42 Crazy-Chic Summer Dresses That Double as Swimsuit Cover-Ups, Starting at $40
If there's one thing I covet more than a stylish Summer dress, it's one that can work double duty. Yes, I'm crazy about smart Summer work dresses, affordable wedding guest dresses, and playfully printed dresses to wear everywhere from the office to Sunday brunch. But it's those do-it-all silhouettes I seek out the most for Summer, particularly dresses that can double as a swimsuit cover-up.
Whether you're packing a few vacation outfits centered around Instagrammable dresses or putting together a look for a water-adjacent activity like a beach day, pool party, or sailing adventure, a dress that can function for more than one outfit can really streamline the process. Think about it: when you're trying to save room in your suitcase, ditching single-use items like a swimsuit cover-up makes sense if you can pack two or three dresses that can work over a bikini as well as they do with sandals and a straw bag for sightseeing and dinner. Also, if you're packing a day bag with a change of clothes, it's a heck of a lot easier if the main piece — a chic Summer dress — is already on your body. That way, all you need is a few extra accessories to transition your look between activities. I'm also all about making a swimsuit a part of your outfit, and a Summer dress is the easiest way to do so.
Whether you're obsessed with minidresses, live for a midi dress like me, or can't get enough of maxis, read on for my edit of chic Summer dresses that can double as a swimsuit cover-up, starting at just $40.
Free People Kika's Printed Midi Dress
POPSUGAR Collection at Kohl's Belted Button-Down Dress
POPSUGAR Collection at Kohl's Belted Button-Down Dress ($45, originally $60)
Madewell Stripe Tiered Linen Midi Dress
Lisa Marie Fernandez Peasant Natural Gold Eyelet Dress
Plus Size Sonoma Goods For Life Dolman T-Shirt Dress
See by Chloé Cutout Cotton-Jersey Midi Dress
Mara Hoffman Sala Off-the-Shoulder Striped Voile Dress
Rhode Delilah Pom-Pom Cotton Dress
Eleven March11 Arizona Minidress
Sleeper Pamukkale Loungewear Dress
Wilfred Misha Embroidered Babydoll Dress
Dodo Bar Or Vyan Floral-Print Cotton Poplin Midi Dress
All Things Mochi Tila Embroidered Linen Maxi Dress
Apiece Apart Va Bene Ruffled Cotton-Crepon Dress
Laura Ashley Amelia Toile Poplin Midi Dress
Reformation Marabella Linen Dress
Hatch The Jenna Ruffled Tencel-and-Linen-Blend Midi Dress
Mes Demoiselles Bodega Embellished Embroidered Cotton-Voile Dress
Urban Outfitters Puff-Sleeve Babydoll Dress
LemLem Fiesta Ruffled Striped Cotton-Blend Gauze Minidress
Kalita Andromeda Silk-and-Cotton-Blend Minidress
POPSUGAR Collection at Kohl's Plus Size A-Line Dress
POPSUGAR Collection at Kohl's Plus Size A-Line Dress ($40, originally $54)