20 Sweet Summer Dresses For *All* Your Activities

Trying to land the perfect pair of tops and pants in the scorching summer heat is not the move. Enter: these amazing summer dresses that can be easily styled and comfortably worn, no matter the occasion. Picnic with your pals? Pop on a maxi dress. Going out on the town with your gals? An electric mini will do the trick. Whatever you're up to this sunny season, you can count on a summer dress to elevate your look. We've got a few favorite picks here, including casual dresses, plus-size dresses, and maxi dresses. Check them out below!

UO Angelina Lace-Inset Mini Dress ($69)

Perfect for days full of lying in the sun, this mini dress swarms you in precious light cotton and cools you down.

Abercrombie & Fitch Cap Sleeve Corset Midi Dress in Lime ($110)

This colorful summer dress comes in a lemon-lime hue, an ideal wear for a tropical vacay or girl's night out!

Reformation Amara Dress in Flambe ($178)

Barbiecore is in full swing with this cute summer dress. Pop on some pink to soak up the sunny days!

For Love & Lemons Suzette Maxi Dress ($289)

You'll feel like a human flower garden in this maxi style! The stringy straps and floral patterns make way for some fun experimentation with your next summer look.

free-est Marina Mini Dress ($88)

Feel swarmed in comfort in this flowy mini dress that features feminine folds!

Reformation Zaid Dress ($278)

Light up summer nights in this casual dress from Reformation – the deep cut neckline gives your look a totally flirty flair.

Old Navy Fit & Flare Tie-Strap Printed Mini Dress ($25, was $37)

This plus-size summer dress provides an effortless look without too much hassle. The square neckline and bowtie strap details surely elevate this on-the-go piece.

By Anthropologie Sweetheart Bubble-Hem Dress ($170)

We're obsessed with the strong color of this cute summer dress. The bubble hem and v-neck bring a sophisticated look to what would've been a super basic maxi.

Free People Real Love Embroidered Dress ($168)

It's giving Mamma Mia. Live out your Grecian goddess fantasy in this breezy maxi from Free People.

Ava & Viv Flutter Sleeve Sweetheart Dress ($30, was $35)

This tropical print was made for sipping a piña colada on the beach!

Madewell Seersucker Tie-Front Cutout Midi Dress ($45, was $80)

If you feel like showing some skin on a warm summer night, this is the dress for you. Plus, it'll stand out against your gorgeous tan!

For Love & Lemons Donna Midi Dress ($239)

Patchwork is *so* in, and this cool-toned midi dress is directly on-trend. Wear it casually with some summer sandals!

Everlane The Organic Cotton Weekend Tee Dress ($50)

T-shirt dresses are a true wardrobe lifesaver. They're casual enough to wear on errand-packed days, or you can dress them up with jewelry and jackets!

free-est Allure Maxi Dress ($98)

Achieve elevated elegance with the comfort levels of sweatpants and t-shirts. This light fabric construction is ideal for hot summers, plus the vibrant yellow color is the absolute cherry on top for the season!

Levi's Jamie Ruched Dress ($98)

This sporty style looks iconic with dad sneakers *or* high heels – just wear it the way you please!

Abercrombie & Fitch Traveler Mini Dress ($70)

For a more athletic outfit, this Traveler Mini Dress hugs your form perfectly, all while keeping your body cool with a light fabric.

A New Day Spaghetti Strap Dress ($35)

This seafoam green is summer's best complement – especially if you're hitting the beach!

Billabong Feel The Love Floral V-Neck Dress ($50)

Don all the colors of the rainbow in this casual-fit mini! All that's left to complete your summer dress look is a bright handbag to go along with the palette.

ASOS Accessorize Balloon Sleeve Maxi Beach Summer Dress ($78)

You can *finally* live out your European hot girl summer fantasy even if you're stuck in the states, thanks to this breezy dress! The tiered skirt and puffy sleeves make us want to bask in the sun, stat.

Lucky Brand Cutout Cotton Poplin Sundress ($129)

The small keyhole details on the front of this dress add to its flirtatious feel. The rest of the shape is exceptionally comfortable for summer days and nights!

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This post has been updated.

Header image via Anthropologie