The 30 Best Summer Dresses in 2024, According to Stylists and Editors

Getting dressed in the summer should be considered an extreme sport. For many of us, it's the busiest time of the year when we're juggling vacations, (multiple) weddings, weekend hangouts on rooftops, happy hours, and, of course, full weeks at the office. Then once you factor in the sweltering heat, putting together cute summer outfits can get complicated. But, if you have a healthy rotation of the best summer dresses in your closet, you'll be prepared to take on any event lined up on your agenda.

Every time warmer weather rolls around, I get the sudden urge to find the best dresses for the coming season. Which can take weeks, because I spend so much time sifting through the spring and summer 2023 fashion trends to find the ones that'll prove timeless rather than just being a flash in the pan. This year, though, I turned to the experts to decipher exactly which summer dresses I should be investing in for 2023—and my finds are truly second to none. The best part? Many of them fall in line with the trends that have already been dominating the runways (and the streets) for spring/summer 2023.

For Casual Occasions

You don't need me to tell you just how hot it can get in the summer. Whether you're heading to a brunch, out shopping, or just exploring your city, you need an easy outfit that's both comfortable and cool (in the literal sense). Lately, the fashion crowd has been opting for voluminous dresses in breathable cotton, poplin, and linen to beat the summer heat. Keep the comfort maxed out with sneakers or chunky sandals.

For Formal Occasions

There's a reason florals come back to the surface among fashion insiders every spring and summer—they simply fit the blooming feel of the season the best. The print was also seen all over during Spring 2024 Fashion Week, with brands like 3.1 Philip Lim, Givenchy, and Stella McCartney sending models down the runway in flowering gowns. Over the season, if you've got any rooftop parties, garden soirees, and kind of wedding event lined up on your agenda, a flowing floral number will suit it all. Throw on a pair of strappy heeled sandals and grab a clutch to complete your formal look.

For the Office

Nailing down your summer work outfits isn't a simple task. You have to factor in your commute and office dress codes on top of it being the hottest time of the year. Street style stars have figured out that shirtdresses make for the easiest, most comfortable outfits for the office. They're innately professional, often featuring collared necklines and buttons, not to mention they come in the same breezy fabrics as our favorite button-down shirts. Finish off your office- and weather-appropriate outfit with comfortable loafers and, of course, a work tote bag.

For Vacation

In my mind, vacations are all about having as much fun as possible, so the fashion you pack along should reflect that sentiment, too. If you're typically not a fan of bright shades, use a new location and the OOO spirit to try out a fun color, as the fashion set likes to do in the summer. A vivid mini dress takes the joy to a whole new level, especially paired with a just-as-colorful shoulder bag and mule sandals. You can even play around with details like ruffles, fringe, and ruching to make your vacation look stand out.

For a Night Out

The best little black dresses are a staple no matter the season. They're the one style you can count on to make an appearance at fashion week, both on the runway and off. The dark shade oozes elegance, making it the ideal piece for nighttime outings even in summer. While LBDs are nothing new, I've noticed that fashion insiders have been recently playing around with silhouettes—more specifically opting for LBDs with halter necklines. The design offers a peek of clavicle and keeps the arms free to dance the night away.