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The warm weather does we don't want to wear pants. Maybe it's the humidity or the laziness that comes with spending more than a minute in the sun, but here's the thing: coordinating a matching top and bottom from late May through September is daunting, and relying on a dress is the perfect antidote.
AT A GLANCE: The best summer dresses
Below, we've rounded up a variety of dresses that are perfect for summer travel. We've focused on things that are basically easy to wear and versatile, suitable for both day and night activities while waiting for your shoe choice. Here's a polite and sincere thank you for the rise of athleisure and tennis dresses that come with built-in shorts.
1. Romper Mini Dress
If you're sick and tired of layering bike shorts under dresses, this mini dress could be the answer to your prayers thanks to the built-in shorts that mean you don't have to worry about riding up steep hills or sudden gusts of wind.
2. Norma Kamali Pickleball Dress
The beauty of the Norma Kamali Pickleball Dress is that, as the name would imply, you can hypothetically play pickleball wearing it (note: I won't). So consider this a luxe tennis dress that can be worn as much for sightseeing in sneakers as it is for dinner in heels for a night out. It is a basic package of two fer.
3. Smocked Tiered Midi Dress
The requirement for the trip to the Italian countryside is as follows: a valid passport and a midi dress with puffy sleeves a la this tiered selection from Amazon. Every trip to the vineyard calls for a dress that's equal parts romantic and comfortable, best paired with several glasses of vino and perhaps a serving of cheese. We don't make the rules.
4. Maxi Dress
This no-frills maxi dress is made from a soft, highly breathable jersey knit fabric that doesn't require a steamer because it doesn't wrinkle. But the cherry on top? Pockets. Feel the power to go out to dinner without having to carry a bag by your side. I hear it's liberating.
5. Asymmetrical Tiered Maxi
The beauty of summer is that clothing can equally fall into two categories: beach cover-up or fancy dinner attire. This layered maxi is a perfect example. The relaxed fit makes it perfect for layering over a bikini but, when accessorised with just the right amount of gold jewelery and platform sandals, it's also a five-course meal outfit.
Linens are a summer staple for their ability to breathe even on the hottest days, making Balia Linen Dress a shoe for this summer's superlative of “likely to be worn every day.” You can't go wrong by grabbing it in black or white, although our pick is sun-dried tomato red.
7. Smocked Halterneck Maxi Dress
The star of the show when it comes to this maxi halterneck is a gorgeous low back, cleverly designed with a tie to avoid too much opening. A cascading, chunky one will make users feel like royalty.
Ciao Lucia is every cool girl's favorite brand and iconic Gabrielle dress comes out of hibernation the second temperature peaks above 70 degrees. The obsession is understandable, given that this number comes in a range of colors ranging from black and apricot to chili, and it's made with a lightweight fabric that won't wrinkle the moment it's rolled into a suitcase.
9. Maxi Shirt Dress
While we can reveal this frill-free maxi dress, we think that would be unnecessary, given that more than 26,000 Amazon reviewers felt the need to talk about how practical this comfy number is. With an abundance of prints and solid colors, you'll be tempted to pick up more than one.
10. Short dress
A mini dress that looks expensive but costs $35? Yes please. The star of the show in this cotton thong is side slits that cinch the waist for a touch of the shoulder.
11. Reyna Maxi Dress
The holiday conundrum is that you assume it's going to be warm, but you don't factor in the cooler nights, and who wants to wear the sweatshirt they wore on the flight to a fancy dinner? The $80 Reyna Maxi Dress it's an excellent compromise. Long sleeves and a lightweight knit mean you'll stay cool as a cucumber — but never cold — for alfresco dinners by the beach.
12. Knitted Mini with Crochet
If you've experienced the indignity of squeezing stiff denim shorts over sandy, not-quite-dry legs at the beach, you'll agree that cover-up dresses are the road to happiness. This colorful sleeved crochet mini is super soft and essential for long days that end with watching the sunset (read: when it starts to get cold).
13. A-Line Midi Dress
Mini dresses are great in theory, but for anyone over 5” 4, length becomes an issue — especially when there’s plenty of walking involved. Luckily, this A-line dress hits just above the knee for that extra level of security.
14. Clio dress
The pop of red has been the unshakable style trend of the past few months, but we present a worthy summer rival: lemon yellow. This shade of sunshine combined with the soft waist and 100% cotton gauzy fabric found in J. Crew Clio Dress? Simply magnificent.
15. Floral & Leaf Print Mini Dress
Paying homage to the '90s is as easy as wearing this flower and leaf mini dress from Cider. if Amazon Prime existed, we imagine Buffy herself would send it to Sunnydale. Pair it with Steve Madden's slinky wedge sandals and time hop to 1998.
16. Strapless Ruffle Bodycon
Weddings abroad are great in theory until you consider the packing skills required to prevent wrinkles in your dress. (And yes, we know, I guess you can iron, but who has the patience?) This strapless ruffled number comes in seven colors, is made with crisp fabric, and is the perfect plus-one for watching friends walk down the aisle.
17. Eagle Maxi Top
Opting for a pantless version of your favorite shirt? One without reason. This Eagle Maxi Top from Free People takes a cue from the graphic concert tees you've been collecting and expands it into a one-of-a-kind outfit. No need to coordinate with jean shorts or mini skirts.
18. Crochet cover
We recommend beachwear that doesn't pick up too much sand, and this crochet cover-up fits the bill. Layer it over any bikini for breathable coverage that leaves you feeling like you're at a club during the day in Ibiza… even if your feet are planted on US soil.
19. Posse Theo dress
The Theo dress from Australian brand Posse has been the unsung hero of every stylish content creator's wardrobe — and since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, we tend to copy the trend. A gorgeous, slim silhouette paired with timeless stripes and a comfortable pull-on style easily fits into any wardrobe.
20. Bodycon Dress
Every trip needs at least one iconic look and this knit bodycon delivers thanks to vibrant patterns that will steal the show. Plus, a thin (but not sheer) fabric makes this wrinkle-free number super easy to pack.
21. Delta Solid & Striped Dress
We're going to see Dororthy-approved gingham everywhere, and this one Delta Solid & Striped Dress it's a subtle way to buck the trend. The soft bodice and smooth skirt offer a comfortable fit, while an adjustable back with multiple straps provides a whisper of support.
22. Delilah dress
Asta Resort is a brand that has grown in popularity through its mission statement of combining resort wear with everyday wear, and the proof is in the pudding, the iconic pull-on Delilah dress. A bright pink hue and subtle floral appliqués make this number fun and outside the hotel premises.
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