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20 Dresses Made From Cotton Or Linen, So You Know They’re Super Breathable

Ready to make the last few weeks of summer even better?

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by Flavia C Nunez BuzzFeed Contributor

I am a contributor and former fashion editor with over a decade of experience creating fashion content, previously leading the fashion department at award-winning magazine Real Simple, where I expanded and deepened audience through trend forecasting, creative storytelling, and inclusiveness.

Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.

1. A cute baby doll minidress for you to pack for your next vacation (and if you pack nothing else, I wouldn't blame you). It's lightweight, has pockets (🙏), and brings that effortless "I'm just here for the vibes" energy.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I have never loved a dress as much as I love this one. It is perfect. The material is so soft and the perfect thickness. I get a ton of compliments when I wear this dress." —Amy Grant

Get it from Amazon for $31.99+ (available in sizes S—XL and eight colors).

2. Or an adorable V-neck minidress made for slow Saturday mornings that accidentally turn into all-day adventures. Just swap sneakers for sandals, and you're ready for whatever the group chat throws at you.

Free People

Promising review: "Love this little dress, which I layered over wide jeans or leggings with chunky black FP boots…is stylish and true to size. I am going to purchase in black." —Dif56

Get it from Free People for $128 (available in sizes XS–XL and in five colors).

3. A cottage-core puff-sleeve dress aka the kind of dress that doesn't need much styling — just sandals, earrings, and a willingness to be showered in compliments.

Old Navy

Get it from Old Navy for $29.99 (originally $49.99; available in sizes XS–4X regular, XS–XXL petite and tall, and three colors).

4. A crisp midi shirtdress because no one said you can't go to work in a fit that not only makes you feel super confident and like a boss babe, but also like a supermodel about to strut down the hall.

Bloomchic

Promising review: "This dress fits perfectly. Love it." —S**i

Get it from Bloomchic for $49.90 (available in sizes M–6X in black).

5. A thin high-low midi dress, because it's still really hot and sweaty out there. Believe me, there's no need to check the forecast, let alone spend more than a minute thinking about what to put on if the party is outdoors. May I present to you a piece that gives you the best of both worlds, style that won't make you sweat.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This dress is flowing and fabulous on! It’s soft, light, and airy. The cut and fit is perfect. True to size. Versatile, you can dress it up with a heel, a boot, or dress it down with a sandal." —Kimmie

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in sizes XS–3XL and eight colors).

6. A breezy maxi dress perfect for anyone whose warm weather style philosophy is "easy and comfortable, but make it remarkable." You don't even have to add accessories since the cutout back and stripes already do most of the work. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This dress is ADORABLE! The fabric does not have any stretch. The only place is where the elastic is in the little back hole. You can keep it pulled down or up, depending on what look you’re going for. The dress is soft, it’s almost like a 'wrinkle-resistant button-down' shirt material, if you know what I mean. It almost feels like it is water-resistant. The pockets are perfectly placed where it doesn’t look like they are there. The patterns and colors are so cute. I actually want to get one in a large, just because of the bust in the medium." —Homegrrl Roberts

Get it from Amazon for $32.66+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and eight colors).

7. A 100% linen button-front dress with a sharp notch collar and moderate silhouette, perfect for when dressing for the job you want and deserve is a must. But, what is it that they say, "work hard, play harder?" This is the 'fit for that!

Quince

Promising review: "It fits well, and the linen feels high quality. I’ll get lots of uses out of it." —JudithF.

Get it from Quince for $64 (available in sizes XS–XL, 1X–3X, and 15 colors/prints).

8. A crisp poplin mini with a cinched waist that gives the skirt this incredible twirl-inducing volume, while the 100% cotton keeps it looking sharp and feeling lightweight — so, basically, the perfect outfit that's breezy enough for a heatwave but polished enough to meet the parents.

Torrid

Get it from Torrid for $27.96 (originally $69.90; available in sizes M–6X and black in selected sizes).

9. A gorg strapless midi that'll streamline your get-out-the-door by at least half the time — that's the beauty of a one-and-done look that makes a statement without even trying.

Madewell

Promising review: "This dress is exactly what I was hoping it would be! So cute and comfy. A win for summer! Runs true to size!!" —RosieD

Get it from Madewell for $129.99 (originally $198; available in sizes 00–16).

10. An organic cotton midi dress made to make you feel like breaking a sweat isn't a big deal, so perfect for surviving those last few almost-unbearable humid commutes.

Lole

Promising review: "Love the color (moss), the fit, and the weight of the cotton fabric. More substantial than I thought it would be, and it’s perfect. Drapes beautifully and is so comfortable. Would consider getting this in another color." —kj

Get it from Lolë for $75 (available in sizes S–L and three colors).

11. A sweet belted A-line dress with so many details that'll make you fall in love with it over and over again — it's the fluttery sleeves, the beautiful bodice pleats, the pockets!, even the classic shape, that bring it to a whole new level.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Such a cute and chic colored button-up pleated dress with a ruffle sleeve. Perfect for graduation, mother's day, baby showers, reunions, dinner dates, and really any occasion, so chic." —Lina by the Sea

Get it from Amazon for $34.19+ (available in sizes S–XL and 13 colors).

12. A 100% cotton midi dress you'll be able to wear year-round thanks to its breathability. To the office, wear it with a blazer and loafers. On a date, kitten heels, and a clutch are your besties. And to happy hour, there's no way a pair of sneakers and a baseball cap won't make you look like the coolest person at the bar. 

Eloquii

Get it from Eloquii for $77.97 (originally $129.95; available in sizes 14–28 and white).

13. An adorable smocked dress so you don't have to run home to change after a long day at the office and still look 🔥 at your bestie's bday dinner. Layer it with a light jacket during the day and then wow away at night.

J.Crew

Promising review: "Absolutely love this dress. It is extremely comfy, and I get compliments every time I wear it. My only gripe is that the halter tie can be a bit uncomfortable on the neck." —Kshope

Get it from J.Crew for $59.99 (originally $168; available in sizes S–3X classic, XXS–L petite, and XS–XL tall).

14. A minimalist maxi dress because you can't spell your name without simple and chic in it. Besides being extremely versatile — I can't think of a place or occasion you won't be able to be the best dressed at — this frock is as comfy as it gets when it comes to warm-weather clothing.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "AMAZING! I never write reviews. This dress looks fabulous on and is made of quality materials. I want it in every color.

The best part for me is the fit. I am 4 feet 10 inches. Finding a dress, especially a long maxi dress, is a big challenge. This ends right at my toes. I DON’T need to hem it!! The back allows you to tighten it really well. I was worried about it being too much material, but it wasn’t. I’m wearing it with wedge sandals for a bridal shower, but would also wear it every day with sandals. If you are short, you know how hard it is to find a dress that you don’t have to alter. Finally, I found one!!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 18 colors/prints).

15. An everyday jersey midi dress so lightweight and easy to wear, it'll become your house dress, running errands dress, brunch dress, beach day dress, picnic dress... you know where I'm getting at, right?

Boden

Promising review: "Bought size 10 despite normally buying size 12 and the fit is good. Uplifting pattern without overwhelming my frame. The fabric is weighty without being hot." —Elisabeth

Get it from Boden for $112 (originally $140; available in sizes 0–20/22 petite, regular, and long, and three prints).

16. A 100% cotton midi dress that's part of a mommy-and-me collection, so you can coordinate with your mini version on a daily basis. Is there anything better than matching fits with your BFF?

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is a really nice dress. It is fully lined with a thin cotton layer that is sewn down at the seams, which is very nice for preventing a sheer see-through effect without the lining bunching up or twisting under the dress. The material is lightweight, but by no means cheap. It would be perfect for a hot summer day and still very attractive style — with pockets! I am very short-waisted, and the straps were simply too long for me — either the dress would fall too far down on my chest, or the straps would be bunched up. So I couldn’t keep it- but on someone with a regular waist to height ratio, this would be a lovely choice for effortless summer style." —vb

Get it from Amazon for $24.80+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and four colors/prints).

17. Another easy striped shirtdress you'll want to take on your next warm-weather trip. Not going anywhere any time soon? No worries, because all your end-of-summer events are around the corner, and a breezy outfit is all you need for them.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "If you're looking for a summer dress that is both cute and comfy, look no more. This is it! It's real cotton, not a cotton blend. It didn't shrink in the wash and barely had any wrinkles after drying. I like my clothes to look 'crisp,' so I ironed it. Received several compliments when wearing it. I paired it with a multi-colored beaded necklace, denim-colored platform wedge shoes, and a lace handbag I made. I'll definitely take this dress on vacation!" —elise

Get it from Amazon for $28.48+ (available in sizes XS–3XL and 12 colors).

18. A halter midi for days so hot, you know you won't be able to handle wearing a shirt, let alone pants. News flash: you'll barely feel like you have anything on with this dress, the removable waist tie allows you to loosen up the shape so it'll drape around you and let the breeze run through.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I purchased the black one for my trip to Morocco. I knew it was going to be extra hot there and wanted to look chic and fashionable while keeping cool. I received so many compliments, one woman swore I purchased from a high-end retailer! The real test was putting it in the wash. I put the setting on delicate, and it held up really well. I did notice a little bleeding, so wash with like colors. I now own this dress in black, natural, and brown. They are all equally beautiful." —Terree

Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and 12 colors/patterns).

19. A peplum tiered dress to impress your date and give them heart eyes as soon as they set sights on you, even when the temperature is not in your favor. So, there's really no risk of getting sweaty armpits... unless you get other reasons to flush. 🤭

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "As the young people say… we're outside in this dress. This is a 'tell me you’re on vacation without actually being on vacation' kind of dress.

It checked all my boxes, comfortable and fashionable. The fit is easy and flowy, and the best part is that no shapewear is required. Perfect for brunch, vacation vibes, or just stepping out looking effortlessly put together." —Yanner

Get it from Amazon for $19.27+ (available in sizes XXS–XXL, two styles, and seven colors/prints).

20. A stunning maxi dress with a modest neckline and fluttery, wide straps that make a subtle statement. Honestly, if you're thinking of getting only one dress from this list, then this is the one to get for the end of your summer.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I LOVE this dress. I love the pockets, the design, the material (cotton), and the fact that the top part is stretchy. I wore this to my baby shower, and it was so comfortable!! I got lots of compliments on it. It's perfect. My friend also got one and loves hers! I'm so tempted to get more in other colors!" —Katelyn

Get it from Amazon for $29.90 (available in sizes XS–XXL and eight colors/patterns).

Still looking for the perfect dress for *y-o-u*? Check out:

* Just 27 Dresses Reviewers Who Are Teachers Recommend

* Dresses You’ll Find Yourself Reaching For Time And Time Again

* Wedding Guest Dresses From Amazon That Reviewers In Their 40s Love

Plus, finds from Boden, Eloquii, Lulus, Reformation, Target, and Walmart.

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