Cute Summer Dresses That’ll Have You Looking Your Best

Retailers far and wide have heard the cry for chic summer dresses, and they. are. delivering. If you’re looking to try out the latest trends (from sultry cut-outs to statement neon), you should buy summer dresses from shops like Lulus, H&M, and Astr The Label. For more timeless looks that are sure to become mainstays in your wardrobe for summers to come, we love Reformation, Madewell, and Anthropologie.

For an everyday look, we love wearing summer dresses with strappy sandals for a laid-back, beachy vibe or your go-to white sneakers to give it a cool girl edge. If you want to take the look up a notch, you can’t go wrong with the festival shoe of choice (which we’re going to be rocking all summer long): cowboy boots. Complete the look with some jewelry that fits your personality, like a chic birthstone ring or retro sunglasses.

A classic for a reason, silky slips are perfect for wearing under dresses that are sheer or have fabric that cling to your body, which can cause it to chafe or ride up. Plus, with the right accessories you may be able to repurpose your slip as another dress for date nights or evenings out. It’s glamorous and functional

f you’re swearing off pants or shorts this summer (because same), casual summer dresses are perfect for rocking anywhere and everywhere. Simply throw them on and you’ve got a stylish look that can take you from bright mornings at the farmers market to balmy nights at your favorite beer garden. The best part about casual dresses? They look great with your favorite pair of sneakers (seriously, could there be a cuter look?!).

Whether you’re escaping to that beach vacay you’ve been planning for years, or you just want to emulate those care-free vibes, this is the casual dress for you. It’s just as effortless and relaxed as your favorite lounge set, but way cuter.

The best casual dresses make you look like you put real effort into your outfit — when all you did was throw it on over your head. Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with us! This stunning slip dress will give you those polished vibes in the seconds it takes to tie up the open back.

This casual summer shirt dress is bringing the cool factor (plus the comfort of wearing your favorite oversized shirt). Style it with lace-up sandals and a sunhat for “out of the office” vibes or rock it with some ankle boots for a bit of edge.

Our devotion to cottagecore is still going strong, and this casual nap dress is giving the aesthetic a bright, summery upgrade. Expect to see this sweet and sunny silhouette EVERYWHERE this summer. Comfy, cozy, and WAY cute.

Channel all the picnic season vibes with this playful gingham dress (so cute, yet casual!). Pair it with a homemade charcuterie board, a group of friends, and your best picnic blanket for the perfect sunny afternoon.

The royalty of easy, breezy, casual dresses: the wrap dress! This olive green pick is versatile enough to go from day to night — just swap your sandals for some on-trend wedges. We love the lightweight, flowy fabric. Perfect for those hot summer nights.

This groovy casual dress checks the boxes for all of our favorite summer trends — a bright orange hue, a retro print, and that micro mini hemline. When we tell you we’re OBSESSED, we cannot stress that enough.

This casual summer dress makes us want to quit our jobs, move to a cottage in the woods, and spend our days picking wildflowers. The smocked bodice and organic cotton fabric will have you looking AND feeling your best, even during those scorching summer days. And that dreamy terra cotta color is seriously swoon-worthy.

It’s essential for casual summer dresses to be breathable, and this Madewell frock understood the assignment. Plus, Madwell partners with the Better Cotton Initiative to improve cotton farming globally — as if we needed another excuse to add this to our cart!

An unexpected keyhole detail gives this sweet and casual babydoll dress a flirty edge, and we are here for it. Combined with a pastel floral print, this frock is truly to die for.

Whether you want to channel easy, breezy bohemian or elevated elegance, summer maxi dresses are a no-brainer for those warm-weather months. Every wardrobe needs one (or two) for the days you want to add some movement and dimension to your look — while still feeling cool when temperatures creep to scorching levels. Our favorites are floaty, free, and a little bit fun.

A casual summer maxi dress that instantly sparks joy? Sign us up! This look is ultra flattering with a twist top and front cut-out detail — perfect for a swimsuit cover up or sizzling going out dress.

Oh-so romantic, this flowy high-low look is the ultimate summer wedding guest gown. With feminine florals and playful ruffles, it will turns heads whether you’re making a toast to the newly betrothed or showing off your moves on the dance floor.

Florals and flowy summer maxi dresses go together like bees and honey. The flowers on this maxi dress are so vibrant, they seem to be blossoming right off of the fabric. We love the intricate details…such a work of art!

A flattering cinched bodice means you can show as much or as little skin as you’d like with this flowy maxi dress. It’s a fashion-forward pick for your most hotly anticipated summer occasions, from a secret garden wedding to a bubbly baby shower.

You’ll look like the center of the universe with this sunny yellow maxi dress. Made with loose linen, this frock will help you stay cool, even when your ‘fit is fire.

This floral maxi dress screams Bridgerton, but with a sexy twist. The cut-outs on the sides join together into an open back, which is complemented with the modest neckline and puffy sleeves. You’ve heard it here first: this is the diamond of the summer season.

Nothing says laid-back, summer vibes like tie dye. Sit back and relax with this casual sage maxi dress — perfect for walks along the beach or weekend coffee runs.

Petite summer dresses are here to save the day when you want to look cute and carefree, without being weighed down by too much fabric or overwhelming silhouettes. With more inclusive size options, you can rock every covetable summer style — no trip to the tailor necessary. Our top picks range from sophisticated to free-spirited, and they all dazzle on a petite frame.

Not only is this petite dress flattering for every occasion, it’s also flattering for every body type. It comes in a wide range of sizes and four different colors, including pretty pink and bright yellow. Easily dress it up or down with the right accessories (it would pop with some fun and colorful tassel earrings!).

When it comes to petite dresses with floor-skimming hemlines, it can be difficult to find a silhouette that doesn’t overpower your figure. This petite maxi dress is flowy and floaty but still super flattering thanks to its open back and tiered skirt.

This petite summer dress is bold in the best way. Dramatic flared sleeves, a deep V, and cheeky cut-outs mean that you’ll stand out, whether you’re sightseeing on your Mediterranean vacay or lighting up happy hour.

Although we already gushed over this petite summer maxi dress in yellow, we had to mention it again — it’s just THAT good. We love that it has multiple size options, and the black makes it wearable no matter your sartorial style.

For minimalists looking for something feminine and playful, this petite dress is a pale pink dream. Plus, the babydoll silhouette is gorgeous on a petite frame.

A contemporary midi silhouette with a ’70s twist, this petite dress is as groovy as it gets. Pair it with some equally rad retro accessories, like oversized peachy sunglasses or block heels.

Make the most out of weekdays back in the office with this sophisticated petite dress. The tie detail is fun without going over the top, perfect for lunch meetings and elegant Sunday brunches alike.

The radiant lilac hue and flirty ruffles of this petite high-low flowy dress are simply too cute to resist. Catch us re-wearing this for the entire wedding season.

Whether you wear this flowy petite summer dress on your tropical getaway or lounging around the house, it’ll transport you to that free-spirited, summer state of mind. With so many gorgeous details and a vibrant color scheme that we can’t stop thinking about, this dress has main character energy.

Like a breath of fresh air, this blue petite gown is cool and collected. The classic a-line silhouette in the front is optimal for styling any way you like — but the back brings the fun with a cross detail and low neckline.

The LWD (little white dress) is to summer what the LBD is to, well, every other time of the year. These white summer dresses are a fool-proof way to look good, no matter where your summer adventures take you.

We couldn’t create a roundup of white summer dresses and not start off with something cottagecore. This dreamy, casual dress is extra sweet with fluttery ruffles, textured stripes, and a whimsical tie in the back.

Another no brainer for white summer dresses: an eyelet design. This dress combines that romantic vintage texture with a bohemian print and alluring twist detail. The result? A breathable, feminine dress that you’ll want to show off all day every day.

How timeless is this flowy button down casual white dress? Ethically handmade with 100% organic cotton, it’s made to last far longer than even the cutest trends. You better believe we’ll be wearing this every summer for the foreseeable future.

At this point, milkmaid dresses are such a staple in closets, we wouldn’t know what to do without them. They literally look good on everyone! Go classic with white and keep it breezy and casual with airy textured fabric.

This midi length white dress is the definition of chic. While naughties fashion may be in its comeback era, we think this understated ’90s neckline and empire waist will always be in style. And, for those looking to juice up their summer wardrobe, this dress also comes in a cheerful cherry print.

Dainty eyelet? Check. Trendy nap dress? Check. Smocked bodice and romantic tie straps? Check and check. This flowy frock has everything we could possibly ask for in a casual white summer dress. We have no notes!

If you’re looking to stop traffic with your summer ‘fit, this eye-catching white dress is a must for your warm-weather lineup. It would be THE moment for a boho rehearsal dinner or elevated bridal shower. Seriously, how sweet is the floral detailing?!

If you’re looking for a covetable new addition to your summer wardrobe and you needed it yesterday, Amazon summer dresses have you covered. These picks are cute and affordable — and they’re your best friend for last-minute party invites or spontaneous weekend getaways.

Nothing says summer like a bold tropical print! This flowy Amazon summer dress channels that lush feeling with vibrant colors and a boho high-low hemline.

Soft, sweet, and oh-so flattering, this flowy Amazon dress would stun for a summer event. Wear it with your hair pulled up to show off the open back with a romantic tie detail.

Casual and effortlessly cool, this flowy Amazon summer dress would be a great coverup for the beach or pool — but we prefer it glammed up with some boho accessories. Think layered necklaces, stacked rings, and a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face.

With flirty tie straps, a flowy skirt, a flattering smocked bodice, and over 20 colors to choose from, this Amazon dress might just be the perfect summer look. We’ll take four!

Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean we’re retiring our much-loved animal print! This Amazon dress shows your fun side with a leopard pattern, but keeps the look chic with dainty ruffles.

One-shoulder dresses are HUGE right now, and it’s not difficult to see why. This Amazon pick takes some of the classic features of your favorite warm-weather frock, but adds oomph with the trendy neckline and lively color. And that flowy skirt is GOALS.

Prepare for this casual Amazon dress to be your new favorite closet staple. While you can’t go wrong with black, it does come in multiple different colors and patterns, including a summer must: sage green. You may want to pick up a few — you’re going to wear it THAT often.

As you may have guessed by now, flowy summer dresses are our favorite warm-weather silhouettes. On those hot summer days and nights, there’s truly nothing better than a floaty, airy frock that feels like you’re not wearing anything at all.

This flowy yellow wrap dress is a serious mood-booster, and we love the dimension that the tiers add to the full skirt. It would be nearly impossible to have a bad day when you’re wearing this dress!

Aptly named “Ready to Bloom,” this flowy summer dress from Lulus is fresh, floral, and gorgeously feminine. The blue and green print offers a cool alternative to your typical pink floral dress — ensuring you stand out at your next summer event.

We love an unexpected color combo, and the orange and purple of this midi flowy dress is seriously dreamy. Combined with a one-of-a-kind woodblock print, this handmade dress feels luxe and slightly vintage. Oh, and did we mention that it has pockets?

The warm, earthy hues of this flowy midi length summer gown are putting us in a sunny haze. Style it with glimmering gold jewelry and you’ll look like a walking golden hour.

If you can’t tell, we’re hopelessly devoted to this casual flowy dress! If the yellow and black weren’t your vibe (or if you just can’t get enough of this breezy silhouette), this pretty pink gingham is a no-brainer.

Paisley is a summer classic, and this casual blue flowy gown is proof. With balloon sleeves and an airy skirt, it was made for twirling under the sun, Sound of Music style.

Who doesn’t want to dazzle like the night sky whenever they walk into a room? With this sequined flowy maxi dress, you’ll look like a sparkly, celestial dream.

To give that warm-weather outfit some personality, why not try a birthstone necklace or some stackable birthstone rings? For a bit more oomph, statement earrings (including our favorites, tassel earrings), are true show-stoppers. And, for the final touch, spice up your most practical accessory with these It Girl sunglasses. Summer, here we come!

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Cute Summer Dresses That’ll Have You Looking Your Best

Where to Buy Summer Dresses

How to Wear Summer Dresses

What to Wear Under Summer Dresses

Casual Summer Dresses

Whether you’re escaping to that beach vacay you’ve been planning for years, or you just want to emulate those care-free vibes, this is the casual dress for you. It’s just as effortless and relaxed as your favorite lounge set, but way cuter.

1: Beachy Boho Casual Summer Dress

The best casual dresses make you look like you put real effort into your outfit — when all you did was throw it on over your head. Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with us! This stunning slip dress will give you those polished vibes in the seconds it takes to tie up the open back.

2: Sophisticated Casual Summer Slip Dress

This casual summer shirt dress is bringing the cool factor (plus the comfort of wearing your favorite oversized shirt). Style it with lace-up sandals and a sunhat for “out of the office” vibes or rock it with some ankle boots for a bit of edge.

3: Casual White Shirt Dress

Our devotion to cottagecore is still going strong, and this casual nap dress is giving the aesthetic a bright, summery upgrade. Expect to see this sweet and sunny silhouette EVERYWHERE this summer. Comfy, cozy, and WAY cute.

4: Yellow Floral Casual Summer Dress

Channel all the picnic season vibes with this playful gingham dress (so cute, yet casual!). Pair it with a homemade charcuterie board, a group of friends, and your best picnic blanket for the perfect sunny afternoon.

5: Playful Gingham Casual Summer Dress

The royalty of easy, breezy, casual dresses: the wrap dress! This olive green pick is versatile enough to go from day to night — just swap your sandals for some on-trend wedges. We love the lightweight, flowy fabric. Perfect for those hot summer nights.

6: Elegant Olive Green Casual Wrap Dress

This groovy casual dress checks the boxes for all of our favorite summer trends — a bright orange hue, a retro print, and that micro mini hemline. When we tell you we’re OBSESSED, we cannot stress that enough.

7: Groovy Retro Casual Summer Dress

8: Terra Cotta Layered Casual Summer Dress

It’s essential for casual summer dresses to be breathable, and this Madewell frock understood the assignment. Plus, Madwell partners with the Better Cotton Initiative to improve cotton farming globally — as if we needed another excuse to add this to our cart!

9: Neutral Fun and Flowy Casual Summer Dress

An unexpected keyhole detail gives this sweet and casual babydoll dress a flirty edge, and we are here for it. Combined with a pastel floral print, this frock is truly to die for.

10: Flirty Babydoll Casual Summer Dress

Summer Maxi Dresses

A casual summer maxi dress that instantly sparks joy? Sign us up! This look is ultra flattering with a twist top and front cut-out detail — perfect for a swimsuit cover up or sizzling going out dress.

11: Trendy Yellow Summer Maxi Dress

Oh-so romantic, this flowy high-low look is the ultimate summer wedding guest gown. With feminine florals and playful ruffles, it will turns heads whether you’re making a toast to the newly betrothed or showing off your moves on the dance floor.

12: Floral High-Low Flowy Summer Maxi Dress

Florals and flowy summer maxi dresses go together like bees and honey. The flowers on this maxi dress are so vibrant, they seem to be blossoming right off of the fabric. We love the intricate details…such a work of art!

13: Chic Floral Summer Maxi Gown

A flattering cinched bodice means you can show as much or as little skin as you’d like with this flowy maxi dress. It’s a fashion-forward pick for your most hotly anticipated summer occasions, from a secret garden wedding to a bubbly baby shower.

14: Trendy Cinched Flowy Floral Summer Maxi Dress

You’ll look like the center of the universe with this sunny yellow maxi dress. Made with loose linen, this frock will help you stay cool, even when your ‘fit is fire.

15: Sunny Yellow Summer Maxi Dress

This floral maxi dress screams Bridgerton, but with a sexy twist. The cut-outs on the sides join together into an open back, which is complemented with the modest neckline and puffy sleeves. You’ve heard it here first: this is the diamond of the summer season.

16: Cut-Out Delicate Floral Summer Maxi Gown

Nothing says laid-back, summer vibes like tie dye. Sit back and relax with this casual sage maxi dress — perfect for walks along the beach or weekend coffee runs.

17: Flowy Tie Dye Casual Summer Maxi Dress

Petite Summer Dresses

18: Black Eyelet Petite Summer Dress

When it comes to petite dresses with floor-skimming hemlines, it can be difficult to find a silhouette that doesn’t overpower your figure. This petite maxi dress is flowy and floaty but still super flattering thanks to its open back and tiered skirt.

19: Laid Back Chartreuse Petite Summer Dress

This petite summer dress is bold in the best way. Dramatic flared sleeves, a deep V, and cheeky cut-outs mean that you’ll stand out, whether you’re sightseeing on your Mediterranean vacay or lighting up happy hour.

20: Tumeric Flare Petite Frock

Although we already gushed over this petite summer maxi dress in yellow, we had to mention it again — it’s just THAT good. We love that it has multiple size options, and the black makes it wearable no matter your sartorial style.

21: Black Maxi Petite Summer Dress

For minimalists looking for something feminine and playful, this petite dress is a pale pink dream. Plus, the babydoll silhouette is gorgeous on a petite frame.

22: Pale Pink Petite Frock

A contemporary midi silhouette with a ’70s twist, this petite dress is as groovy as it gets. Pair it with some equally rad retro accessories, like oversized peachy sunglasses or block heels.

23: Retro Midi Petite Summer Dress

Make the most out of weekdays back in the office with this sophisticated petite dress. The tie detail is fun without going over the top, perfect for lunch meetings and elegant Sunday brunches alike.

24: Sophisticated and Chic Petite Summer Dress

The radiant lilac hue and flirty ruffles of this petite high-low flowy dress are simply too cute to resist. Catch us re-wearing this for the entire wedding season.

25: Lilac Ruffle Petite Wrap Dress

26: Vibrant Strappy Petite Summer Dress

Like a breath of fresh air, this blue petite gown is cool and collected. The classic a-line silhouette in the front is optimal for styling any way you like — but the back brings the fun with a cross detail and low neckline.

27: Blue Cross-Back Petite Frock

The LWD (little white dress) is to summer what the LBD is to, well, every other time of the year. These white summer dresses are a fool-proof way to look good, no matter where your summer adventures take you.

White Summer Dresses

We couldn’t create a roundup of white summer dresses and not start off with something cottagecore. This dreamy, casual dress is extra sweet with fluttery ruffles, textured stripes, and a whimsical tie in the back.

28: Cottagecore Flowy Midi White Summer Gown

Another no brainer for white summer dresses: an eyelet design. This dress combines that romantic vintage texture with a bohemian print and alluring twist detail. The result? A breathable, feminine dress that you’ll want to show off all day every day.

29: Boho Midi Casual White Summer Dress

How timeless is this flowy button down casual white dress? Ethically handmade with 100% organic cotton, it’s made to last far longer than even the cutest trends. You better believe we’ll be wearing this every summer for the foreseeable future.

30: Timeless Cotton White Summer Dress

At this point, milkmaid dresses are such a staple in closets, we wouldn’t know what to do without them. They literally look good on everyone! Go classic with white and keep it breezy and casual with airy textured fabric.

31: Dainty White Milkmaid Summer Gown

This midi length white dress is the definition of chic. While naughties fashion may be in its comeback era, we think this understated ’90s neckline and empire waist will always be in style. And, for those looking to juice up their summer wardrobe, this dress also comes in a cheerful cherry print.

32: Chic and Minimalist Midi White Summer Dress

Dainty eyelet? Check. Trendy nap dress? Check. Smocked bodice and romantic tie straps? Check and check. This flowy frock has everything we could possibly ask for in a casual white summer dress. We have no notes!

33: Dainty Eyelet White Frock

If you’re looking to stop traffic with your summer ‘fit, this eye-catching white dress is a must for your warm-weather lineup. It would be THE moment for a boho rehearsal dinner or elevated bridal shower. Seriously, how sweet is the floral detailing?!

34: Boho Tiered White Summer Dress

If you’re looking for a covetable new addition to your summer wardrobe and you needed it yesterday, Amazon summer dresses have you covered. These picks are cute and affordable — and they’re your best friend for last-minute party invites or spontaneous weekend getaways.

Amazon Summer Dresses

Nothing says summer like a bold tropical print! This flowy Amazon summer dress channels that lush feeling with vibrant colors and a boho high-low hemline.

35: Tropical Print Flowy Amazon Summer Dress

Soft, sweet, and oh-so flattering, this flowy Amazon dress would stun for a summer event. Wear it with your hair pulled up to show off the open back with a romantic tie detail.

36: Pretty and Polished Amazon Summer Dress