STYLING
HOW TO STYLE A FLOWY DRESS
By Sarah Waldron, 1 June 2026
In order for a dress to be considered flowy, we need to look at fabric and shape. Light fabrics like chiffon will flutter in a breeze, as will long billowy shapes usually found in summer maxi dresses. And they come in all shapes and sizes, too – think summer dresses, holiday dresses, boho dresses… the list goes on. Once you’ve secured a floaty dress for your next social happening, what will you wear it with? We’ve got some ideas.
FLOWY HOLIDAY DRESSES
A flowy dress always feels at home on a summer holiday, whether the sun is shining down on an all-inclusive girls' trip or a last-minute city break. No matter where you are, you’ll need something airy that feels cool and comfortable, especially after the mandatory third gelato of the day. We love Free People’s floral style – it’s made from breathable cotton and you can adjust the buttons for coverage. It’ll also work as a beach or pool cover-up over a colour-coordinated bikini.
GET THE LOOK
ASOS DESIGN straw crochet tote bag in natural, £18
Free People morning meadows button down midi dress in pink floral, £188
South Beach knotted bikini set in pink, from £18
& Other Stories straw fedora hat in natural, £32
FLOWY BOHO DRESSES
Who says that boho dresses have to hit the floor? A mini can be just as good as a maxi. They’re perfect for showcasing more intricate patterns and embellishments too, as a lot of fabric can overwhelm the rest of your look. Make this ASOS DESIGN paisley dress the focus of your look by keeping your accessories pared-back – think simple flip-flops and statement earrings in the same colour family. Shimmering bronzer will help you channel a 00s-appropriate boho look.
GET THE LOOK
Rimmel Multi-Tasker Bronzer & Highlighter, £12
ASOS DESIGN boho ruffle puff sleeve mini dress in rust paisley, £45
SIMMI Shoes Kimmie flatform toe post sandals in brown suede, £30
ASOS DESIGN drop earrings with resin detail, £12
FLOWY WEDDING-GUEST DRESSES
We’ve got wedding-guest dresses on the brain at ASOS HQ, so you’d best believe we’ve given plenty of thought to our looks. Flowy dresses are just unashamedly romantic – especially ones made from floaty chiffon or cut with plenty of movement. This ASOS DESIGN style incorporates both – add those to the summery butter-yellow shade and you’ve got a triple threat. Finish with white accessories (white dresses for wedding guests = bad, white accessories = good) and you’re ready for the reception.
GET THE LOOK
Topshop Garison small bead and embellished clutch in white, £48
ASOS DESIGN high neck hanky hem chiffon maxi dress in butter yellow, £40
Pull&Bear Heeled sandals in white, £27.99
DesignB London molten hoop earrings in gold, £8
FLOWY DRESSES FOR A PICNIC
Pictures: ASOS
Grab your blanket and your picky bits, because we’re going for a picnic in the park. Now’s a good time to wear a trapeze dress like this striped Topshop number – it’s made from slightly more structured fabric, so it’ll hold its own against a stiff British breeze. We like this style with a co-ordinating tote. You can file South Beach’s version under ‘ludicrously capacious’: it’s big enough to hold food and drinks for a day-long affair. Finish it off with this season’s favourite jelly sandals. P.S. Sunglasses are non-negotiable, as is SPF.
GET THE LOOK
ASOS DESIGN slim oval sunglasses in milky brown, £14
4th & Reckless cotton twist back detail trapeze maxi dress in brown stripe, £55
ASOS DESIGN Luminous jelly caged ballets in clear, £18
South Beach shoulder straw beach tote bag in chocolate brown, £18
