Summer’s heating up! Well almost. Needless to say, easy, stylish, single-item outfits are more essential than ever, and we’ve handpicked the best summer dresses to wear from now until Labor Day weekend.
We’re most excited by dresses that show a little skin, like a slinky mini or an open-back halter knit. Both will have you more than ready for all your fun summer plans—travel, celebrations, and nights out. And there are a handful of other exciting dress trends to look forward to wearing this season: colorful crocheted knits, printed frocks in standout florals, and eclectic and groovy prints should you want to make a statement. You also need to prepare yourself for beach days, vacation plans, and, of course, wedding season. For those, consider a nightgown-inspired day dress, a floaty floral frock, an essential all-white dress, or a good old caftan. All of that and more sweet styles of the best summer dresses to shop now, below.
A simple white dress might not seem like much, but the perfect one can be a cure-all for summer style problems. Not only are they appropriate for just about every summer occasion, these romantic, ruched, tiered, and ruffled sleeve versions have been dubbed as summer’s unofficial uniform. From mini to midi dresses, they allow for endless accessorizing options. Just swap your footwear, top it off with a summer bag of your choosing, and your white dress will new every time.
While these halter dresses might read “out of office,” their cool silhouettes and seasonal prints make them quite versatile. A dress with the ability to transition from a swimsuit cover-up to a dinner out dress is key—especially when you’re packing for a vacation. Best of all, it will look even lovelier with a drink in hand.
It’s about time we gave our legs a chance to be seen, and the best way to do just that is with a heightened hemline. You can and should take these mini but mighty options for a spin this season—after all, micro mini silhouettes were one of the standout trends from the spring collections.
Dresses you can touch and feel—whether it’s a colorful crocheted knit, a fringe sleeveless option, or a swishy sleeved beaded number –these textured dresses are totally swoon-worthy for summer 2022.
A simple sundress is one of the most versatile pieces of the season. You can just as easily wear one as a beach cover-up as you could to a wedding (so long as you have the right accessories). If you pick a good one, the very same dress can be worn on weekend neighborhood strolls, park picnics, or even going out for a cocktail or spritz. Airy and light, a floral day dress will be the hero piece in your summer wardrobe.
For a subtly sexy summer dress, consider one with a waist cut out or a low back. Thanks to their midi lengths, these dresses won’t ever feel overly revealing or too much like a club-ready number. In vibrant solid colors, you’ll have no problem dressing these up with heels and a clutch for hot summer nights or with flat sandals and a sun hat for warm summer days.
Beach bound? Consider a psychedelic-print caftan to enter into the world of ultimate vacation-mindset. In scorching hot hues and groovy-eccentric prints, these wrap and slip-on styles ace effortlessly cool summertime style. Shell necklaces not included.
How to feel polished for important Zoom meetings or stay cool on the commute to the office? A collared shirtdress or tunic will be sure to get the job done. Plus, these styles don’t look overly professional if you feel like taking one for a mid-afternoon stroll, work break, or as a casual dress option for the weekends too. We particularly like Marni’s oversized floral version.
Floaty maxi and mini dresses make summer dressing a breeze. These flouncy lightweight (think linen voile) frocks float beautifully upon every step thanks to their bouncy tiered silhouettes, ideal for those too hot for clothes kind of days.
