First came the cardigans. Then there were the tops. And now? The waisted dresses. If you’ve been paying attention to the movements of those who are in the know, you might be attuned to the rise of this subtle cinching method that’s been looming over new collections. But for the uninitiated, the waisted technique is a seasonal trend that emerged earlier in the year as a way of creating a more pinched figure, courtesy of pieces crafted with an intentionally sculpted silhouette.
Given that we here at Who What Wear UK pride ourselves as being firmly on fashion’s pulse, it should come as no surprise that we’ve been following the progress of this design element, from its humble origins as a way to bring some shape to boxy winter cardigans and knits to how it’s being employed this season—bringing definition to wafty summer dresses.
What Is a Waisted Dress?
The summer of 2025 has brought with it a number of unexpected surprises, from the return of furry bag charms to the renaissance of jelly sandals. Yet, when it comes to the dresses we’re wearing on days where the sun decides to peek out from Britain’s perennial cloud cover, the items we’re gravitating to have remained firmly classic. Think: Bandeau dresses rendered in polka dot prints or timeless column shapes accented with drop waist flourishes.
The waisted dress certainly falls into this category as it’s not so much a specific type of garment, but rather a motif that can be applied to a whole gamut of styles. Indeed, as the name suggests, a waisted dress is one that features some version of narrowing at the waist. Not only does this help accentuate the form, but the body-conscious effect brings a built-in hourglass effect that helps define the figure.
Of course, that’s not to say that these pieces are constricting in any way. (Don’t worry, a waisted dress won’t give you flashbacks to the strangling bandage dresses of the early 2000s). In fact, a waisted dress will rarely utilise corsetry or boned elements at all to help give the illusion of skimming against the torso, meaning those who prefer more floaty shapes can enjoy this movement in equal measure.
It’s true. From flirty minis to romantic mids and everything in between, the slight curve can be seen tangled up in some of the most in-demand dresses of the season. (Including, but not limited to, the Reformation Balia dress, Dôen Ischia dress and Nobody’s Child Felicity dress.) Notably, the best waisted dresses will utilise some sort of shirring, smocking or elastication to pull the fabric closer to the body. However, there’s really a lack of restrictions when it comes to achieving this trend.
Take the strapless iterations spotted at the likes of Faithfull the Brand or Mattaeu—and below on London-based content creator India Cardona— for example. Boasting a longline bandeau shape and balmy linen skirt underneath, these dresses use ruching and gathering to achieve the fit and flare outline.
Or, the Dissh dresses Who What Wear UK’s editor in chief, Hannah Almassi, and I have made a crucial part of our summer wardrobes. Despite their differences, mine is two-toned and contains a basque waist, while hers incorporates a scoop neckline with ruffle trim, they both include stretchy components to carve out the midsection.
How to Style Waisted Dresses?
In my opinion, a waisted dress is the perfect piece to add to your hot weather uniform. When the temperature climbs, we’d rather spend time dining at a long lunch or sipping cocktails at a chic rooftop bar than putting together an outfit. Dresses always provide that relief thanks to their one-and-done appeal, but there’s something about a waisted dress that elevates it even further. Because of the way it hugs the form, it instantly balances out your proportions in a way that is effortless, sophisticated, but also slightly sensual.
When it comes to styling waisted dresses, further thought is rarely required. Lean into some of the biggest sandal trends by pairing them with roped flats for a more sporty take. Classicists and minimalist dressers will enjoy wearing their waisted dresses, especially if they opt for a romantic kind, with strappy sandals like A.Emery’s Jalen pair. I’d also wear it with a pebble necklace to help draw the eye down the body and toward the centre of the dress.
Of course, you can also use clever hacks to make any of your existing pieces a waisted dress. California-based content creator, Marine Torres, used Alexa Chung’s nifty scarf belt hack to bring a waisted effect to her shirt dress.
I, for one, am counting down the days till I can slip into this style, and I’ve already got an eye on a few more pieces that I can add to my growing collection. From Free People to Mango and luxurious versions from Doên, see and shop the best waisted dresses on the market, below.
Shop the Best Waisted Dresses
Not only does it feature a sweet cut out, this H&M summer dress also comes with quaint ruched straps that makes it worthy of your next elegant LBD purchase.
Next
Cream Jersey Waisted Summer Dress
The two kinds of soft jersey fabric ensures this floaty style has plenty of movement.
ZARA
Embroidered Floral Midi Dress
This is so similar to the near-sold-out Toby DISSH dress.
Nobodys Child
Pink Sleeveless Tiered Charlie Midi Dress
Designed with a pleated bodice and a flowy, tiered skirt.
& Other Stories
Ruched Midi Dress
So light and airy, despite its dark colour way.
& Other Stories
Tie-Detailed Midi Dress
I love the mix of the smocking and the tie-up straps at the shoulders.
Free People
Izi Drop-Waist Mini
The ‘V' shape is such a hallmark of the waisted dress trend.
Free People
Sweet Dreams Mini Dress
Such a contender for your next music festival outfit. Just pair with Merry People Wellington boots and you're set.
Nobodys Child
White Polka Dot Bandeau Felicity Midi Dress
Truly one of the most in-demand waisted dresses of the season.
MANGO
Flared Dress in Combined Fabric
FAITHFULL
Hedy Strapless Gathered Linen and Voile Maxi Dress
The ruching through the bodice is just so sumptuous.
DÔEN
Mazarin Ruffled Polka-Dot Silk-Blend Satin Halterneck Dress
See how this slightly nips in at the waist? It's these exact elements that make the waisted dress trend so adaptable.
DISSH
Tahlia Pleated Woven Midi Dress
I own this dress in white and can say with certainty that this is one of the best waisted dresses out there.
Reformation
Petites Balia Linen Dress
I think I'm going to add this one to my collection next.
The smocking through the bust is such a darling detail.
The collar, pintucking and lace embroidery makes this one of the hottest waisted dresses currently on the market.
MATTEAU
Strapless Ruched Organic Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress
Just begging to be packed for your upcoming summer holidays.
MATTEAU
Shirred Organic Cotton-Poplin Mini Dress
Wear with a raffia hat and strappy sandals for your next picnic in the park session.
The darts do so much to frame the figure.
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