3 Must-Have Dresses to Wear All Summer Long

An essential in any season, the dress takes the cake when it comes to versatility and ease of wear.

Let’s face it: a dress is much easier to throw on that pants and a blouse, if only because there fewer items to put together. But summertime is when this wardrobe staple really shines. Breezy, feminine, and perfect for a number of occasions—from the office to weekend brunch to bridal showers and weddings—the summer dress cannot be worn enough during the warmer months.

Whether you love the look of the ladylike midi or can’t wait to rock the slinky slip, you’ll be reaching for these styles all season long.

The Midi

The perfect middle ground between the daring mini and the floor-grazing maxi, a midi hemline hits at mid-calf for a demure and reserved finish, and super-feminine silhouette. With so many different midi dress styles out there, it’s easy to adjust this trend to fit not only your unique aesthetic, but any occasion.

It’s worth noting that midi dresses can work for almost any event on the calendar. Channel the boho-chic ’70s trend with something floral and flowy, or opt for a structured pencil midi to amp up your workwear wardrobe.

The Maxi

Season after season, the maxi tops the list of must-have summer dresses—and for good reason. Its long length and forgiving silhouette make the maxi a universally flattering option for when you just can’t decide what to wear.

Plus, there are a ton of options when it comes to fabric, cut, color, and pattern, giving us good reason to add one (or two) new styles to our wardrobes as soon as the weather begins to warm. It’s smart to remember that easy jersey fabrics and styles featuring bold prints work well for weekends, while a maxi in a solid hue and more polished fabric (think silk or quality polyester) topped with a structured blazer is perfect for a summer-friendly look when you’re on the clock.

Pair with simple sandals or slides for a laid-back finish, or opt for chunky heels or wedges for a hint of glam.

The Slip Dress

The ‘it’ dress of the summer, the slip simply cannot—and will not—be ignored. If the last time you wore this trend was in the ’90s, it’s definitely time to update your wardrobe with the modern variations of this style.

The key to not looking like you just stepped out of your boudoir is avoiding too-short dresses; so, opt for knee length or longer when it comes to the hemline of your slip dress. Then, pair with sneakers for a sporty daytime look or with a chunky sandal for an evening-appropriate ensemble.

If you feel like sporting the slip solo leaves you too bare, finish with a shirt tied at the waist or a light sweater or jacket.

What dresses are you wearing this summer?