12 Summer Dresses I’m Adding to My Shopping Cart
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If you see me out and about between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there’s a 97 percent chance I’ll be wearing a light summer sundress. It’s the only article of clothing that won’t have me drenched in sweat the second I step outside, and the convenience of a one-piece outfit is irresistible. And now is the time to stock up on them.
As a seasoned shopping editor who hates feeling sticky in sweat, I’ve tried dozens of minis, midis, and maxis in a wide variety of trends, silhouettes, fabrics, and colors so you don’t have to.
From easy daytime and linen dresses that are essentials on the sweatiest of days to cocktail dresses you need for wedding season and printed frocks that’ll stand out from the crowd, below, you’ll find the best of the best summer dresses that I want to live in right now.
SO, WHICH summer dress YOU SHOULD ADD TO YOUR CART?
➼ Best linen dresses
➼ Best party dresses
➼ Best daytime dresses
➼ Best printed dresses
Updated on May 12, 2025: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
Best Linen Dresses
My mom has ingrained in me that linen is a superior fabric. It’s breezy, it’s comfortable, and it’s the one fabric in which wrinkles are welcome.
COS Pleated Linen Maxi Dress
Available in sizes 2–14.
This pleated linen maxi provides the ultimate pop of color without feeling too fussy.
Reformation Oaklyn Linen Dress
Available in sizes 0–12.
You’ll want to wear this linen minidress for brunch, picnics in the park, and other daytime activities is this polka-dot one from Reformation. The Basque waist is beyond flattering.
POSSE Emma Button Down Mini Dress
Available in sizes XXS–XL.
I live in POSSE’s 100 percent linen dresses during the summer. They are a bit pricey, but I’ve found that the quality and ultraflattering fit makes them worth the money. This button-down style that has an adjustable strap at the back to cinch in the waist is on my wish list right now.
Best Party Dresses
We found a dress for every summer soirée on your calendar. So whether you have a destination wedding or a fancy birthday bash coming up, keep scrolling if you want to dress to impress.
& Other Stories Floral Print Maxi Dress
Available in sizes 0–14.
Romantic and whimsical, from the flow-y layers to sheer skirt and diffused floral appliqué.
Hutch The Ridge Dress
Available in sizes 0–12.
Available in ten different colors, this drop-waist dress is made from a lustrous fabrication that’s so summery and perfect for special occasions.
Kallmeyer Victoria Draped Gown in Black Slinky Jersey
Available in sizes XS–L.
You won’t regret investing in this cocktail dress. Buy the black if you want to wear it over and over again to nice dinners and work events or the bright blue if you want your ex to noice you at a mutual friend’s wedding this summer.
Best Daytime Dresses
The most comfortable, effortlessly cool, and easy-to-wear dresses for brunch, beach days, picnics in the park, and beyond.
DISSH Gabby Cornflower Cotton Mini Dress
Available in sizes 2–12.
A tent dress that hangs off the body is ideal when the sun is shining and you’re out and about all day. This style from DISSH, which features a ruched scoop neckline, will never feel sticky, no matter how sweaty you get. Maximum airflow all day long.
Aritzia Resolute Poplin Dress
Available in sizes XXS–XL.
Another easy, breezy, breathable dress for your consideration. It’s available in a bright red-orange shade, black, and two different striped colorways.
Gimaguas Beige Costa Minidress
Available in sizes XS–XL.
If you are sick of hearing about the butter-yellow trend, try this mustard-y beige color instead. The Costa minidress is one you can wear all day and into the night for dinner and drinks.
Best Printed Dresses
My style usually consist of neutrals and versatile basics. But in the summer, I love to play with bright colors and bold prints like the ones below.
Damson Madder Becca Midi Dress
Available in sizes 6–20.
If you can only get one summer dress, let it be the Becca midi from Damson Madder — the puff sleeves are removable, so you basically get two dresses for the price of one.
Staud Remington Dress
Available in sizes 00–16.
Because nothing screams summer like a ripe tomato, straight from the vine.
Dôen Mazarin Dress
Available in sizes XXS–XXL.
It might sound silly to call polka dots a “trend,” but they really are having a moment right now. This fresh take on a ’90s midi dress features a removable rosette brooch, petite ruffles, and an invisible side zipper. The tie halter neck means you can customize the fit and adjust as needed.