These Breezy Summer Dresses Are My Secret to Looking Elegant All Season Long

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 when we're juggling vacations, (multiple) weddings, al fresco happy hours, and long days in the office. Once you factor in the sweltering heat and summer fashion trends, putting together presentable, cute summer outfits can get complicated. But adding a few floaty summer dresses into your rotation can make things much easier and offer 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 top off your look, try a matching handbag and a pair of trendy shoes—like polished kitten heels that play into fashion’s enduring girlhood aesthetic or casual fisherman sandals that embrace a relaxed nautical spirit.

Ahead, discover Marie Claire’s curated edit of the best summer dresses that offer infallible outfit formulas. You’ll find a range of looks for every occasion, from timeless classics like crisp cotton shirtdresses to runway-inspired styles such as billowing bubble-hem minis.

For Casual Occasions

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 beat the summer heat. Keep the comfort maxed out with trendy sneakers or chunky sandals.

For Formal Events

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. Pick a blossom-adorned dress for your next upscale soirée or opt for a solid-colored number doused in a dainty pastel shade.

For the Office

Nailing down your summer work outfits isn't always simple, considering your commuting needs, office dress codes, and the sweat-inducing heat. Shirt dresses, a favorite of the fashion set, make for the easiest, most comfortable office looks. They're innately professional, modeled off of classic button-down shirts, and come in lightweight breezy fabrics. If you’re searching for other alternatives, try a gauzy nap dress or a structured high-neck style.

For Shoreside Moments

Summer vacations are about having as much fun as possible; your wardrobe should reflect that sentiment. Allow your next balmy getaway to 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

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