Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes the opportunity to refresh your wardrobe with light, breezy, and stylish dresses. But finding the perfect summer dress to wear this season can be a bit overwhelming, with so many options available. Whether you’re lounging at a beach, attending a casual barbecue, or exploring the city, a versatile dress can be your go-to outfit. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the best summer dresses that are both fashionable and functional, and we’ll share tips on how to style them for any casual occasion.
When it comes to summer dresses, versatility is key. You want pieces that can easily transition from day to night, from the beach to a dinner date, without sacrificing comfort or style. Let’s dive into the top summer dresses to wear this season, and discover how you can make the most of your summer wardrobe.
The 10 Best Summer Dresses to Wear
1. The Classic Sundress
What it is: A classic sundress is typically lightweight, often made of cotton or linen, and comes in a variety of lengths and patterns. It’s a staple piece that never goes out of style.
How to wear it casually: Pair your sundress with flat sandals and a wide-brimmed hat for a day at the park or a casual lunch with friends. Add a denim jacket for cooler evenings.
Styling Tips:
- Opt for bright colors or floral prints to embrace the summer vibe: Bright colors like yellow, pink, or turquoise can make your outfit pop, while floral prints add a touch of femininity and fun.
- Accessorize with a simple necklace or a pair of hoop earrings: Keep your accessories light and simple to maintain the casual, laid-back feel of the sundress. A dainty necklace or classic hoops can complement the look without overwhelming it.
- Choose a sundress with pockets for added functionality: Pockets are a practical addition that can make your sundress even more versatile and convenient, allowing you to carry small essentials without needing a bag.
Flutter-Sleeve Sundress by Madewell:
This breezy cotton sundress features delicate flutter sleeves and a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette, making it perfect for warm summer days. The lightweight fabric and classic design ensure you’ll stay comfortable and stylish all season long.
2. The Maxi Dress
What it is: A maxi dress is a floor-length dress that offers a relaxed yet elegant look. It’s perfect for those hot summer days when you want to stay cool while looking chic.
How to wear it casually: Wear your maxi dress with flip-flops or espadrilles for a beach-ready look. You can also tie a knot at the bottom for a more casual and playful style.
Styling Tips:
- Look for a maxi dress with a slit for added movement and breathability: A slit not only enhances the style of the dress but also makes it easier to walk and stay cool in the summer heat.
- Pair with a statement belt to cinch the waist and add definition: A belt can transform the silhouette of your maxi dress, giving you a more defined waistline and adding a stylish accessory to your outfit.
- Choose lightweight fabrics like chiffon or jersey for maximum comfort: These fabrics are breathable and flowy, making them ideal for staying comfortable and cool during hot summer days.
Wrap Maxi Dress by Reformation
Made from sustainable materials, this wrap maxi dress combines elegance and comfort, featuring a flattering waist tie and a thigh-high slit. The wrap design allows for an adjustable fit, and the slit provides added movement and ventilation, making it perfect for both daytime outings and evening events.
3. The Shirt Dress
What it is: A shirt dress is designed like a long shirt, often button-down, and can be worn as a dress. It’s versatile and can be dressed up or down with ease.
How to wear it casually: For a laid-back look, wear your shirt dress with sneakers or slip-on shoes. Add a crossbody bag for a hands-free experience.
Styling Tips:
- Roll up the sleeves for a more relaxed feel: Rolling up the sleeves can give your shirt dress a more casual and effortless look, perfect for a day out.
- Layer with a tank top or a camisole underneath: Adding a layer underneath can provide extra coverage and comfort, especially if the shirt dress has a loose fit.
- Choose a belt to add structure and shape to your outfit: A belt can define your waist and add a touch of sophistication to your shirt dress, making it look more polished.
Classic White Shirt Dress by Everlane
This shirt dress features a clean, minimalist design with a button-down front and a relaxed fit. Made from crisp, lightweight cotton, it’s perfect for warm summer days. The dress also includes a matching belt to cinch the waist, adding a touch of structure and elegance to this versatile piece.
4. The Wrap Dress
What it is: A wrap dress features a front closure created by wrapping one side of the dress across the other and tying at the waist. This style is flattering on many body types.
How to wear it casually: Pair your wrap dress with strappy sandals and a straw bag for a perfect summer day look. It’s ideal for picnics or a stroll in the park.
Styling Tips:
- Select a wrap dress with a fun print or bold color: Bright, bold colors and playful prints can make your wrap dress stand out and add a touch of joy to your summer wardrobe.
- Keep accessories minimal to let the dress shine: The beauty of a wrap dress often lies in its simplicity and elegance. Minimal accessories help maintain this focus.
- Opt for a midi length for a balance between casual and sophisticated: A midi-length wrap dress offers a versatile length that’s easy to dress up or down, making it suitable for a variety of casual settings.
Polka Dot Wrap Dress by Realisation Par
This wrap dress features a playful polka dot print and a flattering waist tie. Made from lightweight silk, it’s perfect for warm summer days and offers a chic, effortless style that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
5. The Slip Dress
What it is: A slip dress is a simple, often satin or silk, dress with spaghetti straps. It’s reminiscent of lingerie but can be styled for a chic daytime look.
How to wear it casually: Layer your slip dress over a plain white t-shirt and pair with chunky sneakers for an effortlessly cool ensemble.
Styling Tips:
- Add a denim or leather jacket for a bit of edge: Throwing on a jacket can transform the slip dress from delicate to edgy, making it perfect for a variety of casual settings.
- Accessorize with layered necklaces and a mini backpack: Layered necklaces can add depth and interest to the simple lines of a slip dress, while a mini backpack keeps the look functional and trendy.
- Choose a bias-cut slip dress for a flattering silhouette: A bias-cut dress drapes beautifully on the body, enhancing your natural shape and providing a comfortable fit.
Satin Slip Dress by Zara
This satin slip dress from Zara features a chic bias cut and delicate spaghetti straps. The dress is available in a range of colors and is perfect for layering, offering a versatile piece that can easily transition from day to night.
6. The Midi Dress
What it is: A midi dress falls between the knee and ankle, offering a modest yet stylish option for summer.
How to wear it casually: Team your midi dress with flat mules or ballet flats for a comfortable and chic look. A wicker basket bag can add a touch of summer charm.
Styling Tips:
- Go for floral or polka dot prints for a playful touch: Floral or polka dot prints can add a fun and whimsical vibe to your midi dress, perfect for embracing the carefree spirit of summer.
- Pair with a lightweight cardigan for a bit of warmth: On cooler summer evenings or in air-conditioned spaces, a lightweight cardigan can provide just the right amount of warmth without compromising your style.
- Add a sunhat for extra protection and style: Not only does a sunhat protect you from the sun’s harmful rays, but it also adds a chic and sophisticated touch to your outfit, elevating your overall look.
Printed Midi Dress by H&M
This midi dress features a vibrant floral print and a flattering midi length, making it an ideal choice for summer. The lightweight fabric ensures comfort even on the hottest days, while the relaxed silhouette allows for easy movement. Pair it with flat mules and a wicker basket bag for a stylish yet effortless ensemble perfect for any casual occasion.
7. The Boho Dress
What it is: Boho (bohemian) dresses are characterized by their relaxed fit, often featuring patterns, embroidery, and tassels. They exude a free-spirited vibe.
How to wear it casually: Wear your boho dress with gladiator sandals and a fringe bag for a true bohemian look. Perfect for music festivals or a casual day out.
Styling Tips:
- Layer with long necklaces and chunky bracelets: Accessories play a crucial role in achieving the boho aesthetic. Layering long necklaces and stacking chunky bracelets adds depth and personality to your outfit.
- Opt for earthy tones and natural fabrics: Earthy tones like browns, greens, and terracottas complement the bohemian style and create a harmonious, nature-inspired look. Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and suede enhance the laid-back feel of the ensemble.
- Add a wide-brimmed hat to complete the look: A wide-brimmed hat not only provides sun protection but also adds a touch of drama and mystery to your boho-inspired outfit, completing the overall look with flair.
- Layer with long necklaces and chunky bracelets: Accessories play a crucial role in achieving the boho aesthetic. Layering long necklaces and stacking chunky bracelets adds depth and personality to your outfit.
- Opt for earthy tones and natural fabrics: Earthy tones like browns, greens, and terracottas complement the bohemian style and create a harmonious, nature-inspired look. Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and suede enhance the laid-back feel of the ensemble.
- Add a wide-brimmed hat to complete the look: A wide-brimmed hat not only provides sun protection but also adds a touch of drama and mystery to your boho-inspired outfit, completing the overall look with flair.
Embroidered Boho Midi Dress by Free People
This boho midi dress from Free People features intricate embroidery, tassel details, and a relaxed fit, capturing the essence of bohemian style. Made from lightweight cotton, it’s perfect for warm summer days and exudes a carefree, laid-back vibe. Pair it with gladiator sandals, a fringe bag, and a wide-brimmed hat for an effortlessly chic boho look.
8. The T-Shirt Dress
What it is: A T-shirt dress is a casual dress that resembles an oversized T-shirt. It’s comfortable and easy to style.
How to wear it casually: Pair your T-shirt dress with white sneakers and a baseball cap for a sporty look. Great for running errands or a casual brunch.
Styling Tips:
- Choose a dress with a fun graphic or slogan: Adding a fun graphic or slogan to your T-shirt dress can inject personality and playfulness into your outfit, making it stand out from the crowd.
- Layer with a chambray shirt tied around the waist: Adding a chambray shirt tied around the waist adds dimension to your T-shirt dress ensemble while also providing a practical layering option for cooler evenings.
- Accessorize with a simple watch or bracelet: Keep your accessories minimal and understated to maintain the casual vibe of the T-shirt dress. A simple watch or bracelet adds a touch of polish without overwhelming the outfit.
Graphic T-Shirt Dress by ASOS DESIGN
This T-shirt dress from ASOS DESIGN features a bold graphic print and a relaxed, oversized fit, perfect for casual summer outings. Made from soft cotton jersey, it offers comfort and style in equal measure. Pair it with white sneakers, a baseball cap, and a chambray shirt tied around the waist for a trendy, laid-back look.
9. The Off-Shoulder Dress
What it is: An off-shoulder dress features a neckline that sits below the shoulders, showing off the collarbones and shoulders.
How to wear it casually: Combine your off-shoulder dress with espadrilles and a floppy hat for a breezy summer look. Ideal for a beach outing or a garden party.
Styling Tips:
- Look for ruffled or lace details for added charm: Ruffled or lace details can add a romantic and feminine touch to your off-shoulder dress, enhancing its overall charm and elegance.
- Keep your hair up to highlight the neckline: Pulling your hair up into a bun or ponytail can draw attention to the neckline of the off-shoulder dress, allowing it to take center stage in your outfit.
- Accessorize with statement earrings: Statement earrings can add a pop of color and personality to your ensemble, complementing the off-shoulder neckline and completing your summer look with flair.
Lace Off-Shoulder Dress by Lulus
This off-shoulder dress from Lulus features delicate lace detailing and a flattering off-shoulder neckline, perfect for summer soirées and special occasions. The lightweight fabric and breezy silhouette make it ideal for warm weather, while the intricate lace adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. Pair it with espadrilles, a floppy hat, and statement earrings for a chic and stylish ensemble.
10. The Denim Dress
What it is: A denim dress is made from denim fabric and can come in various styles, from button-down to pinafore designs.
How to wear it casually: Style your denim dress with canvas shoes and a backpack for a laid-back, everyday look. Perfect for casual outings or a day of shopping.
Styling Tips:
- Layer with a striped shirt or turtleneck underneath: Layering a striped shirt or turtleneck underneath your denim dress adds depth and interest to your outfit, creating a stylish and versatile look that’s perfect for transitioning between seasons.
- Add a pop of color with bright accessories: Injecting a pop of color with bright accessories like scarves, bags, or statement jewelry can elevate your denim dress ensemble and add personality to your overall look.
- Opt for a relaxed fit for maximum comfort: Choose a denim dress with a relaxed fit to ensure maximum comfort and ease of movement throughout the day. A looser silhouette also contributes to the casual and laid-back vibe of the outfit.
Button-Front Denim Dress by Old Navy
This denim dress from Old Navy features a classic button-front design and a relaxed fit, making it a versatile and timeless addition to your summer wardrobe. Made from soft, lightweight denim, it offers comfort and style in equal measure. Pair it with canvas shoes, a backpack, and colorful accessories for an effortlessly cool and casual look.
It is time to experiment with different styles
Finding the perfect summer dress to wear this season doesn’t have to be intimidating for a woman. By choosing versatile and stylish options like the ones mentioned above, you can easily create a variety of looks suitable for any casual summer occasion. Whether you prefer the classic appeal of a sundress or the relaxed vibe of a boho dress, there’s a summer dress out there that fits your style and needs.
Remember, the key to nailing your summer wardrobe is to focus on comfort and simplicity while allowing your personality to shine through. Experiment with different styles, mix and match accessories, and most importantly, have fun with your fashion choices. With the right summer dresses in your closet, you’ll be ready to take on the season in style.