From marvelous maxi to sexy skater, nothing beats a saucy dress on a hot summer day (or night). We have 25 breezy and beautiful options…
With nowhere to go but up (as in temperature-wise), the siren call of the summer dress is in full swing. This season there’s something for everyone, with a wide range of styles, patterns, and materials, you can totally find one that suits your mood.
Looking for a saucy injection into your dress wardrobe? These are the fifteen fits that have us *just* a little obsessed.
FREE & LOOSE
It’s true that this season has been trending back towards a focus on the silhouette. But that’s not to say we’re giving up our love of shift, smock and duster minis anytime soon (especially when the thermo hits the 90s). Here are five favorites that are sure to stir the breeze…
Starting with this pretty floral dress from Windsor. Made of lightweight chiffon, we’re loving the flowy fit, generously ruched waist and all those ruffles.
Windsor, Sunny Style Floral Chiffon Tiered Skater Dress $54.90
Linen is one of the most iconic textiles for warm weather. Breezy and breathable, it’s been a favorite (literally) for centuries. This tiered blue beauty from Georgia brand LAKE adds a ruffled neckline, flutter cap sleeves and, one of our most favorite feature in any dress…pockets.
LAKE, Helen Dress in Blue Linen $136
Another effortlessly chic dress. We adore the flowy swing style silhouette and the airy pleating that streams from the halter neckline all the way down. And of course the chic floral motif is just oh-so Tess Holiday.
Cato, Plus Size Pleated Floral Cleo Swing Dress $17.99
(on Sale NOW from $37.99)
Looking for more punch? Light, airy and oh so ready to party, this textured petal shift dress by Trina Turk is the zesty color punch your summer wardrobe has been asking for.
Trina Turk, Diana Shift Dress $69.99
(on Sale NOW from $348)
Finally, love the denim look that’s everywhere, but not so hot on, well, the heat of that fabric on a hot day? Get the best of both worlds with this linen (as in, super breezy breathable) shift dress by J. McLaughin that’s, you guessed it, dyed in a cool, dark wash denim color. No one will know, and we certainly won’t tell!
J. McLaughlin, Rue Linen Dress $198
THE LONG STORY
After a *little* time spent in the back of our collective closets, the maxi dress is once again front and center in our summer rotation. From long and drapey to form-fitting and flirty…whatever your silhouette flavor, there’s a maxi for you.
Starting with this boujee beauty that doesn’t just enter a room…it arrives. Romantic floral embroidery meets a daring plunge front giving you full main character energy, whether you’re enjoying the latest soiree or simply taking your vacay look to next level.
Windsor, Arya V-Neck Strappy A-Line Floral Chiffon Formal Dress $79.90
Looking for that one perfect dress to get you through this season’s variety of summer wedding styles? From beach to garden, semi-formal to modern casual, this dreamy chiffon floral maxi is your new BFF.
Windsor, Exceptional Bliss Lace-Up floral Chiffon Maxi Dress $59.90
Florals not your thing? This abstract marble maxi has all the summer light pastel colors you crave with a flattering, figure-forming fit. And of course, a sexy side slit to keep things from getting too sugary sweet.
Windsor, Outside The Lines Tie Back Slit Marble Maxi Dress $45.90
While maxis in all there splendor are trending, we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out that the tank maxi is truly having a moment. Snap up this shapely beauty in either lovely lilac (shown below) or one of the four color options of your choice. Did we also mention it’s available in sizing 00 up to 4XL?
Universal Standard, Sardinia Tank Dress $78
Finally, when the summer parties are heating up (temperature-wise too) this charming sweetheart neckline maxi will feel as light as air. Made from lightweight woven fabric with no heavy lining to weight you down, this gorg gown also comes with a cross-back strappy design, perfect for catching those cooler breezes.
Windsor, Charming Vibe Tie-Back Flowy Floral Woven Maxi Dress $59.90
SKATING AROUND
With its combination of flattering silhouette, versatility and comfort, the skater dress has been on trend all season long. Here are five just ready to slide into your summer wardrobe right now…
This sweet candy pink skater dress by Windsor is perfect for a sultry summer date night. The front features a sleeveless square neckline, then it really heats things up with an open back and adorable back bow.
Windsor, Stunning Sweetie Open Back Bow Skater Dress $59.90
This skater dress from Target’s Wild Fable line gets our vote for best one-and-done. Not only does the classic black work with a ton of social situations, this dress offers a pullover style, ensuring easy on and on your way in zero time flat. Comes in sizing up to 4X.
Wild Fable, Triangle Cup Tiered Skater Dress $30
This spaghetti strap, sunny yellow, cotton cutie has a lace up corset back tie, allowing for that absolutely perfect fit.
Windsor, Ray Of Beauty Lace-Up Corset Skater Dress $49.90
How about a romantic-inspired mini dress to help you keep your cool? This flirty-fem skater dress, with it’s lacy overlay and tri-ruched bow front detail will melt everyone’s heart.
Windsor, All About Her V-Neck bow Lace Skater Dress $49.90
Finally, this sage-y beauty is truly a wise choice. The spaghetti straps are adjustable, as well as the front top knot, and the back is partially smocked, giving you plenty of stretch when you need it.
Windsor, A Sweet look Sleeveless Ruffled Skater Dress $46.90
HEY, BABY
No matter if you’re team cottagecore or tenured in light academia, the baby doll dress is definitely your go-to.
Baby doll dress in baby blue? How perfect would this be for a summer wedding, graduation party or just a warm summer night out on the town? Comes in sizing up to 3X.
Sugarlips, Moonflower Eyelet Evy Sweetheart Mini Dress $110
Speaking of outdoor events, this charming gingham has all the right moves for an outdoor bbq, picnic or casual lunch with the squad.
Windsor, Life’s A Picnic Sweetheart Lace Gingham Mini Dress $49.90
Florals and baby doll dresses are a classic combination. This flirty number from Alice McCall understood the assignment completely.
Alice McCall, Baby Dee Mini Dress $161
(on Sale NOW from $358)
Well, hello sexy stripes. Yes, yes, it’s true that stripes never really go out of style, but this season our favorite vertical pattern is really coming in hot. This halter top version with cool button detailing and front bow is exactly the fresh piece you need in your wardrobe rotation.
Windsor, Pretty In Italy Halter Button Striped Mini Dress $36.90
Finally, here’s the perfect bubble for your bright summer days. This fun, flutter cap sleeve dress is as easy on the eyes as it is on the pocketbook. We found this icy blue babydoll mini at Target in sizing from XXS to 4X.
Wild Fable by Target, Satin Flutter Cap Sleeve Mini Bubble Dress $35
MIDI MAGNIFICENCE
For striking that perfect balance between short and long, the midi continues to win our hearts and flood our feeds. Breezy fabrics, fun prints, and of course those marvelous minimalist neutrals are all back this season to give us the best of both worlds between flirty and demure.
Speaking of nicely neutral, this halter, a-line from Windsor is a true chameleon. Dress it up or down, it can go straight from office to after work cocktails.
Windsor, Delightful Charm Halter A-Line Midi Dress $42.90
Speaking of versatility, when your summer calendar is inundated with invites from winery tastings to concerts in the park, you’ll take it all in stride with this light blue burnout-patterned midi.
Windsor, Heavenly Cute Scoop Neck Chiffon Ruffled Midi Dress $54.90
Lest we forget, the see-through trend is still going strong. This sassy cross back and breathable cotton fabric midi from 525 America will have you flaunting your look without breaking a sweat.
525 America, Popcorn Midi Dress $60
How simply charming is this garden-inspired floral midi from Sugarlips. All the boxes are checked from the sweetheart neckline to the ruffly hem, and of course, who could say no to those sweet little bows? Especially when it comes in sizing from XS to 3X.
Sugarlips, Majesty Floral Villa Garden Eyelet Midi Dress $115
Speaking of bows, our final midi is a masterpiece of soft, drapey chiffon, fluttery florals and (yes, again) beautiful bows. If you’re still on the hunt for that perfect bridal shower dress, consider this the end of your search.
Windsor, Gretchen Sweetheart Tie Floral Chiffon Midi Dress $64.90
THE LWD
What’s not to love about the Little White Dress? You can dress it up or down, your accessorizing options are pretty unlimited, and it’s fantastic for showing off a summer tan (whether it’s ray or spray).
Starting with this crisp and light-as-air linen dress by LAKE. A simple silhouette made fresh with a square neckline and fun feminine shoulder ties.
LAKE, Coco Cover-Up in White Linen $98
Business, pleasure or both? This sleeveless blazer dress from Elie Tahari can easily be either with just a change of accessories.
Elie Tahari, Sleeveless Double Breasted Blazer Dress $428
Another favorite fabric, this darling eyelet, v-neck dress by Boston Proper is perfect for a picnic, a casual dinner out or just lunch with friends.
Boston Proper, Eyelet Surplice Ankle Length Dress $112.50
(on Sale NOW from $150)
Not everyone loves a bright white, which is why this cotton mini from Parisian brand, Joie, caught our eye. With it’s very on-trend dropped waist and so much textural interest, we simply had to share it with you.
Joie, Ruva Cotton Mini Dress $298
Finally, we have this marvelous multi-tasker from Land’s End. Throw it on as an effortless post-pool coverup, button it up and pair with sandals for an easy errand-running look, or dress it up with some luxe accessories, the choice is yours…and spoiler alert – there are no wrong answers here!
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