Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.
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We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Not a single spaghetti strap, off-the shoulder dress, or open-backed frock to be seen on the list.
Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.
Mr Water New York is a New York-based small business filled with unique, stylish, and sometimes vintage-inspired pieces.
Promising review: "I absolutely love this dress!! I get so many compliments when I wear it and it’s truly one of a kind." —Victoria Kennedy
Get it from Mr Water New York on Etsy for $89 (available in sizes XS–XXL).
Promising review: "Great dress! Fits to size. It’s not tight at all. It flows nice and fits perfect. The material is not too thin or thick. I ordered the black dress and it’s not see through at all. I will be buying more colors. It’s super comfy too. I will most likely hand-wash as well. Definitely a nice dress for summer." –Niki J
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and in 45 colors and patterns).
Promising review: "This dress is so beautiful and comfortable. The dress billows, it flows nicely, it doesn't bunch up, it doesn't get stuck or ride or pinch or bind. It flows so nicely. It's the most comfortable dress I have ever had. I love the sleeves...way better than the dresses with the longer sleeves (which are too tight). The fabric is beautiful. One person liked it so much, she bought one for herself." –LJ
Get it from Amazon for $20.39+ (available in women's sizes S–XXL and 28 prints).
Rebdolls is a Latinx-owned, woman-owned small business based in Harlem, New York that creates beautiful, bold dresses, swimwear, lingerie, and more.
Get it from Rebdolls for $34.98 (originally $68; available in sizes S–5X).
Promising review: "I LOVE this dress!! The material is so lightweight that it’s perfect for summer and then the plaid will also look cute and trendy in fall with a jean jacket! Plus I LOVE that there are pockets. The dress is constructively made really well, I was pleasantly pleased to see it also had a lining so it’s not at all transparent. I saw another review that said it ran a little small and as someone between two sizes I sized up and I’m glad I did. I will be wearing this dress all summer and then some!" —Theresa St Peter
Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in seven colors).
Promising review: "I liked this dress so much I bought it in a second color. To be honest, it's probably not my last one. I'm definitely thinking about ordering a few more. This dress is so easy to throw on and dress up or down, depending on how you style it. I love the loose, comfy fit. It's already got a slightly oversized feel to it, so don't worry about sizing up. It's perfect as is." —Cristina Thrower
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 16 colors)
Shop Alivia is a small business that uses fashion as a platform to connect conscious consumers with the talents of people with disabilities. Each Alivia piece begins as a piece of artwork created by a person with disabilities, and 10% of every purchase goes back to the artist's nonprofit art therapy program. This specific dress was designed by 19-year-old William Choi, and purchasing the dress contributes $40 to The Center for All Abilities, where William attends art therapy courses.
Get it from Shop Alivia for $276 (originally $395; available in sizes XS–XL and in two prints).
Promising review: "Great affordable maxi dress. The coffee color is exactly as pictured and the material is cool and flows well. I haven't washed it yet, but the stitching, pockets, and sleeves are well constructed. I would purchase again in another color." –Melissa
Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and in 42 colors and designs).
Promising review: "Better than I expected it would be! The fit is perfect, and the material is lightweight but still sturdy enough so the dress drapes and falls perfectly. I love the way it swings when you walk. It truly is a perfect year-round dress in style, material, and color (navy), and I will probably be ordering another." —ckern
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 27 prints and colors).
Also available in other patterns like dogs, foxes, and stars.
Promising review: "Absolutely love this dress and thought it was adorable! I love sloths, so the moment I saw this dress, I knew I had to have it! The dress fit as expected and it was really comfortable. I’m a teacher and was able to wear it the whole day without any issues." —Rachel
Get it from Amazon for $29.80+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and six patterns).
Promising review: "This dress is perfect! This dress is elegant and even has large pockets, which is perfect to hold a smartphone and/or lip balm. While I normally wear a size small, I read other reviews which said to buy one size larger, and I'm so glad I did. I highly recommend purchasing this dress." —Amber
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in sizes S–3XL and in 35 colors and patterns).
Promising review: "Great purchase for the price. Just what I was looking for! Comfy summer dress for any occasion. Being a momma, I'm always looking for things just like this. You can dress it up or down and it has pockets!! Can't get much better. Fit is perfect for me — it's like it was made just for me! Armholes are a little longer than most dresses but I like that for the summer so sweat marks don't show! Not see-through so great for any pair of comfy undies. Cute with a belt and also cute with none." —Worthington
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in 35 patterns and colors).
Promising review: "So cute! The dress is exactly as pictured. Love the color. I was worried about the quality because it was so inexpensive, but it’s actually really nice and not see-through at all! Such a perfect dress for vacation!" —JP0811
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in sizes 4–10 and in 14 patterns and colors).
Promising review: "For how cheaply priced this dress is, it is really cute! I got a medium, although I am usually a small, and it was not too big but a tad roomy. I go a size up because I did not want it to be too tight and the medium leaves me room to breathe. Again, so worth it for the price and the material is not cheap. Love it!" —Zoe C.
Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in sizes XS–L, petite lengths, and in three colors).
Promising review: "This dress is very comfortable. The loose fit and cotton fabric are perfect for our hot steamy summers. In fact, finding dresses made out of 100% cotton fabric that’s thick enough to not have to wear a slip but not so thick that it becomes too hot, has been a struggle during this period of online shopping. I’m glad I found this one; it ticks all the boxes." —LRCZ
Get it from Everlane for $98 (available in sizes 00–16).
Valani is a sustainable small business dedicated to making pieces that are both eco-friendly and extremely comfortable. They also break down the positive impact each piece in their collection makes. For example, for each Sodalin hemp midi dress produced, the brand avoided 4.1 miles of driving emissions, saved 296.8 days of drinking water, and planted 1 tree.
Get it from Valani for $298 (available in sizes 0–12).
Promising review: "I've worn this dress multiple times when I just need something to throw on. It is quite short so if you know you will be outside or doing a lot of sitting/standing etc., wear some bike shorts under it. Overall super cute and super comfortable!" —Bianca v
Get it from Amazon for $20.15+ (available in sizes S–2X and in 10 colors).
Promising review: "I've purchased five of these dresses. They're perfect for pretty much any occasion. I've worn to parties, work, church, dates, and my nephew's graduation. Living in California means that I can wear this dress year round. Don't let the price fool you — this dress is well made, double lined, and the unhemmed finish at the bottom is interesting. Plus they are super easy to care for! Just toss in the washer/dryer. I've received so many compliments and "where'd you get that?'" –KC
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 33 colors)
Promising review: "The yellow flowers and the purple splashes are just a beautiful design against the white dress. It’s a perfect length to wear in the summer to be breezy and cool, or to put on a pair of leggings if the weather is chilly. I love it!" —JK
Get it from Target for $25 (available in sizes XS-4X and five colors)
This dress is from the brand Sika — they offer garments that are handcrafted by artisans in Ghana with a focus on sustainability and ethical production.
Get it from Anthropologie for $290 (available in sizes 0–26W; petite sizes also available).
Promising review: "Love this dress, very airy and looks like chiffon but it’s actually a super comfortable and stretchy material! The print is super fashionable and matches with everything. If you want to look put together yet feel comfy this is the dress! The material is lightweight but not transparent. I love it and will wear it outside or at home." —Joshua J Moore
Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in sizes S–XL).
Promising review: "I bought this in-store and LOVE it! I love the pattern and fabric texture. The ruffled sleeves are adorable. I am 5’8” and it is pretty short on me but not unwearable — I wear shorts underneath. This would make a great swim coverup as well. I don’t think it is any more sheer than other white clothing I have. A nude bra works fine for me!" —Dorakay
Get it from Madewell for $95 (available in sizes 2XS-2XL).
Reviewers say this runs large, so make sure to size down!
Promising review: "Beautiful summer dress. I’m large in the chest area, and it fits perfectly. Love the color and the pattern of the fabric too. Highly recommend this dress." —Cherie04
Get it from Anthropologie for $138+ (available in sizes 2XS-3X and five patterns; petite sizes also available).
Loud Bodies is a woman-owned small business that creates sustainable, size-inclusive clothing. If you don’t find yourself among their sizing or are not sure which size would fit you best, the brand can create custom orders with no additional charge.
Get it from Loud Bodies for $200 (available in sizes 2XS–7XL).
Reviewers say this dress is form-fitting, so if you want a looser fit, size up!
Promising review: "Seriously the softest dress ever! I probably could have sized down, but I like a looser fit. I needed a dress that was long enough to wear to work and that is what I got with this dress. And it has pockets which is a huge bonus!!! I actually am going to buy more in different colors!" —Lnt7
Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in S–XL and in 24 colors)
Promising review: "I'm five months pregnant and just got this in my normal size because there's tons of room for growth still. It's the perfect summer moomoo style dress! Love that I can wear a regular bra underneath it with the straps this thicker style. Got it in the Hawaiian print for our Hawaii babymoon." —marisaH
Get it from Target for $25 (available in sizes XS–2XL and three colors)
Promising review: "For the price, you really can’t ask for better. I bought this dress to get some portraits done professionally, and it photographed BEAUTIFULLY. Since the fabric is stretchy, I saw that some reviews recommended sizing down. It feels very nice and soft. The skirt is very twirly and flares out beautifully, and the sleeves aren’t too tight or too large. I would absolutely order more dresses from this brand — this feels and looks SO much more expensive than it is! No fraying seams or anything, just absolutely perfect." —Mallory B.
Get it from Amazon for $28.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and two colors).
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.