14 Cotton Dresses to Wear When It's Too Hot to Function

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It's hard to believe, but summer is coming, and we need to be ready. When temperatures spike, it's critical to be wearing something that's breathable so you won't stick to your clothes. Whether you live in a superdry climate or one that's increasingly humid, dressing properly for hot weather is perhaps the most important step in feeling good. For us, that usually means wearing clothes made of cotton. We love it because it's light, easy to wear, and also easy to clean (yeah, we think about that too).

These 14 cotton dresses are all we want to wear. They're so beautiful and versatile and made for the hottest days of the year. If you're looking for a new, comfortable dress that you can just throw on and go about your day, these are the picks for you. Plus, they'll make you feel so put together. Just keep reading to shop our picks!

A Dress Under $100: Topshop Ruched Cotton Poplin Dress
nordstrom.com

A Dress Under $100: Topshop Ruched Cotton Poplin Dress

We love this little mini Topshop Ruched Cotton Poplin Dress ($54) for summer. It's easy to dress up or down, and is a great day to night dress.

A Midi Dress: Heartloom Mason Dress
revolve.com

A Midi Dress: Heartloom Mason Dress

Green is having a major moment right now. This Heartloom Mason Dress ($139) is comfortable, casual, and perfect for everyday.

A Halter Dress; Lovers and Friends Mary Midi Dress
revolve.com

A Halter Dress; Lovers and Friends Mary Midi Dress

This orange Lovers and Friends Mary Midi Dress ($158) is perfect for hot summer nights. We love the side ruching details.

A Versatile Dress: LoveShackFancy Kodie Dress
shopbop.com

A Versatile Dress: LoveShackFancy Kodie Dress

This cute LoveShackFancy Kodie Dress ($395) can be worn either on or off the shoulder, as pictured here. It's like getting two dresses in one!

A Long Sleeved Dress: Nordstrom Signature Stripe Poplin Long Sleeve Midi Dress
nordstrom.com

A Long Sleeved Dress: Nordstrom Signature Stripe Poplin Long Sleeve Midi Dress

When it gets really hot outside, a lightweight long sleeved dress is a great option because it protects you from the sun. We like this classic Nordstrom Signature Stripe Poplin Long Sleeve Midi Dress ($178).

A Beach Dress: Endless Summer 100 Degree Mini Dress
freepeople.com

A Beach Dress: Endless Summer 100 Degree Mini Dress

The Endless Summer 100 Degree Mini Dress ($78) is appropriately named. It can definitely stand the heat, and also comes in a bunch of different colors.

An Off the Shoulder Dress: Heartloom Mina Dress
revolve.com

An Off the Shoulder Dress: Heartloom Mina Dress

We're suckers for an off-the-shoulder neckline. This Heartloom Mina Dress ($139) comes in the prettiest floral print.

A Maxi Dress: Banjanan Bazaar Midi Dress
madewell.com

A Maxi Dress: Banjanan Bazaar Midi Dress

If you associate maxi dresses with heavy fabrics, you need to try one made of cotton. This Banjanan Bazaar Midi Dress ($375) is lightweight and so comfortable.

A White Dress: Farm Rio Flower A-Line Cotton Minidress
nordstrom.com

A White Dress: Farm Rio Flower A-Line Cotton Minidress

When we think of summer, we think of white dresses. We're loving this pretty Farm Rio Flower A-Line Cotton Minidress ($160).

A Modern Shirtdress: Zara Cut Out Shirt Dress
zara.com

A Modern Shirtdress: Zara Cut Out Shirt Dress

This Zara Cut Out Shirt Dress ($50) is not your average shirt dress. It's got two side slits, and a small back cutout.

A Printed Dress: Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress
anthropologie.com

A Printed Dress: Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress

We love a versatile dress. This Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress ($168) can be worn with everything from strappy sandals to boots, as shown here.

A Black Dress: J.Crew Side-cutout Cotton Poplin Dress
jcrew.com

A Black Dress: J.Crew Side-cutout Cotton Poplin Dress

This J.Crew Side-cutout Cotton Poplin Dress ($110, originally $148) is an elevated way to do cutouts. It's also on sale, which we love.

A Cutout Dress: Jonathan Simkhai Alex Cutout Dress
revolve.com

A Cutout Dress: Jonathan Simkhai Alex Cutout Dress

This Jonathan Simkhai Alex Cutout Dress ($395) is one of our favorite dresses of the season. We love the strappy cutouts, and plan to wear it to every possible occasion.