Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning your warm-weather wardrobe.
When the temperatures rise, nothing feels better than slipping into a stylish seasonal dress.
The right summer dress keeps you looking and feeling cool, whether you’re headed to a beach picnic, summer wedding or just running errands around town.
This season, designers have debuted endless drool-worthy dresses in prints, colors and silhouettes that exude summer.
Between mini, midi and maxi lengths, form-fitting sheaths and billowy tent shapes, summer dresses offer limitless options. Dress them up with wedges and jewelry for evening occasions, or down with sneakers and sandals for casual daytime wear.
Keep reading for a curated list of the top 13 dresses for women that will turn heads and let you stay cool even in sweltering temps.
Each highlighted style includes tips for fabrics, silhouettes, lengths and accessories to make the most of the endless possibilities. With these fashionable picks in your closet, you’ll be ready to embrace summer in style.
Floral Wrap Dress
A floral wrap dress is the ultimate multitasker, taking you from work to weekend seamlessly. Wrap dresses cinch at the waist to create an hourglass silhouette.
The signature crossover V-neck flatters most figures. Three-quarter length sleeves provide arm coverage while still feeling airy and breathable.
When selecting a floral wrap dress, pay attention to the fabric. Jersey knits in viscose, rayon or lyocell blend have excellent drape and stretch to conform to curves.
Cotton blends work well for summer, feeling lightweight and crisp. A dress with some spandex will move with you and retain its shape.
Play with different floral prints to suit your style and occasion.
Smaller prints in lighter hues work well for the office. Bolder, brighter florals make a vibrant style statement for weekends. Look for prints in pinks, blues, yellows and greens that feel cheerful and summery.
The wrap dress suits various hemlines too.
Midi lengths ending below the knee elongate the leg, perfect for work. Shorter hems around the mid-thigh show some leg during off-duty days. Go for fluttery asymmetrical hems or side slits for further visual interest.
Complete your floral wrap dress with flat sandals, strappy heels or wedge espadrilles. Tuck a silk scarf into the neckline to brighten up neutrals.
Grab a mini bag in a similar color and carry by the top handles or as a crossbody. Floral wrap dresses take you through summer in chic comfort and style.
The wrap silhouette flatters all body types, making the floral wrap dress an essential for any woman’s closet. Dress it up or down effortlessly, transitioning from desk to dinner with ease.
With just a quick change of footwear and accessories, you have a gorgeous look for every summer occasion.
Off-the-Shoulder Ruffle Dress
Off-the-shoulder styles are red hot this summer.
The flirty shoulder-baring look offers a peek of skin while still providing ample coverage for a daytime dress.
This off-the-shoulder ruffle dress features a vibrant coral hue that pops against sun-kissed summer skin. Short flutter sleeves and tiered ruffles lining the shoulder and skirt add playful volume and movement.
Cinched in at the waist with a matching fabric belt, this dress accentuates the narrowest part of the torso for an hourglass silhouette.
Pair it with wedge espadrilles and oversized sunglasses for summertime sophistication. For evening, trade the wedges for delicate lace-up sandals.
The vibrant color and flirty ruffle details make this off-the-shoulder dress ideal for a beachfront wedding or summer cocktail party. Show off those shoulders in this stylish warm-weather must-have.
Midi Shirt Dress
The shirtdress takes on a modern twist this season with midi lengths hitting below the knee or mid-calf. Midi shirtdresses provide a polished yet relaxed look perfect for the office or weekend.
The button-down top lends a crisp, tailored feel while the longer skirt provides breezy comfort.
Look for midi shirtdresses that incorporate design details reminiscent of men’s shirts. Collars, front plackets, chest pockets and rolled sleeves maintain the borrowed-from-the-boys vibe.
Play with sleeve lengths too – try a 3/4 sleeve or short sleeve style for balmy summer days.
Fabric choice is key to staying cool and crisp.
Lightweight cotton poplins, linens and seersuckers breathe in warm weather while still looking sharp. Subtle gingham or check prints also evoke that shirt dress feel.
Solid neutrals and pastels suit office environments.
Pair midi shirtdresses with flat sandals like slides or strappy styles ideal for strolling about town. Espadrilles or ankle strap block heels dress up the look for date night. Finish the outfit with a pendant necklace, hoop earrings and a straw handbag for a pulled together yet relaxed vibe.
The midi shirtdress masters effortless polish.
Keep the top buttons open for a flirty touch or close it up to the collar for meetings. Roll long sleeves and style with sneakers for weekend casual comfort. This versatile style transitions seamlessly from summer Fridays at the office to Sunday brunch dates.
Tiered Maxi Dress
Maxi dresses are a summer essential, keeping you cool and comfortable no matter how high the temperatures climb. This floral tiered maxi dress makes a vibrant style statement with its bright pink floral print and drama.
The spaghetti straps and v-neckline offer a flirty peek of decolletage while the cinched waist flatters the figure. The real showstopper element is the tiered skirt, featuring layered ruffles in blush pink and coral hues.
The skirt moves beautifully as you walk. Pair this bold maxi with flat lace-up sandals by day and strappy heels by night. For breezy beachside wear, add a denim jacket.
The tiered maxi silhouette is eternally stylish, and the bright colors and flirty ruffles give this one a fresh summer spin.
Halter Bodycon Dress
Sultry and form-fitting, the halter bodycon dress makes a striking style statement for summer nights out. As the name implies, halter necklines tie behind the neck, leaving the shoulders, back and arms completely bare. This daring silhouette demands attention.
Bodycon dresses hug every curve, typically made of stretchy fabrics with spandex or elastane to sculpt the figure. Look for shorter hemlines around mid-thigh for leg-baring allure.
However, midi options also allow for tasteful coverage of the hips and thighs.
When considering fabrics, smooth satins, sleek jersey knits and liquid-like velour work well to achieve that sexy, second-skin effect. Metallic fabrics and iridescent sheens add intrigue, especially under night lighting. Solid neutrals like black, white and red serve as blank canvases to showcase your silhouette.
Complement the sensuality of the halter bodycon with strappy heels or ankle-wrap stilettos to elongate legs. Go for a bold red or nude lip, ample lashes and tousled waves. Let dangling earrings accentuate the bared shoulders and neckline. Arm cuffs and a box clutch polish off the sultry look.
Make a show-stopping entrance at your next summer soiree in the head-turning halter bodycon dress. This steamy style hugs every curve, revealing your bombshell figure. Nothing embodies sexy summer style quite like this daring dress.
Printed Halter Midi Dress
This vibrant printed midi dress hits the sweet spot between casual daywear and special occasion attire. The unique painterly print features bold strokes of pink, blue, orange and green for an artful look.
The halter neckline ties at the neck, showing off shoulders while still delivering support.
The cut-out detail at the back adds flirty style. The flowing skirt falls to an elegant midi length, perfect for showing off strappy sandals.
Cinch this midi dress in at the waist with a belt, or wear it loose for a relaxed vibe. Dress it up with wedges and chandelier earrings for summer weddings and special events.
Or wear it casual with flat sandals or sneakers for summertime strolls through the park or city. This eye-catching printed midi works for any summer activity thanks to its versatile style.
Puff Sleeve Dress
Puff sleeves instantly add drama and fun flair to any dress. This puff sleeve mini dress balances the statement sleeves with a figure hugging fit that flatters curves.
The sweetheart neckline and square back offer flirty peeks of skin. The metallic silver fabric shimmers as you move while the ruching adds texture.
Go bold by pairing this glam dress with neon heels, or take a minimalist approach with strappy nude sandals. The puff sleeves make this dress ideal for a wedding or engagement photos. For casual summer nights, wear it with white high-top sneakers.
This glitzy mini dress will turn heads all summer long thanks to its spotlight-stealing metallic fabric and voluminous statement sleeves.
Wrap Midi Dress
The wrap dress is a timeless silhouette that is ultra flattering. This wrap midi dress features a lively floral print in sunny yellow and green hues.
The wrap style accentuates curves and cinches in at the waist for an hourglass effect.
Short flutter sleeves add delicate volume while the v-neckline provides the perfect bit of decolletage exposure. Hits of metallic gold thread woven throughout the print add glimmer.
Pair this day-to-night midi with strappy sandals and dainty gold jewelry.
For an evening out, swap in some metallic heels. Add a jean jacket during the day to balance the figure hugging fit. The vibrant floral print and elegant midi length create a dress that takes you from brunch to wedding guest with graceful ease.
High-Low Tank Dress
The asymmetrical hem of the high-low dress makes for an eye-catching silhouette. This high-low tank dress keeps things breezy and light with its sleeveless tank style bodice.
The sky blue fabric pops against sun kissed skin. The high-low hem falls daringly short in the front and cascades to an elegant ankle-length in the back for stunning movement as you walk.
Pair with your favorite flat sandals or wedges by day and strappy heels by night.
For casual summer style, team it with white lace-up sneakers. This high-low dress lets you beat the heat in the flirty front while still delivering sophistication and coverage out back. The flowy lightweight jersey moves beautifully, making this a go-to dress for summer fun.
Printed Tie Waist Midi Dress
The tie waist creates definition on an otherwise loose and flowing silhouette. This printed tie waist midi dress balances an effortless billowy fit with strategic tailoring.
The spaghetti straps and midi length provide just enough skin exposure while the geometric print keeps things lively and fresh. Cinch it in at the waist with the matching self-tie belt to add shape and dimension.
The result is a dress that is comfortable yet polished.
Dress this midi up or down effortlessly – it looks just as chic with leather sandals and a sunhat as it does with strappy heels and chandelier earrings. The tie waist gives this carefree printed midi just enough structure while allowing the skirt to float and move as you walk.
The Cover-Up Maxi Dress
Breezy cover-up maxi dresses lend effortless glamour to your beach or poolside look. Semi-sheer fabrics like chiffon or gauze reveal just a hint of the swimsuit underneath.
Slip-on styles with drawstring waists and ruffled hems cover up while still allowing your bikini to peek through.
Look for maxi dresses with tropical prints, nautical stripes and bright solids that pop against sun-kissed skin.
Pair your cover-up maxi with strappy sandals, oversized sunglasses and a wide-brim hat for instant vacation vibes. Toss it over your suit for the walk to the beach, then let it flow over you while enjoying the water.
The cover-up maxi is a stylish alternative to throwing an old tee over your swimwear. Make it part of your suitcase essentials for your next beach getaway.
The Caftan Dress
Escape the heat while draped in the effortless glamour of a caftan dress. These flowing, tunic-style maxi dresses keep you cool with loose silhouettes, lightweight fabrics and fluttery sleeves.
Vibrant patterns and embellished necklines add bohemian charm. Look for caftans in breezy cottons, silky rayon and gauzy chiffon you can dress up or down seamlessly.
Complement your caftan’s drape with minimal accessories like oversized sunglasses, bangles and simple sandals. Look for removable belts to cinch the waist when desired.
Swap out leather or metallic sandals for wedge espadrilles at night. The caftan transitions perfectly from poolside lounge to evening cocktails or dining al fresco. Channel coastal retreat or exotic bazaar vibes wherever summer takes you.
The Sundress
Nothing evokes summertime vibes quite like the sundress. This warm-weather staple features sleeveless construction and a skirt hem hitting anywhere from mid-thigh to just above the knee.
Sundresses embody a carefree femininity and come in endless varieties to suit any personal style.
The most iconic sundress features thin spaghetti straps and a fitted bodice with a full, flared skirt. This silhouette pairs well with most body types.
Look for sundresses with a defined waist at the natural midsection. An A-line skirt balances the bare shoulders and adds movement.
Don’t be afraid to have some fun with sundress necklines too.
A square or sweetheart neck flatters and draws the eye upward. Deep v-necks and halter straps add allure while still keeping covered. Back cut-out details hint at skin for an element of intrigue.
When considering fabrics, lightweight and breezy is best. Cotton, rayon, linen and cotton blends feel cool against the skin and allow airflow.
Looser knits conform to curves without clinging. Bold prints and colorful solids soak up the sunshine and vibrancy of summer.
The length of the sundress skirt provides versatility too. Mini hemlines hitting mid-thigh show some leg while preventing overheating. Midi lengths are on-trend and appropriate for more formal occasions. Maxi sundresses provide great layering potential over tees, tanks and shorts.
Complete your sundress look with strappy sandals, comfy sneakers or simple flats. Add a crossbody bag that won’t slip off bare shoulders. Look for ones that match or complement your dress print.
Dainty jewelry like layered necklaces, hoop earrings and charm bracelets polish off the outfit.
The sundress takes you effortlessly from the boardwalk during the day to evening cocktails and dinners. Dress it up with wedges or down with flip flops.
Toss on a jean jacket or cardigan once the sun goes down. With endless style potential, the sunny sundress is a warm weather wardrobe essential.
With endless varieties to explore, every woman is sure to find her perfect summer dress – whether her style is romantic, classic, bold or understated.
Maxi, midi or mini lengths, form-fitting or flowing silhouettes, and gorgeous floral prints or solids all lend themselves beautifully to summer wear.
Just add sandals and a touch of lightweight jewelry and you have the makings of a sensational summertime outfit.
Keep these top summer dress trends in mind for effortless warm weather style.
Browse designs that feel authentic to your personal aesthetic. With the right dress in your closet, you’ll stay cool, confident and chic all season long.
Summer is fleeting; make the most of its vibrancy by embracing fashion that reflects the carefree attitude of the season. Slip into one of these sensational dresses and shine brighter than the summer sun!
