Alexa Chung and Hannah Dodd Showcase Trending Elegant Dresses

Breezy, chic, and effortless—there’s a lot to love about wearing dresses in summer. Whether short, fitted, long, or flowy, each style has its place in our wardrobes. Offering a swift solution to getting dressed and out the door while ensuring you look perfectly put together, an excellent dress is many a fashion editor’s summer must-have.

Always on the lookout for a dress of such caliber, I couldn’t help but notice that both Alexa Chung and Hannah Dodd wore a simple yet elegant dress trend within days of each other, which, naturally, I took as a sign to document it.

Wearing a delicate silk crepe dress from Ralph Lauren, Alexa Chung’s take on the trend saw her choose an ivory style featuring ruffled short sleeves and a charming floral motif that added a summery touch to the elegant gown.

Just a few days later, Bridgerton actor Hannah Dodd stepped out in a sorbet yellow dress at the Wimbledon tennis tournament. Dodd embraced the trending style by selecting a floor-length dress with ruffle detailing at the sleeves and throughout the body, allowing her to keep her accessories simple and clean.

While the ruffle dress is synonymous with Y2K style, and there are certainly options on the market that fit the #throwback vibe, 2024’s shift towards classic styles means this trend has been given grown-up appeal. Both Chung and Dodd opted for styles that fall into this sophisticated category.

Versatile by design, the trend styles well with Mary Janes or sandals for a relaxed summer picnic, but looks even more refined when dressed up with heeled sandals and a top-handle bag, which, when combined, make for the perfect wedding guest outfit.

This season’s silhouette inspired us to curate an edit of the best elegant ruffled dresses. Here’s a selection of top picks:

H&M

Flounce-Trimmed Dress

£55

Style with high heels or pair with pretty Mary Janes.

Mango

Lace Dress With Ruffle Design

£320

Indulges in lace, ruffles, and frills to move beautifully as you walk.

Reformation

Tripoli Dress

£348

Available in six other styles, including leopard print.

Polo Ralph Lauren

Floral Silk Crepe Dress

£449

Shop the elegant dress that Alexa Chung has been wearing this summer.

Saloni

Renu Ruffle-Trimmed Silk-Blend Chiffon Maxi Dress

£650

The yellow color trend is taking off this season.

Kitri

Romily Leaf Print Maxi Dress

£265

This pretty maxi dress makes summer dressing so easy.

Topshop

Ruffle Midi Slip Dress

£65

The adjustable straps mean you can alter this to your preference.

LoveShackFancy

Radiance Lace-Trimmed Ruffled Floral-Print Crepe De Chine Maxi Dress

£525

The floral motif adds vintage charm to this pretty dress.

Source: Elle, Grazia