Summer dresses are a crowded category at this point. From flowery frocks to lightweight linen styles, there are plenty shapes and lengths to choose from no matter your personal preferences. But as a seasoned summer dress connoisseur, I quickly realized that some really just trump all the others: Welcome to my hit list of the top dresses of the season.
If there’s one wardrobe piece that I can trust more than any other to get me through the endless heat and a slate full of Google Calendar dates, it’s a chic dress. Next to my stretchy pants, it’s likely the style I repeatedly wear the most during this time of year. A big factor is the element of versatility—it’s super simple to dress up or down, and I never have to expend a lot of brain power to come out with a solid look. With that said, my collection is continually overflowing, but there are ones that I can always rely on to elicit compliments wherever I go. Ahead, keep reading to the dresses in my closet that never miss. Expected compliments… and a lot of them.
Realisation Par has been on my radar for years, but I’ve never took the leap until now. I can report that it’s worth the hype and then some. Everything from the silky satin fabric to the delicate floral print and romantic neckline makes this dress look so glamorous. Truly it’s the perfect easy summer dinner dress. Just add sleek minimalist mules (you really don’t need sky high heels for this) to finish the look.
The dress doesn’t need an introduction. If you have an Instagram account, you’ve likely seen this dress all over your feed as it’s appeared on just about every supremely stylish influencer. I had my doubts since I’m curvier on the bottom thus more of a pear shape, but once I slipped it on I instantly fell in love. I guess it’s the ruched middle to create the illusion of a defined waist, but this dress is exceptionally flattering. I hardly do mini dresses, but I will gladly pull this one out over and over again. Lastly, the material feels expensive and heavy, so it will stand up to just about anything. The Andy is currently sold out in this purple shade, but its still in stock in a variety of equally fun colors and prints.
This sweet tiered maxi dress is the perfect beach dress, made of lightweight bubble crepe material to beat the heat the in style. It definitely falls in the camp of the throw-it-on-and-go dress so only minimal styling effort is required. I choose to pair it with these on-trend platform flip flops—I definitely felt more laidback with this outfit.
I’ll state the obvious: Reformation knows how to make a standout dress. I am honestly floored by how many compliments I receive when I wear this baby blue floral number. So far, I have worn it to a summer party, a wedding, and out for drinks with friends, and it’s received plenty of admiration. I can’t get enough of the tie front details and the romantic neckline.
I’ve been wanting a casual elevated summer dress for my seasonal wardrobe for quite some time. Once I saw this I instantly knew it would be a go-to for me during the endless summer days. It exudes an effortless french girl-vibe, has a flattering silhouette and comes is a gorgeous olive green check print—really all you need for a picnic in the park weekend look.
Another viral dress I can happily say is worth the attention. I had seen this dress on some of my favorite tastemakers around the globe—styled with both heels and sneakers— and I knew I needed it in my wardrobe. The sheer fabric is definitely more revealing than I’m used to, but it actually conceals a lot more than you’d think. My advice is to layer underneath a good pair of black briefs (or a thong if you’re so daring!). I have a feeling that my search for the perfect party dress ends here.
For its latest collection, With Jean has collaborated with Australian artist Lord Newry. Everything from the release is draped in bold graphic prints that really feel unique with an edgy cool factor. This body-hugging dress is no different. You may well recognize this dress already, as it’s been doing the rounds on Instagram this season with Jordyn Woods wearing it earlier this month. It’s a statement dress to wear for a relaxed special occasion or a night out with your crew.
Is this not the most perfect LWD for summer? Styling wise it’s incredibly easy to wear with most heels or flats, and the romantic smocked bodice creates a defined waist without the need for heavy duty shapewear. The sheer voile fabric really kept me cool during hot days—basically a requirement for this unpredictable SoCal weather.
This dress has big tropical vacation energy going on with its revealing back cut out and retro midi length silhouette. I’m even more impressed that this dress is only $60 given how expensive it looks and feels. Wear with trendy strappy sandals for your next wedding invite or summer soirée, or sneakers for a dressed down spin.
