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Ann Taylor Has the Cutest Summer Dresses RN—and These 6 Are About to Become Your New Weekend Uniform

I see you, Ann Taylor

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A few of Ann Taylor's best summer work dresses in 2024.
Ann Taylor

With summer fast approaching, I've been hunting for dresses that strike the perfect balance between chic and casual for all the brunches, barbecues and picnics I have on my agenda over the next few months. It didn't take long for my search to end once I discovered the new Weekend collection at Ann Taylor, featuring minimum-effort pieces that deliver a maximum effect.

If you're looking for some new frocks to keep in your weekend rotation (and even a few you can add to your Summer Friday work wardrobe), head over to Ann Taylor to scoop up cute styles like this linen-blend shirtdress ($159; $111), which nails the 'coastal grandma' fashion trend with its nautical striped pattern, or this column midi dress ($129; $90) that's sleek enough to don at the office. It's actually flying off the shelves as I type, and I have a feeling the other styles below will sell quickly, too (especially since they all come in both classic and petite lengths). So, I won't keep you—peruse my top picks below and prepare to add *everything* to cart.

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It's not every day that you hear a minimalist dress looks even better in person, but according to one reviewer, this chic column midi *really* impresses IRL. "I have more of a curvy hourglass shape and was afraid the tie would be unflattering, but it actually looks nice...The dress did not disappoint," they wrote. Just so you know, it's made of cotton and has a slim cut, but another buyer confirms that it's not skin-tight. "[It's] just loose enough to be super comfortable without looking sloppy," they explained. Add to that the high crew neck and elegant cap sleeves, and it's perfect for office days, al fresco fetes and summer nights alike.

I live for comfy, flattering sweater dresses. If you do, too (and TBH, even if you don't), I highly suggest you scoop up this summery answer to the style, made from a breathable blend of modal, cotton and spandex for a dash of stretch. Everything from its just-low-enough V-neck to its beige-and-white striped design makes it the ideal pick for park days, picnics and beyond. Not to mention, you can wear it unbuttoned as a long cardigan at the office, so you're sure to get plenty of use out of it year-round. Don't believe me? Just scoop it up for yourself, and you'll see.

While some buyers note that this shirtdress is a bit see-through (it's made of an airy blend of linen and viscose), they do say that it makes for a wonderful swim coverup, and I can totally see it taking you from the beach to brunch in a snap. Of course, you can also pair it with the proper undergarments (a white slip, perhaps?) to make it work everywhere else. Given its flattering cut, pretty eyelet design and cinching waist tie, why wouldn't you want to make the most of it?

This shirtdress is the key to looking polished while feeling relaxed this season, even when you're in weekend mode. First off, the mini has a non-fussy fit that gives you plenty of room to breathe in, but thanks to its point collar and front flap patch pockets, it will also make you look perfectly put-together. Besides that, all you need to know is that the dress is made of cotton and polyester (so yes, it's machine-washable) and supposedly fits true to size. I think I just found my new dress for summer day trips, what about you?

Another striped must-have, this crew-neck number is sure to become your go-to fit for casual Fridays and Sunday cookouts. Just read what one fan of the style has to say: "It fits true to size. [It's super soft and] great quality. I get lots of compliments when I wear it." What they didn't mention was that the sheath style has a slit at the back, so you won't feel restricted whenever (and wherever) you wear it. FYI, the dress is made from a blend of modal, cotton and spandex, so it's no wonder it's soft.

To say this shirtdress checks all the boxes would be an understatement. Thanks to its point collar, short sleeves and hidden button front placket, it's dressy enough for work. Meanwhile, the self-tie waist and flowy, lightweight material (a mix of linen and viscose, to be exact) make it weekend- and vacation-ready. In other words, you'll enjoy dressing this style up and down the whole summer, so it's a good thing it's machine-washable to boot.



Destinee Scott

Associate Sales and Deals Editor

Destinee Scott is PureWow’s Associate Sales and Deals Editor. She’s been chasing sales and deals for a decade and knows a good one when she sees one for fashion, home, beauty...

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