When the temperatures climb and the sun’s blazing, nothing beats the effortless style of a good summer dress. It’s the go-to for staying comfortable while still looking polished—whether you’re heading to brunch, walking the boardwalk, or showing up to a summer wedding. But not all dresses—or dress styles—are created equal when it comes to heat, comfort, or occasion.
Before grabbing the first floral print you see, here are some smart tips to keep in mind when choosing and styling your summer dresses.
Choose Breathable Fabrics First
Your fabric choice will make or break how comfortable your dress feels on a hot day. The best summer dresses are made with breathable, lightweight materials like:
- Cotton: Classic, affordable, and highly breathable.
- Linen: Has texture and airflow but tends to wrinkle—lean into the relaxed look.
- Rayon or Viscose: Feels silky without the sweat-trap of synthetic blends.
- Tencel: Sustainable and soft with a cool-to-the-touch feel.
Avoid heavy polyester blends if you’re planning to be outdoors—those tend to trap heat and leave you feeling sticky fast.
Pick the Right Silhouette for Your Day
Summer isn’t the time for tight and restrictive. Look for shapes that move with you and allow airflow. A few go-to styles:
- A-line dresses: Universally flattering and easy to wear from day to night.
- Shift dresses: Loose-fitting and ideal for days when you don’t want fabric clinging to your skin.
- Wrap dresses: Adjustable, flattering at the waist, and easy to dress up or down.
- Maxi dresses: Long and breezy—perfect for evenings or when you want sun coverage.
If you want structure, try a fit-and-flare cut. If you want all-day comfort, a flowy tiered dress or smocked bodice is hard to beat.
Embrace Color—But Make It Functional
Summer is the perfect excuse to branch out from neutrals and embrace bright hues and bold prints. But there’s a practical angle here too: light colors reflect heat, while dark colors absorb it.
This makes soft pastels, whites, and citrus tones not just seasonally appropriate—they’re also functional for staying cool. Bonus: they pair effortlessly with woven bags, sandals, and natural-toned accessories.
Know When to Go Sleeveless vs. Sleeved
Sleeveless and spaghetti strap styles get most of the attention in summer—but don’t sleep on short sleeves or puff sleeves. They offer sun coverage, a more polished look, and sometimes even better air circulation, depending on the cut.
Pro tip: if you’re planning to be outdoors for long hours, consider lightweight long sleeves or a dress with shoulder coverage to avoid sunburn without adding layers.
Accessorize Without Overheating
Minimal is the move for summer accessories. Too much metal or heavy layering will just make you feel warmer.
Stick with:
- Lightweight earrings or hoop studs
- Strappy sandals or woven slides
- Natural fiber hats (straw fedoras, wide brims)
- Crossbody bags or canvas totes
And skip the belt unless it’s absolutely essential—anything that hugs too tightly will feel suffocating by hour two in the sun.
Try Dresses With Built-In Stretch or Pockets
This may sound small, but functionality matters. Stretchy fabrics let you breathe and move comfortably. And pockets? They make any dress 10x more useful—especially when you’re skipping a bag for errands or outdoor events.
Look for summer dresses that give you both form and function, not just one or the other.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Easy, Keep It You
When it comes to summer dresses, the best style tip is to keep things simple and stay true to what feels good. The heat isn’t the time for fussy outfits or over-layering. Look for cuts that flatter your frame, fabrics that breathe, and styles that match your summer plans.
Whether you’re headed to a beach party, rooftop dinner, or just running errands in the heat, the right summer dress can keep you cool and pulled together—all in one move.