The 6 Summer Dresses Every Woman Should Own
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The second that warm temperatures arrive, my mind turns to one thing: summer style. It's the season to shed layers, take in the sunshine, and craft a wardrobe that effortlessly transitions from casual outings to poolside parties and hot summer nights.
We all know the struggle of those mornings when you just stare blankly at your closet. That's where summer dresses come in – a lifesaver for throwing on and looking stylish in an instant when you just don’t know what to wear.
But, with a seemingly endless selection available, deciding on the essential ones can feel overwhelming. No worries, I’ve got you covered. In this blog post, I’m sharing the 6 best summer dresses to add to your wardrobe in 2024.
Source: POSSE
These are the must-have summer dresses that work for multiple occasions, whether you’re in the office, on vacation, or at a wedding. From work-wear styles to party-ready picks, these essential dresses will become the foundation of your warm-weather wardrobe.
Continue reading to discover the 6 dresses every woman should own and tips on how to create your own dress capsule wardrobe for summer 2024!
Note: This blog post is part of a new series on my blog called The Essentials Edit. I’ll be sharing the top wardrobe must-haves for different style categories such as summer dresses (this post), wear-to-work shoes, vacation-ready swimwear and more. Stay tuned for more edits, and email me your ideas for the next The Essentials Edit post!
In this Article…
The Shirt Dress
The Slip Dress
The Wear-To-Work Dress
The Special Event Dress
The Casual Sundress
The White Dress
6 Summer Dresses Every Woman Should Own
1. The Shirt Dress
When to Wear It: Weekend, Work, Vacation
The shirt dress is a summer wardrobe essential that’s both comfortable and polished. It’s perfect for those days when you want to look effortlessly put-together, but not too formal. Borrowing from the clean lines and structured silhouette of a classic men's button-down, this timeless dress is undeniably chic.
The beauty of the shirt dress is that it's so versatile. A crisp white button-down shirt dress in breathable cotton or linen is a perennial favorite, perfect for the office with a blazer and heels, or for weekend errands with sandals and a basket bag.
You can also experiment with brighter hues and seasonal prints. A classic blue and white shirt dress is my personal favorite for the summer, but the options are endless.
While I’m a fan of the mini shirt dress, you can find a variety of lengths to suit your style. A midi option is perfect for work with a bit of extra coverage and a universally flattering silhouette.
No matter how you style it, the shirt dress is your shortcut to quiet luxury this summer.
Read More: How to Dress Like Sofia Richie: 11 Classy Outfits for Summer
Shop Summer Shirt Dresses
2. The Slip Dress
When to Wear It: Special Event, Vacation, Night Out, Work, Weekend
The slip dress is perfect for formal summer dressing. Its timeless silhouette transcends the trends for understated sensuality that truly never goes out of style. Whether worn to a rooftop party or fancy al fresco dinner, the slip dress adapts from day to night with ease.
When choosing the perfect slip dress for summer, I recommend prioritizing quality fabrics. Silk can really elevate your average slip dress over polyester fabrics done in a satin weave.
Beyond the fabric, consider the silhouette. While the slip dress isn't overtly form-fitting, a touch of tailoring that flatters your figure is key. Choose from looser, straight cuts or styles that enhance your curves – whatever makes you look and feel your best.
For summer, you can’t go wrong with bolder hues, but the ever-classic black or ivory are also chic options. Depending on the quality of your slip dress, you might opt for darker colors that tend to look more luxe and hide imperfections better.
Styling your slip dress is easy. For evenings, a pair of strappy sandals, statement earrings, and a minimalist leather clutch elevate the dress for a sophisticated night out. Brunch calls for a touch of effortlessly chic style – think barely-there sandals and a woven straw bag to complete your vacation-ready look.
The slip dress, in all its understated elegance, is a summer essential that’s sure to become your soirée staple.
Read More: Best-Dressed Guest: What to Wear to a Spring Wedding
Shop Summer Slip Dresses
3. The Wear-To-Work Dress
When to Wear It: Work, Special Event
Dressing for the office during the summer months can be a challenge - you crave comfort, yet professionalism remains a priority. Make getting dressed for work a breeze by adding at least one work-appropriate dress to your summer wardrobe.
Whether it’s a chic sheath dress or a belted wrap dress, find a style that suits you and choose one with an appropriate length. I personally think a midi dress is an elegant option for the warmer months.
If you’re a fan of the little black dress, try a summer version in a lighter fabric such as linen or cotton. Instead of black, go for navy, light blue or beige. You don’t have to shy away from color either. Just as stylish is a work dress in a fun color like bright orange, butter yellow or coral.
Layering becomes essential during the summer when the office AC is unpredictable. I’d recommend having a linen blazer or lightweight cardigan on hand if needed.
A modest, wear-to-work dress can be worn outside of the office too! Style it for religious services, weddings and more. Transition from the office to after-work drinks by swapping your shoes for a heeled sandal and a slim clutch.
Below I’ve included some of my favorite classic dresses for work that are chef’s kiss for summer.
Shop Summer Work Dresses
4. The Special Event Dress
When to Wear It: Special Event, Night Out
If your calendar is filled with weddings, baby showers, engagement parties, and other special events, then you should definitely have at least one formal dress for the summer.
A satin mini dress and a breezy floor-length gown are two of my favorite options for the warmer months. Choose any color besides black or white. After all, summer is the time to enjoy bright colors and bold patterns.
The right accessories elevate your dress from beautiful to unforgettable. For summer, I reach for statement earrings, gold bangles, layered necklaces and colorful clutches. When it comes to shoes, you can’t go wrong with a pair of metallic sandals or heels in a creamy hue like white or cream to complete the look.
The special event dress ensures you're the best-dressed guest at any summer gathering. This is a summer staple every woman deserves in her closet!
Shop Summer Formal Dresses
5. The Sundress
When to Wear It: Vacation, Weekend
The casual sundress is another dress staple that every woman will want to have in her summer wardrobe. It's breathable, lightweight, and ideal to throw and go on those especially hot summer days. Wear it to picnics, brunch and everything in between, it needs minimal effort to look instantly put-together.
When selecting your staple sundress, avoid anything stiff or restrictive. For movement and breathability, try floaty fabrics like cotton voile or chambray, in silhouettes that skim your curves without clinging. Think breezy tiers, shirred bodices, or relaxed empire waists – anything that lets you soak up the sun in comfort and style. Drop waists are having a major moment this spring and summer, so consider experimenting with this trend in your sundress.
Sundresses come in a variety of styles and prints, so you can choose those that fit your personality style. I’m currently eyeing this bright red-orange sundress from Simkhai that works perfectly with my warm spring color palette.
Elevate your look for brunch with statement earrings and a pair of espadrilles or heeled sandals. For a day at the beach, throw on a floppy hat, some statement sunglasses, and leather slides.
If you’re looking for everyday summer dresses that prioritize comfort, the sundress is a no-brainer.
Shop Summer sunDresses
6. The White Dress
When to Wear It: Vacation, Weekend
There's a reason the white dress reigns supreme as a summer staple. It's one of the most versatile options for summer, transforming from casual to chic with just a few tweaks.
A crisp white linen dress is the epitome of summer. I can’t imagine anything more chic. When deciding on a white dress for summer, opt for a flowy silhouette for a breezy, effortless look that you can style for city strolls and picnics in the park.
A structured midi dress with clean lines and a cinched waist is perfect for summer weddings or garden parties. Pair it with classic pumps and a sleek clutch for a timeless look. I’m obsessed with the Delta midi dress from Solid and Striped!
Accessories truly do the most when it comes to styling your white dress. For a casual daytime look, pair your white dress with a straw tote and woven sandals. As evening approaches, elevate it with a heeled sandal and a colorful clutch. For more formal occasions, try a silky white mini dress or even a white slip dress (two essential summer dresses in one).
For my warm-toned gals, you can get away with wearing “white” by opting for hues like ecru, ivory and cream. You’ll still get the same look, but it will be more flattering for your skin tone.
For those with warm-toned complexions, shades such as ecru, ivory, and cream offer an alternative to stark white. You’ll still get the same look, but it will complement your skin tone.
Shop White Summer Dresses
Adding these 6 essential summer dresses to your wardrobe will ensure that you are ready for any occasion this season. Whether you're headed to the office or the beach, these dresses will keep you cool, comfortable, and stylish all summer long.
What are your must-have summer dresses? Let me know in the comments below.
