Remember during the heatwave, when you craved long sleeves and actually being able to sleep under the covers? Good news: it’s coming.
Bare-arm season is over, and the linen-lined optimism of July and August is giving way to a sleeve-ready September. And I’m ready to celebrate. How? With a list of the best long-sleeve dresses in the game right now.
But this trend is not just a weather-response in 2026. Marking their resurgence even further, long-sleeve dresses were sent down the runway for AW26 by more than a few prominent designers, namely Pieter Mulier at Alaïa, whose collection highlight was a vivid red long-sleeved column dress.
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Oh, and Simone Rocha’s newfound gothic narrative, of course, was defined by the presence of high-necked, sheer, and lace-trimmed long-sleeve dresses.
Here’s my edit of the ones worth investing in now – the denim minis, the flowing midis, the patterned picks that make getting dressed on a grey morning feel almost (almost) glamorous.
&OtherStories Sculptural Drawstring Midi Dress
A cult cool-girl dress, this pick from &OtherStories feels artful in its sculptural design, whilst its flowing silhouette keeps things comfortable and easy to wear.
Buy now £87.00, Stories.com
Allsaints arlo denim midi dress
Brimming with 1960s/70s appeal, this modish Allsaints pick is defined by its clean lines and subtle A-line shape.
Buy now £139.00, Allsaints.com
Ghospell Tamara Midi Dress
I don’t tend to wear midi dresses at 5ft-nothing, but this Ghospell Tamara dress is tempting me to change my ways in all its plaid-patterned glory.
Buy now £110.00, Ghospell.com
Whistles Red Smocked Bodice Midi Dress
Red is arguably one of the most timeless colours available in womenswear, and an investment in this smoked dress from Whistles is one that will see you through from the end of summer straight up to Christmas party season. A win-win.
Buy now £59.00, Whistles.com
Proenza Schouler Maelle cotton-blend tweed maxi dress
It doesn’t get much more autumn-coded than this; a knit maxi dress in a flatteringly neutral hue and sweeping sleeves. Yes, please.
Buy now £1570.00, Net-A-Porter.com
Sister Jane Endora Shirt Dress
Preppy and cutesy simultaneously, Sister Jane’s Endora dress is both statement-making and delicate, defined by its contrasting necktie and gathered skirt.
Buy now £89.00, Sisterjane.com
FreePeople Nigel Preston Soho Mini Dress
Deliciously boho-coded, FreePeople’s Nigel Preston Soho dress is as floaty and fairy-like as you’d expect from the free-spirited brand – plus, it happens to layer very beautifully with boots and knits.
Buy now £258.00, Freepeople.com
Miss Selfridge tiered lace maxi dress
Continuing on the bohemian vibe, this Miss Selfridge tiered lace maxi dress is spell-binding in its breezy witchiness. Either add a slip or don’t, but ground with something leather and chunky on the foot.
Buy now £45.99, Asos.com
Alémais Floral-print fringed satin mini dress
Finishing on a more formal option, this Alémais floral dress has both your arms, and cocktail party season, covered with its satin finish and dramatic fringed trim.
Buy now £640.00, Alemais.com
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