It’s peak summer and the idea of wearing anything more substantial than a light layer of breathable fabric makes me feel like how Ross would have in those leather pants in Friends. Which is why as soon as we hit May, I started searching for the perfect summer dress. From light, beach-ready options to more put-together ones that work for the office or frocks that take you from desk to dinner with ease, there’s plenty of choices. Whether you prefer something busy and covered in print or are just looking for a simple white maxi, read on for our favourite one-and-done summer dresses for women from homegrown brands.
Chataai day dress, The Jodi Life, ₹15,990
We’re longtime fans of this Pune-based brand’s joyful, colourful prints, and this sweet checked number with floral appliqué and lace edges is no different.
Maya dress, Paher, ₹9,250
Woven by skilled artisans in Phulia, West Bengal, this oversized sheer jamdani tunic works just as well as a layer over your swimsuit or as a dress on its own with strappy slippers and stacks of colourful jewellery.
Teek short dress, Eka, ₹21,500
This tiered number is giving the same energy as Olivia Rodrigo’s sweet, ruffled baby-doll dresses but rendered in Indian handloom fabric.
Silica dress, Urvashi Kaur, ₹20,000
The Delhi-based designer has built a reputation for her mastery of textiles, and this deceptively simple cotton and silk maxi is cloud-like to touch. Just what you need when temperatures cross 35° Celsius.
Pearl dress, Studio Rigu, ₹13,250
Prim and proper polka dots drop their vintage connotations for a more contemporary avatar in this strappy slip dress by Studio Rigu.
Cut-out dress, NorBlack NorWhite, ₹16,500
It’s been 16 years since this cult-favourite brand was founded, and they continue to surprise us with their playful approach to craft and textiles. In comfy cotton-flax with adjustable cut-out details, this block-printed bubble-sleeved dress was stamped with eight different colours to achieve its unique striped pattern.
Avelis dress, Ani, ₹14,500
Influencers already love the brand’s denim dresses, but for summer you might want to consider their more lightweight, maximally printed dresses that promise to hug the body without suffocating it.
Belize dress, Summer Away, ₹7,290
For a truly #hotgirlsummer, consider Summer Away’s slip-like fits that are perfect for both holidays by the beach and drinks at home.
Serpent Bloom godet mini dress, Drawn, ₹8,450
Drawn collaborates with a different artist for the prints on each collection, and this sweet mini is illustrated with the works of painter Archanaa Manavalan. Titled ‘Serpent Bloom’, the delicate floral print features skinny snakes, roots, and tropical flowers on the body and the adjustable straps.
Primal dress, Khara Kapas, ₹11,200
Rooted in the philosophy of ‘less but better’, Shilpi Yadav’s brand makes the minimalist clothing of your dreams. Cue this airy cotton dress with romantic puff sleeves.
Cherry long dress, Yam, ₹11,000
This homegrown, print-forward brand is not for wallflowers. Fans of bold, maximalist blooms will love their painterly dresses that will brighten up even the bluest of Mondays.
Valentino striped midi dress, The Summer House, ₹8,200
The Bengaluru-based fashion house is all about elevating your summer wardrobe, whether it’s swimwear or their array of elegant frocks, including this caramel and cream striped midi.
Palm tie mini dress, Verandah, ₹18,900
Designer Anjali Patel Mehta’s breezy resortwear kaftans might have gotten an appearance on White Lotus, but we couldn’t not mention her dresses too, including this bell-sleeved mini dress that’s the perfect one-and-done look.
Tiered Tales wrap dress, Buna, ₹21,600
We don’t love tradwives, but we do appreciate their aesthetic—tiny ruffles, micro prints, sweet puff sleeves… This cotton frock by Buna would look great while you make cocktails from scratch.
