Frocks away! The dresses to see you through summer

From tomato red to gothic florals, we've got you covered with the hottest trends — whether you're in the office or on the beach

- BY JOE BROMLEY

Time to dig out the summer dresses — and if you find you are in need of an update for the 2025 season, there are plenty of easygoing styles to tap into. Many of them will take you from the beach to the office and even to Royal Ascot, if you choose carefully. Here are six fashion editor approved trends to note.

To polka dot... or not

M&S called it earlier this year, when it sent out its spring/summer collection without heavy prints. "It's just stripes this season," one representative told me. "Oh — and polka dots. Polka dots will be big this summer." A statement that has been confirmed before June has even struck, no less. For some, a dotted dress can only be a chilling reminder of "the Zara dress", a frock that defined the summer six years ago, but for many (and they are an armada led by the Princess of Wales) a cream-to-ivory silk or satin dress with navy or black polka dots will make for the perfect occasion wear frock in the coming months. Kate's favourites are from Alessandra Rich (£1,685, alessandrarich.com) but Me+Em (£595, meandem.com), the more wallet-friendly Nobody's Child (£99, nobodyschild.com) and wedding-appropriate Rixo (£275, rixolondon. com) all do similar versions. Now the Telegraph has blasted their popularity on its front page, however, I'd heed caution before wearing one to Ascot — unless you have no intention of standing out from the crowd.

Easy breezy tank dress