Truly, nothing is better on a torrid summer day than a light, breezy sundress. The surest way to put a little bounce in your step during the dog days of summer? A wardrobe refresh with the cutest, comfiest summer frocks around. We’re constantly on the lookout for the best seasonal styles, and we’ve found 12 lovely options at retailers including Amazon, J.Crew and Nordstrom Rack that deserve a spot in our — and your — closet.
Here are our picks for the best summer dresses at the best prices.
A Yahoo reader favorite, this top-selling maxi dress is up to 80% off. Wear this pocketed number as an elegant maxi at night or as a cover-up for the beach or pool — making it a versatile choice for summer vacations when packing space is limited. Its flowy silhouette just skims the body, so it’s incredibly flattering. Choose from seven colors.
Designed for all-day comfort, this casual cutie has an A-line silhouette that fits loosely over the body and hits just above the knees. The best part? It has pockets! Choose from 32 colors and prints.
Ideal for throwing on over your bathing suit or wearing to Sunday brunch, this swishy number has a high front cut, spaghetti straps and a side slit for maximum airiness.
One shopper describes it as “flowy and soft, with room to hide the least favorite body areas without being a tent.”
This wear-anywhere wardrobe workhorse makes for a perfect summer pairing with sandals and a sun hat. And we love this look with a knotted bottom, to keep it clear from waves during long walks on the beach. Prices vary by color and print — 18 options are available — and all have pockets (we love pockets).
Prints, prints and more prints — 24 options in total, with an additional 10 solid choices in pastel and neutral hues. From bold geometrics to romantic florals, this splashy stunner hits on all the right notes for a stylish sunny-season wardrobe update. The fabric is soft, breathable and stretchy without being see-through.
This is the definition of comfy, casual and chic, with a flattering sheath design and a tie waist that creates definition in the midsection. Wear it to work, wear it to the beach, wear it in the backyard — the world is your stylish oyster.
Another option with pockets! Statement sleeves are all the rage this summer, so we’re particularly enamored with the fluttery cap sleeves on this No. 1 bestseller, which are just right for keeping shoulders sheltered from the sun’s rays. This dress is available in 28 different colors, including neutrals like black, white and khaki; pastels like mint and sky blue; and bold brights like peacock and rose.
The waistline is well-positioned to hide any belly bulges, while the shirred top makes for a slim silhouette. And reviewers praise the fabric for being nonclingy and breathable.
This cute, comfy maxi dress has it all: a flattering design, an alluring slit and handy pockets. Plus, its roomy fit won’t cling to your body, allowing for some welcome airflow.
It has amassed more than 6,000 five-star fans who offer praise like this: “It did not have a wrinkle! It is soft and comfy. It breathes. It is perfect for the hot Houston weather. Can’t beat it for the price.”
For only $36, why not get one, two or even three for your warm-weather wardrobe? This tiered maxi dress is light, soft and flowy, with a nice amount of stretch and thickness to prevent undergarments from showing through. The high waistline creates a flattering silhouette for a variety of shapes, and the tiered design adds a little visual flair.
Looking for something a little more dressy that’ll still help you keep your cool? Ideal for everything from brunches to baby showers, this swingy style is a little bit boho, which will make you feel effortlessly stylish even in a heat wave.
Over 7,700 Amazon reviewers have given this versatile dress a glowing five-star rating. Right now you can snag it in 34 (yes, 34) different colors and prints for $20 off with the on-page coupon.
If summer was a dress, it would be this magical number. The lightweight, swingy maxi comes in 21 warm-weather-worthy colors and patterns. With the gathered tie-waist, this dress creates a flattering silhouette and can be dressed up or down.
You’ll look like a million bucks in this pretty piece, thanks to its versatile style and luxe-feeling crepe de chine fabric — it’s incredibly soft, smooth and lightweight. You’ll score the best savings in black, but the dress is also on sale in yellow, brown and blue prints.
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
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