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Best midi dresses for every style, occasion and budget
A gorgeous, flattering, easy-care midi dress can become the most useful item in your wardrobe. Choose well, and it will provide comfort and effortless style. To help you decide, here are the midi dresses we think you’ll love wearing time after time.
By Gemma Lumley | Last updated Apr 17, 2024
Midi dresses are becoming increasingly popular with discerning women who want versatile and hard-working outfits. Feeling comfortable and confident in a pretty dress will take you happily through a busy day and, while cute mini dresses and flowing maxis still have an important place in our wardrobes, the sales of midi dresses are flourishing.
Lightweight fabrics, eye-catching patterns, flattering shapes and the ability to miraculously work with all styles of footwear and accessories are just some of the reasons that midi dresses are such a joy to wear.
The wide range of styles available is impressive too. The possibilities are infinite, from delicate florals and smart shirt dresses to bohemian beach looks and show-stopping glamour.
Here are the best midi dresses to buy in 2022.
1. Best overall midi dress: M&S Round Neck Midi Tiered Dress
Price: £25.00 | Buy now from M&S
“I'm always shocked to hear myself say it, but increasing numbers of my summer dresses are coming from M&S.” (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user LittleGwyneth)
M&S is an iconic high street brand consistently producing excellent fashion basics, and this chic black midi dress is a fantastic example. It is a simple, flattering shape with a round neck and mid-length sleeve that will work beautifully with many footwear styles and accessories.
The pull-on design and soft stretch fabric make this versatile dress easy to wear. It’s machine washable, quick drying and, as it’s made of colour-holding viscose, the rich black won’t fade to grey.
2. Best budget midi dress: Styleword Short Sleeve Wrap Midi Dress
Price: From £22.99 | Buy now from Amazon
This beautiful Styleword Wrap Midi Dress is a bargain. Made from high-quality stretch cotton, it feels silky and is lightweight, so it’s comfortable to wear all day. The wrap style V-neck, short sleeves, nipped-in waist, and flared skirt are flattering on most body shapes.
Our favourite aspect of this lovely dress is the practical pockets. They blend in with the line of the dress but will hold a phone and slim purse. This dress is a pretty floral pattern, with many other striking designs to choose from.
3. Best midi dress for work: Boden Ruched Waist Jersey Midi Dress
Price: £98.00 | Buy now from Boden
“The answer is Boden - they have LOADS of them, frill-free.” (Brand suggested by Mumsnet user HavelockVetinari)
This sophisticated midi dress from Boden has an elegant fit and flare shape that moves beautifully. It is made from sustainably sourced ECOVERO viscose which feels soft and cool against your skin. There is plenty of stretch in the fabric, so you’ll never feel restricted, and it’s machine washable too.
The wrap style V-neck, delicately ruched waist and elbow-length sleeves are super flattering, and it has pockets, which we adore. This dress is so versatile – navy suits most people – and it could be paired with bright heels and accessories for a wedding or white pumps and a denim jacket for a trip to the zoo with the kids.
4. Best trendy midi dress: Nobody’s Child Dahlia Cut Out Midi Dress
Price: £53.00 | Buy now from Nobody’s Child
“I love the Nobody’s Child ones - so much choice!” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Workawayxx)
Nobody’s Child is a fashion brand with a vast range of midi dresses. The Dahlia is a stunning midi dress with an edge. It has a sweetheart neckline, long sleeves and a tiered hem, all trimmed with delicate broderie anglaise embroidery. We love the trendy cut-out design, which reveals a cheeky glimpse of skin.
Crafted from crisp white sustainable BCI cotton, it is lined where it needs to but still feels lightweight. The fitted bodice is flattering and adds to the impactful swish of the more voluminous skirt.
It's also currently on sale at £53, down from £95, so don't miss out.
5. Best summer midi dress: Freshhoodies Strappy Midi Dress
Price: From £18.99 | Buy now from Amazon
The Freshhoodies Strappy Midi Dress is a fabulous lightweight dress at a great price. It has spaghetti straps that can be adjusted to create the perfect length. The softly structured and supportive A-line skirt gives the dress a 1950s vibe and a flattering fit.
This dress comes in many prints, including bright florals, pastel mandalas and a fun dinosaur pattern. It has two concealed side pockets, a deep V-neck and is made from a stretchy yet supportive fabric that feels soft and cool against the skin.
6. Best spring midi dress: hush Bay Animal Print Knot Waist Midi Dress
Price: £59.00 | Buy now from John Lewis & Partners
“I love the John Lewis Hush dress.” (Brand vetted by Mumsnet user AmbushedByCake)
The hush Bay Midi Dress is a functional yet stylish dress that can be worn alone with sandals in summer, or with boots and a cardigan in winter. The high-quality organic cotton drapes elegantly, feels cool and can be machine washed. It also has handy side pockets.
This dress is A-line and is designed to be worn loose or slightly fitted at the waist using the drawstring. However, if you go down a size, it also looks brilliant with a more fitted silhouette. We love the print – it’s funky yet easy to wear, and the soft khaki colour looks great with most skin tones.
7. Best autumn midi dress: Joules Scarlett Jersey Wrap Dress
Price: £74.95 | Buy now from Amazon
“Joules have some lovely bits in at the moment.” (Brand suggested by Mumsnet user Sunnyshoeshine)
The Joules Scarlett Wrap Dress is made of soft, stretchy jersey fabric that will flatter the curves of most body shapes. The mock wrap front is particularly well suited for bigger busts. It also has long sleeves and would look great with navy or black tights and boots, so it’s an ideal choice for cooler days.
We fell in love with the quirky leopard print pattern and navy and pink colour combination. It’s a fun yet elegant take on traditional animal print. The Scarlett dress is excellent quality too; it is fully lined and can be machine washed at 30 degrees.
8. Best winter midi dress: Monsoon Denim Collared Midi Dress
Price: £65.00 | Buy now from Very
This Monsoon Denim Midi Dress is the perfect choice for a winter dress. It’s a shirt style with a cowgirl vibe which looks fab on its own, but wearing it slightly unbuttoned with a lace cami underneath will give you a softer, prettier look.
The soft 100% cotton denim fabric falls gently rather than being too structured, so it’s comfortable to wear all day. It also has a belt to pull you in at the waist and buttoned cuffs, creating attractive volume in the sleeves.
9. Best casual midi dress: Daily Ritual Women's Jersey Sleeveless Empire-Waist Midi Dress
Price: From £22.53 | Buy now from Amazon
“Viscose is a lovely summer fabric. It feels like cotton, is largely made of wood pulp so is semi-natural even though it’s technically manmade, and is completely different to polyester.” (A fabric tried and tested by Mumsnet user Whosaidit)
The Daily Ritual Sleeveless Midi Dress has a relaxed shape, making it comfortable and easy to wear. The empire line waist is an excellent feature for women with a more athletic figure, and the scoop neckline will flatter everyone.
The soft and silky viscose fabric is cool and lightweight, so it’s perfect for summer. The sleeveless design could easily be layered with a long sleeve top and boots for cooler weather too. This versatile dress is also machine washable, comes in many colours, and is available at a great price.
10. Best cotton summer midi dress: Superdry Vintage Jersey Midi Dress
Price: £34.99 | Buy now from Superdry
“I’ve found some lovely dresses at Superdry recently.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Mrs Zzz)
Superdry isn’t an obvious choice for dress shopping. However, they have an impressively wide selection of relaxed looks, and this bohemian style midi dress is our favourite. The bright blue colour reminds us of a tropical sea, and the loose cut is a fashionable and easy-to-wear shape.
Made from a washable machine mix of stretch jersey fabric and lined, this dress is cool and light to wear, perfect for summer days on the beach. The detailing is lovely too; it has twisted rope straps, a wide tiered skirt with lots of swing and a lace trim neckline and hem.
11. Best midi shirt dress: New Look Red Ditsy Floral Tie Waist Midi Dress
Price: £29.99 | Buy now from New Look
“I've got loads from New Look. They are great for dresses!” (Brand worn and loved by Mumsnet user gunnersgold)
This Ditsy Floral Midi Dress from New Look will be a wardrobe staple all year round. The bright scarlet background and pattern of tiny flowers is eye-catching and would work with flip-flops, high heels and black boots.
The collared neckline can be elegant and worn high or unbuttoned as a more casual V-neck, and we love the tie, which will accentuate your waist and the flattering fit and flare skirt. The fabric is LivaEco viscose, a sustainably sourced lightweight fabric made from FSC wood pulp, which feels cool, soft and will wash and wear well for years.
12. Best floral midi dress: Faithfull The Brand Raphaela Floral Print Crepe Midi Dress
Price: £190.00 | Buy now from Selfridges
The Raphaela Midi Dress from Faithfull The Brand is a kaleidoscope of summer colours; you’ll look like you’re wearing a stunning meadow of flowers. This is an expensive dress, but it’s beautifully made with excellent quality, lightweight crepe fabric that falls beautifully and flatters all figures.
The short sleeves, tie waist, deep V-neck, concealed zip fastening and asymmetric hemline make this a dress that can be paired with white trainers for a casual lunch or bright heels for dinners and dancing.
13. Best black midi dress: The Drop Relaxed Linen Midi Shirt Dress
Price: £49.90 | Buy now from Amazon
This black linen dress by The Drop will soon become one of the most valuable items in your wardrobe. In summer, you’ll be relaxed and comfortable wearing smart sandals or classic white trainers, while in winter, a black top layered underneath and flat knee-high boots will keep you warm.
The relaxed fit is ideal for all body shapes and, if you’re after a more fitted look, it could be belted at the waist. You can also choose to wear the collared neckline buttoned to the neck for a sophisticated look at work or as a V-neck for a more chilled silhouette.
14. Best designer midi dress: Ralph Lauren Torishan Midi Dress
Price: £269.00 | Buy now from House of Fraser
The Ralph Lauren Torishan Midi Dress is the epitome of elegance. The classic light tan colourway is versatile, and the wrap neckline and cuffed sleeves add to the sophisticated look. The belt buckle at the waist gives this lovely dress a hint of safari style and allows you to adjust it to fit your figure perfectly.
The luxury fabric moves beautifully, especially on the straight-cut skirt, while also being supportive on the bodice. This is a designer dress, and it looks it, from the way the skirt falls into flowing pleats to the pristine wing point collar.
15. Best everyday midi dress: Roman Originals Ditsy Floral Midi Dress
Price: From £25.50 | Buy now from Amazon
The Roman Originals Ditsy Floral Midi Dress has a pretty all-over floral print that looks particularly lovely on petite ladies. This is a feminine dress with short fluted sleeves, a split hem that adds movement when you walk and a flattering sweetheart neckline.
This fantastic dress is made from stretch viscose, a machine washable, lightweight fabric that feels soft against the skin and keeps you cool on warm days. You could also wear it with a coordinating cardigan and high-heeled ankle boots in the autumn and winter.
16. Best navy midi dress: M&S Knitted V Neck Cotton Midi Dress
Price: £12.00 | Buy now from M&S
This M&S Knitted Cotton Midi Dress is made from a medium-weight knitted cotton blend fabric that has been sustainably sourced and can be machine-washed. It hangs beautifully and looks elegant but is also supremely comfortable to wear.
The simple navy button-through, short-sleeved style has a relaxed fit that will skim your curves and look super flattering. We would style it with brown loafers or white pumps, and in winter it would look fab with a white and navy Breton top underneath.
It's also now just £12, down from £39.50, s0 don't miss out on the chance to snap up this bargain.
17. Best bodycon midi dress: Vero Moda Black Bodycon Midi Dress
Price: From £10.39 | Buy now from Amazon
The Vero Moda Bodycon Midi Dress has a body-skimming shape that looks just as good with sporty trainers as it does high heels. The ribbed organic cotton fabric has lots of stretch and feels light and comfortable to wear, even on the hottest of dates.
We loved the cut of this dress, from the high round neck to the shape around the arms; it is sexy without being ‘over the top'. This slinky dress comes in many colours, and because it’s affordable, you could treat yourself to more than just one.
18. Best flattering midi dress: Somerset by Alice Temperley Textured Midi Dress
Price: £110.00 | Buy now from John Lewis & Partners
Midnight blue and lit by shimmering stars, this Somerset by Alice Temperley midi dress is simply stunning. The dark blue satin slip feels silky, and the sheer overlay has long sleeves, a gently elasticated waist and a V-neck; the entire ensemble is super flattering.
We adored the details of this beautiful dress. The cuffs are shirred, which gives the sleeves volume and adds a touch of Edwardian elegance, and the tiered skirt adds movement and drama.
19. Best midi beach dress: Roman Originals Off The Shoulder Midi Dress
Price: From £25.50 | Buy now from Amazon
This gorgeous dress by Roman Originals is the epitome of summer dressing. It has a glamorous off-the-shoulder neckline, which you can also wear slightly higher, and a shirred waist to enhance your curves. The skirt is a flattering A-line with knee-high splits, which creates movement and helps keep you cool.
Made from a soft and silky machine washable fabric in a relaxed fit, this dress is so easy to wear, even on the hottest days. The cherry red base colour and white floral is a glorious combination of bold and delicate. Sandals, trainers or high heels will all look great with this dress so you can wear it every day of your holidays.
What is a midi dress?
A midi dress will have a hemline that falls below the knee and above the ankle. This length was once considered difficult and was generally avoided for fear of looking frumpy. However, in recent years, the midi dress has become increasingly popular. This is because they are practical, stylish and versatile.
Is a midi dress flattering?
A midi dress is a flattering option for people of all shapes and sizes. There’s no more self-consciously pulling a mini dress down, worrying about knobbly knees or tripping over a maxi dress.
However, choosing the correct length for your height is essential; petite ladies might find they’ve bought another maxi dress, while tall ladies could find the hem sitting too high. Some shops offer fits tailored to height but, if not, reading reviews is usually a good way to get an idea of whether the dress will work for you.
What to look for in a midi dress
Fashion is subjective; we would all pick a different favorite in a room full of stunning dresses. However, your body shape and where you’ll be wearing your dress are the most important factors when choosing your new wardrobe staple. Read on for hints and tips on how to find the ideal dress for you.
Waistline: If you like showing off your nipped-in waist, choose a dress with a horizontal line, belt, seam or dart at your slimmest part. If you’re not keen on this area, an empire line (below the bust) might be more flattering.
Neckline: If you have a large bust, avoid high necks as they will make you look matronly – V and round necks will be more flattering. A shirt dress with a more structured shoulder and neckline is a great way to balance out wider hips and thighs, and you could also wear it slightly unbuttoned with a camisole on cooler days.
Easy care: A dress that is machine washable and quick to dry is the ultimate in practicality. Cotton and a viscose mix are both excellent, lightweight options.
Hemline: Where does the hemline of the dress fall? Is it an unflattering part of your leg, such as the widest part of your calves?
Colour: A midi dress in a plain, neutral colour such as navy, dark grey, camel or black will be more versatile than a bright shade or pattern. It will coordinate with accessories in many other colours, which means the price per wear will be lower, and outfit planning will be quicker and easier.
What shoes do you wear with a midi dress?
Wearing your midi dress with a pair of classic white pumps or trainers will look fab when dressing for everything from the school run and lunch with friends to a relaxed date night and picnic in the park.
Ankle boots of all styles will also look brilliant. For example, brown boots with a stacked heel or platform sole will toughen up a floral dress, and a black stiletto heel will give a jersey wrap dress an elegant look.
For parties, weddings or a day at the races, we love the idea of choosing heels in a bright colour to match the pattern in a dress or lift a neutral such as navy or black.
How do you layer a midi dress?
Layering effectively is a valuable skill that can help your gorgeous new dress work for different occasions and throughout the year.
In cold weather, a chunky jumper and stompy boots will transform a delicate summer dress and a coordinating fitted cardigan or slim-fitting long-sleeved, colour-matched top will add warmth.
For a polished look, a midi-length dress looks great with a Crombie style coat of the exact hem length or longer. Alternatively, a short jacket such as a leather biker jacket or boxy denim will give your outfit a more relaxed vibe.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
A stylish, easy-to-wear midi dress is a must for many of the busy members of the Mumsnet community. So, we weighed up the designs they have tried, tested and wholeheartedly recommended. Their experiences, including sizing advice and suggestions for accessories, have informed our choices of the fabulous dresses you should invest in.
Expert opinions
The best dresses should be easy to throw on and high quality, so we wanted to be confident that the designs we picked would perform well. To do this, we’ve investigated the opinions of fashion journalists, dress enthusiasts and stylists we trust the most to make sure our choices are on-trend.
Authentic customer reviews
We then evaluated the bestseller lists and investigated authentic reviews from various retailer sites to see which styles were best rated.
Why you should trust us
Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in that time, we've seen, tried and reviewed thousands of products.
As a busy working mum, our writer Gemma values a dress that provides both comfort and style. So, she was determined to provide honest and independent advice on the midi dresses that will keep you looking fashionable and comfortable all day long.