Striking temperatures and more humidity call for some warm weather-appropriate attire. Instead of putting together different combinations of tops, bottoms and shoes — whether you're heading to work or a tropical getaway — opt for a low-effort, flowy dress that will let you breathe when the weather turns unbearable.
From linen fabrics to chiffon-made designs, dresses offer a relaxed silhouette without the extra effort. We talked to a stylist for tips on how to shop for a summer dress that will create infinite looks this season. Plus, we rounded up some shopper-favorite pieces that will add versatility to your social summer calendar.
What to look for | Amazon dresses | Halter dresses | Linen dresses | White dresses | Cocktail dresses | Plus-size dresses
Materials and fabrics to look for when shopping for summer dresses
Regardless of whatever summer activity you're doing, you'll want to stick to comfortable materials during warmer stretches.
"My best recommendation when shopping for summer clothes is to seek a composition of cotton, silk and linen. These lightweight and breathable fabrics are perfect for dealing with a hot climate, and they help keep the body fresh and cool," advises fashion stylist Luciana Spatola.
Additionally, you want to wear UPF clothing and protective sun hats to add not only glamour but also extra safety to your skin.
As for dress styles, Spatola suggests shopping sundresses for their multipurpose features and flexibility to mix and match with accessories.
Amazon summer dresses
Haomeili Summer Swing T-Shirt Dress
Colorways: 22 | Sizes: XS-3XL | Fabric: 95% rayon, 5% spandex
When the heat hits an all-time high, you'll need this sleeveless T-shirt dress. While we love this pink and black floral pattern, it's also available in 21 other designs and colors.
Grecerelle Casual Short Sleeve Maxi Dress
Colorways: 41 | Sizes: XS-XXL | Fabric: Rayon blend
You can't go wrong with a simple maxi dress. According to the brand, this one is lightweight and versatile, and has more than 31,000 verified five-star ratings.
Belongsci V-Neck Bell Sleeve Shift Dress
Colorways: 44 | Sizes: XS-4XL | Fabric: 96% polyester, 4% spandex
This V-neck bell sleeve shift dress is all you need for a dressy summer night. “It has some weight to it, making it feel more expensive than it actually is,” said commerce writer Danielle Murphy, who purchased the dress in two colors. “I wouldn’t hesitate to wear this to a wedding or a more formal occasion. Both styles are stunning and feel like they’re straight from a less affordable boutique.”
R.Vivimos Long Bohemian Floral Midi Dress
Colorways: 45 | Sizes: XS-XXL | Fabric: Cotton and rayon
We can't get enough of this bohemian-inspired dress. Even though it has long sleeves, its lightweight material makes it perfect for a breezy summer day.
Mitilly Summer Boho Sleeveless Swing Dress
Colorways: 45 | Sizes: XS-XXL | Fabric: Cotton and rayon
This vibrant dress currently has nearly 8,000 verified five-star ratings. Many reviewers seem to love this piece for its flattering fit and fluttery sleeves.
Ouges Summer V-Neck Floral Dress
Colorways: 63 | Sizes: S-3XL | Fabric: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
What's not to love about a floral dress with pockets? This Amazon favorite is available in over 60 colors and patterns and is less than $35.
Naggoo Floral Wrap Dress
Colorways: 30 | Sizes: S-XL | Fabric: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
Wrap dresses are cute, trendy and perfect for summer. Who wouldn't fall in love with the empire waist and flutter sleeves?
Viishow Casual Maxi Dress
Colorways: 51 | Sizes: XS-4XL | Fabric: 95% rayon, 5% spandex
This short-sleeve maxi dress has more than 43,000 verified five-star ratings. Many customers love this dress because the fabric is lightweight and opaque.
Merokeety T-Shirt Dress
Colorways: 26 | Sizes: S-XL | Fabric: 65% rayon, 35% polyester
"The tie-waist is what truly makes this dress stand out," said writer Danielle Murphy, adding that it lays like an actual T-shirt — loose and flowy. She also raved about the fabric, which she said "feels smooth and amazingly soft on my skin."
Floerns Floral Print Boho Long Dress
Colorways: 26 | Sizes: XS-4XL Plus | Fabric: 100% rayon
This dress can easily take you from daytime to evening plans. The off-the-shoulder style paired with a split in the leg adds a playful element to the look. Take your pick of over 25 colors and patterns.
Zesica Bohemian Wrap Dress
Colorways: 30 | Sizes: XS-XXL | Fabric: 100% rayon
This bohemian floral print wrap dress is both trendy and chic. The relaxed, feminine silhouette is classic and flattering — all you need is a cute sun hat!
Halter dresses
Scoop Keyhole Halter Neck Dress
Colorways: Four | Sizes: XS-XXL | Fabric: 97% polyester, 3% spandex
Pair this floral dress with gold flats, hoops and an updo to create an unforgettable look.
Cupshe Halterneck Sleeveless Midi Dress
Colorways: Two | Sizes: S-XL | Fabric: 100% polyester
Warning: You might feel like you just stepped off a yacht in Mykonos while wearing this charming midi dress. The divine blue-and-white pattern paired with subtle cutout detailing has a look perfect to wear beachside.
A New Day Halter Hi-Lo Midi Dress
Colorways: Two | Sizes: XS-4X | Fabric: 99% recycled polyester, 1% spandex
We're loving the high-low hem of this dress, along with the many ways you can style it. Wear it loose for a beachy look or belted to give the silhouette more shape.
Loft Dahlia Halter Maxi Dress
Colorways: One | Sizes: XXS-XXL | Fabric: 83% rayon, 17% nylon
If you really want to stand out, a bright orange number like this one will certainly do the trick. With a fresh tan and a pair of heels, you might just feel unstoppable while wearing it.
Linen summer dresses
Old Navy Fit & Flare Sleeveless Midi Dress
Colorways: 10 | Sizes: XS-4X | Fabric: 55% linen, 45% rayon
We can't get over this sweetheart neckline. Paired a hugged bodice and full skirt, this has potential to become your next go-to dress.
H&M Linen-Blend Shirt Dress
Colorways: Three | Sizes: XS-XXL | Fabric: 70% rayon, 30% linen
A utility design meets the elegance of linen in this shirtdress. The structured shoulders, sharp collar and flowy skirt may not make sense on paper, but while worn, it's a piece you'll want in all three colors.
Lulus Linen Tie-Back Midi Dress
Colorways: One | Sizes: XS-XL | Fabric: (Shell) 55% linen, 45% cotton (Lining) 100% cotton.
The detailing on this dress is next level. First, it has the sleek buttons running from the V-neck down to the middle, then there's the pleated skirt, and finally when you turn around, there's a bow-tie back for a beautiful surprise from behind.
Quince 100% European Linen Button Front
Colorways: 11 | Sizes: XS-XL | Fabric: 100% European flax
Going on vacation with your children? This dress is comfortable enough to walk around and keep an eye on the little ones. Also, it's made from 100% linen fabric.
White summer dresses
Nine West Cut-Out Midi Dress
Colorways: Three | Sizes: XS-XXL | Fabric: Rayon, linen (Lining) polyester
The styling options are endless when it comes to a cute white dress. Take this Nine West number: you can pair it with a jean jacket without hiding the subtle center cutout on chillier summer nights or slip on a flat sandal and a sun hat for seaside walks.
BTFBM Sleeveless Tank Dress
Colorways: 36 | Sizes: S-XL | Fabric: 60% polyester, 35% viscose, 5% elastane
A simple everyday white dress is a must-have for summer. This sleeveless tank dress can be paired with your favorite baseball hat and sneakers for an elevated errand-ready look or paired with heels and a clutch for a night out.
Banana Republic Factory Linen-Blend Button Midi Dress
Colorways: Four | Sizes: 0-18 | Fabric: 52% flax (linen), 45% cotton, 3% elastane spandex
Linen clothing is the best way to keep yourself cool this summer. This dress has an classic button-front design and wide belt detailing that can easily be styled for everything from the office to a picnic with friends. Right now, you can save an additional 40% off the sale price at checkout, making this dress less than $50.
Showpo Junmae Tiered Waffle Wrap Midi Dress
Colorways: Two | Sizes: 0-16
If you're looking for a white dress that can transition into fitting most summer activities, this one is versatile enough. This Showpo dress is flowy and has a wrap-style bodice for a feminine fit.
Summer cocktail dresses
Abercrombie & Fitch The A&F Camille Maxi Dress
Colorways: Three | Sizes: XXS-XL | Fabric: (Body) 55% polyester, 45% viscose (Lining) 97% polyester, 3% elastane
If you're a sucker for a sweetheart neckline, this cocktail dress is everything. And let's not forget about the shiny satin look and stunning side slit.
Open Edit Ring Detail A-Line Midi Dress
Colorways: Two | Sizes: XXS-XXL | Fabric: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
This midi dress with side circular cutouts, a cute mock neckline and unique shoulder style has no business being under $50. Yet, Nordstrom just knocked the price down to $44, so we're tempted to by it in both available colors.
Ebifin Babydoll Mini Dress
Colorways: Eight | Sizes: S-XXL | Fabric: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
All you need to do is throw on this dress for an effortlessly chic look at any cocktail party. It has pockets (score!) and the sleeves are easily adjustable, so you can make it an off-the-shoulder number, if that's the look you're going for.
Lulus Tie-Back Mini Dress
Colorways: Two | Sizes: XXS-XXL | Fabric: 100% polyester
“Business in the front, party in the back” applies to this stylish mini dress from Lulus. The front features a solid color, but the back has a beautiful and colorful multi-stripe tie. It’s perfect for any event or an impromptu night out.
Plus-size summer dresses
A New Day Best Ever Midi Dress
Colorways: Four | Sizes: XS-4X | Fabric: 90% rayon, 10% nylon
This printed midi dress from Target’s in-house brand A New Day is perfect for any occasion from a relaxed brunch to a night out — depending on how you style it, of course. It’s available up to size 4X and has the most beloved feature of any dress: a functional pocket.
A New Day Midi Perfect Slip Dress
Colorways: Four | Sizes: XS-4X | Fabric: 100% recycled polyester
Can you really go wrong with a slip dress? It's truly a versatile style you can wear for whatever the day or night calls for. Dress it down with sneakers and a cropped cardigan or put an elevated spin on it with heels and statement jewelry.
Eloquii Eyelet Tie Front Maxi Dress
Colorways: Two | Sizes: 14-32 | Fabric: 100% cotton
Don’t complicate your outfits this summer. This easy eyelet dress from Eloquii pairs well with everything from sneakers to sandals. Plus, if you use code EQTREND, you can score this dress for 50% off.
Eloquii Lace Up Detail Dress
Colorways: Two | Sizes: 14-32 | Fabric: 55% linen, 45% viscose
We're obsessed with the details fastened to this midi number. The flowing woven linen is a great fabric for spring while the mini side corset embellishments are an unexpected (yet chic) touch.
Rebdolls Maci Ribbed Maxi Slip Dress
Colorways: One | Sizes: S-5X | Fabric: 31% polyester, 24% acrylic, 24% viscose, 21% polyamide
A loose-fit dress is a must-have in a summer wardrobe, and a ribbed fabric makes it even better. With this maxi number's off-shoulder detail, you might be tempted to wear this one all season long.
Rebdolls Maxi A-Line Dress
Colorways: One | Sizes: S-5X | Fabric: 95% polyester 5% spandex
With a polo design at the top, A-line skirt at the bottom and a cinched waist in between, this dress might be the perfect everyday piece.
