The 11 Best Beach Dresses For Summer 2023
11 Perfect Summer Beach Dresses, From Maxis to Knit Cover-Ups
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The best days are still ahead of us — and if we're lucky, this summer they'll be spent beachside. Whether you're planning a few weekend trips to the ocean, living by the water, or simply hoping to squeeze a couple of tropical getaways into your summer calendar, we've discovered one universal style that can work for it all: a classic beach dress. Beach dresses are one of the most versatile wardrobe essentials because they're comfortable, easy to throw on in even the warmest temperatures, and pairable with basically anything in your closet — from platform sandals to comfortable sneakers and more. Plus, they double as great beach cover-up dresses, giving you the freedom to lounge around in the sand and then head straight to a resort brunch afterward.
To help simplify your summer shopping antics, we rounded up the best beach dresses for women that range from skin-baring mini styles to breathable knit cover-ups, including a handful of patterned summer beach dresses that will infuse some serious color into your vacation wardrobe. Our personal favorite is a white beach dress from Free People that oozes peak coastal-grandma vibes and has ruffled accents throughout. With this kind of variety, you're bound to find your new favorite summer clothing essential. Keep reading to shop our selections, which hail from brands like Billabong, ASOS, L*Space, Vitamin A, and Forever 21 and won't set you back more than $100.
— Additional reporting by India Yaffe
The Best Beach Dress on Amazon
Pinziko Summer Beach Dress ($28, originally $35)
This style feels like it could be straight out of the wardrobe of the "Outer Banks" cast, which means it's also the perfect beach dress for accomplishing a more boho-chic aesthetic. The tassels along the hem elevate the frock with some added texture, while the scoop neckline gives you the ability to tease the style of your bathing suit underneath. Plus, if the soft red shade isn't your vibe, this Amazon dress is available to shop in 15 other colorways.
The Best Beach Maxi Dress
Elan Cover-Up Maxi Dress ($68)
Pockets make absolutely everything better, which is probably why we're so obsessed with the relaxed look and feel of this cover-up maxi dress from Nordstrom. Whether you're frolicking on the beach or lounging around at home, this style will have you feeling comfortable 24/7.
The Best Beach Sweater Dress
Free People Mykonos Fauxchet Sweater Mini ($78)
Crochet is back and better than ever — as showcased by this Free People Mykonos Fauxchet Sweater Mini. When those colder beach days roll around and the temperatures drop, you'll be so glad to have a cozier beach cover-up dress like this sweater style from Free People. We love the piece's classic fit and sheer design, which gives a subtle glimpse of your swimsuit.
The Best Patterned Beach Dress
Grecerelle Summer Coverup ($28, originally $33)
If your summer plans include a tropical beach getaway or two, then you need to order this Grecerelle cover-up ASAP. The printed style just screams resort-ready with its palm design, and it even features practical side pockets. What's not to love?
The Best Beach Shirtdress
Billabong Daylight Dreamin' Cover-Up Shirtdress ($70)
You'll have no trouble running in and out of the water with this Billabong Daylight Dreamin' Cover-Up Shirtdress. The beach cover-up dress is wrapped in an orange-peel pattern that features light pink, yellow, and tangerine orange hues all throughout. Wear it with a white one-piece swimsuit to create a contrasting look that's sure to pop.
The Best Plus-Size Beach Dress
ASOS Design Curve Off Shoulder Tie Waist Maxi Beach Dress ($33, originally $54)
We have major heart eyes for this ASOS Design Curve Off Shoulder Tie Waist Maxi Beach Dress — and can you blame us? From the one-shoulder framing and tie-waist design to the subtle leg slit on the side, we're convinced this is a style you'll be reaching for again and again this summer. Plus, with the right jewelry and handbag, it could also serve as a darling wedding-guest dress for any beachside ceremonies.
The Best Beach Minidress
Free People Cross of Sunlight Mini ($78)
You'll be the belle of the ball (or rather, the beach) with this puff-sleeved number from Free People. The beach minidress embodies a cool, coastal essence, and the A-line silhouette gives the piece a flounced edge that's designed to flatter any and all body types. We love this color, called Fennel Seed, but the frock is also available to shop in other summer-friendly shades, like tangerine orange and dusty rose.
The Best Cover-Up Beach Dress
L*Space Pacifica Shirt Dress ($110)
A shirtdress is so convenient for the beach because you can button or unbutton it as much as you like. Plus, if you're staying at a resort or hotel with an on-site dress code, this particular style will have you looking pulled together and elevated within minutes. We love the refined sleekness of this piece — and the fact that it also comes in white.
The Best White Beach Dress
Vitamin A West Dress ($138)
Throw on this Vitamin A West Dress and within seconds you'll look polished enough to run out the door. It's comfortable and easy to style — you can't go wrong teaming this with a classic pair of heeled sandals and a breezy crossbody bag.
The Best Sexy Beach Dress
ASOS Design Curve Twist Ribbed Beach Dress ($68)
What better way to elevate your sexy swimsuit than with an equally sexy dress cover-up? This skin-baring style from ASOS is one of our favorite beach dresses because it's made from a breathable ribbed jersey material that'll hold up well under direct sunlight. The side-twist-tie detail completes the look with sporty, skin-baring flair.
The Best Knit Beach Dress
Forever 21 Striped Sweater-Knit Midi Dress ($28, originally $35)
Keep the boho vibes rolling this season with Forever 21's funky knit midi dress. The styling opportunities are truly endless with this piece. Not only does it work great layered over a bikini, but the comfortable dress is elevated enough to be worn as an everyday style, too. Pair it with chunky sandals and statement sunglasses for a look you'll be glad to wear on repeat this summer.
