10 Summer Dresses from COS That Prove Less Really Is More.
Every season, COS quietly delivers what inevitably becomes the summer's It dress.
Clean lines, impeccable tailoring, and an effortless elegance that speaks volumes without trying too hard. This year is no exception. We’ve curated 10 standout styles that embody the brand’s signature minimalist aesthetic, each one designed to move with you.
From school drop-offs to city strolls, long-haul flights to spontaneous dinner plans. Think breathable organic cottons, airy linens, and silhouettes so versatile they’ll carry you through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. These are dresses that work hard without looking like they are.
Timeless, unfussy, and endlessly chic.
By Alice Codford
COS Draped V-Neck Maxi Dress, £95
This draped maxi is the kind of dress you’ll reach for all summer long. The deep V-neck and flowy shape feel effortless but pulled-together, and the rich brown shade makes it look far more expensive than it is. It’s made from a light, breathable fabric with a bit of stretch, perfect for hot days, travel, or even a growing bump. Easy, flattering, and quietly chic. Find it here.
COS The Pleated Linen Maxi Dress, £95
This pleated linen maxi is the definition of low-effort, high-impact. Cut in a breathable black linen that moves beautifully, it’s the kind of throw-on-and-go dress that still looks completely put-together. The subtle pleating adds just enough structure, while the relaxed fit makes it ideal for hot days, layering, or transitioning through pregnancy and postpartum. A timeless staple with that signature COS ease. Find it here.
COS The Belted Short-Sleeved Midi Shirt Dress, £95
Crisp, clean, and endlessly wearable, this belted shirt dress is a true summer classic. The structured cotton poplin feels cool and breathable, while the relaxed cut and adjustable waist give it that effortless, borrowed-from-the-boys vibe (but better). It’s polished enough for meetings or dinners out, yet easy enough for everyday. Bonus: it works just as well with sandals and a tote as it does over swimwear on holiday. Find it here.
COS The Knitted Cotton Midi Dress, £85
Soft, simple, and surprisingly sophisticated, this knitted cotton midi is the kind of dress that feels like a cosy hug but looks effortlessly polished. The navy shade keeps it classic, while the lightweight knit gives it just the right amount of texture and stretch. Perfect for cooler summer days, travel, or layering under a jacket, it’s a versatile piece you’ll turn to again and again. Find it here.
COS Pink Buttoned Cotton Mini Dress, £95
This mini dress puts a fresh twist on classic tailoring for your spring and summer wardrobe. Made from lightweight Pima cotton, it features a flattering V-neckline, waistcoat-style buttons, and back ties that gently shape the silhouette. The soft pink shade feels perfectly suited for sun-filled days, making it an easy, stylish go-to all season long. A favourite! Find it here.
COS Relaxed Cotton Shirt Dress, £115
Laid-back but sharply cut, this relaxed cotton shirt dress is a true wardrobe all-rounder. The crisp navy cotton keeps it feeling clean and classic, while the oversized fit gives it that easy, throw-on-and-go appeal. Wear it loose on warm days, belted for more shape, or layered over trousers for a modern take. It’s the kind of piece that works hard without ever trying too hard. Find it here.
COS Boat-Neck Gathered Midi Dress, £85
A modern nod to the classic stripe, this gathered midi dress is equal parts relaxed and refined. The boat neckline and softly cinched waist add just enough shape, while the airy cotton keeps it light and breathable. It’s the kind of dress you can throw on with sandals and still look instantly put-together, perfect for everything from market mornings to seaside dinners. Find it here.
COS Rounded Linen Cotton Shirt Dress, £75
Crisp, cool, and quietly elevated, this linen-cotton shirt dress is the definition of easy summer dressing. The sculptural rounded silhouette gives it a modern edge, while the breathable fabric keeps things light and comfortable. Whether you wear it loose with slides or cinch it in with a belt, it’s the kind of piece that makes even the simplest days feel a little more considered. Find it here.
COS Bias Cus Linen Blend Midi Dress, £115
Elegant in the most effortless way, this bias-cut midi dress drapes beautifully in all the right places. The dark brown linen-blend feels cool and breathable, with a subtle sheen that catches the light just enough. The silhouette skims the body without clinging, making it perfect for warm evenings, summer events, or even just a day when you want to feel quietly put-together. It’s minimal, modern, and endlessly wearable. Find it here.
COS Buttoned Linen Mini Dress, £95
