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As the temperatures continue to heat up and our calendars fill up with vacation plans, alfresco brunches, and a host of weddings, there is no need to get all frazzled over what to wear. With one (or two) of the best summer dresses on hand, every sunny adventure will surely be chic, especially since these one-and-done pieces take a bulk of the guesswork out of styling the perfect outfit.
The Best Summer Dresses Checklist
- The Summer White: Toteme sleeve cotton midi dress, $290
- The Classic Halter: J.Crew Mixy halter dress, $148
- The Red Hot Dress: By Malene Birger Marciella dress, $280
- The Savior Sundress: Matteau strapless ruched organic cotton-poplin midi dress, $620
- The Cool Cutouts: Zimmermann Cascadian stripe cutout asymmetric linen dress, $750
- The Mighty Maxi: Zara floral print dress, $150
- The Pretty Treasure: Dôen Quinley shirred floral-print organic cotton midi dress, $300
- The Wedding Favorite: La DoubleJ Penelope dress, $1,598
Start your search for the best options by turning to the brands that do summer best—think of Staud, Cara Cara, Pucci, and Matteau. In their collections, you’ll find all of the gathered details, fanciful florals, and airy poplin that your holiday-ready heart desires. Then, there are options for the bold dressers—Dries Van Noten, Aläia, and Loewe will see that your rotation has plenty of personality. There are styles for the minimalist, of course, from Toteme, Róhe, and Esse Studios—ideal for using as a base foundation for warm-weather accessories.
Any of the best summer dresses has versatility at its core, meaning it will pair well with both the prettiest sandals in your closet and the season’s top-trending sneakers. See for yourself in our edit, below.