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These 30 Stylish Sundresses Will Crank Up the Heat on Your Summer Wardrobe

Easy, breezy summer must-haves

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Dasha Burobina for PureWow

There’s nothing like an easy, breezy sundress to make you feel instantly put together. Whether you’re running errands or trying to stay cool at an outdoor wedding in the middle of August, a sundress (or three) is a closet must, perfect for throwing on in a flash. Summer wardrobe in need of a few of these staples? To help you find the dress(es) of your dreams, we’ve rounded up several options and dropped a few styling tips along the way. We’re talking billowing maxis, like this Jenni Kayne number ($445), and trendy printed minis, such as this colorful pick from Farm Rio ($155)—all of which will secure your spot on the best dressed list at any backyard barbecue or party.

The Top 5 Sundresses at a Glance

1

Best Formal Sundress

JCrew A-line Dress

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2

Best Floral Sundress

Zesica Summer Boho Floral Dress

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3

Best Smocked Sundress

Staud Ida Dress

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4

Best Athletic Sundress

Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress

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5

Best Puff Sleeve Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch Emerson Dress

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What to Wear Over a Sundress in 2023

While a sundress can hold a presence on its own, they’re also great for layering—especially when it gets colder near the beach or after sunset. TikTok user @taylorrizzolino shows us that you can pair a simple dress with a floral shirt for a tropical vibe, a blazer for a more polished look or drape a sweater over your shoulders for a cozy cottagecore moment.

When in doubt, it’s always good to revert to the millennial standard of a jean jacket or cardigan to keep you warm or cover up your arms if you’re uncomfortable.

Where to Buy Cute Sundresses

Choosing where to buy a sundress depends on your personal style and preference. You could shop at big box retailers like Amazon and Target for fast delivery, or ship directly from a specific brand like Anthropologie, Jenni Kayne, Madewell or Reformation.

How We Chose the Best Sundresses

We chose the best sundresses by consulting our own closets as well as sifting through stylish, high-quality options from popular retailers. We picked pieces in a variety of lengths, including maxi, midi and mini, and made sure we included petite and plus-sized options, as well as silhouettes suited for taller gals. 

We were also sure to feature favorites at a range of price points and included a mix of trendy, preppy, boho and minimalist options to suit every style. Material was also taken into consideration, with a focus on breathable cotton or linen as well as inexpensive polyester and rayon dresses. Below, you’ll find our top 30 picks for the best sundresses.

34 Summer Wedding Guest Dresses to Get You Through the Season in Style


Best Formal Sundress

1. J.Crew A-line Dress

J.Crew

  • Size Range: 00 to 24
  • Material: cotton
  • Pros: fitted bodice, multiple colors, flirty
  • Cons: very thin straps, can be small up top

This A-line midi would be a cute little number for a garden party or outdoor wedding. It’s made from soft, 100 percent organic cotton, and comes in two solid colors and a floral pattern, which can all be dressed up or down with accessories. With a fitted bodice and flowy skirt, it’s a dress you’ll want to twirl around in when you snap a photo or two.

Best Floral Sundress

2. Zesica Summer Boho Floral Dress

ZESICA

  • Size Range: S to XL
  • Material: rayon
  • Pros: adjustable straps, 20 patterns
  • Cons: can run large

The best dress is one you can just throw on and feel like your outfit is complete, and this breezy mini is it. It’s available in over a dozen different prints (including a ton of florals) and features a flattering square neck with adjustable self-tie straps for your best fit. Reviewers say the rayon fabric is super soft and lightweight, so it’s perfect for those hot summer days.

Best Smocked Sundress

3. Staud Ida Dress

Staud

  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Material: cotton, spandex
  • Pros: smocked bodice, lightweight
  • Cons: expensive

This midi dress exudes summer vibes, making it an immediate add-to-cart item. It feels super lightweight thanks to the cotton poplin material, while the solid white color was practically made for a European getaway. It features a square neckline with a wide, smocked elastic bodice that stretches to your shape, so you’re guaranteed comfort.

Best Athletic Sundress

4. Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress

Outdoor Voices

  • Size Range: XXS to 3X
  • Material: nylon, spandex
  • Pros: sweat wicking, built-in shorts
  • Cons: straps too thin for some

Not looking to overheat during your next workout? This stretchy, sweat-wicking dress has got your back. The OG Exercise Dress comes with built-in shorts so you can do your thing without worrying about a wardrobe malfunction. It has an eye-catching racerback with adjustable straps and comes in quite a few colors that can take you from the pickleball court to the farmers market.

Best Puff Sleeve Dress

5. Abercrombie & Fitch Emerson Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch

  • Size Range: XXS to XXL
  • Material: cotton, polyester, elastane
  • Pros: puffed sleeves, unique texture
  • Cons: may run large

We love a puff sleeve for its ultra feminine, princess-esque look. If you do too, you’ll adore this poplin midi from Abercrombie & Fitch. It boasts a flattering ruching detail on the bodice along with a smocked back for stretchy comfort, while the subtle tiering of the skirt adds to the A-line silhouette. And not only does it have pockets (!!), it also comes in petite and tall sizes, so you’re bound to find the perfect length.

Best Short Sundress

6. Lulus Garden Explorer Dress

Lulus

  • Size Range: XXS to XL
  • Material: rayon
  • Pros: flirty, slimming
  • Cons: non-stretch, may be too short on taller folks

Available in red and yellow floral prints, this soft woven mini dress was made for frolicking. A deep V-neckline adds a flirty factor, but the short ruffled sleeves keep it a little sweet. While the fabric is non-stretch, the banded empire waist creates a flattering flare on the skirt to give you some room to move.

Best Casual Sundress

7. Quince Smocked Dress

Quince

  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Material: cotton
  • Pros: ethically sourced, easy to throw on, bold colors
  • Cons: bodice need to be pulled down

From a tea party to a quick trip to the grocery store, you’ll be ready for anything in this casual-yet-adorable sundress from Quince. It’s made of ethically-sourced organic cotton (so staying cool is a given) and features cute ruffle detailing on the sleeves and hem, as well as a smocked bodice for all-day comfort.

Best Cotton Sundress

8. Hill House Home The Juliana Dress

Hill House Home

  • Size Range: XXS to XXL
  • Material: cotton
  • Pros: satin finish, adjustable straps
  • Cons: expensive

Hill House Home may be known for its iconic Nap Dress, but this midi is a worthy contender for a place in your wardrobe. It’s constructed of 100 percent cotton with a sateen weave and slick finish, so it’s a bit more dressy than your average cotton frock. Elastic straps and an adjustable tie neckline keep it comfy, while the corset-inspired bodice provides an elegant look. It also gets bonus points for its cute, summery patterns.

Best Strapless Sundress

9. Faithfull the Brand Le Bon Dress

Faithfull the Brand

  • Size Range: XS to XXL
  • Material: cotton
  • Pros: strapless, pockets, long
  • Cons: hand-wash only

This dress is just begging to be worn on the Italian coast. It features bold, picture-worthy stripes, a smocked waist to add a little flair (and stretch) and there’s even hidden pockets. It’s made of 100 percent cotton, so it’s perfectly light and breathable to boot.

Best Pleated Sundress

10. Lulus Springtime Darling Dress

Lulus

  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Material: polyester
  • Pros: light, flowy 
  • Cons: hand-wash

This light frock is perfectly picnic-worthy thanks to the gingham pattern and delicate seersucker-style weave of the fabric. A low V-neck and fitted waistband create a shapely silhouette, but we really love it for its unique pleated skirt. It gives the dress a vintage vibe we could imagine Marilyn Monroe herself embracing.

Best Maxi Sundress

11. Jenni Kayne Summer Dress

Jenni Kayne

  • Size Range: XS to XXL
  • Material: viscose, silk
  • Pros: super soft, flowy 
  • Cons: expensive, dry-clean only

The luxurious viscose/silk blend of this flowy maxi dress makes it incredibly soft and comfortable, although it also requires dry-cleaning. Nevertheless, we love the nautical stripes that are complemented by standout stitching throughout. Whether it's a beach date or a wedding, this little number fits the bill.

Best Halter Sundress

12. Cleobella Aurelia Dress

Cleobella

  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Material: cotton/linen blend
  • Pros: halter top, bright colors, ethically made
  • Cons: Expensive

Completely handmade by local artisans in India, this marigold dress is truly one of a kind. The cotton/linen blend is extremely light and breathable, it features a cool halter top that is mirrored on the back of the dress with cutouts, plus it has a ruched bust for eye-catching texture. It’s an ethical and sustainable choice you’ll be wearing for years to come.

Best Bold Sundress

13. Farm Rio Striped Fishes Dress

Farm Rio

  • Size Range: XXS to XL
  • Material: cotton
  • Pros: bold pattern, flowy,  cute cutouts
  • Cons: short on some

Cute cutouts and a psychedelic fish pattern will have you turning heads in this bold, vacay-ready dress all summer long. It’s easy to throw on to feel instantly dressed up and there are two sets of straps with beaded tassels on the back for a little extra pizazz. The flared skirt adds some dimension as well.

Best Preppy Sundress

14. Tuckernuck Kenzo Dress

Tuckernuck

  • Size Range: XXS to XXL
  • Material: polyester, spandex
  • Pros: bold, sleeveless, loose
  • Cons: snug armholes

This sleeveless number features a not-so-deep V-neckline reminiscent of a preppy polo shirt, and a looser empire waist that feels flattering on almost anyone. The tiered skirt, meanwhile, offers twirlable movement and shape. Paired with the right accessories, this mini can take you from day to night in a snap.

Best Sundress with Pockets

15. Urban Outfitters Theodora Dress

Urban Outfitters

  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Material: cotton
  • Pros: multiple colors, big pockets, affordable
  • Cons: not the best for larger chests

It’s all in the details. This soft, cotton poplin mini dress comes to charm with a babydoll cut and deep front pockets that contrast the dainty spaghetti straps that tie in the back. If you’re looking to leave your purse at home, this pick has got you covered. As one reviewer says, “the pockets are magically huge,” so you can carry your wallet, phone and keys without a care.

Best Corset Sundress

16. Aureta Studio Corset Dress

Aureta Studio

  • Size Range: XXS to XL
  • Material: cotton
  • Pros: good for large chests, smocked back
  • Cons: may run large

Take a page from Bridgerton with this dress’s corset-style bodice. Don’t worry, it looks (and feels) modern enough with thick straps and a smocked back for stretchy comfort. Shoppers say it’s perfectly flattering on larger chests, but it does run a bit large, so you may want to size down if your cup isn’t exactly running over. The gorgeous floral pattern and flared, tiered hem will have you standing out at a summer wedding or any other occasion. As a bonus, it also comes in standard, petite *and* tall sizes.

Best Plus-Size Sundress

17. A New Day Tube Sundress

A New Day

  • Size Range: XS to 4X
  • Material: cotton
  • Pros: extended sizing, pockets, removable straps
  • Cons: may run large

Available in multiple colors (including this funky print), this 100 percent cotton frock was made for anybody and every *body*. We love that it comes in a full range of sizes, up to 4X, and offers plenty of stretch in the bust with smocking. If going strapless isn’t your thing, fret not—it comes with straps you can attach or detach per your preference. And, drumroll please, it does indeed have pockets.

Best Sundress Mini

18. Reformation Nyala Dress

Reformation

  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Material: tencel lyocell, spandex
  • Pros: fitted style, has some stretch
  • Cons: may be too short on some, non-adjustable straps

Designed to be more fitted, this mini sundress hugs your figure and falls around the upper thigh for a particularly flirty look. It has relaxed details ideal for a laid-back summer outing, with a center front tie, scrunchy upper bodice and spaghetti straps. The delicate ruffled hem is just the cherry on top.

Best Western-Style Sundress

19.  Universal Thread Women's Strapless Sundress

Universal Thread

  • Size Range: XS to 3X
  • Material: cotton
  • Pros: extended sizes, multiple prints, side pocket
  • Cons: boning in bodice not for everyone

This strapless midi dress is the perfect outfit for a picnic, barbecue or a bachelorette party trip to Nashville. In addition to a cute tie front and banded waist, the bodice features structural wire boning to hold its shape and provide support. We also love that it features a side pocket (important!) and breathable cotton fabric. It comes in three solid prints, but we love the “yee-haw” vibe that the bandana pattern brings.

Best Knit Sundress

20. A New Day Women's Knit Sundress

A New Day

  • Size Range: XS to XXL
  • Material: cotton, lyocell, spandex
  • Pros: four straps, stretchy fabric
  • Cons: not for bigger chests

Constructed from a stretchy knit blend of cotton and spandex, this dress will help keep you cool in the heat while allowing for easy, breezy movement. We love the halter neckline with a keyhole front and the fun four-strap design. The midi length is perfectly modest and casual enough for most any occasion.

Best Ruffled Sundress

21. Cupshe Ruffled Dress

Cupshe

  • Size Range: S to XL
  • Material: polyester
  • Pros: affordable, ruffles, flirty
  • Cons: not super durable

Ruffles are the epitome of flirty and feminine, making them a great addition to a flouncy sundress. This mini offers a tiered ruffled design and self-tie V-neck, with even more ruffle detailing on the high collar. The elastic waistband also makes it super comfy.

Best Petite Sundress

22. Show Me Your Mumu Angel Mini Dress

Show me Your Mumu

  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Material: cotton, rayon
  • Pros: tie straps, retro stripes
  • Cons: can be short on some

This striped mini dress is an ideal length for shorter ladies and is reminiscent of a retro beach changing tent in the best way possible. The self-tie shoulder straps and elastic neckline with ruffle trim adds some nice detail up top, but the best part? There’s pockets.

Best Linen Dress

23. Madewell Button-Front Dress

Madewell

  • Size Range: 00 to 16
  • Material: linen
  • Pros: button-down, relaxed style
  • Cons: runs small in bust area

Whether you're heading on a holiday or having an impromptu picnic in the park, linen is in for summer, not least of all because it’s so cooling and breathable. This laid-back button down dress is 100 percent linen, and features wide straps, a vintage-y square neckline and a subtly cinched silhouette that accentuates the waist.

Most Versatile Sundress

24. PrettyGarden Summer Dress

PrettyGarden

  • Size Range: S to XL
  • Material: polyester
  • Pros: multiple colors, affordable
  • Cons: thinner material can be see-through

Everyone needs that one simple maxi dress that they can just toss on for whatever the day brings. Available in a ton of solid colors, this perfectly versatile pick has spaghetti straps, a stretchy bodice and tiered ruffles for a bit of a bohemian look. It’s great for a beach walk or just to run some errands, but you can dress it up for any fancier affairs.

Best Color-Blocked Sundress

25. Style Cheat Tiered Color Block Dress

Style Cheat

  • Size Range: 2 to 10
  • Material: cotton, polyester
  • Pros: inexpensive, colorful
  • Cons: limited sizes

Blocks of white and pink offer some bold contrast on this midi sundress, which has a 100 percent cotton construction and includes polyester lining for extra coverage. While the color is the star of the show, we appreciate details like the square neck, fixed straps and stretch back panel. We can see this frock (and you in it!) being the life of the party.

Best Prairie Sundress

26. Max Studio Border Stripe Dress

Max Studio

  • Size Range: S to L
  • Material: cotton
  • Pros: pretty pattern, breathable
  • Cons: limited sizes

The petite pattern on this number is giving major cottagecore and farmhouse vibes—in the best way possible. The high square neck and tiered A-line silhouette also give the dress a vintage look that stands out from other options. Plus, it’s incredibly breathable thanks to the cotton material. Whether you’re frolicking in a prairie or, well, simply going to brunch, this piece is a stylish choice.

Best Loose-Fitting Sundress

27. Splendid Aubrey Mini Dress

Splendid

  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Material: cotton, lyocell, nylon
  • Pros: loose-fitting, unique details
  • Cons: wide bottom

This mini may feel perfectly casual, but thanks to the intricate geometric detailing, it certainly doesn’t look it. The unique asymmetrical tiering on the dress makes it feel breezy and comfortable, while the square neckline is cut higher for full chest coverage. Plus it’s not too short, making it the ideal option for a slightly windy beach walk or lunchtime date.

Best Embellished Sundress

28. Old Navy Fit & Flare Sundress

Old Navy

  • Size Range: XS to XL
  • Material: cotton, viscose rayon
  • Pros: pockets, eyelet accents, removable straps
  • Cons: waist may be too short for longer torso

While the stretchy ruched bodice is a staple feature of any good sundress, this frock really stands out because of the gorgeous eyelet embroidery on the skirt, which makes it look way more expensive than it is (don’t worry, we won’t tell). It also includes adjustable straps that can be removed, and it boasts those all-important side-seam pockets.

Best Nautical Sundress

29. Sail to Sable Megan Dress

Sail to Sable

  • Size Range: XS to 3X
  • Material: polyester
  • Pros: pockets, bold stripes
  • Cons: dry-clean only

You don’t need to be on a sailboat to embrace the nautical aesthetic, and this striped must-have is proof. The bold blue-and-white stripes alternate between a horizontal and chevron pattern, adding fabulous dimension, while the fitted bodice and flared skirt create an ultra-flattering silhouette. Other details we love include the tie straps and smocked back, which gives it some extra stretch. Bring on the lobster rolls!

Best Pop-of-Color Sundress

30. Ecru Lively Dress

Ecru

  • Size Range: 0 to 14
  • Material: polyester
  • Pros: pockets, bold color, flattering
  • Cons: expensive

This sweet sundress is much more than your average “little black dress” thanks to bold piping accents in different colors. Its A-line shape is flattering and appropriate for all sorts of events and the straps are thick enough to wear a normal bra (although we won’t judge if you don’t). The added pockets are a nice bonus as well. According to one reviewer, this piece is “flowy but structured,” and that’s all we need to hear.


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Courtney Campbell is a freelance writer, editor and overall shopping addict. She started her career testing and writing about products for Reviewed and will now share her favorite things to anyone who will listen. Her work has also appeared in Apartment Therapy, SELF, MyDomaine, StyleCaster and more.

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