From the office to a balmy vacation.
If you're going to spend most of the season sweating in something, might as well not spend a fortune on it, right? So goes our mantra on summer dresses, which is why we've done the homework for you on the best affordable options to own in the coming months: ones with enough airflow to minimize self-loathing that all clock in under $150.
Exactly the whimsical dress you'll want to pack wherever you vacation (Europe, a tropical isle, what have you) this summer.
Embroidered Mini Dress, $70; zara.com.
A colorful beach coverup you can wear with flip flops, or as a looser sack dress for weekend grocery store trips.
Chalk Pink Dress, $40; zara.com.
An airy fire-engine-red dress to break out on date nights and at rooftop bars this summer.The only accessories you need are a cocktail and a bold lip.
Sheer Silk Dress, $125; stories.com.
A flattering wrap dress composed of matchsticks that'll keep you warm at work when they're blasting the A/C with reckless abandon.
Matchstick Print Dress, $100; topshop.com.
A classic white eyelet dress in Labor Day white. It works just as well with flat sandals as it does with a colorful wedge heel.
Openwork Cotton Dress, $130; shop.mango.com.
We're showing this sailor stripe dress from the back so you can study swoon over the handkerchief-tie details.
Striped Cotton Dress, $60; mango.com.
A chic camisole dress with plenty of breeze potential to reserve for the hottest days of summer.
Windowpane Cutout Cami Midi Dress, $138; madewell.com.
On those 90-something degree days, this is as close as you can get to wearing nothing. Pair it with a cropped blazer for a summer date night or with a sheer layer on top (or white tee underneath) for an unusual daytime look.
Satin Slip Dress, $60; hm.com.
Keep the overall dress trend going strong by pairing this with a tee and a pair of sneakers on the weekend.
Denim Dress, $35; hm.com.
An oversized version of your favorite tee, but far less schlubby in a marigold silk fabric.
Over-Sized Silk Tee Shirt Dress, $135; cosstores.com.