Breezy Summer Dresses That Keep You Cool—and Chic—When Temperatures Spike

From airy linen shifts to floaty maxis, these editor-vetted picks slip on in seconds.

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Brooke Knappenberger's avatar
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Getting dressed for sun-filled summer days should be considered an extreme sport. For many of us, it's the busiest time of the year as we juggle vacations, multiple weddings, al fresco happy hours, and long days in the office. Once you take into account the sweltering heat and summer fashion trends, putting together cute, presentable summer outfits can get complicated. But adding a few flowy summer dresses into your rotation can simplify things and provide a one-and-done solution.

Whether you’re styling a wedding guest dress for an upscale ceremony or an airy linen frock for everyday errands, the best dresses stand out on their own. To complete your look, try a coordinating handbag and a pair of trendy shoes—like polished kitten heels that embrace fashion’s enduring girlhood aesthetic or casual fisherman sandals that convey a relaxed nautical spirit.

Explore Marie Claire’s curated selection of the best summer dresses that provide reliable outfit choices. You’ll discover a variety of styles for every occasion, from timeless classics like crisp cotton shirtdresses to runway-inspired designs such as flowing bubble-hem minis.

For Casual Occasions

woman wearing a voluminous pink dress

Airy, voluminous dresses can add a bit of reprieve from sweltering summer heat.

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Whether heading to a laid-back brunch or shopping around town, you need an easy outfit that's both comfortable and cool (in the literal sense). The fashion crowd has recently opted for voluminous dresses made from breathable fabrics, such as cotton, poplin, and linen, to combat the summer heat. Keep comfort at its peak with trendy sneakers or chunky sandals.

For Formal Events

woman wearing a blue floral dress

The Spring 2025 runways and street style prove long floral dresses will be a continued favorite throughout the summer months.

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Spotted across the Spring 2025 runways of Chloé, Loewe, and Carolina Herrera, fresh floral prints returned for another spin around the trend cycle this season. Choose a dress adorned with blossoms for your next upscale soirée or select a solid-colored option in a charming shade.

For the Office

woman wearing a white shirt dress and a blazer

Shirtdresses are perfect summer office attire: easy to style, comfortable, and professional.

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Nailing down your summer work outfits isn't always easy, considering your commuting needs, office dress codes, and the sweat-inducing heat. Shirt dresses, a favorite of the fashion enthusiasts, create the easiest and most comfortable office looks. They're naturally professional, inspired by classic button-down shirts, and come in lightweight, breezy fabrics. If you’re looking for other options, consider a gauzy nap dress or a structured high-neck style.

For Shoreside Moments

woman wearing a yellow fringed dress

A textured dress matches the fun energy of coastal trip.

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Summer vacations are about having as much fun as possible; your wardrobe should reflect that sentiment. Let your next sunny getaway inspire playful details like crochet fabrics, fringed hemlines, and invigorating hues. The styles below are your key to mastering the art of dopamine dressing.

For a Night Out

woman wearing a black sleeveless dress

An LBD is an age-old, full-proof going-out look.

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The best little black dresses are a staple, and the right styles exude elegance, making them perfect for after-hours outings and date nights. However, if you prefer a splash of color, consider delectable shades of cherry red, chocolate brown, or cotton candy pink.

Brooke Knappenberger
Brooke Knappenberger
Associate Commerce Editor

Brooke Knappenberger is the Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specializes in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversees holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.

She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper, NickiSwift, The Sun US, and Vox Magazine of Columbia, Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.