This minimalist summer dress, worn by Kate Moss and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, is making a big comeback at Prada and Miu Miu
This summer, a summer dress stands out as the obvious choice to add to your wardrobe. Simple, sleeveless, and featuring a rounded neckline, the three-hole dress is making a quiet comeback that’s worth taking a closer look at.
The three-hole dress, a silhouette rooted in the 1990s
This style reached its peak in the 1990s, championed by designers such as Helmut Lang and Calvin Klein. At the time, it embodied a new kind of modernity, characterized by restraint and precision. On the runways, Kate Moss became one of its most iconic figures, showcasing her unique style in dresses of extreme simplicity.
From pinafore dresses to silky slip dresses, the collections of that era feature minimalist cuts with clean lines. The color palette remains deliberately understated. This aesthetic champions a return to the essentials and celebrates the power of timeless basics.
However, designers aren’t the only ones setting trends. Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, who has been the talk of the town since the release of the series *Love Story* —which recounts her romance with John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr.—also left her mark on the 1990s with her simple, understated sense of style.
“She pioneered what is now known as ‘quiet luxury’—an aesthetic characterized by neutral tones, free of logos, and defined by impeccable silhouettes and fine materials.”
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and “quiet luxury” before its time
“Quiet luxury” has its roots in WASP culture and refers to the lifestyle of the white, Protestant American elite. To assert her straightforward style, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy favored understated outfits, alternating between slip dresses, pencil skirts, and, of course, the little three-hole dress.
In 1998, she attended the state dinner held at the White House in honor of British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Her all-black ensemble, of the utmost simplicity, remains one of the most striking examples of effortless elegance. Thus, the three-hole dress becomes much more than just a piece of clothing: it expresses a way of being.
In 2026, the runways confirm the comeback of this summer dress
This season, the little dress is making an appearance on the runways of major Italian fashion houses. At Gucci, it comes in several form-fitting styles. Miu Miu, meanwhile, offers a very short version, while Prada reimagines it in its signature technical fabric.
In 2026, this summer dress becomes a true manifesto. It embodies the values of freedom—both in movement and in self-expression. As a result, it emerges as the standout piece of the Fall-Winter 2026–2027 collections.
What’s more, nostalgia plays a real role in its comeback. For many women today, this silhouette remains an integral part of their childhood wardrobes. It’s making a comeback, but with the confidence of a piece that is now embraced.
- Gucci Fall/Winter 2026–2027: Several second-skin styles centered around the three-hole dress.
- Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2026–2027: a very short, bold, and modern take.
- Prada Fall/Winter 2026–2027: The dress reimagined in the brand’s signature technical fabric.
- Recommended colors: gray, white, ice blue, and beige for a minimalist look.
- Recommended lengths: short or knee-length to stay on trend.
What colors and styles should you choose for your three-hole dress?
The focus is on cropped or knee-length silhouettes in soft, minimalist colors. Gray, white, ice blue, and beige make up the ideal color palette for this summer dress. These shades pair effortlessly with most of this season’s accessories.
The cut remains the focal point. Sleeveless, with a rounded neckline and clean lines: the three-hole dress needs no embellishments to make a statement. However, the quality of the fabric makes all the difference, whether it’s a structured woven fabric or flowing silk satin.
Which summer dress should you actually invest in?
Several brands offer options at very different price points. Prada’s short woven dress is available for €2,700. Joseph’s Clea silk satin dress is priced at €595. The short dress by Tod’s is available for €175 via Yoox, and the silk-blend mini dress by Jil Sander is priced at €1,790.
So, whether your budget is tight or generous, there’s a version of this summer dress to suit every style. The formula remains the same: a simple cut, high-quality fabric, and a neutral color. What’s more, these pieces are built to last, far removed from fleeting trends.
This little sleeveless dress perfectly encapsulates what women are looking for in their wardrobes right now: a clean, easy-to-wear piece with a story behind it that gives it character. The three-hole summer dress isn’t a new trend—it’s a rediscovery.
