18 Best Summer Dresses for Women That Are Comfortable and Stylish

If you’re trying to survive the brutal summer heat, you’ll need to make sure your summer wardrobe is filled with the best summer dresses for women. 

They’re not only super easy to throw on but also come in a variety of gorgeous flowy styles, prints (like floral print shirt dresses), and lengths to keep you cool. They also take ~all~ the effort out of getting dressed on those sweltering summer days and simply require a pair of cute sandals (and maybe a bag or some cute jewelry). The best part? Nobody will know that it took you less than five minutes to get dressed, which is the biggest compliment, IMO.

Whether you’re planning to head to a summer BBQ or outdoor date night with your boo, our 18 selects are bound to get tons of use from you this summer — and beyond.

Regardless of if you prefer a mini, midi, or maxi dress, there are plenty of lovely sundress options available. Like ruffles? We’ve got a pick for that. Prefer something sleeveless for the beach? We’ve got a pick for that, too. Or maybe you just want a casual dress to attend brunch in — we’ve got you covered.

To help you find a summer dress that you’ll actually want to wear this summer, Teen Vogue searched high and low to find the best options. From a brightly colored mini dress on Amazon to a cottagecore-inspired midi dress from Free People, below you’ll find the cutest summer dresses with styles for every body type, aesthetic, and color preference. 

Best Summer Mini Dresses

If you’re sporting an amazing tan this summer, a mini dress is your best option. With a pair of strappy sandals or heels, it’ll give you legs for days — and it’s a great option for date night, drinks with the girls, or any summer occasion you have on tap. Plus, you can layer them with a jean jacket or cozy cardigan if it gets a little chilly in the evening. 

Shirred Puff Sleeve Cotton Prairie Dress

Best Summer Maxi Dresses

Mini dresses not your thing? We get it, which is precisely where maxi dresses come into play. They look incredible on literally everyone and only require you to throw on a pair of shoes — and you’re out the door. Some of our favorite options include this oh-so-soft ribbed tie shoulder dress from Summer Salt, along with this cottagecore styled dress from Doen and this bright, colorful maxi dress from Eloquii. Trust us, you’ll be the talk of your summer event in one of these numbers. 

The Softest Ribbed Tie-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Rainbow Tiered Dress With Cutouts

Best Summer Midi Dresses

Hear us out: you can never go wrong with a midi dress if you’re heading to work during the summer. While they feel super breezy, they look super professional and are perfect for practically anything, including giving you a confidence boost to finally ask for a raise. Also nice: they’ll give you plenty of use in the fall, too! 

Vince Elbow Sleeve Polo Dress

Best Summer Dresses for Wedding Guests 

IKYK: The best summer dresses for women are the key to surviving 90-degree days. They’re breezy, lightweight, and extremely comfortable, which is why you’ll find us gravitating towards them whenever the temps swell. Also: with adorable options, like this paisley floral set from ASOS and this olive strapless dress from Dissh, how could we say no?

ASOS DESIGN scalloped edge cut-out back midi sundress in mixed paisley floral

POLLY OLIVE STRAPLESS MIDI DRESS

Best Plus Size Summer Dresses for Women

No matter your size — there’s no reason not to participate in the summer dress fun, so we’ve made it easy for you. From floral prints to flowy sleeveless dresses, there’s sure to be something for everyone’s style preference. Below check out our favorite picks. 

Courtesy of brand

Old Navy Fit & Flare Smocked Twist-Front Halter Maxi Dress for Women

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