Besides the mercury rising, summer is a time of the year marked with sunshine, icecream, beach days, and pretty summer dresses! It’s that time of year when our closets undergo a delightful transformation with the best summer dresses — think: florals, pastels, spaghettis, and flowy silhouettes. 

But with endless options fluttering off the racks, how do you sift through and find key pieces to elevate your summer style? A good place to start is prioritizing soft, breathable, and environment-friendly fabrics because they offer unparalleled comfort in the heat, reduce sweat, and allow your skin to breathe. 

Such fabrics include organic cotton, linen, modal, viscose, cotton, hemp, etc. They have a minimal carbon footprint and are sustainable as garments made out of them are likely to stay in shape for years. From ethereal maxi dresses that whisper romance to playful minis that are all about fun, my top picks are designed to cater to every occasion and personal preference.

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  Editor’s Choice

  The Summer House Powder Blue Plaid Dress

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The Summer House's blue and white plaid maxi dress is your wardrobe's refreshing wave. Crafted from breezy, handwoven cotton checks, this midi marvel enchants with intricate hand embroidery and cutwork gracing its wide neckline. With adjustable straps for the perfect sun-kissed fit and a side zipper for effortless wear, it’s as versatile as it is elegant. Seam pockets blend functionality with fashion, all fully lined for unmatched comfort. 

Born from zero-waste production and lovingly hand-embroidered by traditional artisans, each dress is uniquely yours, made to order for an exclusive summer fling with fashion.

Size: XS to XL

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Best for Daily Wear

Pact Relaxed Slub Henley Tank Dress

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The Relaxed Slub Henley Tank Dress epitomizes summer style, blending effortless comfort with timeless elegance. Crafted with a soft, organic cotton slub fabric, it offers breathability and feels gentle against the skin, perfect for warm days. The dress features a flattering V-neck henley neckline adorned with functional, plant-based corozo buttons, adding a touch of eco-conscious charm. 

Designed with sleeveless, bra-friendly straps and a flattering empire waist, it offers both comfort and a beautiful silhouette. The hidden side pockets add a practical element, while its length, hitting below the knee, suits most body types. Ideal for anyone looking to elevate their summer wardrobe with a piece that combines style, comfort, and sustainability, this dress is a must-have.

Size: XS to 3XL

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Best for Beach Dates

Quince 100% Organic Cotton Keyhole Midi Dress

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Feel the orange zest of summer with this Keyhole Midi Dress — a true embodiment of comfort meets style. Crafted from the premium 100% organic cotton poplin, this dress offers a cool, crisp look with a lightweight feel that's perfect for sunny days. The smocked bodice beautifully hugs one’s figure — providing a flattering yet comfortable fit — while the front tie and adjustable straps allow for a personalized fit. Not to forget, it boasts functional side seam pockets for added convenience. 

Whether dressed up or down, this classy summer dress, with its breathable, durable, and lightweight cotton poplin fabric, is ideal for various occasions. Its keyhole self-tie closure at the bust adds a chic touch, making it a staple in any eco-conscious fashionista's wardrobe.

Size: XS to XL

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Best for Travel

17 Looms Alanna Floral Motif Dress - White

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When someone mentions a summer dress, this one from 17 Looms surely comes to mind. Radiating Santorini vibes, it's adorned with vibrant red and green motifs on a heavenly white fabric. This ensemble effortlessly blends ethereal femininity with absolute comfort. Just picture yourself in this dress, accessorized with beachy statement earrings, a jute handbag, and nude tie-up sandals! Now, wouldn’t that be the epitome of summer chic?

More so, the dress also features a buttoned closure and a tie-up detail at the sleeves, it boasts an oversized fit and a charming keyhole neckline that suits all body types. All in all, this dress exuberates a carefree spirit of summer.

Size: S to L

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Best Fabric

Everlane The Organic Cotton Herringbone Dress

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The Organic Cotton Herringbone Dress is a masterpiece of versatility and sustainability, designed to flatter any figure. Its bone color offers a neutral palette that beautifully complements all skin tones, enhancing natural beauty effortlessly. Whether styled loosely for an A-line silhouette or cinched at the waist with a belt for a more defined shape, this sleeveless dress adapts to both casual and formal settings. 

Crafted from 100% organic cotton, it stands out for its commitment to environmental responsibility, promoting cleaner water and healthier soil. With its utility features and elegant design, it's a must-have for those who value style, comfort, and the planet.

Size: XXS to XL

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Best Floral-patterned Dress

Sezane Rosella Floral Silk Dress

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The Sézane Rosella Dress captures the essence of effortless elegance with its strapless design and charming square neckline. This midi dress features a tasteful slit at the bottom, adding a touch of allure to its silhouette. The smocked back and zip fastening ensure a comfortable and secure fit, while the lining provides additional coverage. 

Adorned with a floral print in warm tones, this dress exudes a romantic and inviting vibe, perfect for any occasion that calls for a blend of sophistication and comfort. Its timeless design and captivating pattern make it a standout piece in any wardrobe, with the main fabric being natural silk complemented by a soft viscose lining. This combination enhances the garment's luxurious feel while ensuring breathability and ease of wear.

Size: 2 to 14

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Best Cottagecore Dress

Reformation Aubree Linen Spaghetti Dress

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Summer is here, and with it, the Aubree Linen Dress emerges as the perfect companion for the season's warmth. Boasting a relaxed fit that promises both comfort and style, this casual summer dress features charming tie straps and a neat straight neckline, encapsulating effortless elegance. Made from 100% lightweight linen, it's designed to keep you cool and comfortable as temperatures rise. 

The care process is straightforward — a simple cold wash and line dry will do. Its compatibility with a black and white plaid strappy dress enhances its appeal, while the slate check pattern is offered in four versatile options, ensuring a seamless addition to your summer wardrobe.

Size: XS to XL

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Best Elegant Summer Dress

Magic Linen Smocked Tie-up Dress - Avilla In Cinnamon

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Here comes the sun, and with it, the Avilla linen dress, a quintessential summer garment that embodies the season's joy and freedom. This dress features a smocked upper part for a comfortable, slip-on entry, ensuring a snug and flattering fit across the bust. Its innovative design includes adjustable straps, allowing you to fine-tune the dress's length for the perfect fit or even tuck the straps inside for a different look. Equipped with inseam pockets, it combines practicality with style. 

The dress is true to its size, offering a reliable fit. Available in a warm cinnamon shade and a classic black tone, the cinnamon option particularly complements warmer skin tones, highlighting golden and earthy undertones with its rich hue. This dress is your ideal pick for a beach getaway, effortlessly blending elegance with comfort.

Size: XS/M to L/XL

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Best Flowy Dress

Toad & Co. Sunkissed Sunsana Floral Dress

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Just like a toad jumps all day, the Toad & Co. Sunkissed Sunsana Dress is designed for those on the move, embodying the spirit of adventure and freedom. This dress features a wing silhouette with a flattering scoop neck and bra-friendly straps, making it as comfortable as it is stylish. The tiered skirt, which hits above the knee, adds a touch of playfulness and sophistication to your look, perfect for any setting. Crafted from lightweight recycled polyester and a hint of elastane, it offers excellent drape and quick-drying capabilities, ensuring you stay fresh and elegant even after a long day of exploration or being packed in the tightest of suitcases. 

Available in four eye-catching colors, this dress is more than just a pretty piece; it's equipped with UPF 50+ protection, and water-friendly material, and includes on-seam hand pockets with a hidden secure zipper at the wearer's right pocket for added functionality.

Size: XS to XL

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Best for Picnics

Haverdash Wide Strap Swing Dress

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For those who love cottagecore vibes, this floral swing dress is a whimsical addition to your wardrobe. Adorned with a white base and vibrant floral patterns, it features a playful ruffled hem and a classic square neckline, making it a timeless piece for your wardrobe. This straight-fit dress is particularly flattering on rectangular and apple body types, as it gracefully skims the body, adding movement and dimension. The wide straps offer ample support, making it a comfortable choice for all-day wear. 

Paired with wedges, this ensemble exudes a chic, summery vibe, perfect for brunches, garden parties, or strolls in the park. Its versatile design ensures that anyone looking to add a touch of elegance and femininity to their look will find this dress a delightful addition.

Size: S to L

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Tentree Modal Twist Back Dress

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Crafted from a soft modal jersey, this easy-to-wear twisted-back dress transitions seamlessly from work to beach, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe. Its light grey hue complements a wide range of skin tones, particularly those with cool undertones, enhancing one’s natural beauty. The dress features a scoop neck, a captivating twist back with cutout detail, and a back waist elastic for a comfortable fit. 

The modal fabric, derived from sustainably grown beech wood through an eco-friendly process, combined with organic cotton grown without synthetic chemicals, makes this piece both environmentally conscious and skin-friendly, appealing to eco-aware and stylish individuals.

Size: XS to XL

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The Summer House Talisa Midi Spaghetti Dress - Gulab

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This vibrant pink strapless midi dress is a true showstopper, designed to captivate and charm at any event. Mindfully tailored to flatter your figure, it features a basque waistline with a gentle gathering that enhances the silhouette, while the convenient back zip ensures a seamless fit. For those who prefer versatility, the dress comes with adjustable straps, offering the option to style it in multiple ways. The practical in-seam pockets add a touch of functionality to this stunning piece. 

Crafted from organic cotton poplin, it promises not only a soft touch but also durability. Gentle machine washable, this ethically made dress hails from India, representing a commitment to sustainable fashion practices. Whether worn at a summer wedding or a chic evening event, this dress, with its striking color and elegant design, is guaranteed to turn heads.

Size: XS to XL

13

Everlane The Daytripper White Shirt Dress

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Hop from your work meeting to a relaxing brunch with friends and family without missing a beat in this effortless shirt dress. The Daytripper from Everlane seamlessly blends professional polish with casual ease, making it the perfect wardrobe staple for those busy days filled with varied commitments. Featuring classic shirt details like a point collar and button-front closure, along with chest pockets for a touch of utility, its oversized fit is paired with short sleeves and a high-low shirttail hemline for ultimate comfort. 

Style it with sneakers for a laid-back vibe or elevate the look with stilettos for a chic, cohesive ensemble. Available in four versatile shades, this dress ensures you're well-dressed for any occasion with minimal effort.

Size: XXS to XXL

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Haverdash Weekend Outing Ruffle Mini Dress

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Another great pick for the summer from Haverdash is this ruffled mini dress. This tiered dress comes in a soft blush pink shade, featuring open knit details, a flattering V-neck, and flutter sleeves, all made from 100% cotton for breathability and comfort. Its design is particularly flattering for hourglass and pear body types, accentuating curves while offering a relaxed fit through the waist and hips. 

Perfect for those looking to add a touch of feminine charm to their summer wardrobe, its lightweight fabric and playful details make it an ideal choice for weekend outings, garden parties, or sunny beach days. 

Size: S to L

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Toad & Co. Sunkissed Floral Skort Dress

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We've got your vacations and active outings covered with the Toad & Co. Sunkissed Skort Dress. This innovative piece combines the comfort and support of an internal bodysuit with the breezy, quick-drying fabric of a lightweight dress exterior, complete with adjustable straps for a perfect fit. The A-line silhouette, scoop neck, and above-the-knee cut to ensure a flattering look for all body types, while the full light compression interior bodysuit keeps everything in place, no matter the activity. 

Crafted from lightweight recycled polyester with added stretch, it offers easy movement and a flawless drape. Plus, with features like UPF 50+ protection, water-friendly fabric, on-seam hand pockets, and additional drop-in pockets in the shorts, it's as practical as it is stylish. This dress is ideal for anyone who values functionality without compromising on style, making it a must-have for adventurers and active individuals looking to stay chic on the go.

Size:  XS to XL

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Magic Linen Flowy Midi Linen Dress Praslin In Ash Rose

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This flowy linen midi dress captures the quintessence of summer, featuring tie-up spaghetti straps, a midi cut, and a loose waistline. It keeps you feeling cool and offers immense comfort — an ideal choice if you’re sick of skin-fit outfits that chafe your skin. Its trapeze silhouette is quite pleasing to the eyes and makes you look rather refined. And, considering how minimalistic this dress is, you can get really creative and style it in multiple ways.  

Ideal for a day at the beach, a leisurely city wander, or even a casual office ensemble, this linen midi dress easily adapts to various occasions. All in all, simplicity and practicality make it a paramount choice for a sweltering, warm day.

Size: XS to XL

That concludes our comprehensive roundup of the best summer dresses. Now, let's delve into an in-depth buying guide to help you make the perfect choice.

Choosing a summer dress involves considering several factors to ensure comfort, style, and versatility. Here are some factors to consider when shopping.

1. Fabric Choice: Look for lightweight, breathable such as cotton, organic cotton, linen, modal, hemp, and viscose. These materials help you stay cool and comfortable in hot weather. Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, as they can trap heat and cause discomfort. However, suppose certain styles that might be hard to achieve with these sustainable fabrics are created with recycled polyester. In that case, you may perhaps consider them — given that the inner lining comprises a breathable fabric.

2. Fit And Silhouette: Opt for dresses that flatter your body shape. A-lined dresses and V-neck dresses are universally flattering, while wrap dresses accentuate the waist for body types. If you prefer a more relaxed look, consider a shift or trapeze dress. Ensure the dress is neither too tight nor too loose, and balances the proportions of your natural body type. 

3. Length: Choose a length that you feel comfortable in and suits the occasion. Midi and maxi dresses offer more coverage and are versatile for both casual and formal settings. Mini dresses are perfect for casual outings and can be great for showing off your legs.

4. Color And Pattern: Light colors and bright patterns are ideal for summer as they reflect rather than absorb heat. Floral prints, stripes, and polka dots are classic summer patterns. Solid colors can also be versatile and easy to accessorize.

5. Versatility: Consider whether the dress can be styled for multiple occasions. A versatile summer dress can be dressed up with heels and jewelry for an evening out or dressed down with sandals and a hat for a day at the beach.

6. Comfort And Practicality: Look for dresses with adjustable straps, zip-up closures, and optimal body coverage for comfort. Besides, pockets are a practical and desirable feature, to keep your essentials at hand.

7. Sun Protection: If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, prioritize dresses with UPF protection to help shield your skin from harmful UV rays.

8. Sustainability: Consider the environmental impact of your clothing choices. Opt for dresses made from organic, sustainable fabrics and produced by brands that practice ethical manufacturing processes. 

9. Personal Style: Ultimately, the best summer dress for you would be the one that reflects your personal style and makes you feel confident. 

By considering these factors, you'll be able to choose summer dresses that are not only stylish and comfortable but also versatile enough to wear throughout the season.