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.
Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.
1. A double-slit off the shoulder maxi, because the hottest days of the season need the hottest outfit to match.
Some reviewers recommend sizing up!
Promising review: "Never before have I ever gasped when I've tried a dress on before, but I did with this dress. The pictures don't do it justice. The material is soft and very lightweight. I love the slits on both sides of the dress; it makes the dress feel modest but sexy. The only negative thing I will say is that the arms are a bit tight, but it doesn't bother me too much. All in all, I absolutely love this dress and plan to buy more colors!" —Tracisgoodfellow
Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in sizes S–3XL and in 22 prints).
2. A possibly perfect strappy midi with pockets that you should probably buy in every print — it's ready to become your summer 2021 uniform.
3. An easy breezy French linen wrap dress available in pretty much every color imaginable, so you can splurge on multiple for fresh 'fits all summer long.
It's from a small business specializing in all sorts of linen clothing and based in Latvia.
Promising review: "This one is my favorite. Super easygoing, great fabric, classy yet relaxed fit, beautiful color. Mine is in lavender. I live in it. I get compliments all the time." —Tizia
Get it from DressMeLinen on Etsy for $90 (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 24 colors)
4. A soft and effortless short-sleeve tie-dye maxi dress with pockets, which has left over 3,000 reviewers ~feeling groovy~.
Reviewers say it runs large!
Promising review: "JUST BUY THIS. Five minutes after I got it, it was instantly my favorite summer dress. It fits just as I wanted — drapey, but not baggy. When I first opened the package, I thought 'Uh oh, the fabric looks clingy' — well, that was totally wrong. It's very flattering on. The fabric is super soft to the touch and breathes well, and I love the pattern. You can wear this like a beach coverup or dress it up for a nice summer outfit. It has pockets below the hips which don't look lumpy. I'm 57, and don't feel ridiculous wearing this; it's a classic cut that works well for all ages. The fabric resists wrinkles, and if there are any, they fall out when you wear the dress — perfect for stuffing in a weekend bag. Honestly, this is the best clothing buy I've made in a long time." —Leslie A. Holbrook
Get it from Amazon for $20.99+ (available in sizes XS-XL and in 38 prints).
5. A cutout mini T-shirt dress that — judging by the 1,000+ positive reviews — you probably shouldn't give ~the cold shoulder~.
6. A smocked and checked midi sure to leave your usual floral dresses ~green~ with envy.
7. A beachy wrap dress in a gorgeous print to help you start a ~pattern~ of great summer style.
8. A fun tropical leaf-print maxi to make you feel so confident, it'll be like you've got the world in the ~palm~ of your hand.
Promising review: "I never leave reviews but...wow! Get yourself this dress! I cannot recommend it enough! I'm working through a lot of self-esteem issues, but this dress made me feel BEAUTIFUL, sexy, and confident. All things I haven't felt in a while. Seriously, wearing it I felt like an ethereal wood nymph roaming the streets of Paris. It definitely gave me a much-needed confidence boost." —BRENDA RODRIGUEZ
Get it from Amazon for $36.99 (available in sizes L–3XL and in 11 styles).
9. A straight-up stunning printed maxi that has already made over 3,000 reviewers feel absolutely fabulous.
10. A polka dot T-shirt dress with pockets that you may never want to take off. You live in this dress now.
11. A basic henley dress sure to become a wardrobe staple — you can rock it by itself now and with tights and jackets come fall.
12. A fabulous fruit print stunner you should wear with caution — Aunt Carol's not gonna be thrilled when you upstage her famous fruit salad at the family's end-of-summer bash.
Get it from ModCloth for $199 (available in UK sizes 0-26).
13. A fun off-the-shoulder maxi with a hidden surprise — it's actually a romper! In other words, no worries if a summer breeze heads your way and you're not in the mood for a Marilyn Monroe moment.
14. A tie-front cutie in a fun print sure to become the new star of your Instagram (besides you, of course).
15. A bold daisy print slip for channeling some extreme Katy Perry vibes, even on days so hot, they'll melt your Popsicle.
16. A drapey, spaghetti strap midi with adjustable straps and an elastic waist so it'll fit like a dream.
Promising review: "I was so surprised how amazing this dress is! It's lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, beyond comfortable, and stretchy! I feel so pretty in this. Def buy!" —Sara Said This....
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in eight colors).
17. A ruffled floral midi so stunning, it'll have you crying tiers of joy.
18. A smocked, puff-sleeve gingham dress in a sunny yellow hue that is the EXACT aesthetic I am going for this Happily Vaxxed Girl Summer.
Get it from Petal & Pup for $59.95 (available in sizes 0–12).
19. An honestly red-carpet-worthy mini with scene-stealing cutouts and a summery hue so your look can be high fashion even in high temps.
Beginning Boutique is a woman-owned Australian shop with a huge selection of trendy clothes!
Get it from Beginning Boutique for $69.99 (available in sizes 0–12).
20. A faux-wrap dress that's really cute for everything from work to a wedding.
21. A romantic strapless midi that looks like exactly the kind of thing a queen like yourself should lounge around in while your admirers bring you wine and cheese.
It's by Zelie for She, an LA-based, Black woman-owned brand dedicated to creating glam plus-size clothing. They just launched their Nordstrom line this year!
Get it from Nordstrom for $129 (available in sizes 1X–3X).
22. A strappy mini covered in sweet sunflowers that you should van Gogh add to your cart right now.
23. A gorgeous maxi that brings so much drama, Andy Cohen is gonna want to talk about it.
24. A smocked 'n' striped midi situation in a candy-colored print sure to score you some sweet, sweet compliments. Just add flat sandals and go!
Reviewers say it runs large!
Promising review: "This is my new favorite summer dress! The material is super stretchy, so I recommend sizing down. I love the length (hits in the middle of my calves; I am 5’4” and wearing a size small). It’s also incredibly light, making it perfect for warm weather. I bought this dress in two patterns I like it so much!" —JBM12
Get it from Target for $29.99 (available in sizes XS–4X and in three colors and prints).
25. A cozy as heck off-the-shoulder maxi so you'll be cool and comfy while everyone in stiff, structured dresses sweats their butt off.
26. A comfy, appropriate-for-all-occassions fit-and-flare with POCKETS that over 3,000 reviewers think is Mary Poppins-esque — I'm talking practically perfect in every way.
27. A chic gingham frock that can be worn on the shoulder or off and is just begging to be paired with major statement earrings and fun outdoor brunch plans.
This cuteness is from The Tiny Tassel, a Black woman-owned, Charleston-based business that specializes in cheerful accessories (often featuring, yup, tassels) and clothes (handmade by the founder's mom!).
Get it from The Tiny Tassel for $98 (available in sizes XS–XL).
28. A super soft striped midi everyone will be ~lining~ up to get a look at.
29. A coral reef-print maxi complete with an oversized buckle, pretty tiers, side cutouts, and shell and seahorse friends. It's one of the most show-stopping summer dresses I've ever sea-n.
It's from a Black woman-owned business!
Get it from Lilly's Kloset for $118 (available in sizes S–L).
30. An off-the-shoulder mini featuring precious embroidered blooms that feels like a fresh (and yet vintage-inspired) take on the floral dresses of summers past.
Get it from Eloquii for $129.95 (available in sizes 14/16-26/28).
31. A beyond gorgeous pleated and tiered off-the-shoulder dress that it would basically be rude not to twirl in.
32. A beautiful boho maxi with a strappy back that'll make everyone gasp when you turn around.
33. A mixed floral print find, because summer is short and you wanna rock as many flowery prints as possible before it ends.
Not that you won't also be wearing said florals in fall and winter too, because you def will. Check out more gorgeous floral dresses.
Get it from Nautica for $44.75 (originally $89.50; available in sizes XS–XXL).
Now go forth and twirl!
