Dresses are a versatile and comfortable option for warm weather activities, from summer in the city to picnics in the park and balmy nights by the beach. Here are the must-have summer dress styles of the season to take you from Monday to Sunday, work to weekend.
Midi Dresses
The midi dress is a versatile garment that can be dressed up or down. With a collar and button-down front, a midi shirt dress is a dress code-friendly option for the office. To make it feel more casual, pair it with chunky or thin strappy black leather sandals, a statement belt, and tousled locks.
AIMCOO
Short Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
AIMCOO
Square Neck Casual Midi Dress
Sleeveless or Short Sleeve Dresses
If you’re looking for a dress to wear in a hot and stuffy office, consider a sleeveless or short-sleeved dress. Opt for a full skirt to balance out the skin exposure and choose a lightweight and breathable fabric like broderie cotton or light viscose. To increase the versatility of the dress, choose a muted or sophisticated color such as bottle green or black. This way, you can wear your favorite black heels and bag in the city and trade them in for leather sandals and a raffia bag when you are by the beach.
Billabong
Button Front Midi Dress
Amazon Essentials
Half-Sleeve Waisted Midi Dress
Floral Dresses
Floral dresses are a must-have for summer. A white-based floral print is an easy way to start wearing florals, while light natural fabrics like cotton, viscose, or linen will ensure you stay cool. For a dress that can be worn comfortably from day to night, choose a languid, flowing fit with a mid to long length and romantic, billowing sleeves.
GRACE KARIN
Floral Boho Dress
Floerns
Boho Square Neck Dress
Mini Dresses
For summer, a loose, long-sleeve mini dress with a high neck or button-up collar in a cotton or linen blend fabric is a great choice. Colors like sage green, navy, or cream will look equally as stylish with black leather bags, shoes, and belts as they will with tan or cream-colored accessories. For a warm day in the city, accessorize your mini dress with knee-high leather boots, a wide waist belt, and either a linen blazer or a knit tied across your collar for when the temperatures start to dip.
Maxi Dresses
Maxi dresses are a great option for a more elevated look. For an extra elevated style, choose a fabric that you typically wouldn’t wear during the day or in the office. Delicate and detailed fabrics like bold or intricate lace, to cutwork, add an extra special twist. From billowing long sleeves, short puff sleeves, or no sleeves at all, there are countless iterations of the maxi dress to consider. As a statement fabric does a lot of the talking, keep the hairstyle classic and polished, the shoes chic and strappy, and the jewels refined.
Puff Sleeve Dresses
The puff sleeve has become a style must-have and is both feminine and chic. Typically a short sleeve length that finishes above the elbow and sits high over the shoulder, the puff sleeve is perfect for a party look. Finish the look with footwear that’s both minimal and sleek, as well as delicate jewelry to let the statement dress shine.
Tiered Dresses
The flowing style of the tiered dress presents a cool and breezy option for getting dressed in the summer heat. This style is ready for any occasion, whether you’re heading to a romantic date or a day in the office. Tiered skirt dresses are styled easily with any style shoe, making them a versatile option for your summer wardrobe.