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.

    33 Summer Dresses For Anyone Celebrating That They Don’t Have To Wear Pants

    Toss your jeans to the back of your drawer and say "see ya in the fall."

    1. An open-back beauty you'll feel absolutely elegant in whether you wear it to a dinner date or for a stroll on the beach. The ruffles at the bottom are simply *everything*.

    model wearing the blue maxi dress with cut outs and ruffle tier detailing on the skirt
    reviewer wearing the white dress showing the open strappy back detail

    Promising review: "I have been wanting this same dress from Free People but it was $118. I was leery about this considering it was much cheaper in cost but it is PERFECT! It fit absolutely perfectly. Great length too. Keep in mind you can't wear a bra with it and if you are larger-busted (I'm small, an A cup) then it may fit totally different. It's thin and lightweight but with skin-colored undies, I had no problem with lines or visibility. I'm considering buying it in another color." —Bullitt02797

    Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and 24 colors).

    Psst: This item is included in Prime Wardrobe so you can give it a trial run if you're a member!

    2. A ribbed tank top dress for anyone who agrees that pants should be illegal from June through Labor Day — it's just to damn hot to wear anything other than this easy-to-style piece!

    model wearing dress in white with black boots
    model from behind in the dress
    Everlane

    Promising review: "I will wear this so much this summer. It was a great buy. The cotton is thick enough while still being breathable and comfortable. I love that the straps are cutaway and yet bra-friendly. It's a lovely cut on the upper body. I got black, and I'm likely going back for white." —Sunny Day

    Get it from Everlane for $78 (available in sizes 2XS–XL and three colors).

    3. A stunning floral puff sleeve dress guaranteed to make you feel like Lena from The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (you know, Alexis Bledel's character) when she arrived in Greece for a summer of magic.

    Promising review: "This dress is super cute! So many people complimented me on it and it was super comfy. I love that I can dress it up with heels or wear it with sneakers. Highly recommend!" —Hannah Kline

    Get it from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in sizes XS–2XL and 20 colors).

    4. A buttery-soft ribbed long slipdress from Skims you won't be able to resist buying in a handful of colors — if it's good enough for Kim K you better believe it's good enough for you! Your summer is about to be hot, hot, hot (and I'm not talking about the weather).

    model showing the back view of the olive dress
    model wearing grey dress
    Skims

    Promising review: "THIS DRESS RIGHT HERE!!! I saw it and was like 'ehh idk, I like it, but where would I wear it?.' Then I saw it on TikTok, and I was like, 'Okay maybe I need it'. THEN I saw a girl with my same shape wearing it and styling, and I HAD TO GET IT! This dress is so comfy. I love it! I haven’t worn it out just yet, but I recommend tying the side as it is pretty long. Go ahead and buy this dress, baby." —Ember

    Get it from Nordstrom (available in sizes 2XS–4X and in 12 colors) or from Skims (available in sizes 2XS–4X and in six colors) for $78. 

    5. Or this TikTok-famous maxi dress reviewers say fit similarly to the popular Skims dress. It's the basic maxi bodycon number you've been on the hunt for — and it's saying "Honey, I'm home!)

    reviewer posing in black maxi dress
    reviewer posing in mauve bodycon maxi dress

    Promising review: "I was so hesitant about ordering this dress. I’m a Skims lover, I swear by them, but I said 'let me just try it.' Y'ALL this dress is everything! So stretchy, feels good on the skin, and gives BAWDYYYYY! I ordered another color." —Alexis

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in sizes 2XS–XL and 10 colors).

    6. A cutout dress with a slit that'll show off all your ~curves and all your edges~ and help you snag that hot waiter you've had your eye on all summer (or at the very least, hopefully earn you some free appetizers).

    A reviewer wearing blue and white dress with blue shoes
    a reviewer wearing the green dress

    Promising review: "I bought a few similar dresses but this one was superior by far! The material is a nice thick ribbed that wasn’t sheer at all. Love the colorblocking and got tons of compliments!" —Lolo

    Get it from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and in 34 colors).

    7. A loose-fitting maxi dress so versatile, you'll easily be able to rock it at brunch or at the beach regardless of how hot the weather forecast is lookin'.

    a reviewer wearing the dress in black
    another reviewer in the dress by a pool

    Promising review: "Love this dress. I have a few different colors. They can be worn casually, or dressed up with accessories. The material is soft and silky. Washes nice, I wash mine in the machine on cold and hang to dry, they still look new after several washes. This dress is definitely made for taller women, I'm 5'8" and I tie the front in a knot, the back still slightly touches the ground...but I like it that way." —Michelle Castillo

    Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in sizes S–2XL and 42 styles).

    8. A flowy midi dress starring puff sleeves, a ruffled hemline, and a bow at the back that'll make you feel like running through a field of dandelions while singing "I want adventure in the greaaaaat wide somewheeeeeeere!" a la Belle from Beauty and the Beast.

    Reviewer wearing the white ruffled dress in field
    Reviewer wearing the pink ruffled dress in a forest

    Promising review: "This dress appears way more expensive than the listing. It reminded me of something you’d find in a boutique. I wore this dress for my bridal shower and it was so comfortable! Dress is true to size and perfect for coverage when sitting (opening presents, etc). I highly recommend." —Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $31.99 (available in sizes S–XL and 20 colors).

    9. A button-up shirtdress that'll make you look extremely put together even if in reality you've already dropped your coffee immediately after buying it and locked yourself out of your apartment.

    Promising review: "Such a great dress that can be dressed down with sneakers/sandals or dressed up with wedges/block heels. I got the medium and loved the kelly green color!" —Amanda

    Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 19 colors)

    10. flowy maxi featuring pom-poms dangling off the tied straps, perfect for anyone who wants to look and feel like The Main Character of one of those romance novels where the guy in the beach house next door plays hard to get until the end of the summer and then suddenly comes to the realization they're in LOVE. Yes, this dress has *all* of that going for it.

    model wearing long tiered maxi with sneakers
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Such a cute and comfy dress! It has a fun flow to the bottom of it and the ties for straps add an extra dose of fabulous." —Kelsey Krucker

    Get it from Amazon for $43.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and 18 styles).

    11. A flirty dress with a tie front and spaghetti straps you'll love so much that you'll want it in every single color. Stock up, buddy!

    a model in the dress in pale green with white flowers on it
    a reviewer wearing the dress in yellow

    Promising review: "Love this dress. Pro tip: If you want your bust to look even better in the dress, get a push-up adhesive bra. Pull the ties across each other over the connecting part of the bra, and use two safety pins to hold [it] in place. THEN tie." —Kay

    Get it from Amazon for $35.96+ (available in sizes S–XL and 30 styles).

    Psst: This item is included in Prime Wardrobe, so you can give it a trial run if you're a member!

    12. A wrap dress that'll have you looking so ~chill~ no one will think twice about the fact you scored this dress on Amazon for less than $60 when they catch a glimpse of you struttin' your stuff.

    a model in a blue floral maxi length wrap dress
    a reviewer in the dress in a darker blue

    Promising review: "I don't normally write reviews for clothes off of Amazon, but good lordy I am so in love with this dress, I just HAVE to!! I am IN LOVE and am wishing it was warmer weather so I could wear it out and about! First, it is a true wrap dress in that you feed one side through the other, therefore you can adjust how tight or loose it is. Modest? Show some cleavage? Up to you! 😍 Second, it is the PERFECT length for me. Lastly, normally a short ruffle sleeve doesn't fall right on me and makes me look like a football player... these fall immaculately fluttery on me. All in all, I freaking love this dress! And was not prompted in any way to provide a review but felt so compelled when I tried it on! If you are on the fence like I have been for over a year, GET IT!!" —Jess

    Get it from Amazon for $51.99 (available in sizes S–2XL and 18 styles).

    Psst: This item is included in Prime Wardrobe, so you can give it a trial run if you're a member!

    13. A vintage-style button-down dress, a must-have if you've always loved the glamorous way royals looked decades ago while touring through countries all over the globe.

    model wearing the white dress buttoned up
    model wearing the white dress unbuttoned and with a belt
    Son de Flor / Etsy

    Son de Flor is a small business based in Lithuania that makes stylish linen clothing and accessories. 

    Promising review: "Amazing quality, so super gorgeous!!! Exactly as pictured, even more beautiful in person, even! 10000% recommend!!!" —jamieelee231

    Get it from Son de Flor on Etsy for $285 (available in sizes 2XS–2XL).

    14. Swiss dot ruffled number that might just remind you of the dress Kate Middleton (who is basically the closest we're gonna get to a Disney Princess IRL) wore when she introduced Prince George to the world — not to mention it'll look simply fantastic on you.

    a model in a forest green dress with short sleeves and a ruffle in the middle
    a reviewer in the dress in pale blue

    Promising review: "The perfect dress. You can wear this to church, a wedding, dinner, anywhere! It's so cute and comfortable! My new favorite dress." —Alicia Christe

    Get it from Amazon for $40.99 (available in sizes XS–2XL and 22 colors).

    15. gingham puff-sleeve dress made of a suuuuper light material so you'll have no issue wearing it throughout spring and summer — and who doesn't love a dress that works for multiple seasons???

    A BuzzFeed editor in a pink and white gingham maxi dress with puff sleeves
    a buzzfeed editor in a pale green nap dress in italy
    Emma Lord/BuzzFeed, Elizabeth Lilly/BuzzFeed

    BuzzFeed editor Elizabeth Lilly couldn't help but rave about this dress:

    "I brought this dress along on vacation and it even passed The Vatican dress code! I knew I had to have it after my colleague Emma Lord bought and reviewed it (#4 here). This super lightweight nap dress is unlined, but NOT see-through...even in daylight. It was so comfy for gallivanting around and long enough for me to sit on a random step on a bridge to take a rest and give my old dogs a rest. It made for a dramatic, but not TOO dramatic, look in photos I'll cherish forever. And it kept me cool in what turned out to be some hotter weather than what I anticipated. If you're looking for a way to wear something nightgown-adjacent in public but still look quite put-together, this dress is for you."

    Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in sizes S–XL and four colors). 

    16. An off-the-shoulder dress with a stunning scalloped hem you'll want the whole world to see (good thing we have Instagram — snap one pic and they can!).

    Reviewer in yellow version of the dress, which falls mid-thigh and cinches at waist
    reviewer in black version

    Promising review: "I always get nervous when purchasing clothing on Amazon, but was very happy with this purchase. The material is a decent weight and the cut outs at the bottom of the dress are done nicely. I'm 5'5 and the dress hits just above my knees, which is a perfect length. I don't like my clothes tight, so purchased a 3X. It's loose and flowy and hangs just right. Overall, I'm very happy with the dress. I would go a size up depending on your shape and how you like your clothes to hang." —Kathryn Mathewson

    Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in women's sizes 0X–4X and 22 styles).

    17. A short-sleeve patterned dress that'll make you look as fresh as a bouquet of daisies — quite literally.

    A person wearing a black dress with small white polka dots throughout
    a model wearing the dress in colorful florals

    Promising review: "Adorable little dress! Very well-made. It's double-lined. The length, fabric, and cut is beautiful. Perfect for spring!" —Lauren Fuquay

    Get it from Amazon for $42.99 (available in sizes S–2XL and nine colors).

    18. A tiered ocean-inspired dress worthy of a spot in both your closet and in the live action version of Moana — it's a perfect frock for anyone who feels as connected to the water as they do the leading lady of the animated film.

    a tiered tan maxi dress with ocean motifs on it
    Goodful

    Get it from our Goodful shop for $198 (available in sizes XS–L).

    19. A basic shirtdress that'll become your summertime uniform — you can rock it with a denim jacket and sneakers on chillier nights or wear it as-is with your fave sandals when the sun really makes its presence known.

    Reviewer wearing green dress
    a reviewer wearing a black t-shirt dress with white stripes

    Promising review: "I got this when we were working from home. It feels like you are wearing your pajamas but looks great! It's a great value for the money." —ina

    Get it from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in sizes XS–3XL and 45 styles).

    FYI, if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can give this a spin before you buy it!

    20. A mini wrap dress featuring boho vibes you can keep on deck when it's suuuuper warm and you unfortunately have somewhere to be that requires you to wear more than just a tank and shorts.

    a reviewer in a v-neck purple and blue floral dress
    a reviewer in a boho-styled v-neck wrap dress

    Amazon customers have noted this dress runs small, so go up a size before purchasing!

    Promising review: "Love the colors in this dress! It’s super cute and easy to dress up or down. Is a true wrap dress, a good length, not see through, and not too low cut! Lightweight and perfect for summer!" —Olivia Noles

    Get it from Amazon for $40.99+ (available in sizes S–2XL and 40 styles).

    Psst: This item is included in Prime Wardrobe, so you can give it a trial run if you're a member!

    21. A cutaway tank dress that'll look just as chic whether you wear it to an outing with the girls or for a loooong stroll around CVS. (There's no shame in stocking up on shampoo and all of your other essentials in the middle of a hot summer day!)

    a model in a green tank dress with pockets
    a model in a blue tank dress with pockets
    Madewell

    Promising review: "I’m hoping they release more colors because this dress is beautiful. I got the navy blue but wish I also got the green before it sold out. I’m 5’3, 140 pounds and the small hits me mid thigh. It is very lovely and also hides my postpartum belly. Please make more of these!!" —JOTT1017

    Get it from Madewell for $98 (available in sizes 2XS–2XL, 4X, and two colors).

    22. A pastel maxi dress with puffy sleeves that'll make you feel like you're the lead in a classic fairytale that starts with "Once upon a time there was a fabulously dressed maiden."

    A reviewer wearing the ruffled short-sleeve dress in mint green
    A reviewer wearing the dress in lilac

    Promising review: "Ethereally beautiful!! This dress is absolutely LOVELY. It’s so lightweight, breezy, and comfortable. It fits perfectly, and the bodice has plenty of stretch so if you’re in between sizes, you could go either way. I actually sized down because I wanted to wear it on the shoulders and didn’t want the sleeves slipping off, but I didn’t have an issue with that at all. It’s wrinkly when it arrives, but a quick steam makes it look so much nicer and more expensive than it is. I got the sage green color and it’s not see-through, it’s beautiful. (I actually returned it in favor of a color I thought I’d wear more, but if green is your fave then you’ll love it). Get this dress!" —Laura

    Get it from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 27 colors).

    Psst: This item is included in Prime Wardrobe so you can give it a trial run if you're a member!

    23. A square-neck ruffle dress  — can't you just picture wearing this dress while strolling along a quaint village street, sipping on your morning coffee, and *shockingly* bumping into the person that just so happens to be the soul mate you've yet to meet??? It's giving Hallmark movie viiibes.

    a reviewer wearing a square-neck maxi dress in sage
    a reviewer wearing a square-neck maxi dress in navy

    Promising review: "Dress is very versatile. I purchased the yellow color and was able to dress it up with heels for a wedding — my cousin owns it in black and paired it with a jean jacket and sandals. I'll likely purchase in more colors. You could also wear it strapless I would think." —HEEP

    Get it from Amazon for $44.99 (available in sizes XS–2XL and 31 colors/patterns). 

    24. A romantic off-the-shoulder number with layers of tulle and flouncy long sleeves that, honestly, deserve to be paired with a tiara.

    another reviewer in the gauzy off the shoulder dress in pink
    a gif of a reviewer twirling in a off the shoulder tulle dress

    Promising review: "I can’t say enough wonderful things about this dress. I was worried it would make me look a lot larger but it was so lovely and I felt like a princess. The material wasn’t itchy at all and the built-in slip was opaque and the perfect length. I added a ribbon belt for a little added definition to my body shape and I absolutely loved it. I need one in every color now." —Sonia A Pena

    Get it from Amazon for $47.99 (available in sizes XS–2XL and 17 colors).

    25. A darling floral maxi dress you can use as an excuse to run through a forest scream-singing "when will my life beeeeeeegiiiiiiiin?"

    a reviewer in the t-shirt dress with a green red and yellow jungle pattern on it
    a model in the dress in blue with a white pattern on it

    Did I mention it has POCKETS?!

    Promising review: "First I got the yellow-flowered print — it fits perfectly on the shoulders and it's easy to slip on. It feels as if I'm wearing air! Or have become a billowing cloud. The pattern is very pretty, combining yellow, black, and white — unusually remarkable. It's been remarked on favorably every time I wear it. My husband loves it, strangers come up to admire it, and, most importantly, I love the way it makes me feel and look. I live in a hot summer climate and this dress meets the challenge. I liked it so much I've also gotten the red (I usually look horrid in red, but this one works) and am awaiting the blue. I wouldn't usually go this wild on spending but the cost of each dress is so low I'm stocking up. Added note: It washes well." —Charlotte O. Lowe

    Get it from Amazon for $43.99+ (available in sizes XS–3XL and 44 styles).

    26. fit and flare cocktail dress available in *so* many colors you might just find yourself quoting Sleeping Beauty: "Pink? No, blue!" No need to fight about it like Aurora's fairies — get both!

    reviewer wearing the white dress
    reviewer wearing the light pink dress

    Promising review: "I bought this for my Easter dress. It was beautiful! Great for photos as well. I definitely plan on buying other colors in this dress." —Samantha

    Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in sizes XS–2XL and 17 colors). 

    27. tulle gown featuring a bustier to wear to the garden party you've been planning to throw for your birthday this year — you can twirl like the queen we all know you to be.

    a model in a pink tulle dress with a bustier top
    Showpo

    I recently tried out a dress from Showpo and loved it! I wore it to a wedding and got tons of compliments. This one is absolutely gorgeous, definitely gives off princess vibes, and just I might need an excuse to order it.

    Promising reviews: "Fits great! A little longer than expected, so I have to get that fixed. Beautiful color!" —Jennifer S.

    Get it from Showpo for $109.95 (available in sizes 0–16 and three colors).

    28. An open-back beauty you'll feel absolutely elegant in whether you wear it to a dinner date or for a stroll on the beach. The ruffles at the bottom are simply *everything*. I can totally picture Ariel wearing this on a hot date with Prince Eric (you know, while she's in her human form).

    reviewer wearing the white dress showing the open strappy back detail
    a reviewer wearing a long blue dress with an open back

    Promising review: "I have been wanting this same dress from Free People but it was $118. I was leery about this considering it was much cheaper in cost but it is PERFECT! It fit absolutely perfectly. Great length too. Keep in mind you can't wear a bra with it and if you are larger-busted (I'm small, an A cup) then it may fit totally different. It's thin and lightweight but with skin-colored undies, I had no problem with lines or visibility. I'm considering buying it in another color." —Bullitt02797

    Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and 24 colors).

    Psst: This item is included in Prime Wardrobe so you can give it a trial run if you're a member!

    29. A vibrant cami dress with darling tie straps you can pull on in a moment's notice when your friends decide it is an absolute necessity you all gather for Happy Hour immediately.

    a model in a pink cami dress
    Old Navy

    Promising review: "Fits true to size and the colors were more vibrant than I was expecting. Perfect summer dress." —anonymous

    Get it from Old Navy for $20 (originally $36.99; available in sizes S–2XL, 2X–4X and three colors).

    30. Hill House Home Nap Dress you've likely been debating treating yourself to forever. Take this as your sign to doooooo itttttt! They're adorable, won't go out of style, and are perfect for channeling your inner-fancy girl.

    buzzfeed editor in green crepe nap dress
    a model in a red striped nap dress
    Heather Braga / BuzzFeed, Hill House

    I have the Ellie Nap Dress in two styles (Navy Poplin and Botanical Garden Crepe) and absolutely adore them. I feel super comfortable in them and, honestly, like a princess! I get tons of compliments whenever I wear them (a little flattery never hurt anybody) and might just order another one for this summer.

    Promising review: "The Ellie Nap Dress is perfection! After about a year of Instagram telling me I needed a Nap Dress, I finally took the leap after having an emergency appendectomy. The dress was so comfy for recovery... and just about everything else! I own about a dozen of them now (and counting...). I've worn my Ellies for napping (duh), to work basically every day, out for girls' night, around the town in NYC, on airplanes, on the beach in Aruba, etc. It's perfect for just about any occasion, and SO, SO comfortable!" —Michelle

    Get it from Hill House Home for $150 (available in sizes 2XS–2XL and 20 styles).

    31. pleated off-the-shoulder dress to make you feel like you're attending a royal coronation instead of yet another bridal shower.

    A reviewer wearing the dress in white
    Reviewer image of pink dress

    Promising review: "I got sooo many compliments on this dress and I felt super comfortable and stylish while wearing it! I got the blue one and it's the perfect color for the beach or summer event. The material is lightweight and it moves gracefully while you walk. You can wear off the shoulder or on the shoulder." —Kristy and Norris Hartog

    Get it from Amazon for $43.54 (available in sizes S–XL and 22 colors).

    32. A floral maxi dress to save for your next fun day date — you won't be able to resist doing a twirl to show your partner just how fabulous it looks on ya. It has gold lurex woven through it that'll ensure you sparkle in the sun.

    a model in a yellow floral maxi dress with puffy sleeves
    Goodful

    Get it from our Goodful shop for $398 (available in women's sizes 2XS–M and XL–2XL).

    33. And an absolutely stunning silk organza gown with out-of-a-storybook puffy sleeves that'll give the one Belle wears while descending the stairs during "Tale as Old as Time" a run for its money.

    a model in a yellow silk organza gown
    noemiah / Etsy

    Noemiah is a Canadian small business that sells absolutely stunning, investment-worthy pieces of clothing.

    Get it from Noemiah on Etsy for $562.24 (available in sizes XS–2XL).

    Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.