The Best Summer Dresses Are Street Styles' Easiest One-And-Done Outfit

Publish date: 0001-01-01

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 rooftop gatherings, al fresco happy hours, and work. Once you factor in the sweltering heat, putting together presentable, cute summer outfits can get complicated. But adding a few of the best summer dresses into your rotation can make warm-weather dressing much easier—offering a one-and-done solution.

Whether it's a summer wedding guest dress or an airy cotton number for everyday errands, the best dresses stand out on their own. All you need is a matching handbag and a pair of your favorite summer shoes—from trendy sneakers for casual looks to strappy sandals for dressier occasions.

The right pieces offer an infallible outfit formula followed by fashion insiders that you can turn to throughout the summer, from breezy billowing styles to mini LBDs. Here, Marie Claire's curated edit of the best summer dresses to invest in for every occasion, plus the accessories to match.

For Casual Occasions

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Whether heading to a brunch, shopping, or exploring your city, you need an easy outfit that's both comfortable and cool (in the literal sense). The fashion crowd has recently opted for voluminous dresses in breathable cotton, poplin, and linen to beat the summer heat. Keep the comfort maxed out with sneakers or chunky sandals.

GANNI Cotton Poplin Tie String Mini Dress

Hill House Home The Athena Nap Dress

& Other Stories Puff-Sleeve Midi Dress

Birkenstock Milano Exquisite Chunky Sandal

Zella 3-Pack Crew Socks

Baggu Mini Nylon Shoulder Bag

For Formal Occasions

There's a reason florals resurface amongst fashion insiders every spring and summer—they best fit the feel of a new season. Blooms were seen all over during Spring 2024 runways, at 3.1 Philip Lim, Givenchy, and Stella McCartney. A flowing floral number can be extremely versatile—from rooftop parties to garden soirees to outdoor weddings. Throw on a pair of strappy-heeled sandals and grab a clutch to complete the look.

LOVESHACKFANCY Suniva Ruffled Floral-Print Silk-Charmeuse Maxi Dress

HOUSE OF CB Elia Floral Stretch Cotton Blend Corset Sundress

Halston Avni Crepe Dress (Was $495)

Cult Gaia Eos Bauble Acrylic Box Clutch

Marc Fisher LTD Dennie Ankle Strap Sandal

Misho Mini Pandaia Earrings

For the Office

Nailing down your summer work outfits isn't always simple, considering your commuting needs, office dress codes, and the heat. Shirt dresses, a favorite of the fashion set, make for the easiest, most comfortable office outfits. They're innately professional, modeled off of classic button-downs, and come in the same breezy fabrics. Pair the style with loafers and, of course, a chic work tote bag.

Banana Republic Pleated Linen-Blend Midi Shirtdress (Was $130)

The Somerset Maxi Dress: Shirt Dress Edition

Polo Ralph Lauren Cotton Tiered Shirtdress (Was $298)

Rothy's The Driver

Madewell Zip-Top Medium Transport Leather Tote

Jenny Bird Ola Bangle

For Vacation

Summer vacations are about having as much fun as possible; your wardrobe should reflect that sentiment. Let a new location and the OOO spirit inspire a fun new color palette in a bold mini dress paired with a monochromatic bag and shoes. Play around with details like ruffles, fringe, and ruching to master the art of dopamine dressing.

Norma Kamali Diana Mini Dress (Was $195)

STAUD Allori Dress

Simon Miller Albers Knit Mini Dress

Le Specs Shebang Rectangular Sunglasses

Malibu Winter Suede Mule Sandals

Themoirè Ebe Shoulder Bag

For a Night Out

The best little black dresses are a staple, and the right styles ooze elegance, making them ideal for nighttime outings—even in summer. While LBDs are nothing new, fashion insiders have been opting for LBDs with sophisticated halter necklines. The design is timeless and omits the need for a statement necklace.

Harlie Dress

Rhodes Dress

Eterne Halter Mini Dress

Cult Gaia Alma Claw Clip

Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump

Strathberry Mosaic Flap Leather Crossbody Bag