From elegant midis, beach dress, cocktails, to wedding guest dress, we have a perfect summer dress for you.
Summer Dresses
Summer is right around the corner—can you believe it? And that means that it’s time to up your game when it comes to your summer dresses.
The best part about summer dresses is their ease and comfort, an essential part of fashion and feeling confident. Not only do they amp up your look, but in loose breezy silhouettes the fabric won’t stick to you.
You’ll likely live in the wardrobe staples all season long, both for their ease plus their ability to truly take advantage of the rising temperatures.
Style Variety
In the list ahead, we’ve rounded up our favorite summer dresses no matter where you’re headed so you can spend more time outside enjoying your summer and less time browsing online.
We have everything from floral frocks to elegant midis, for the beach, everyday wear, after-hours cocktails, and even black-tie events in light fabrics, airy silhouettes, sweet florals, detailed embroidery, and more.
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How to Wear
That’s the beauty of summer dresses, there’s a way to style them to suit virtually every style and body type.
Once you have your go-to, do-anything dress that fits like a glove, you’ll be able to style it for all the events on your social calendar.
Casual, everyday look: Opt for a pair of white sneakers with a breezy mini dress for an effortless look that will instantly make you feel more pulled together.
Chic day to night: A slip dress paired with summer sandals will take you from errands during the daytime to meeting your girlfriends for dinner and drinks in the evening.
Add a light shirt for an additional layer once the sun goes down. You can wear it open over top or knot it at the front to accentuate your waist.
Feminine florals: For a more boho chic look pair a floral dress, whether a mini or maxi, with your go-to pair of summer sandals or espadrilles. Add a floppy hat to really channel the boho look.
Wedding guest dress: Style it with a pair of blocky heels to your look to dress it up. Paired with an updo and statement earrings, you’ll be sure to dance the night away whether it’s cocktail or black tie.
Style Tip: staying and looking cool
Opt for light and easy, however, with shifts, flowing materials, and more.
RELATED: The Best 16 Sundresses for 2023
It’s time to relegate those heavy sweaters and wool pants to the back of your closet and, instead, shop for summer dresses for the coming months!
Our Top Picks
Best Day-to-Night Dress
Why We Love: While La Ligne might be known, first and foremost, for their striped knits and tees, their dresses are a collection of mini, midi, and maxi silhouettes that flow with you in a youthful and romantic way.
And this corseted dress is no exception, crafted of a medium-weight cotton that will take you through the entire season and beyond.
Helpful Tip! If you struggle with finding the right fit, look for dresses with a smocked back panel, like La Ligne’s Tracy Dres, to allow for extra movement and stretch.
Material: 100% cotton
Size: XS-3X
Best Sqaure Neckline
Why We Love: A square neckline is a great alternative to a V-neckline, it’s still modest but flirtatious enough without showing all. The symmetry and lines help to lengthen your neck and elongate your face as well as balance curves if you have wider hips.
There’s also something decidedly retro about the neckline, and the 40s-inspired sailor buttons play right into the look while the asymmetrical pleated tucks add a simple yet modern detail.
Helpful Tip! Play up the vintage vibe and add a pair of Mary Jane shoes or even loafers. For a more contemporary style, add a pair of white-heeled sandals.
Material: 52% polyester, 17% rayon, 17% linen, 14% cotton
Sizes: S-M
Best Slip Dress
Why We Love: No matter the season, a slip dress is a must. The ‘90s-inspired wardrobe staple carries through to summer this year with brightly toned options that are simple and fresh.
Shop Amazon’s in-house line, The Drop, for a wide selection of colors, all under $55.
Reviewers also love The Drop: “This dress is so flattering! It can be dressed up or down to fit depending on how you accessorize it. I’ve worn it with heels on a dressy date night, and I’m going to wear it with a cardigan and flats to a casual day-after-wedding brunch in a few weeks.”
Material: 95% polyester, 5% elastane
Size: XXS-5X
Best Shirtdress
Why We Love: This cotton block-print dress might just be our favorite new summer frock. With a periwinkle and blue print, it’s subtly trimmed in green print, featuring a waist tie that you can fasten in a bow around your figure or let hang in the back for more of a shirtdress shift shape.
It’s great for the beach and brunch with friends in the city. You’ll live in it all summer long.
Helpful Tip! The dress comes with a removable waist tie that you can fasten in a bow around your figure, or let hang in the back for more of a shirtdress shift shape
Material: 100% cotton
Size: 0-3
Best Puff Sleeve Dress
Why We Love: When Agua by Agua Bendita came on the scene a few seasons ago, there was no stylish closet that was without one of the brand’s floral dresses.
Especially come summer, we love this full-skirted mini that comes complete with an allover painted-style botanical print and oversized puff sleeves. Even with a pair of flat sandals, it’s great for an outdoor garden party all season long.
Helpful Tip! If the V neckline and mini dress combo feels too revealing, layer a tank top underneath for some additional coverage or opt for some tights and a cardigan if there’s still a chill in the air.
Material: 100% cotton
Size: XS-XL
Best ‘90s Nostalgia
Why We Love: J.Crew is looking to the ‘90s with this perfect summer dress. Crafted of a lightweight linen, it’s more durable than silk and the sweet small-scale gingham print will feel youthful and elegant all at the same time.
Reviewers “love the blue/white check fabric and the flattering bias cut design” but recommend sizing up if you have a larger bust size to prevent any pulling across the chest.
Helpful Tip! Style it with sneakers by day and heels by night.
Material: 100% linen
Size: 0-12
Best Flutter Sleeves
Why We Love: Complete with subtle and pretty metallic stripes, this summer dress is appropriate for almost any setting. The loose, barely-there flutter sleeves are perfect if you don’t want to show too much arm but stay cool.
With just the right depth split neck and elasticized waistband, this pretty summer dress will show off just the right amount of your best features.
Helpful Tip! For a casual lunch or picnic, opt for a pair of white sneakers and a denim jacket. Or for a birthday party or dinner, try adding a pair of heels and statement earrings.
Material: 96% polyester, 4% other fiber; lining: 100% polyester
Size: 00-18 Regular, Petite, Tall
Best Shift Dress
Why We Love: This shift dress is an easy throw-on-and-go that packs a hard punch. The ease of wear is unmatched, with a scalloped detail that is crafted of a contrasting white trim.
Linen keeps you cool, and this Staud dress adds the pop of color to your summertime wardrobe that you’ve been missing.
Helpful Tip! Linen dress is your best friend in the summertime! Linen is breathable, soft, and wicks away moisture, so you stay and look cool.
Material: 100% linen
Size: XS-XL
Best Floral Mini Dress
Why We Love: Isabel Marant has mastered the art of the modern day bohemian, which is evidenced in this shift dress that’s ready for a party or a daytime stroll.
The name of the game with summer dresses is ease and comfort, of which this dress checks all the boxes. You’ll love the periwinkle floral print that is detailed with pin-tucks, subtle ruffles, and the like.
Helpful Tip! Balance the whimsical print with some classic boho inspired pieces, like brown leather slides and straw tote.
Material: 100% cotton
Size: FR34-FR44
Best Beach-to-Dinner Dress
Why We Love: This floral shift dress is perfect for the beach and beyond, effortlessly thrown over a bikini while sitting poolside and paired with heels for a height-of-summer al fresco dinner.
Helpful Tip! A dress that does double duty is the best way to save space in your suitcase and closet.
The square neckline, elbow-length sleeves, and flowy silhouette show just the right amount of skin while staying cool and chic.
Material: 100% viscose
Size: XS-XL
Best Splurge
Why We Love: For the special events that come during the summer, look to Oscar de la Renta. The design house’s embroidery work is largely unmatched, like this sleeveless knee-length floral dress that is peppered with white tulips.
You’ve never owned anything quite as uplifting as this.
Helpful Tip! Play up your waistline with this midi fit and flare silhouette. Combined with the matching belt, you’ll showcase your curves while creating a slimming silhouette that also lengthens your figure.
Material: 100% polyester
Size: 00-16
Best Long-Sleeve Dress
Why We Love: This dress looks as though it was pulled right out of the 1960s with its mandarin collar, button front, allover eyelet material, and clean mini silhouette.
We love this long-sleeved dress for summer due to its breathability and is easy to be effortlessly styled, no matter where you’re headed.
Helpful Tip! The combination of long sleeves and a higher neckline is the perfect way to balance the shorter mini length without feeling like you’re bearing all.
Material: 100% cotton
Size: XS-XL
Best Black Tie Ready
Why We Love: Summer dresses aren’t just for daily wear. Sometimes you need something that is light and airy and fit for a black tie affair.
Morgane Le Fay is forever our go-to for the simple with-a-twist: asymmetric silhouettes that play with the effortless nature of lightweight silk, crafted of bright colors, classic tones, and timeless prints as well.
Helpful Tip! We know it’s a splurge, but investing in a classic black-tie-ready dress will give you years of wear from all those summer weddings to formal dinners.
Material: 100% silk
Size: XS-XL
Best One-Shoulder Silhouette
Why We Love: This Tanya Taylor dress is fit for a summertime soirée with a dramatic one-shoulder silhouette that still checks all of the classic boxes.
It’s mid-length, embroidered, and striped. And, it even features a coordinated waist tie for a little bit of added flair. Slip into a pair of heeled sandals and you’re party-ready in no time.
Helpful Tip! Opt for a strapless bra that doesn’t show in the back. A visible strap on a one-shoulder dress takes away from the wow factor of the asymmetrical silhouette.
Material: 100% cotton
Size: 0-10
Best Denim Dress
Why We Love: Swap your jeans for a denim dress this summer! The wide straps and wide pleated knee-length skirt give the dress a timeless yet modern look that you’ll reach for in your closet for years.
Even though this dress is as elegant as they come, J.Crews still manages to incorporate classic heavy denim topstitching and the perfect amount of fading at the seams.
Helpful Tip! Add your favorite t-shirt or blouse underneath for cooler summer days or some additional coverage. Transition this chambray number into your favorite fall dress by adding a sweater, boots, and tights as needed.
Material: 100% cotton
Sizes: 00-24
Best Budget Option
Why We Love: English Factory has taken the simple white summer dress and upped the ante with not only a simple front tie, but also a colorful rikrak that trims each ruffled layer.
It’s youthful and whimsical and we can’t get enough. And, what’s more, it rings in at only $90!
Helpful Tip! Tiered dresses are a great summer option if you’re self-conscious about your midsection. The layers help to visually conceal your stomach area while still looking fun and flirty.
Material: 100% cotton
Size: XS-XL
Best Modest Summer Dress
Why We Love: Whether you’re looking for a modest summer dress or an option for cool summer nights, you’ll love this long sleeve maxi dress. With shirring at the bodice and sleeve cuffs, it ensures the perfect fit for every body type.
Reviewers love the ease of this dress, which is what summer dresses are all about! “I can just toss it in the washing machine and dryer and not worry about it. It was breathable and well-ventilated for humid summertime walking in July while staying modest.”
Helpful Tip! Reviewers advise there is no lining built in, so if you opt for a lighter color, we recommend wearing skin-tone underwear or, for extra peace of mind, add a slip underneath.
Material: 100% polyester
Sizes: XS-4X
Best Mini Dress
Why We Love: Sometimes you just want a bit more ease in dressing, especially on the hottest days of summer. This bright blue dress is one that you can slip into and go with sandals by day and heels by night.
It features an elegant halter neck in the front that gives way to two shoulder straps in the back, and an easeful shift silhouette that hits at your mid-thigh.
Helpful Tip! Halter tops have a balancing effect, drawing the eye upward, making them ultra-flattering if you have broad shoulders or an hourglass shape.
Material: 100% cotton
Size: 0-14
Best Statement Sleeves
Why We Love: Puff sleeves are majorly “in” right now. Not only are they fun and whimsical but they also trick the eye into making your arms look slimmer with their volume.
To stay fashionable and avoid feeling silly, stick to a solid, tonal color and take advantage of the proportions. Use the waist belt to cinch your waist to draw the eye back into you.
Helpful Tip! Go for more minimalist accessories, like rings or small hoops, and let those sleeves shine. Avoid necklaces to keep the look from seeming too Victorian.
Material: 100% cotton
Size: One Size (XS-M)
What to Look for
Material: Lightweight materials are best for summer dresses, be they cotton, linen, silk, or the like. Avoid synthetics, like nylon and polyester—they don’t breathe as well and will trap heat, making you feel warmer.
Fit: While some dresses call for tighter fits, make sure that they show a little skin so that they don’t feel too restrictive in the heat.
Size: Mini, mini, or maxi—with short or sleeveless silhouettes. There are some exceptions to the rule, as you will see below.
Pro Tip 😎
Don’t just shop one, shop them all! You’ll likely begin to live in summer dresses in the next few weeks, so it’s time to stock up on your favorites before they sell out.
Summer is the ultimate season for dresses, no matter the length, for their beautiful ease and breathability.
With these best of the best, you’ll instantly elevate your look, whether you’re headed out for a morning coffee or your best friend’s mid-summer wedding.
FAQ
What dresses are best in summer?
When it comes to summer dresses, opt for lightweight materials, easeful silhouettes, and whimsical prints.
How do you style dresses for summer?
As dresses are inherently a great throw-on-and-go must-have, all they need is a pair of shoes and you’ve got the chicest look out there.
Slip into sandals, sneakers, or heels, depending on where you’re headed.
What dresses will keep you cool in the summer?
Essentially, any dress, due to its open silhouette, will keep you cooler than a pants alternative.
That said, less restrictive silhouettes, shorter lengths, and lightweight materials—like cotton and linen—will help with that as well.
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