The best summer dresses all under $300.
Summer Dresses Under $300
As the sun shines brighter and temperatures rise, it’s time to refresh your wardrobe with light and breezy summer dresses.
From breezy sundresses to chic maxi dresses and easy T-shirt dresses to crisp linen dresses, we’ve curated a collection that combines fashion, comfort, and versatility.
Why do we love dresses over any other outfits in the summer? From vibrant prints to flowy silhouettes, it’s the easiest way to effortlessly capture the essence of the season.
Read on to find your perfect summer dress for every occasion and style under the sun.
RELATED: 19 Best Summer Dresses to Shop Right Now
When to wear?
I promise you, for every summer occasion there’s a summer dress for it, be it summer BBQs, weddings, outdoor picnics, pool parties, or beach vacations.
Make sure to consider the color or print, fabric, and silhouette based on the occasion. While a flowing white maxi dress is sure to turn heads beachside, it’s a major faux pas as a wedding guest!
Our Top Picks
Let’s dive into the world of summer dresses! Discover the perfect styles to shop (and wear everywhere) right now to elevate your warm-weather fashion game.
Floral Dress
Summer dress for picnics
With a sense of joy and playfulness, floral dresses are my go-to for outdoor gatherings, like picnics and beach outings, and even outdoor weddings.
They are versatile queens—easy to style and can be paired with sandals or wedges for a more dressed-up look, or white sneakers for a casual yet chic summer look.
Whether it’s a flirty sundress for a picnic or an elegant maxi dress for a garden party, floral dresses add a touch of femininity and whimsy to your summer ensemble.
Maxi Dress
Summer dress for a beach vacation
Maxi dresses are an essential summer-style staple that combine comfort and style. These floor-length dresses offer a sense of ease and grace, perfect for beach vacations or casual evenings out.
With a simple swap of beach sandals by day for heels by night, you can wear them as a cover-up to cocktail hour.
For my fellow petite ladies, make sure you check the dress length when shopping online or be ready to visit your local tailor. The last thing you want is your hemline dragging on the ground!
Shopping Tip! We love maxi dresses in lightweight fabrics like cotton or chiffon, allowing for breathability and movement.
Midi Dress
Summer dress for weekdays
Midi dresses strike the perfect balance between elegance and practicality, making them an excellent minimalist choice for almost any summer affair.
If you prefer a more maximalist look, shop for trendy features such as wrap fronts, asymmetrical hems, or statement sleeves to elevate your style game.
Falling between the knee and ankle, these dresses offer a polished look while allowing you to move with ease. For the most flattering line to really accentuate your legs, I recommend shopping for a dress that hits between mid-calf and ankle.
Style Tip! Enhance your midi dress with a belt to accentuate your waistline and add a pair of heels for an extra polished look.
RELATED: Best Midi Dresses That Strike the Perfect Length
Sundress
Summer dress for events
Sundresses are a classic choice for warm summer days. But what’s the difference between a sundress and all these other dresses? Don’t worry I got you!
A sundress is a casual dress made of lightweight materials, like cotton, in loose-fitting silhouettes with features like spaghetti straps or off-the-shoulder necklines.
Typically you wear them on their own, but if you need some extra warmth, I like to add a denim jacket overtop to match the laid-back style.
Choose sundresses in bright and cheerful colors to embrace the joyful spirit of summer.
Style Tip! Elevate your sundress with statement accessories like oversized sunglasses and a straw tote for a fun and vibrant look.
Wrap Dress
Summer dress for the office
For a flattering and timeless look, consider a chic wrap dress. I promise you’ll get years of wear from the office to brunches out of a high-quality wrap-dress.
Make sure to pick wrap dresses in lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton for ultimate comfort in the summer heat.
It’s truly the ultimate versatile dress. The adjustable crossover and tie style allows for a customizable and comfortable fit every time. For a feminine and elegant look, cinch the tie to really accentuate your waist.
RELATED: Best 15 Work Dresses: Stylish and Comfortable
Shirt Dress
Summer dress for the weekend
If you prefer a casual yet fashionable summer outfit, shirt dresses are the perfect choice. The loose and breezy fit allows for maximum airflow, which is very welcome during the hot summer months!
Choose from shirt dresses in lightweight materials such as cotton or linen, featuring stripes, checks, or solid colors.
An easy on/off option makes shirt dresses a great option for beachside or poolside that’s a bit more modest and polished than your standard beach dress (more to come on beach dresses in a minute!).
Style Tip! Dress them up with statement accessories and wedges or keep it casual with sneakers and a denim jacket for a stylish and comfortable everyday outfit.
RELATED: Best T-Shirt Dresses That You’ll Live In All Summer
Beach Dress
Summer dress for the beach
Beach dresses are specifically designed with the seaside in mind. They’re made of quick-drying and lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen, in relaxed silhouettes for optimal comfort in the heat.
To save valuable suitcase space, I prioritize packing beach dresses that do double duty on and off the beach. Plus, there are a variety of styles: minis, maxis, sarongs, kaftans, and more.
Style tip! Have fun with your beach dress, shop sheer styles or crochet midis, and layer a statement swimsuit underneath. Just swap your suit for a slip for dinner!
White Summer Dress
Summer dress for casual days
I love white dresses for a fresh and clean aesthetic. They perfectly capture the essence of summer!
The color white reflects sunlight, helping to keep you cooler compared to darker hues by minimizing heat absorption.
White is versatile and pairs well with various accessories, allowing you to create different looks by adding fun pops of color or opting for an ultra-sleek monochromatic style.
RELATED: 24 Best White Midi Dresses for Summer 2023
Linen Dress
Summer dress for everyday
When it comes to selecting the perfect summer dress, linen stands out as an exceptional choice.
Linen is not only a breathable fabric, but it’s more durable than cotton (and has a lower environmental impact!) ensuring its longevity. Plus, I love that it’s highly absorbent making it a comfortable and stylish choice for heat spells.
With its natural fibers and lightweight construction, linen dresses offer a myriad of benefits—ideal for the sunny season.
Style tip! Be mindful that there’s no getting around linen wrinkling—it’s just part of the charm. So it’s best to avoid them for formal occasions.
Shopping Tip 😎
Embrace summer dresses by shopping lightweight fabrics and flattering silhouettes while balancing current trends and timeless designs.
Upgrade your summer wardrobe with our selection of the best summer dresses that combine style, comfort, and versatility.
From flowy maxi dresses to playful sundresses, wrap dresses to boho-inspired ensembles, and casual shirt dresses, there’s a dress to suit every style.
With these dresses, you’ll be sure to make a statement and enjoy the season in the utmost comfort and style, no matter your summer plans.
RELATED: 14 Best Denim Dresses to Shop for Summer 2023
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