22 Summer Dresses You Need to Own

Summer dresses are one of the best things about summer! Whether you're looking for a cute sundress to wear to the beach, the perfect day-to-night dress to go from desk to dinner, or a pretty outfit you can wear to those summer weddings in your calendar, we've rounded up the must-have styles you will want to shop for your wardrobe.

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Animal Print Dress

Woman in striped summer dress — We Wore What

Look fierce for hot summer date nights in a flowing animal print dress in leopard, zebra, or tiger print.

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Little Black Dress

Woman in one shoulder black dress — Fashion Jackson

Every woman needs a go-to little black dress in a lightweight fabric, to wear on summer evenings. This classic one shoulder style needs just a few neutral accessories, to look cute for going out.

12 black dress outfits we love for every season

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Lace Dress

What could be prettier for summer going out days and evenings than a colorful little lace dress? We love the style worn here, with its modern sheer details and midi length, that's wearable for dinners out, date nights, and special event dressing.

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Fruit Print Dress

Woman in lemon print summer dress — Extra Petite

Put a smile on people's faces when you wear a whimsical summer sundress in a fruity print, such as the lovely lemons pictured here. This style is fresh, modern, and chic for brunches, sightseeing, and antiquing.

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Little White Dress

Woman in white summer dress outdoors — Hello Hannah

The little white dress is a summer closet staple that is wearable for casual weekends, and can be styled for going out at night. Choose one in a summer weight fabric, such as linen or washed cotton, that will keep you cool when the temperature rises.

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Tropical Print Dress

Woman in summer dress and leather jacket on city street — Basic Babe Lauren

The bros can have their Hawaiian shirts — we'll take a chic palm print dress any day of the week. Wear it solo to the beach or pool, then dress it up with a moto jacket and high heel sandals for going out at night.

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Polka Dot Dress

The polka dot dress may be the most versatile item in your summer wardrobe. Wear one to work with a blazer or statement heels, to look sweet on on date nights, or for effortlessly chic style anytime.

Get stylish tips on how to wear polka dots

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Floral Maxi Dress

The long, floral maxi dress is a must-have in your summer wardrobe, taking you everywhere from city strolls, to poolside cocktails, to wedding reception wear. A pattern with brightly colored blooms on a white background, as seen here, is one of the most versatile.

Check out more ways to style a maxi dress

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Floral Mini Dress

Be the queen of one and done dressing, when you pull on an essential short floral sundress this summer. Choose a cheery print in your favorite colors, and wear with nude heels when you want to elongate your legs.

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Sheath Dress

Meet your new summer work wardrobe essential. You can style a sophisticated sheath dress simply with a statement necklace, or dress it up with a blazer and pumps. It's a foolproof way to look well dressed for the office, and wearing to summer interviews.

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Shirt Dress

Wear a menswear-inspired shirt dress on casual days this summer, when you want to look and feel cool. We like this boyish style with tie-sleeve details for wearing to the beach, with easy sneakers or flat sandals.

14 perfect beach outfits for summer

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Striped Dress

Woman in striped summer maxi dress — Penny Pincher Fashion

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Yellow Sundress

Woman in bright yellow summer sundress — Candice Nikeia

Turn heads in a cheerful, brightly colored yellow sundress that's absolutely made for wearing in the sunshine. Don't think you look great in yellow? Try a dress in another bright, saturated color, such as hot pink.

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Chambray Dress

Every fashion girl needs a casual chambray dress she can pull on to look instantly cute on hot summer days. Wear it to brunch, the beach, or shopping, with easy sandals and a cute summer hat to protect your facial skin.

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Bold Print Dress

Woman in printed dress with stripes — Miki A La Mode

Look like you just jetted in from Palm Springs in a bold print summer maxi dress. We like the trendy mix of graphic stripes and florals in the dress style pictured here.

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Wrap Dress

Women adore the wrap dress because of its figure flattering magic, and how easy it makes getting dressed in the morning. Wear one in a fun print for the summer office, adding a leather bag and chic pumps to dress it up, as pictured here.

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Bustier Dress

Woman in polka dot summer dress — Color Me Courtney

Flatter your curves — and show off your assets — in a Marilyn Monroe-inspired bustier style sundress. we're into the pin-up appeal of this polka dot number, accessorized with a cherry red purse and shoes.

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Dark Floral Dress

A dark floral dress is super versatile in your wardrobe. Wear it to look dressed up for work or cocktails all summer, then transition it into fall with a cute little jacket and ankle boots.

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Boho Summer Dress

Woman in short summer dress and straw hat — A Glam Lifestyle

Wear a little bohemian-style dress to summer concerts and music festivals. Add accessories in natural fabrics, such as wicker or rope, for a naturally cute vibe.

21 outfits for concerts and festivals

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Gingham Dress

Woman in gingham maxi dress outdoors — Memorandum

Gingham is a favorite summer print that never goes out of fashion, and evokes sweet memories of picnics and park strolls. Style one with a trendy pair of sunglasses, and easy slides or sneakers, for a modern update on this classic piece.

14 fresh ways to wear gingham print

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Romantic Summer Dress

Woman in long floral summer dress and jean jacket — A Glam Lifestyle

Sometimes, a girl craves a little romance. When you want to flaunt your feminine side this summer, you can't go wrong in a long, flowing, tiered maxi dress in a sweet, miniature floral print. This is a great style for wearing to summer wedding receptions.

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T-Shirt Dress

What could be easier than a summer dress that is basically a long t-shirt? Pull it over your head to get dressed in a snap for casual weekends, or lazy days at the pool or beach.