wardrobe. For a casual look, fashion pros combine theirs with white sneakers and a cool cap. To dress things up, kitten heels and gold earrings are elegant additions.

Abercrombie & Fitch Mixed-Fabric Bubble-Hem Midi-Dress
Courtesy of brand

Abercrombie & Fitch Mixed-Fabric Bubble-Hem Midi-Dress

J.Crew Drop-Waist Mixy Dress
Courtesy of brand

J.Crew Drop-Waist Mixy Dress

3. T-shirt drop-waist dresses
PARIS FRANCE  MARCH 05 A guest is seen wearing a lime neon yellow dress light blue leather bag white socks and Lacoste...
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

Fashion pros like to play with silhouettes and shapes—they know that even a look that appears simple at first glance becomes exciting as you dig in. A T-shirt or long-sleeve drop-waist dress offers plenty of room for experimentation. Pair yours with ballet flats, heels, or sneakers—you’ll be surprised how quickly the look comes together with any shoe you choose.

Damson Madder Saffy Midi-Dress
Courtesy of brand

Damson Madder Saffy Midi-Dress

Reformation Kiria Dress
Courtesy of brand

Reformation Kiria Dress

4. Color-block drop-waist dresses
NEW YORK NEW YORK  SEPTEMBER 09 Geraldine Boublil wears a black offshoulder top a heartshaped bag a white maxi skirt...
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

If you can’t decide between two colors, why not have both? Whether it’s a colorful contrast or the classic black-and-white combination, this look is anything but boring. A style tip to keep in mind: Because the dress itself is so striking, you’ll find most fashion pros stick to minimal and subtle accessories.

Abercrombie & Fitch Drop-Waist Midi-Dress
Courtesy of brand

Abercrombie & Fitch Drop-Waist Midi-Dress

J.Crew Strapless Color-Block Mixy Dress
Courtesy of brand

J.Crew Strapless Color-Block Mixy Dress

5. Drop-waist minidresses
MILAN ITALY  SEPTEMBER 19 Ellie Thumann wears a black long sleeve turtleneck top black puffy skirt black hair band black...
Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images

Minidresses with a low waist are perfect for hot summer days—airy, uncomplicated, yet stylish. They can also be easily dressed up for the evening with heels and a sparkly bag. If you are open to layering, try combining yours with an oversized blazer to play with the proportions. On cooler days, add tights and boots for a look that can be worn into the fall.

Lioness Dollhouse Minidress
Courtesy of brand

Lioness Dollhouse Minidress

Sndys Maya Bubble Dress
Courtesy of brand

Sndys Maya Bubble Dress

This story was originally published in Glamour Germany.