These 15 Summer Dresses Are Vacation-Ready and Perfect For Warm Temps

Farm Rio
Farm Rio
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If you don't want to experience fashion FOMO as summer rolls around, it's time to build up your wardrobe now — before all the season's hottest styles sell out. Many of our favorite retailers are already getting in the spirit of the season by releasing a bevy of colorful, patterned, and, best of all, incredibly comfortable summer dresses that are perfect for styling with sneakers, platform sandals, and so much more. They come in fun hues like hot pink and bright orange, and they're also available to shop in a variety of silhouettes — from maxi dresses to comfortable midis and even a few '90s-inspired halter styles.

If you're looking to refresh your closet now, we suggest snatching up these pieces while you can. With temperatures warming up, summer wedding season in full swing, and many people finalizing their vacation plans for the next few months, everyone is on the lookout for new designs.

To help simplify your shopping experience, we pulled together our picks for the best summer dresses from sites like Nordstrom, H&M, Amazon, Farm Rio, and more. Whether you're looking for splurge-worthy styles that can live in your closet for the long haul or trendy summer dresses that'll help you tap into TikTok's most viral fashion trends, we've got you covered. Sift through these irresistible releases and treat yourself to something new. You'll be so happy you did.

— Additional reporting by Macy Cate Williams

Best Floral Dress For Summer
amazon.com

Best Floral Dress For Summer

PrettyGarden Summer Casual Midi Dress ($41)

Floral dresses are synonymous with spring and summer seasons, which is why this golden, patterned midi dress is currently high on our shopping wish lists. With its long sleeves and flared silhouette, this is a summer dress you can easily dress down with a pair of sneakers or dress up with a towering pair of pumps.

Best Dress With Pockets For Summer
target.com

Best Dress With Pockets For Summer

A New Day Sleeveless Ballet Dress ($22, originally $28)

It's a universal fashion truth that pockets, quite simply, make everything better. As if this trendy summer dress from Target wasn't cute enough, it also features two deep side pockets that are functional enough to hold your phone, car keys, or even emergency lipstick. Plus, it's available to shop in five colors, including an earthy green and sleek black shade.

Best Off-the-Shoulder Dress For Summer
nordstrom.com

Best Off-the-Shoulder Dress For Summer

Astr the Label Off the Shoulder A-Line Dress ($95)

For ethereal, cottagecore-inspired pieces, you can never go wrong with shopping from Astr the Label. The brand has a wide variety of summer dresses that are perfect for every occasion and budget, but we love the look of this particular piece because of its breezy off-the-shoulder silhouette and delicate floral pattern.

Best Resort Dress For Summer
shop.mango.com

Best Resort Dress For Summer

Mango Asymmetrical Pleated Dress ($100)

The only thing more exciting than planning a resort vacation is figuring out what you're going to wear to it. While your vacation days might be spent exploring a new city or lounging by the pool, you'll still want an elevated summer dress that you can slip into come nighttime when you're heading out for dinner or grabbing drinks to go. We love the coastal and eccentric pattern of this one-shoulder dress, which is made all the more playful with its flared hem and puffy sleeves. Throw on some statement jewelry with it, and you'll be good to go.

Best Sleeveless Dress For Summer
amazon.com

Best Sleeveless Dress For Summer

Sleeveless Tank Dress ($34, originally $41)

Once the temperatures start warming up, we want to be wearing as little as possible — but, obviously, still enough to ensure we're dressed comfortably and appropriately in public. This bestselling Amazon dress checks all of our boxes with its sleeveless design, lightweight material, and a wide variety of sizes. One reviewer even said that the dress is "super comfy for everyday usage" and easy to "dress up with heels."

Best Maxi Dress For Summer
oldnavy.gap.com

Best Maxi Dress For Summer

Old Navy Fit & Flare Sleeveless Smocked Maxi Dress ($45, originally $50)

Nothing screams summer quite like a blue and white striped midi dress, and this iteration from Old Navy is one of our personal favorites. The dress boasts a more comfortable fit thanks to its relaxed straps and fit-and-flare silhouette. Pair it with cute sandals and a beige everyday tote bag for a look that'll take you from the beach to a backyard barbecue and beyond.

Best Halter Dress For Summer
thereformation.com

Best Halter Dress For Summer

Reformation Aylani Dress ($198)

Memorial Day weekend will be here before you know it, and whether you're hosting a backyard soireé or planning on doing some barbecue-hopping, this fiery red halter dress is a darling style you can wear for it all. Plus, with its sporty silhouette, it's also a great style to wear with sneakers.

Best Casual Dress For Summer
shopbop.com

Best Casual Dress For Summer

Jenni Kayne Seersucker Summer Dress ($295)

Jenni Kayne has mastered the coastal, cool girl aesthetic in home decor, so it's completely fitting that her flair for beachy, West Coast-inspired designs would translate into fashion, too. This flowy style will double as the most perfect everyday dress this season, especially when paired with open-toed mules and a cute crossbody.

Best Linen Dress For Summer
www2.hm.com

Best Linen Dress For Summer

H&M Linen Tie-Belt Dress ($65)

With Greta Gerwig's highly anticipated "Barbie" movie set to release in theaters later this summer, we don't see the Barbiecore fashion trend cooling off anytime soon. This lightweight summer dress will help you tap into the fad's hot pink hues with its bold coloring, while the breathable linen material will ensure you feel comfortable through the season's hottest temperatures. What's not to love?

Best Midi Dress For Summer
madewell.com

Best Midi Dress For Summer

Madewell Tie-Back Cami Midi Dress ($128)

We have a feeling this cami dress from Madewell is a style you'll be reaching for on repeat this summer. The midi dress has a fitted upper section which helps to give the bust a subtle lift, while its free-flowing skirt completes the style with a more relaxed flair. From sneakers to sandals and heels, this is a gown you'll have no trouble styling with any shoe in your closet.

Best Wedding-Guest Dress For Summer
anthropologie.com

Best Wedding-Guest Dress For Summer

Anthropologie The Maya Ruched Cowl-Neck Dress ($160)

If you're anticipating a busy season of summer weddings and receptions galore, you'll want to invest in a formal style that you can wear regardless of your event's dress code — just like this cowl-neck dress from Anthropologie. The trendy summer dress boasts a body-hugging silhouette that's proven to be especially popular this year, and the ruched material makes it a comfortable piece you won't mind wearing through even the longest events — or while you're busting a move on the dance floor.

Best Travel Dress For Summer
Net-a-Porter.com

Best Travel Dress For Summer

Leset Lauren Brushed Jersey Midi Dress ($180)

If you're planning to travel a lot this summer and find yourself short of carry-on space, we recommend opting for a comfortable outfit that you can wear on the plane and straight into your vacation once you land — just like this comfy summer dress from Leset. If you want to create a more cohesive ensemble, you can even team the style with a cozy cardigan to match.

Best Dress With Cutouts For Summer
farmrio.com

Best Dress With Cutouts For Summer

Farm Rio Red Heliconia Midi Dress ($245)

Come summertime, we find ourselves shopping at Farm Rio 24/7. The elevated fashion label is known for creating some of the most colorful and whimsical styles on the market — as demonstrated by this vibrant midi dress with cutouts. The bright color palette feels so on trend for the season, while the midriff cutouts will help promote airflow so you can stay cool through even the warmest summer days.

Best Beach Dress For Summer
freepeople.com

Best Beach Dress For Summer

Free People Nova Shirtdress ($128)

The styling opportunities with this shirt dress are pretty endless, but we think it's best used as an elevated swimsuit coverup. The piece can easily be thrown on when you want a little extra coverage while walking through a resort or restaurant, and it's simple to slip off when you're ready to play in the ocean or take a quick dip in the pool.

Best Sheer Dress For Summer
zara.com

Best Sheer Dress For Summer

Zara Ecru Dress With Cutouts ($90)

Sure, this style could work great as a swimsuit dress or bikini coverup, but we also think it's the perfect piece for tapping into the sheer fashion trend, too. The sleeveless midi dress features unique cutout designs all throughout that elevate the piece with a playful, skin-baring flair. Team it with a bucket hat for the most quintessential summer look.