White dresses are elegant and all, but sometimes, they’re a risk whenever coffee is around. They can also feel a bit expected. After all, the first recommendation people give when you ask about summer dresses is almost always white and made of linen or poplin. Everyone wears them this time of year, so if ubiquity isn’t one of your style goals in 2025, you might want to look for an equally timeless but less “everywhere” colour to shop for in the dress department. My preference? Tan dresses.
Tan dresses are classic, sophisticated and neutral enough to pair with just about anything. You can play it safe with black accessories or add touches of fun with a red necklace or a navy pair of trainers. Gold and silver jewellery pairs well with the colour, and it comes in a variety of different silhouettes, from vest-like minis to fit-and-flare midis. I like to wear my tan dresses with flip-flops every time the temperatures rise, and apparently, I’m not the only one.
(Image credit: Backgrid)
On Jennifer Lawrence: Havaianas You Flip Flop (£40); The Row dress; Ray-Ban Lady Sunglasses (£131)
Jennifer Lawrence is also a fan of the tan dress, and just like me, she styles hers with easy, casual flip-flops. The actress was spotted in the West Village on Tuesday wearing The Row’s Riah dress, a sleeveless, wool-blend, tailored dress with a high neck and a hem that hits just above the ankles. She styled the sophisticated number with a black stone necklace, Ray-Ban sunglasses, a large tote bag, and Havianas thong sandals. Her look was perfect for the occasion, which was dinner and a show at Greenwich House Theatre.
Shop her look:
I’m not saying that you should get rid of your white summer dresses by any means, but if you’re itching to switch things up before autumn’s arrival, why not give a tan alternative a try? Lawrence clearly backs the refined colour option. You should, too.
To get started, scroll down to shop our favourite tan dresses and flip-flops.