The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (2024)

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The strappy midis! The floral maxis! The sleeveless cover-ups! Revamping your wardrobe to incorporate the best summer dresses is one of the most exciting parts of warm-weather dressing—and there’s no better time to start clearing some hangers for wardrobe essentials and the most exciting summer fashion trends you’ll wear on repeat in the coming weeks and months.

Peak summer dressing is practically here, with plenty of cute and airy numbers to choose from for your summer vibe shift. Whether you want a slinky slip dress to wear to your stacked calendar of RSVPs, a lightweight shirtdress to make office dressing a breeze, a flowy sundress for traipsing around town, or a crochet coverup you can pack alongside your beach essentials, you’ll find the perfect one here. These are the best summer dresses to shop (and wear everywhere) right now.

The maxidress

Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images

Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images

Maxidresses for summer are what lug sole boots are for fall: nonnegotiable and a no-brainer for getting through the season in style. Their versatility knows no bounds, either—no matter the neckline or sleeve length, odds are you can tie on a belt, throw on a leather or denim jacket, and style with flats, raffia wedges, or platform sandals. Don't sweat the length if it's a little too long; there's nothing quite like a floor-kissing hem to give you that main-character energy as you look both ways while crossing the street.

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (1)

Pinkfilosofy Kyoko Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (2)

Athleta Elation V-Neck Hybrid Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (3)

Free People Taking Sides Maxi

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (4)

Boden Cutout Detail Maxidress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (5)

Anthropologie Malika Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (6)

Eloquii Eyelet Tie-Front Maxidress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (7)

Reformation Frankie Silk Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (8)

Knox Rose Women's Sleeveless A-Line Dress

The sundress

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 17: A guest wearing Joslin red maxi dress at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2023 at Carriageworks on May 17, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images)Hanna Lassen/Getty Images

When you have no idea what else to wear, a trusty sundress will always be there for you. The summertime staple comes in many different forms, but they’re all breezy, lightweight, and cute enough to make you look like you actually thought about your outfit ahead of time. Whether you pair your pick with walking sandals, kitten heels, or summer sneakers, you’ll be ready for even the sunniest, sweatiest days of the season.

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (9)

Pilcro Ruffle V-Neck Shift Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (10)

LoveShackFancy Chessie Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (13)

Free People Onda Tube Midi

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (14)

Free People Finer Things Midi

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (15)

Farm Rio Palm Tree Richilier Sundress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (16)

Caslon Smocked Tie Strap Cotton Gauze Midi Sundress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (17)

KUT from the Kloth Zaniah Tiered Sundress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (18)

Prettygarden Casual Summer Midi Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (19)

Kate Spade Twill Grace Dress

The floral-print dress

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Whether you like your blooms bold and graphic or prefer a ditsy flower motif, a floral-print dress is a summer MVP. It's one of the few printed styles you can wear on repeat without aching for newness after a handful of wears—helpful too when you're trying to be more thoughtful about the pieces you shop.

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (20)

& Other Stories Puff-Sleeve Linen Midi Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (21)

Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (22)

Dokotoo Square-Neck Boho Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (23)

Endless Rose Floral Chiffon Flounce Minidress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (24)

A New Day Women’s Puff Short Sleeve Cutout Bubble A-Line Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (25)

Cupshe Women’s V-Neck Floral Cutout Minidress

The shirtdress

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

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Shirtdresses may already be a summer mainstay; if not, they should be, especially with so many variations available. A loose cotton-poplin or linen style gives coastal-grandma chic, while a ruched or smocked T-shirt dress feels more appropriate for urban adventures. The result is effortless either way.

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (26)

J.Crew Relaxed-Fit Short-Sleeve Baird McNutt Irish Linen Shirtdress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (27)

Boden Tiered Cotton Maxi Shirtdress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (28)

Anthropologie Eyelet Shirtdress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (29)

Old Navy Short-Sleeve Shirtdress for Women

The midi dress

Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images

Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images

Love a midi dress? Same. There's little you can do wrong with this piece styling-wise: Pair a stretchy-knit number with comfy walking sandals or a silk slip dress with cowboy boots. Seasonal standouts include Silk Laundry's celeb-loved ’90s style, which will be a hero piece for after-work events, and & Other Stories' oversized shirtdress, which you can let billow as is or give definition with a belt.

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (30)

Square Neck Ruffle Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (31)

Free People C'est Bon Midi

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (32)

Farm Rio Mixed Neon Midi Dress

The summer wedding guest dress

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

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Whether you're attending a single ceremony or multiple this season, the best summer wedding guest dresses are those you can rewear and restyle for multiple occasions. A few we're loving right now: Reformation's jewel-toned silk halter-neck dress, Mango's figure-hugging maxi with rosette detailing on the shoulder, and Significant Other's mock-neck style, which you can slip into for dinner rehearsals or wear during daytime celebrations.

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (34)

Bl-nk Painterly Off-Shoulder Slip Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (35)

English Factory Floral Back Tiered Midi Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (36)

Reformation Juliette Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (37)

Significant Other Cali Midi Dress

The beach dress

Hanna Lassen/Getty Images

A casual beach dress can take you from the pool to dinner with absolutely zero effort—perfect for when you’re slightly buzzed and living out of a suitcase on vacation. Prioritize stretchy materials, quick-drying fabrics, and no-closure silhouettes; the vibe is as relaxed as possible. Hop on summer fashion trends with sheer options from H&M and Johnny Was or elevate your beachside style with slightly dressier picks from Staud and Madewell,

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H&M Crochet-Look Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (39)

Staud Mini Seashore Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (40)

Madewell Modular Halter Midi Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (41)

Johnny Was Adele Drape Tunic Dress

The minidress

Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images

Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images

Mini season got an early start this year, with everyone gravitating to itty-bitty hemlines regardless of what the forecast says. There's no more agreeable time to wear a mini than in summer, though, with some of the best dresses available then (less fabric is also a requisite for sticky days). Below are a few comfy throw-on-and-go styles to add to your summer wardrobe—the only thing missing from your periphery now is sandy shores, a giant coconut, and a fishnet tote with a good book peeking out.

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Johnny Was Nani Polo Tank Tennis Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (43)

Skims Cotton Rib Tank Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (44)

Free People Struttin’ Minidress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (45)

Zara Strapless Minidress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (46)

Devotion Twins Embroidered Ella Tunic Dress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (47)

ASOS Eyelet Minidress

The Prettiest Summer Dresses to Buy Now (2024)

FAQs

Which dress is best for summer? ›

We should wear cotton clothes and light coloured clothes in summers. Cotton is a good absorber of water. Since we sweat a lot in summers, cotton clothes absorb sweat from our body and exposes the sweat to the atmosphere, making its evaporation faster.

How to dress and look beautiful? ›

Focus on classic, rather than trendy, styles.

Forcing yourself into certain colors, cuts, and styles because the fashion magazines are featuring them will not make you well dressed. Wear what suits you best. But be willing to experiment! You may be surprised by how a new style may flatter your appearance.

What summer dresses are in fashion? ›

Summer Dresses
  • Tiered Puff Sleeve Midi Dress. £25.00 GBP.
  • Milkmaid Style Floaty Sleeve Mini Dress. ...
  • Polka Dot Smock Midaxi T-Shirt Dress. ...
  • Animal Print Short Sleeve Wrap Swing Dress. ...
  • Polka Dot Print Short Sleeve Wrap Swing Dress. ...
  • Polka Dot Shirred Bust Puff Sleeve Swing Dress. ...
  • Oversized T-Shirt Dress. ...
  • Bandeau Jacquard Maxi Dress.

What is the coolest clothing to wear in the summer? ›

Look for shirts, shorts, pants and hats in white, tan or khaki. Choose UPF-rated clothing: All clothing blocks the sun's rays to a certain extent, but clothing that has a UPF rating has been tested to ensure it provides the rated level of protection. Common ratings include UPF 15, UPF 30 and UPF 50+.

What does a summer dress look like? ›

What Is a Summer Dress? Quintessential summer dresses are typically made from light, breathable materials, and many also show a little skin to help keep you cool when it's hot or humid. Many summer dresses also embrace brighter, bolder color schemes and patterns that feel emblematic of the season.

How to dress simple but attractive? ›

In this blog post, we'll explore seven tips to help you look chic every day.
  1. Less Is More: Start with a Clean Slate. ...
  2. Invest in Quality Basics. ...
  3. Embrace Neutral Tones. ...
  4. Pay Attention to Fit. ...
  5. Accessorize Thoughtfully. ...
  6. Mix and Match with Purpose. ...
  7. Cultivate Confidence.
Oct 11, 2023

How do you dress simple but classy? ›

Avoid bright colors or bold patterns – go for gentle tones and delicate patterns. Bright colors and bold patterns can be fine, per se. However, they can be, at times, overpowering and even distracting. It's better to stick with delicate or simple patterns and gentle tones.

What do classy ladies wear? ›

Classic Silhouettes: Elegant clothing often features classic silhouettes that flatter the female figure without being overly revealing. This includes A-line dresses, tailored blazers, pencil skirts, and well-fitted trousers. Neutral Color Palette: Neutral colors such.

How to look rich and classy? ›

How to Dress Like You're a Millionaire
  1. Reach for the basics. ...
  2. Dark denim is always "do." ...
  3. Layer your look with a timeless topper. ...
  4. Slip into status staple shoes. ...
  5. When in doubt, wear neutral tones. ...
  6. Drape yourself in timeless jewels. ...
  7. Logo is a no go when it comes to purses. ...
  8. Sunglasses are always a power move.
May 5, 2023

How do you dress hot in the summer? ›

How to Look Great in a Heat Wave
  1. Wear loose flow-y clothing. Fashion has our back. ...
  2. Choose natural fabrics that breathe. ...
  3. Streamline beauty products. ...
  4. Foil sweat in black, prints and comfy underwear. ...
  5. Weatherproof your hair. ...
  6. Choose shoes that let feet breathe.
Jul 27, 2023

What color clothes are cooler in summer? ›

(WEHT) – During the hot Summer months, we often recommend wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to help stay cool. The reason behind that is that lighter colors, for example white, will reflect most of the sun's wavelengths. That reflection will keep those fabrics cooler.

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