‘Tis the season to bring out the dresses and step out into the sun in your most feminine looks! In honor of the arrival of summer, we’ve rounded up 20—yes 20!—dresses that are perfect for showing off those tanned, toned limbs and legs this season. We’re inspired by Vogue‘s comprehensive list of dresses for every vacation, so we’ve rounded up 4 summer dress styles you’ll want to copy this season. Check them out below.
The White Dress
1. Eberjey Summer of Love Elba Dress
Feminine, delicate, and pretty much dainty, this Eberjey Summer of Love Elba Dress is like a comfortable dream when worn. Best donned when at the beach, this cover up is trimmed with lace and features an optic-white hue. It’s made of a gauze-like material with a scalloped trim, lace accent, elastic cuffs, and a tunic length. It features a V-neck, long sleeves, and a semi-sheer material that shows off your all-white bikini ensemble when at the beach. Get this at Shopbop.com.
2. Michael Kors Floral Applique Lace Dress
Summers are also the season of weddings and social gatherings that require cleaning up and looking smart. If you’re invited to an engagement party or any gathering that requires a little bit of sprucing up, go for this Michael Kors piece that’s perfect for both day and night. The lace dress features embroidered floral appliqués and mini studs. It’s a delicate, feminine look that goes best with any leather or gold accessories. Pair it with your favorite nude pumps or some colorful ones this summer for a pop of splashy color. Shop at Michael Kors.
3. Paige Cristina Dress
No matter where you go this summer, make sure you bring with you something lightweight, flirty, and fun, just like this summer dress from Paige. The Christina Dress features elastic smocking at the dropped waist, shirring and ruffle details on the arms, and bold yarn-dye stripes that makes a statement complete this effortless look. Made of 100% rayan, perfect for the hot summer weather. Shop at Orchard Mile.
4. Charo Ruiz Joya Dress
Pardon us, but we don’t mean to upstage any bride! This gorgeous Charo Ruiz piece is the quintessential summer dress must-have with its one-of-a-kind Guipure lace mixed with a light voile that both provide an airy feminine look to this ensemble. It features sheer lace panels, a smocked back, and a mini dress cut for the ultimate chic look this summer. It also has a sleeveless tank style that dares to bare and show just enough skin for the season. Also has an open back, so make sure to pair it with a stylish blazer for those semi-formal events or a denim jacket for garden parties. Grab yours at Shopbop.com.
5. Yumi Kim Hearts Desire Dress
This summer, follow your heart where it leads, dressed in this enchanting Yumi Kim Hearts Desire Dress, which features dreamy ruffles in an off the shoulder silhouette. It features chiffon fabric in a style that has draped flutter sleeves, a V neck, and a maxi length. Walk down the boardwalk in this piece that makes for a beautiful entrance to any summer party. Accessorize with dainty jewelry or large bangles and chunky necklaces for a boho look. Get this at Shopbop.com.
The Smock
1. Frock and Frill Tall Cold Shoulder Velvet Smock Dress With Floral Embroidery
Dare to bare and shine bright as the sun this summer with this exciting dress from Frock and Frill. The brand expertly combines runway inspiration with Art Deco detailing in this piece that channels a vintage vibe. This piece features lined velvet, floral embroidery, a high neck, and a cut-out front with tie detail. Its cold-shoulder cut lets you brush off the haters in style, while the ruffle trims let you enjoy being a woman! Also has a zip-back fastening. Shop at ASOS.
2. Tory Burch Printed Smocked Dress
Count on Tory Burch to bring color back to summer with this piece. The brand has long been synonymous with sophistication, elegance, and refinement and for 15 years, delivered pieces that truly inspire us to embark on new adventures in style. This printed smocked dress features a Batiste fabric, ruffle detail, a floral print perfect for the season, and a maxi length silhouette that’s perfectly boho. Also features a covered elastic at the waist and adjustable straps. Get it at Shopbop.
3. Kos Resort Smocked Dress
Meet your new favorite tropical dress. This smocked dress from Kos Resort is the ultimate resortwear. It features a mixed pattern with lots of palm leaves against a bold black and white striped background. Its fabric is lightweight plain weave featuring a smocked bodice and adjustable shoulder straps with tassels. Also includes an embroidered detailing at hem. Imported from India. Get this Shopbop.com.
4. Bella Dahl Smocked Dress
Feminine and chic in all the right places, this Bella Dahl piece features a lightweight weave and a button detail on the shoulder, because after all, the beauty is in the details. It also features a tiny floral print that’s whimsical. Includes a smocked neckline and a removable tie at waist. This dress has a lined shell that’s made of 100% rayon. Grab this at Shopbop.com.
5. Rachel Antonoff Clark Smocked Dress
Calling to mind the fairies and prairies, this dress features a voile smocked bodice, elastic cuffs, and a floral print in a maxi length silhouette. Also features a square neckline and long puff sleeves. Steal this deal at Shopbop.com.
The Maxi Dress
1. Endless Summer Santa Maria Maxi Dress
Channel your inner boho queen with this femme beachy maxi from Endless Summer. It features an Instagram-worthy dramatic tiered skirt, crochet lace insets and a drawstring waist. Also includes tassel drawstrings and semi-sheer accents. This gorgeous ethereal piece is available at Free People.
2. LaBiz Joni Tiered Maxi Dress
Turn heads at the French plaza with this gorgeous, breezy maxi dress that features a pastoral charm to it. It features a spliced neck and tiered silhouette that provides a storybook-inspired look and feel to it. Pair it with some gladiator sandals, bangles, and oversized shades. Shop at Anthropologie.
3. Endless Summer Mixin’ It Up Maxi Dress
Crafted from sheer and gauzy material, this maxi dress from Endless Summer is flowy and ethereal, providing an effortless shape and unfinished edges for a lived-in look. It features a multi-colored design with beachy beaded criss-cross straps. Shop at Free People.
4. Cleobella Duende Embroidered Maxi Dress
Big, bold colors are in this summer season and this maxi dress from Cleobella is just perfect for strolling through the markets of Mexico. It features dreamy embroidered florals that bloom across its bodice that is made of viscose and cotton lining. It includes an embroidered and ladder lace detail, flutter sleeves, a V-neck, and a flowy maxi silhouette. Cleobella was founded by husband-and-wife duo Angela and Jim who were inspired by Balinese artisans to craft unique clothing and accessories. Get this at Anthropologie.
5. Paige Tevin Maxi Dress
Keep it light and breezy this summer with Paige’s Tevin Maxi Dress, which features lightweight weave and a smocked panel at the back. Its ruffle trim, scoop neck, and prairie skirt gives it a truly feminine look while its optional tie belt gives it a nice chic detail. Pair it with shell jewelry and some simple sandals for a truly beachside look. Get this at Shopbop.com.
The Wrap Dress
1. Madewell Side-Button Wrap Cami Dress in Orchid Bouquet
If you’re looking to fill your Instagram with lots of #OOTD’s this summer that will be the envy of your friends and coworkers, go with this wrap cami dress from Madewell. This sexy, 70’s inspired dress features covered buttons at the hip and a leggy front slit that is flirty and fun. It’s great to wear to brunches, summer garden parties, or any occasion in which a dress is required. Shop at Madewell.
2. Farm Rio Blue Palm Mini Wrap Dress
Lush tropical prints are featured in a breezy linen blend that makes up this Farm Rio mini wrap dress that’s perfect for any summer outing. It features a plain weave, adjustable straps, ruffled hem, a wrap silhouette, a mini dress cut, a chic V neck, and beaded ties at the side for a completely tropical look and feel. Steal this deal at Shopbop.com.
3. Shein Ditsy Floral Print Ruffle Trim Wrap Dress
Dainty florals and a Morrocan inspired print await you in this dreamy dress from Shein. It features a multicolored boho design in a polyester material that is easy and breezy to wear. Pair with some chunky sandals and you’re good to go. Shop at Shein.
4. Tanya Taylor Brandy Dress
Romance is in the air this summer with the Brandy dress from Tanya Taylor. This lightweight summer staple features a fully lined skirt and chest area with a slightly sheer romantic back. It has a belted waist that gives the appearance of a true wrap dress, but also provides coverage for busy days on the go. Dress this up with a sneaker for casual outings or a sleek sandal or a colorful heel for evenings out in town. Shop at Orchard Mile.
5. Hutch Allison Gingham Wrap Dress
If you’re not into florals this summer, go for another classic print that never goes out of style: gingham! This figure-flattering wrap dress is perfect for beach picnics and brunches. This piece is from Hutch, a contemporary brand that offers easy and luxe pieces in timeless, sophisticated styles. Shop at Anthropologie.
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