The Best Summer Dresses, According To Our Fashion Editors

Forbes

a day ago

The best summer dresses are comfortable, breathable and easy to style—just add shoes and a pair of sunglasses, and you're out the door. Whether you're packing for an upcoming vacation or need something for everyday wear, we found lots of top-rated options to ride out a heat wave in style. We selected Anthropologie's Somerset Maxi Dress as our pick for best summer dress overall for its flattering fit and sophisticated silhouette. We also discovered great options from Madewell, Quince, Everlane and Jenni Kayne.
The best summer dresses are breathable, lightweight, and of course, stylish.
All of our picks are made from lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton, and they have various coverage levels and design details to suit different tastes. Below are the best summer dresses that we highly recommend. And for fancier events, we put together where to find the best little black dresses and the best mother-of-the-bride dresses.
Anthropologie
Anthropologie is a go-to source for day-to-night dresses with a bohemian-glamorous feel. The Somerset Maxi Dress is an elegant and classy option with a v-neck, smocked waist and longer length. Petite and plus sizes are also available. The strapless edition of this dress is also a winner.
Jenni Kayne
An airy sundress is a warm-weather wardrobe staple. This pick from Jenni Kayne has thin straps, a subtle v-neck and pockets—a key feature for comfort and convenience. Keep in mind that this dress is dry-clean only and runs a bit large, so reviewers recommend sizing down for a more fitted look.
Madewell
Madewell knows how to follow trends but also make them wearable, and this dress is a prime example. This style features a scoop neck and subtle seam detailing for visual interest, and it dips slightly low to show off your back as well. It's cut from a cotton lyocell blend, which makes it have just the right amount of softness and flow, rather than the stiffness of classic denim. Pair it with sneakers and a canvas tote for a day at the farmer's market, or add chunky hoop earrings and low, strappy sandals for a night out.
Banana Republic
For days you want to wear something elevated yet comfortable, throw on this polished shirtdress from Banana Republic. The crisp, cotton material is cool and breathable, and it has thoughtful details like on-seam front pockets and an adjustable self-tie belt. It comes in four gorgeous summer brights.
Quince
This is classic example of what to wear when you don't want to think too hard about your outfit. It's made from 100% organic cotton poplin that's cool and breathable, it's gathered at the waist to show off your shape, it has pretty tiers, and it also has pockets. It comes in thirteen colors, so you can get one for every day of the week and then some. To note: The light colors are lined so you don't have to worry about them being see through.
Jenni Kayne
An airy sundress is a warm-weather wardrobe staple. This pick from Jenni Kayne has thin straps, a subtle v-neck and pockets—a key feature for comfort and convenience. Keep in mind that this dress is dry-clean only and runs a bit large, so reviewers recommend sizing down for a more fitted look.
Everlane
Think of this as your go-anywhere dress for hot days. It features a wearable relaxed fit that hits just above the knee with a high-low hem for extra coverage in back. The Daytripper goes just as well with sandals as it does with dressy sneakers, and you can belt it if you're looking for a more streamlined silhouette. Wear this to the farmer's market, the beach or for lunch in town. Note that this is roomy, so you may have to size down.
Farm Rio
Farm Rio excels at creating stylish summer dresses from happy tropical prints and bold florals. This dress—in a more subdued tapestry print—is something you can throw on to elevate your look for almost any occasion. It has a bra-friendly V-neck, flirty flutter sleeve and a smocked waist to show off your shape.
Old Navy
For a polished and stylish throw-on-and-go outfit, this short-sleeve shirt dress from Old Navy is a great choice. The sleeves hit right above the elbows, and there's a patch pocket on the front. This dress comes in regular, tall or petite fits.
Torrid
Torrid has an extensive selection of plus-size summer dresses in different silhouettes. This easy style features stretchy, soft rib knit fabric that moves with you, an undergarment-friendly high neckline and functional pockets. Reviewers love that the fabric is breathable and that it can be dressed up or down.
Amazon
This affordable jersey dress can be worn everywhere from the beach to running errands. Pair the simple, body-skimming style with flat sandals or cute sneakers, and top it with a denim jacket or cropped cardigan when temperatures cool down at night. It comes in black, navy, olive and pink, but we're partial to this always stylish, Parisian-inspired stripe.
Summer calls for having lots of throw-on-and-go dresses. Below are several additional styles we love for looking good when temperatures heat up.
J.Crew
This easy linen mini looks beautiful whether you're wearing it for daytime or dressed up for a cocktail party. The tiered ruffle hem adds visual interest without adding bulk. We love the high neck shift style with flat sandals, minimalist jewelry and a great raffia bag. It comes in natural or navy.
Dôen
Dôen is a female-founded brand known for its romantic, whimsical designs and delicate floral prints with a vintage flair. The Ischia Dress, which debuted in 2021, is one of the brand's most popular styles. It has a scoop neckline with a smocked bodice, adjustable waist tie, puffed sleeves and dainty ruffles around the neckline.
Saks
Los Angeles-based Staud is known for timeless, chic dresses that are supremely wearable. True to form, this fit-and-flare style has a vintage-inspired shape, but the corset design and square neckline give it a stylish update.
Reformation
This minimalist shift dress is crafted from 100% linen and has a relaxed fit that's ideal for hot days when you don't want to wear anything too clingy. It's available in a handful of summer-friendly colors, but we're partial to the Slate Check pattern.
Lulus
The California-based label has endless dresses to choose from, including this gorgeous floral print maxi with adjustable spaghetti straps, a fitted waist and crisscross back. If you don't love pink, this style comes in five other floral hues that are equally vibrant.
Zara
Zara's Halter Crochet Knit Mini Dress is an effortless choice for your next warm-weather date or night out. Wear it with a strappy flat sandal and big earrings, and put your hair up to show off the halter neckline. To note: Given the semi see-through nature of this textured fabric, you'll want to choose your undergarments carefully, or opt to wear it over a swim suit.
Favorite Daughter
Having a black dress in your arsenal is a good idea, as it's easy to accessorize and dress up or down. This option from Favorite Daughter kicks things up a notch with a back bow-tie detail, wide straps and a long, flowy skirt.
Bloomingdales
A simple T-shirt dress is a carefree basic that can keep you cool on high humidity days. Leset's iteration features a round neckline, structured short sleeves and 100% cotton construction. The length hits at the mid-thigh.
Solid & Striped
Whether you're headed to a summer wedding, fancy date night or rooftop happy hour, this best-selling dress is bound to earn you plenty of compliments. The strapless top is fitted, but the knit skirt has a relaxed shape for hot, humid days (and nights). This dress comes in an impressive eight colors.
H&M
This fit-and-flare style—with its fitted bodice and a flared skirt—is simple and airy but it also has plenty of movement. It features a sweetheart neckline and thin straps while the bodice has smocking at the back for a secure fit.
Posse The Label
Posse The Label is a celebrity-loved Australian label known for its simple, elegant and well-made pieces. This mid-weight linen shift dress has an elegant square neckline, side seam pockets and an easy-to-wear A-line silhouette.
Hill House Home
Hill House Home's Nap Dresses have made the brand an Instagram hit. The silhouettes are breezy, easy to wear and flattering. This style comes in multiple colors and prints, and the dress is finished with elasticated smocking, ruffled shoulders, a tiered midi skirt and pockets. It comes in 18 different summer prints.
The Forbes Vetted team has researched, written and published dozens of summer fashion stories, including roundups of the best wedding guest dresses and best linen pants.
To find the best summer dresses, we considered several factors, such as fabric, comfort, quality, style and price.
Where Is The Best Place To Buy Summer Dresses?
Many great brands offer summer dresses, including Everlane, Madewell, Anthropologie, J.Crew, Quince and Reformation. All the retailers on our list provide an excellent range of options catering to different styles, fits, budgets and needs.
What Makes A Dress A Summer Dress?
Summer dresses are typically made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. While many are loose and flowy, you'll also see A-line, fit-and-flare or shift silhouettes. Summer dresses vary in length, color and other design details, although most people opt for bright colors, florals and patterns that feel cheerful and exuberant.
What Is The Best Summer Dress?
The best summer dress for you largely depends on your personal style and preferences. Before purchasing, consider the fabric, color, silhouette and ideal length. Look for lighter, more breathable fabrics like linen, cotton and bamboo and a length that you're comfortable with. Remember that mini dresses generally provide better airflow, but midi or maxi dresses offer more protection from the sun. Lastly, think about your personal style and which colors, styles and silhouettes you gravitate towards.