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. There are lightweight shirt dresses for the office and beyond, tube tops for sticky days, and minis that will make your heart melt, but keep you cool. All of that and more sweet styles of the best summer dresses to shop now, below.
Summer Whites
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, but these romantic, ruched, tiered, and ruffled-sleeve versions have also 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 feel new every time.
Vacation Versatility
While these 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.
Hello, Legs
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 have been a recurring trend on the runways.
Crafty and Crocheted
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 2023.
Dainty Day Dresses
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.
Shirtdress Summer
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.
Summer Daze
For a modern approach to a quintessential summer print, look no further than these 2023 versions of gingham and check print day dresses. With elevated details like rosettes, floral overlays, and color blocked bodices, they are just as stylish as they are sweet.
Hot Tanks
Seen throughout our April 2023 story (shot in Jamaica and styled by Gabriella Karefa-Johnson), tank dress silhouettes in statement and psychedelic prints are on the rise for summer. We love styles from Marni, Louisa Ballou, and more.
Totally Tubular
Of course, dresses make summer dressing a breeze, but these lightweight, strapless midis will keep you stylishly cool with every step thanks to their bouncy skirt silhouettes. They’re ideal for those too-hot-for-clothes kind of days or over swimsuits at the beach.
