If you’re like me and shorts aren’t part of your summer wardrobe rotation, dresses are a great alternative. They can be effortless, keep you cool, and look polished. Plus, you won’t need to worry about waistbands, tucking, or extra wrinkles (like you get with linen pants!).
When it comes to summer dresses, I look for ones that are:
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Easy to wear and style
Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite summer dresses that are perfect for everything from running errands to a special event like graduation or a party. These effortless dresses check all the boxes for an easy one-and-done summer look!
SIZING: I’m 5’6″ and usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes.
1. T-Shirt Dress
A t-shirt dress is a summer wardrobe staple, but the key to looking polished instead of shapeless is choosing one with a bit of structure. This one has a belted waist that adds some extra visual interest, and it’s a favorite among PMT readers year after year! The length makes it so versatile to wear in the summer with sandals (similar to mine) or lifestyle sneakers that have a lower vamp to elongate your legs. It’s also soft, stretchy, and has pockets! Comes in 25 colorways HERE. There’s also a short sleeve version HERE. I wear size S in both.
One thing to keep in mind with this dress is that each colorway feels a bit different. This tan/white striped one is super soft and super stretchy, but the black/white striped one is a bit thicker. I also wear a slip (like this one) under soft, stretchy dresses like these to keep the fabric from clinging.
Shop the Outfit:
Dress: Amazon (wearing size S)
Shoes (similar): DSW
2. Jersey Dress
PMTers looooove this dress as much as I do. It’s incredibly soft and stretchy with a looser waistline that makes it more breathable for summer. The tier at the bottom also gives it some extra movement and shape without being formfitting. It’s so easy to wear by itself or with a light layer like a denim jacket. You can often find it for under $20, and it comes in tons of colors HERE! I own this in two colors in size S.
Shop the Outfit:
Dress: Amazon (wearing size S)
Shoes (similar): DSW
Jacket (similar): Gap
Earrings: Amazon
3. Super Comfy Maxi Dress
If you want to look put together but feel like you’re rolling out of the house in PJs, this dress is an easy YES. So comfy, super soft, and very, very stretchy. PMTers loved this one when I shared it last year, and it’s available again this season in several solid colors and prints. And, it’s only $21!!! SO good if you’re looking for an affordable summer dress (some colorways are on sale for under $15!!). Find it HERE. I’m wearing size S.
Shop the Outfit:
Dress: Amazon (wearing size S)
Shoes (similar): DSW
Earrings: Nickel & Suede
4. Polished Eyelet Dress
This dress is a new find that I’m really excited about. It fits like a glove and looks SO polished with zero effort. The details here are everything, from the prettiest scalloped edge that elevates the dress to the tiered skirt and flutter sleeves. This one is 100% cotton so it’s more breathable without being see-through. It would be perfect for graduations, baby showers, or just looking schnazzy at church! It also comes in a range of sizes – straight, petite, plus, and tall options, plus three colorways HERE. I wear size S.
By the way, these sandals are SO comfortable and they’re also WATER-RESISTANT, so you can wear them to the beach and pool! Double use!
Shop the Outfit:
Dress: Lands’ End (wearing size S)
Shoes: Amazon (wearing size 9)
Necklace: Electric Picks (use TAKE20 for 20% off!)
5. Structured Maxi Dress
This dress is a fantastic option if you like the look of the previous dress but want a more affordable price point. I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!! It has a similar maxi style with a tiered skirt, and nips in at the waist to give you shape. Because it’s fully lined, it is a bit warm for summer (if you still have spring weather this season, this will be great for you). And, it has pockets! It’s one of my new favorites and is so good for a special event or if you just want to feel a bit dressier. Comes in TONS of colors HERE. I wear size S.
Shop the Outfit:
Dress: Amazon (wearing size S)
Earrings: Nickel & Suede
6. Printed Maxi Dress
If you love color as much as I do, this dress is perfect for summer events. Wear it to a baby shower, a birthday party, a graduation brunch, or other special occasion when you need an elegant and timeless style that’s also breathable. The tie straps at the shoulders add a cute touch to elevate the overall look. The fabric is really lightweight (great for summer) and it comes in 17 colorways, including more fun prints and stripes HERE. I wear size S.
Shop the Outfit:
Dress: Amazon (wearing size S)
Shoes (similar): Kohl’s
Earrings: Nickel & Suede
7. Tiered Dress
This pleated dress is perfect if you’re attending a summer wedding. I can’t believe how comfortable it is — and stretchy!! It also has great movement which makes it really fun to wear. I’ve also found that it’s so good for hiding a little bloat while still looking really fancy. 😄 It’s flattering for a lot of different body types and comes in lots of pretty colors HERE.
It also comes in a maxi version if you need more of a formal length as opposed to a cocktail dress.
Shop the Outfit:
Dress: Amazon (wearing size S)
Shoes: Steve Madden (exact); similar
Earrings: Amazon
Necklace (similar): Amazon
These are great summer dresses, from casual to special occasion, that you can wear all summer long!
