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Warm weather makes we don't want to wear pants. Perhaps it's the humidity or the laziness that comes with spending more than one minute in the sun, but here's what we're sure of: coordinating a matching top and bottom from late May to September is daunting, and relying on a dress is the perfect antidote.
AT A GLANCE: The Best Summer Dresses
Below, we've rounded up a variety of dresses that are perfect for summer travel. We've focused on things that are fundamentally easy to wear and versatile, appropriate for both daytime and nighttime activities pending your shoe choice. This is where we say a gracious and heartfelt thank you to the rise of athleisure, and the tennis dresses that come with built-in shorts.
1. Mini Romper Dress
If you're sick and tired of layering bike shorts underneath dresses, this mini romper dress is likely your answered prayer thanks to built-in shorts that mean you don't have to worry about walks up steep hills or sudden gusts of wind.
2. Norma Kamali Pickleball Dress
The beauty of the Norma Kamali Pickleball Dress is that, as the name would imply, you can hypothetically play pickleball by wearing it (note: I will not). So consider this an upscale tennis dress that can be worn for both sightseeing with sneakers and dinner with heels for a night out. It's a quintessential packing two-fer.
3. Smocked Tiered Midi Dress
The requirement for traveling to the Italian countryside goes as follows: valid passport and puff sleeve midi dress a la this tiered option from Amazon. Every vineyard trip requires a dress that is equally romantic and comfortable, best paired with several glasses of wine and maybe a serving of cheese. We don't make the rules.
4. Maxi Dress
This no-frills maxi dress is made from a soft, ultra breathable jersey-knit fabric that won't require a steamer because it doesn't wrinkle. But the cherry on top? Pockets. Feel empowered to go to dinner without having to clutch a bag at your side. I hear it's liberating.
5. Asymmetrical Tiered Maxi
The beauty of summer is that clothing can equally belong to two categories: beach coverup or fancy dinner outfit. This tiered maxi is a perfect example. A loose fit makes this perfect for throwing on over a bikini but, when accessorized with the right amount of gold jewelry and platform sandals, it's also five-course meal attire.
6. Nurse Linen Dress
Linen is a summer staple for its ability to remain breathable on even the hottest of days, making the Balia Linen Dress a shoein for this summer's superlative of “most likely to be worn every single day.” You can't go wrong with grabbing it in black or white, though our pick is sun dried tomato red.
7. Smocked Halterneck Maxi Dress
The star of the show when it comes to this halterneck maxi is a gorgeous low back cleverly designed with a tie to ensure no excess gaping. A tiered, voluminous will leave wearers feeling like royalty.
8. Hello Lucia Gabrielle Dress
Ciao Lucia is every cool girls' favorite brand, and the iconic Gabrielle Dress comes out of hibernation the second temps peak over 70 degrees. The obsession is understandable considering that this number comes in a slew of colors ranging from black and apricot to chili, and is crafted with a lightweight fabric that won't wrinkle the second it's rolled into a suitcase.
9. Maxi Shirt Dress
While we can wax poetic about this no-frills maxi shirt dress, we feel that would be redundant considering that over 26,000 Amazon reviewers felt the need to chime in about how practical this comfy number is. With a plethora of prints and solid colors, you'll be tempted to pick up more than one.
10. Short Cutout Dress
A mini dress that looks expensive but costs $35? Yes, please. This star of the show on this cotton bodycon is side cutouts that cinch the waist for a touch of oomph.
11. Reyna Maxi Dress
The vacation packing conundrum is that you assume it will be hot but don't factor in cooler nights, and who wants to wear the hoodie they wore on the flight to a fancy dinner? The $80 Reyna Maxi Dress is an excellent compromise. Long sleeves and lightweight knit mean you'll remain cool as a cucumber — but never cold — for outdoor beachside dinners.
12. Crochet Knit Mini
If you've experienced the indignity of shimmying a pair of rigid denim shorts over sandy, not-entirely dry legs at the beach, you'll agree that dress cover ups are the path to happiness. This colorful sleeved crochet mini is uber soft and substantial for long days that end with sunset watching (read: when it starts to get chilly).
13. A-Line Midi Dress
Mini dresses are great in theory but for anyone above 5”4, length becomes an issue — especially when there's a ton of walking involved. Thankfully, this A-line dress hits at just above the knee for that extra layer of security.
14. Clio Dress
Pop of red has been the unwavering style trend for the past several months, but we present a worthy summertime opponent: lemon yellow. This sunshine hue coupled with the smocked waist and gauzy 100% cotton fabric found in the J. Crew Clio Dress? Simply sublime.
15. Floral & Leaf Print Mini Dress
Paying homage to the 90s is as easy as wearing this floral and leaf print mini dress from Cider; if Amazon Prime was around, we imagine Buffy herself would be shipping this to Sunnydale. Pair it with Steve Madden's slinky wedge sandals and time hop to 1998.
16. Strapless Ruffle Bodycon
Overseas weddings are great in theory until you consider the packing skills required to prevent wrinkles in your dress. (And yes, we know, I guess you can iron, but who has the patience?) This strapless ruffled number comes in seven colors, is made with crisp fabric, and is the perfect plus one for watching friends walk down the aisle.
17. Eagle Maxi Top
Opting for a pantless version of your favorite band shirt? A no-brainer. This Eagle Maxi Top from Free People takes a cue from the concert graphic tees you've collected and extends it into a one-and-done outfit. No coordination with denim shorts or mini skirts required.
18. Crochet Coverup
We recommend beach attire that won't collect an excess amount of sand, and this crochet coverup fits the bill. Layer this over any bikini for breathable coverage that leaves you feeling like you're at a daytime club in Ibiza… even if your feet are firmly planted on US soil.
19. Posse Theo Dress
The Theo dress from Australian brand Posse has been the unsung hero of every stylish content creator's closet — and as imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, we're inclined to copy the trend. A gorgeous, slinky silhouette coupled with timeless stripes and a comfortable pull-on style fits easily into any wardrobe.
20. Bodycon Dress
Every trip needs a minimum of one iconic look, and this knit bodycon delivers thanks to vibrant patterns bound to steal the show. Plus, a thin (but not see-through) fabric makes this wrinkle-free number supremely easy to pack.
21. Solid & Striped Delta Dress
We're about to see Dororthy-approved gingham everywhere, and this Solid & Striped Delta Dress is a subtle way to get ahead of the trend. The smocked bodice and flowy skirt makes for a comfy fit while an adjustable multi-strap back provides a whisper of support.
22. Delilah Dress
Asta Resort is a brand that's risen in popularity through its mission statement of fusing resort wear with everyday attire, and the proof is in the pudding ie, the iconic pull-on Delilah dress. A bright pink hue and subtle floral appliques make this a fun number for on and off the hotel grounds.
