These Breezy Summer Dresses Will Keep You Cool All Season Long
As a Southerner, I know how to handle summer. And that's why you'll only see me wearing dresses May-September.
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Let's face it: by the time summer rolls around, most of us are totally done with the jeans and a cute top look. Not just because we've been living in it since last fall, but who wants to wear long pants when temperatures are 85 degrees+? Give me all the breezy summer outfits, please! I've lived in the South my entire life, so I know a thing or two about how to handle summer weather, and my go-to tip is to live in lightweight, flowy dresses as much as possible (bonus points if they have pockets). Summer dresses can work for any occasion, from the farmer's market to the office to events like showers and weddings, and are so much lighter weight and less restrictive than jeans or shorts.
I could spend a pretty penny on summer dresses, but considering these pieces are the workhorses of my closet from May-September and get a lot of wear, I'd rather invest in a handful of new, less expensive dresses each year. I made this list of the best summer dresses with that in mind, and, of course, what outfits will keep you feeling as comfortable as possible when it's 97 degrees outside.
This midi dress has tons of textural interest that make it look so high-end for an Amazon find. It looks great on just about every body type and is perfect for work or events!
I absolutely live in these smocked-top dresses during the summer months. They're so lightweight and breathable, look cute in just about every situation, and are incredibly flattering on just about any body type—maternity included!
Bold colors are back this summer, but if you're not ready to dive head-first into tomato red, opt for this Nantucket red striped dress, instead. It provides the perfect pop of color without standing out in a crowd.
Meet the outfit you'll turn to time and time again this summer. With a smocked top and tiered bottom, this dress isn't just forgiving but also incredibly breezy and lightweight. Pair it with a jean jacket and sneakers for the farmer's market or wedges and a cute handbag for date night!
This eyelet mini dress also comes in black and white options, but why go basic when you can go bold? Get the on-trend tomato red look with this under $35 dress.
This viral pajama dress is 100% everything it's hyped up to be. It's incredibly comfortable, easy to style, requires little-to-no steaming and ironing, and looks so much more expensive than it is.
As comfy as your go-to T-shirt dress, but twice as flattering with a tied waist and striped pattern. Oh, and it has pockets.
Eyelet fabrics are taking over this summer, and we couldn't be more excited to see it. This dress comes in tons of different color options and we especially love the high-v neckline and thicker straps that make it work appropriate.
The sleeve detailing on this casually elegant dress makes it perfectly acceptable for work and other similar events.
You know we love an easy-to-wear dress that has pockets, but this one makes it so much better considering the color is named after one of our favorite summer harvests.
This one lives up to its name—it's 100% as comfortable as your favorite lived-in t-shirt.
I usually don't expect to find dresses or tops with fun, bold prints at Walmart (they're great for basics, though!), so this one really caught my eye. The silhouette is just perfect and would work well for so many occasions but the fun blue-and-white design really takes it to the next level. No one will believe you snagged this for under $35!
We love that this terry dress features a scoop-neck as opposed to the traditional high-neck, giving a more flattering style.
Tiered-tie bodices are popping up more and more as we inch closer to summer, so I'm expecting them to really take off in just a few weeks. Snag this cute midi dress while it's still in stock! It has the most adorable blue and white pinstripe print and ruffle sweetheart neckline.
This incredibly flattering eyelet dress comes in so many different colors and is perfect for any dressed-up summer occasion.
The tie-front trend was front and center last year and it's not stepping out of the limelight this summer, either. Paired with an eyelet and scalloped-edge hemline, everything about this sweet midi dress will get you so many compliments.
Sleeveless and swing dress are three of our favorite words in the summer. This adorable number comes in tons of color options and it has pockets.
The light blue version of this dress sold out so quickly, so don't wait to snag the white version. The floral cut-out design on the sleeves is a feature not to miss.
This editor owned and loved button-down dress is perfect for the office. If you get a little chilly at work, pair it with a cardigan or jacket!
Another tiered bodice and eyelet midi dress, this option is a bit more event-ready thanks to the bow in the back. It also comes in white, black, and brown, but this lilac shade felt so fun and appropriate for the summer months.
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