The foundation of any floaty summer dress is the fabric. Breathability and fluid movement are key when choosing materials that not only look beautiful but also feel cool against the skin.

Chiffon is a perennial favourite for summer. Lightweight, sheer and soft, it’s known for its delicate drape and elegant fall. It creates a lightness that appears almost ethereal when in motion. Chiffon layers gently glide around the body, giving dresses a romantic, feminine flair perfect for garden parties, weddings or coastal getaways.

Georgette, while similar in look to chiffon, offers a slightly more substantial feel without compromising its floaty appeal. It has a lovely crepe-like texture and a semi-sheer finish, providing a balance of modesty and movement. Georgette holds a bit more shape than chiffon, making it ideal for dresses with ruffles or pleats, as it maintains structure while remaining fluid.

Cheesecloth, often overlooked, is a dream for casual summer dressing. With its crinkled texture and natural fibres, cheesecloth offers great breathability and a laid-back aesthetic that fits perfectly with relaxed, boho-inspired styles. It’s especially loved for daywear - light enough to layer and soft enough to wear all day.

These fabrics are your allies during warm-weather months - never clinging, always flowing, and invariably flattering.

The structure of a dress can make all the difference in how cool and comfortable it feels. Certain design details add volume and flow without adding bulk, creating silhouettes that skim the body and move beautifully.

Ruffle tiers introduce both texture and movement. They allow the fabric to cascade in layers, enhancing the floaty effect without overwhelming your frame. Tiered dresses often elongate the body visually while hiding areas we might not want to draw attention to - ideal for a confident summer look.

Angel sleeves are another gorgeous option for airy dressing. These wide, flowing sleeves drape softly from the shoulder, allowing air to circulate freely around the arms and adding an element of drama without heaviness. Angel sleeves are especially flattering for balancing proportions, softening the shoulders, and giving a touch of vintage-inspired charm.

Wrap necklines combine comfort and femininity with a hint of structure. Whether fully adjustable or faux-wrap in design, these necklines allow the fabric to drape beautifully over the bust and often create a V-shape that flatters most figures. Wrap styles can also double as a styling tool, subtly highlighting the waist or creating the illusion of curves.

Together, these design elements create dresses that are as functional as they are flattering - maximising flow and femininity in one easy-to-wear package.

Floaty doesn’t have to mean shapeless. In fact, the art of summer dressing lies in achieving a delicate balance between relaxed ease and flattering definition. Many of our favourite floaty dresses include thoughtful touches to cinch, shape and enhance your natural silhouette.

Tie belts are a versatile addition to many of our styles. They allow for customisation - wear them high on the empire line to elongate the legs, cinch them at the natural waist to emphasise curves, or leave them loose for a more boho, undone feel. The beauty of a tie belt lies in its adaptability and its ability to turn a simple floaty dress into a figure-flattering showstopper.

Elasticated seams are another clever design choice that introduces gentle structure without compromising on comfort. Whether hidden at the back, across the waist or beneath the bust, elastic gives a dress its shape while allowing it to move and stretch with the body. It’s a fuss-free way to achieve a polished look without feeling restricted.

These subtle structural elements ensure your summer dresses remain wearable all day long - offering freedom, movement, and just the right amount of shape.