Sometimes slipping into a classic top and shorts combo – especially in the torturous summer heat – is not the move. Why suffer in such sweaty territory when you can toss on one of these supremely comfortable summer dresses instead?
Our summer dress shopping criteria can be summarized into three main points: they’ve gotta be made of light, breathable materials, nail the current fashion trends, and look nothing short of flattering when we put ‘em on.
These 13 summer dresses check all those boxes and then some! Check out our favorite styles for rockin’ backyard BBQs, summer weddings, and picnics with your pals all season long.
Free People Sandy Shores Babydoll Dress
This Free People number boasts a very billowy babydoll silhouette made from soft, airy cotton. It's a definite mini, hitting right at your thighs. The magic is in the details here: tiny eyelet details line the collar and each of the puff sleeves secure with some adorable bow ties! This white dress is lightly lined for comfy coverage, wherever you go.
This pick also comes in a serene green color and sizes XS-XL for $148.
J.Crew A-Line Midi Dress
The stylish tiering along this loose a-line dress gives you ample room to move and breathe – all while looking good doing it! The piece is made from cotton poplin, which helps promote airflow even in the sticky, sweaty summer heat. The square neck combo with thin straps is so chic, too! This dress from J.Crew buttons up the front with contrasting buttons and flaunts a light liner underneath.
This dress also comes in white and yellow and sizes 00-24 for $168.
Kimchi Blue Wesley Gingham Halter Dress
Halters are so summery, and they often supply such flattering shapes. This dress has a neat gingham pattern that's just perfect for a picnic moment. It undoubtedly channels vintage dress styles with its modest midi length and bow at the bust. The upper half ties around the neck and open back for more femme flair.
This design also comes in a light pink color and sizes XS-XL for $79.
Gap × Dôen Floral Midi Dress
Gap x Dôen has been living in our minds rent-free as of late. This floral pick from the collaborative collection just so happens to be cute, comfy, and flattering as can be! It's designed to flare out at the waist, but fits more snug up top for a shaping effect. The midi length hits around the calves while flutter sleeves add sheer playfulness to your summer look. The colorful floral motifs simply are a gorgeous bonus!
This midi dress is shoppable in sizes 00-16 for $128.
A New Day Dropped Waist Midi A-Line Dress
Drop waists often give an elongating effect, and though this one isn't a full-on drop waist, the famous style is insinuated with some thoughtful seaming and pleating around the waist and hips! On top of that, the vibrant tomato red color is super trendy, the square neckline is clean and chic, and it all secures effortlessly in the back with a duo of bow ties!
This Target dress is also shoppable in white and black and sizes 0-17 for $35.
Abercrombie & Fitch Premium Linen Scalloped Mini Dress
We're obsessed. The scalloping surely sets this dress apart, making it the ultimate summer statement piece. It's made of linen, which keeps the wear super light and breathable. It's meant to fit you loosely, too, so you won't feel restricted at any point. Its mini length hits around the thighs and there's a discreet zipper on the side seam for securing the look in place!
This A&F dress also comes in white, black, and pink colors and sizes XXS-XL for $90.
Old Navy PowerSoft Square-Neck Athletic Dress
If your personal style leans on the very casual side, consider an athletic dress for summer, like this one! It's equal parts cozy and stylish, since the square neck and tiny side slit elevate it altogether. It's made from a stretchy, lightly compressive material, moving with you as you go! There's even a nice built-in bodysuit for full coverage! Hot girl walks truly won't be the same after you've sported this style.
This flattering dress comes in a handful of other colors and sizes XS-4X for $38 (was $55).
Free People Dottie Mini Dress
This dress' killer combo – a diving v-neck and wide puff sleeves – flatter your figure beyond compare. Plus, the unique lace lining and ties surrounding the collar give the look some needed pizazz. This fitted-top, flared-bottom mini dress also ties back to complete the summer ensemble.
This Free People number also comes in green and blue colors and sizes XS-XL for $128.
Future Collective with Jenee Naylor Ruffle Ankle Length Dress
It's giving goddess vibes all the way! This whimsical maxi boasts some dreamy ruffles that line the chest, waist, and side of the skirt. They all work together to flatter your bod perfectly! The asymmetrical strap detail also adds some visual interest you may be searching for. You'll want to twirl in this Target dress all summer long!
This pick also comes in floral and zebra patterns and sizes XXS-4X for $40.
Gap Crinkle Gauze Denim Mini Dress
Denim dresses are hot right now, but it's almost too hot outside right now to wear them comfortably in the day-to-day. That's where this gauzy Gap mini comes in! It boasts a relaxed a-line shape, 100% cotton construction, ruffled crew neck, and a buttoned front closure that result in one supremely casual and comfy dress! You have the option to cinch it in with a braided tie – accentuating your waist even further. The sleeves measure longer than your average dress for comfort and coverage.
This looks-like-denim dress. is available in sizes XXS-XXL for $34 (was $70).
Free-est Full Of Sunshine Cotton-Linen Mini
This swingy style has a breezy scooped open back and is very loose-fitting, but the a-line silhouette still gives your bod some shape! It's an effortless farmer's market 'fit or even a great poolside cover-up. It's crafted from super-soft linen for unmatched breathability.
This casual pick comes in a handful of other hues and sizes XS-XL for $60.
A New Day Crepe Puff Short Sleeve Midi Dress
The contrasting paneling that separates at the bust of this dress undoubtedly lengthens your look, and it's everything! You'll get a little bit of a puff sleeve with this style, but it's not overly exaggerated or uncomfortable. It's covered chic polka dots and is unbelievably easy to style with other black and white accessories and shoes!
This Target design is shoppable in a few other colors and sizes XS-4X for $35.
Gap Slip Midi Dress
You simply can't go wrong with a slip dress! This fun pink one has a midi length and a casual v-neck that can be styled again and again in so many different ways. Its shape follows your figure without necessarily hugging it too close, too. There's even a cheeky leg slit for stepping out on the town.
This Gap dress comes in 4 more colors and sizes XXS-XXL for $31 (was $80).
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Lead image via Target.
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