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

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

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.

Marc Piasecki

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Another benefit: A drop-waist dress is an easy choice for a warm day because it’s light, airy, and comfortable to wear. It can also be styled in a number of ways, whether your places include a casual stroll through town or a fancy dinner out.

Glamour’s drop-waist dresses wish listThe Amazon Find: Prettygarden Strapless Maxidress, $50The White Number: The Drop Carlota Maxidress, $80The Strapless Mini: Abercrombie & Fitch Bubble-Hem Minidress, $64The Long-Sleeve Gem: Free-est Aelia Drop-Waist Midi-Dress, $90The Chocolate Dress: Lioness Dollhouse Minidress, $89How to style a drop-waist dressWith minimalist pieces like the drop-waist dress, it’s the styling that makes the difference. Keep it simple with subtle accessories, or go for the full maximalist—the look can be interpreted in a variety of different ways. Below, we break down some outfit ideas for all the different types of drop-waist dresses.

1. Bandeau drop-waist dresses

Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

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

Livtany Strapless Drop-Waist Dress

2. Drop-waist dresses with straps

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.

Damson Madder Faith Dress

J.Crew Drop-Waist Mixy Dress

3. T-shirt drop-waist dresses

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.

Free-est Aelia Drop-Waist Midi-Dress

Evzeiem Drop-Waist T-Shirt Dress

4. Color-block drop-waist dresses

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 Drop-Waist Midi-Dress

Prettygarden Strapless Maxidress

5. Drop-waist minidresses

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

Abercrombie & Fitch Bubble-Hem Minidress

This story was originally published in Glamour Germany.