Lilac is definitely having a moment in 2023, and we're seeing so many gorgeous dresses in the pretty pastel shade. Whether you're looking for the perfect dress for wedding season or you're in need of a staple style to reach for all year, lilac is the shade to look out for.
We've seen everyone from Princess Kate to Rihanna rocking a lilac dress, and the versatile colour will make a statement whilst still being versatile enough to style with a range of footwear and accessories.
From floral pieces for the brunch date in your diary to slinky midi dresses for your next date night, scroll on to find the best lilac dresses for any occasion this summer.
Celebrities wearing lilac dresses
How to style a lilac dress
Injecting a subtle pop of colour into your wardrobe, a lilac dress will look great paired with so many other shades, and it's flattering on almost every skin and hair tone. The pastel colour is particularly lovely during the summer months, and we've seen tons of lilac dresses being worn this wedding season. When dressing for an occasion, we'd style a lilac dress with a pair of white strappy heels, or for a more laid-back outfit, we recommend opting for a pair of beige espadrille sandals to complete the look.
How we chose the best lilac dresses
- Price: We chose a range of price points for every budget, ranging from high street to luxury styles.
- Style: We've selected lilac dresses in a range of styles for different occasions, from versatile midi dresses to flattering mini dresses, all of which are suitable for summer.
- Trusted brands: While we haven't tried on all of the products included, every trusted brand is loved by myself or members of the HELLO! team.
Best lilac dresses for summer
River Island Frill Lilac Dress
Editor's Note
If you're looking for the perfect wedding guest dress for the summer, this is it. The flattering frill trim will have you feeling your best all day – and lilac midi would look gorgeous teamed with a pair of bright pink heels and a matching clutch bag.
River Island's lilac wrap dress features the prettiest frill detailing, with a sweetheart neckline, a figure-flattering belt, and a subtle polka dot print. The waterfall skirt has a sheer finish, with a satin underskirt to complete the look.
Nobody's Child Frill Lilac Dress
Editor's Note
This Nobody's Child midi is at the top of my wishlist right now. I love the scoop back teamed with the ruffles – and I would style the dress with a pair of lilac espadrilles to match.
Romantic ruffles, a slim V-neck, and an empire waistline make up Nobody's Child's lilac dress - and we love it. The fitted waist and thigh-high slit will complement any figure, and the open back perfectly rounds off the summer style.
River Island Broderie Lilac Dress
Editor's Note
We'd style River Island's broderie dress with a pair of white trainers and a denim jacket for an effortless daywear look, but the textured midi can be styled with just about any footwear for an ultra-feminine ensemble.
Broderie dresses are a timeless summer trend, and River Island's wrap midi is perfect for daytime wear. It features a V-neck, delicate ruching around the waist, and lightly puffed short sleeves. It's available in sizes 6-18, and it also comes in, yellow, black and white.
M&S Floral Lilac Wrap Dress
Editor's Note
This Gina Bacconi floral dress is another great option for wedding guest dressing, but it would also be great for wearing to garden parties. The romantic tiered frill beautifully elevates the dress for the most elegant finish - and it may be worth investing in if you want a summer dress that you can easily dress up.
A floaty silhouette, a pretty floral print and a flattering V-neck, what's not to love about Marks & Spencer's blooming lovely midi dress?
Reformation Halterneck Lilac Dress
Editor's Note
Reformation's halterneck lilac dress is an absolute showstopper, and we can totally see it being worn as a bridesmaid dress.
Reformation's stunning lilac dress ties in at both the neck and the waist, enhancing the silhouette perfectly. It comes in a maxi length, but the thigh-high slit elongates the leg, particularly if worn with a pair of heels.
New Look Lilac Tea Dress
Editor's Note
This mini dress will be a staple in any summer wardrobe. The lightweight design looks so comfortable, while the fit-and-flare silhouette ensures a shapely silhouette. I'd style this with white trainers and gold jewellery during the day, and a pair of lilac wedges for an evening holiday look.
For a mini style, we love New Look's lilac tea dress. It features a fit-and-flare design, short flutter sleeves and a tie-back fastening, finished with button detailing.
Karen Millen Waterfall Lilac Dress
Karen Millen is filled with elegant occasionwear dresses – and this belted maxi dress is so unique with its crossover front and a waterfall skirt. We'd style this with gold shoes and accessories to complete the look.
Karen Millen's lilac midi features a tie-neck and a gorgeous waterfall silhouette, tied in at the waist with a flattering belt.
H&M Puff Sleeve Lilac Dress
Editor's Note
Puff sleeve dresses are my favourite statement style right now. The wrap ruching on this & Other Stories dress is so flattering on the figure.
H&M's lilac midi dress is the ultimate statement piece for summer. The exaggerated puff sleeves are complemented by the fitted bodice, complete with flattering ruching and a smocked back.
Little Mistress Bandeau Lilac Dress
Editor's Note
I love the 60s vibe of this strapless dress. The exaggerated skirt works so well with the shirred bodice, and the button detailing rounds off the look.
It's all about the detailing in ASOS's strapless dress, with a shirred bodice, a buttoned skirt and a thigh-high split.
Why you should trust me
I would love to have tried on all of these lilac dresses, but that wasn't possible. Fashion moves so fast and I wanted to get this edit to you in time for you to find the perfect lilac dress for summer. I decided to look at some of my go-to brands to find the lilac dresses that I think look great and are worth investing in. I hope you enjoyed this edit. Now, which dress should I buy?
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