Huge thanks to Kohl’s and Collective Voice for sponsoring this post

Let’s talk dresses! Dresses are great in the summer as a one-and-done item that you can throw on and look put together. You’ll have airflow, you won’t have to worry about waistbands and tucking anything, and you won’t need to fret about your clothes loosening up and looking sloppy throughout the day (unlike many linen shorts and pants)! Today I’m sharing some great easy-to-wear summer dresses under $40 for all occasions, and I’m partnering with Kohl’s and Collective Voice to do it!

Kohl’s has tons of great finds for summer, from activewear to casual wear to workwear to special occasion attire. And, Kohl’s offers straight, petite, and plus sizing. I especially love shopping at Kohl’s for elevated casual pieces and affordable workwear! Plus, you can shop conveniently with Kohl’s curbside and in-store pickup options. If you’re looking for recommendations besides dresses, check out my recent post How to Wear Color in Outfits with Four Simple Formulas.

And, you can take an extra 15% off $100+ with code CATCH15OFF!

On to the dresses!

SIZING: I’m 5’6” and usually S/M or 6 in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes.

 

1. Casual: T-Shirt Dress
A t-shirt dress is fantastic for super casual days, and this one is really good! It’s made of soft, stretchy fabric that’s super comfortable. It’s a tad thicker for t-shirt dresses which helps it look more polished, but it’s still really breathable and relaxed. It’s SO COMFY but looks chic! It can be dressed down with flat sandals or lifestyle sneakers, and it can easily be dressed up for work. This dress comes in 2 prints and 3 solid colors, and it’s under $25! Check it out HERE. I wear size S.

Shop the Outfit:
Dress: c/o Kohl’s (exact—wearing size S)
Denim Jacket: c/o Kohl’s (exact—size S)
Earrings: Kohl’s (similar)
Shoes: c/o Kohl’s (exact—wearing size 8.5)
Crossbody Bag: Kohl’s (similar)

2. Elevated Casual: Yellow Dress
This dress is really, really lightweight and breezy, made of 100% cotton. You can dress it down with sandals or dress it up with open toe heels for lunch or dinner with friends.

As far as summer dresses under $40, this one makes a huge statement! I personally LOVE this color, but it comes in 5 colors total. See them all HERE. I wear size S.

Shop the Outfit:
Dress: c/o Kohl’s (exact—wearing size S)
Denim Jacket: c/o Kohl’s (exact—wearing size S)
Earrings: Kohl’s (similar)
Shoes: c/o Kohl’s (exact—wearing size 8.5)

3. Elevated Casual: Linen Utility Dress
Another elevated casual option is a linen utility dress like this one. It’s lightweight and really breathable. The material feels casual, but the buttons, tie waistband, and collar elevate it. And, it has pockets! You can wear it in casual settings, or you can dress it up for more relaxed work places. It comes in both black, tan, olive, and chambray, HERE. I wear size S.

Shop the Outfit:
Dress: c/o Kohl’s (exact—wearing size S)
Earrings: Kohl’s (similar)
Shoes: c/o Kohl’s (exact—wearing size 8.5)

4. Elevated Casual & Business Casual: Shirt Dress
This shirt dress is a step up from the previous one, and it’s REALLY COMFY! It’s made of 100% polyester, but it feels breezier than polyester typically feels. It’s soft and has tons of stretch, but the buttons, pockets, collar, and belted waist add so much style. This is a great dress for work. It is so comfortable but makes you look polished and pulled together! It comes in 5 prints and 2 colors, HERE. I’m wearing size S.

Shop the Outfit:
Dress: c/o Kohl’s (exact—wearing size S)
Earrings: Kohl’s (similar)
Shoes: c/o Kohl’s (similar)

5. Special Occasion Dress
YES, you can even get special occasion summer dresses under $40! Bright colors are really popular this season. Especially hot pink like this! If you have an upcoming special occasion, this dress is a really easy piece to wear that packs a huge punch, and it’s under $40! It comes in hot pink, a beautiful cobalt blue, and black, HERE. I love all of them!! I’m wearing size S.

Shop the Outfit:
Dress: c/o Kohl’s (exact—wearing size S)
Earrings: Kohl’s (similar)
Shoes: c/o Kohl’s (similar)

I told you there are a lot of good dresses! Whether you’re getting dressed for everyday casual summer activities, lunch with friends, work, or a special occasion, you’ll have options that are easy to throw on quickly and feel stylish and put together.

 

More Stylish & Affordable Summer Dresses

And, there are MORE dresses! Check them out in the widget below and snag them for less while they’re on sale!