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31 Versatile Dresses You’ll Wear Over And Over Again All Summer

Alexa, play “Dress” by Taylor Swift.

Posted 9 hours ago

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by Emma Kershaw BuzzFeed Contributor

I have been a BuzzFeed Shopping contributor since 2022.

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

1. A T-shirt dress that's basically your comfiest sleep shirt but ~elevated~ thanks to the ruched tie-waist detailing.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I said 'it's comfortable' like 10 times when I tried it on because that's how comfortable this dress is! It's a soft T-shirt material, and it runs true to size. I love the tie in the front. I could live in this dress!" —Cyndi Lundeberg

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and in six colors).

2. A dainty and romantic mini dress so you can romanticize your mundane day with delicate ruffles and a cutesy bow back.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Love this dress because it can be dressed up or dressed down. I wore this out to wineries and was super comfortable while also feeling really cute!” —Kate Seifert

Get it from Amazon for $31.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 21 colors).

3. A pleated midi shirtdress that should come with a warning, because everyone will be asking you where you got it every time you wear it. From work to travel and everything in between, it'll become your go-to. 

Banana Republic Factory

Promising review: "I love shirtdresses. It is mid-calf length on me, at 5'7". Yes, it has pockets! I was concerned that the fiber content would make me overheat, but that doesn't seem to be a problem. We'll see how it withstands wrinkles. The skirt is unlined, so I might need to wear a slip. The green color is perfect for those of us with 'spring' complexions." —Alberta

Get it from Banana Republic Factory for $70+ (originally $140; available in sizes XXS–XXL and four colors).

4. A swishy sundress to keep you looking *and* feeling super cool, even as the temps get hotter and hotter.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Purchased for a vacation. Very comfortable, and coverage around the underarm area is perfect! You don’t have to worry about undergarments showing, and no layering is needed! No ironing is required, and it's a great dress for a casual day! Ordered two and might just go for three!" —Cynthia

"It fits nicely (not clingy) and has hidden pockets. The material is light but not cheap. Perfect for the warm weather!" —Jules

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 28 colors/patterns).

5. An asymmetrical slip dress with a gorgeous lace trim that's a fan favorite for many reasons. Just a few being that it's comfy, airy, easy to wear, and will be *the* dress for all of your fancy occasions, where dressing to impress is the name of the game. 

Anthropologie

Promising review: "Beautiful shade of blue! Dress up Or down. I can’t wait to wear this summer!" —Jennifer Noelle

Get it from Anthropologie for $168 (available in sizes XXS–3X, including select petite sizes, and two colors).

6. A stretchy scoop-back athletic dressthat will ~move~ with your body and is made from a genius quick-dry material, so you won't have to sit at your desk in damp clothes all day after you get caught in a spring shower on the way to work. 

Old Navy, Old Navy / Via Old Navy

Promising review: "Love the soft cotton bright fabric. The built-in bra gives a lot of support and great cleavage. The dress runs small." —Erika S.

Get it from Old Navy for $22.49(originally $44.99; available in sizes XS–4X, including tall and petite fits, and four colors).

7. A smocked fit-and-flare maxi dress because this style is having a *moment,* and this one will cost you less $$$ than the higher-end versions. The sweet puff sleeves give it a cottagecore ~flair~ and the hue will leave you feeling anything but blue.

Target

Promising review: "This is actually beautiful and such a good deal. It is a maxi dress on my petite frame, but it still looks nice." —TargetFans2019

Get it from Target for $45 (available in sizes XS–XXL and two patterns).

8. A100% European linen scoop-neck midi dress *with* pockets that you'll want to slip into every day because it's lightweight and comfortable, which is very important when the temperature outside feels like you've just walked into the depths of hell. And it's just so darn cute.

Quince

Promising review: "Pockets, pleating, great length, comfortable linen material…what is not to love?! Great throw-on dress for summer that can be dressed up or down. The navy color is beautiful." —Denise M.

Get it from Quince for $84 (available in sizes 1X–3X and five colors).

9. A short-sleeve midi dress because honestly, you can't have too many midi dresses. They're great for layering with a cardigan, and the contrasting colors give the illusion that it's actually a top and a skirt that you put effort into matching...magic!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "This dress fits great, is super comfy, and has pockets! What else could a girl ask for!" —Leigh Joner

"I wear this dress to work all the time, and I love the flow of the bottom. The top is fitting but not too tight, and the bottom is flowy but still comfortable to wear to my office job." —BeachBum

Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL; long- and short-sleeve styles, and 40 colors).

10. A denim shirtdress, because you might not think it, but denim dresses are actually super comfy and are a great way to feel put-together while still being casual enough for any occasion.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Psst, as one reviewer points out, it's great styled with or without a belt.

Promising review: "I received so many compliments on this shirtdress. I wore it for my backyard rodeo party. It was so comfy, and the quality was nice. The color was light denim, and the length and overall fit were perfect." —Tanika

Get it from Amazon for $45.99(available in sizes S–XXL and 22 colors).

11. A smocked sleeveless dress, because smocked fits are an underrated GAME CHANGER when you're not feeling like wearing a bra but still want the girls to be covered and supported. The ruffles add a whimsical feel, too.

Nordstrom

Promising review: "I absolutely love this dress from The Standard Stitch. The cut and sizing were perfect — true to size. The fabric is incredibly soft and comfortable, and the style is so versatile. It's easy to dress up with accessories or keep casual with sneakers. Plus, it has pockets (!!), which is always a win. Highly recommend!" —MaddySeers

Get it from Nordstrom for$178+ (available in sizes XS–5X and four colors).

12. A solid long-sleeve maxi dress that's theeee perfect base layer to any look and will see you through every season. We love a versatile item, and this dress is the MVP.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Love this dress! Very comfortable, love the length, the color, the pockets, and the quality fabric. I would highly recommend this dress to anyone and will certainly purchase it again." —Cathy

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 43 colors).

13. A bra-free mini dress, because you've been dragged along to your mom's work friend's daughter's baby shower, and wearing an uncomfortable bra will be your last straw. 

Abercrombie & Fitch

Promising reviews: "Bought this for a date and couldn’t be happier! The fact that it’s bra-free took away so much stress because I didn’t have to worry about wearing stickies, a strapless bra, or any makeshift solution." —claire

"This is soooo cute! As a plus-size person with a 38DD chest, it is so hard for me to wear dresses like this without any type of bra or support. The cups for this actually do a great job of supporting on their own! The thick straps also help. I’m 5’9, and it’s short but not overly short. The material is lightweight. Colors are beautiful." —afrawl

Get it from Abercrombie & Fitch for $80 (available in petite, regular, and tall sizes XXS–XXL and eight prints/colors).

14. A super sweet flutter-sleeve midi dress to add a pop of color to your summer ensemble. It's so lightweight and flowy, you'll be reaching for this dress at least once a week.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Love this dress! It fits perfectly! I wore it to a wedding and got lots of compliments. This hit about 2 inches below the knee. Buttons stayed closed, and there were no gaps at the bust. The material has a little give but keeps its shape. Thinking of buying again in different colors!" —Yoli D.

Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in sizes S–XL and 17 colors/patterns).

15. An oversize linen-blend dress, because even the most mundane of days deserve a beautiful dress to brighten things up. Like when you're running errands, and you've been standing in line at the stuffy post office for what feels like a lifetime, this dress will keep you cool, calm, and collected.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This dress looks just like it does in the picture. It's slightly sheer, but you can't see through it, and it adds to the coolness. Very lightweight and perfect for super-hot weather. We are going to a family reunion in American Samoa, and it will be perfect for the weather. It is not stretchy at all, but it is not form-fitting either. It is a little boxy, but it's kind of bohemian and cute. I really like it." —Jade Y

Get it from Amazon for $33.18+ (available in sizes S–3XL and nine colors).

16. A stunning floral halter dress for stunning on the upcoming tropical vacay that you've been counting down the days to for what feels like forever. From thin straps to a chunky halterneck, you can wear it a few different ways depending on your ~mood.~

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I always get so many compliments on this dress. It can pass off as a wedding guest dress, but then can also be worn for a dinner out! It is comfortable, and the pockets are everything. The length works for heels or sandals. Breathable material! Recommend!" —ColiesAmazonCloset

Get it from Amazon for $54.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 17 colors/patterns).

17. An off-the-shoulder side-slit maxi dress made especially for relaxed, beachy weddings or, you know, a tropical vacay. Either way, it looks best with a fruity cocktail in hand.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Stop!!!! Do not keep shopping for the perfect maxi dress because this is the one. I absolutely love this dress. It’s a perfect fit and fantastic, great quality material. So super duper comfy. It’s lightweight for summer but pairs great with a jacket. They fit great as well, and the length is a little shorter, which is good. I have purchased five in total so far…just wish there were frequent flyer discounts. Lol." —Laurie

Get it from Amazon for $21.05+ (available in sizes XXS–XXL and 27 colors)

18. Asculpted strappy maxi dress, an ~eye-catching~ stunner that'll wow at every moment. The striped pattern is like a psychedelic optical illusion, and the slightly flared fit adds to its uniqueness.

Banana Republic

Promising review: "I love the feel and look of this dress and plan to pair it with a denim jacket of any complementary color or some other type of outerwear. Plan to wear a wedge espadrille with it. The only thing I wish it had was a wider strap so I could wear a regular bra and not a strapless one. It's a beautiful dress regardless." —MoniB

Get it from Banana Republic for$200 (available in sizes XXS–XXL, select petite sizes, and three colors).

19. A pink cotton dresswith ribbon shoulder detailing and a subtle tiered design that'll make you feel like you're gliding instead of walking. The loose fit is perfect for those warm days, and so is the bright and cheery color.

Bloomchic

Get it from Bloomchic for $24.90 (available in sizes 10–30).

20. A relaxed mini T-shirt dressfor the days you want your look to scream "off-duty model." It'll be sure to turn the Trader Joe's produce aisle into your own personal catwalk.

Gap Factory

Get it from Gap Factory for $19.99 (available in sizes XS–L, including tall and petite fits, and five colors).

21. A smocked halter dress because every free-spirited boho-chic lover needs something flowy and floral in their wardrobe. Basically, if you're looking to channel a character out of a Taylor Jenkins Reid novel, you need this dress. It's light and breezy for summertime events, like weddings and garden gatherings, and the long length makes it more ~reserved.~

J.Crew

Get it from J.Crew for $132.50 (originally $268; available in sizes XXS–3X, including tall and petite fits).

22. A boat-neck midi dress if you want to look super chic while rocking a soft-as-can-be outfit. It's casual, relaxed, and has pockets, which instantly makes it a versatile must-have.

Boden, Boden

Get it from Boden for $110 (available in sizes 0–20/22 and three colors).

23. Aversatile short-sleeve mini dress for every event in your summer calendar. Picnics! Happy hours! Farmers' market strolls! This beauty can do it all.

Madewell

Get it from Madewell for $128 (available in sizes XXS–XXL).

24. A silk slip midi dress you'll want to ~slip~ into all season long. The champagne hue adds a rich, luxurious feel, and the soft, lightweight fabric will feel incredibly dreamy against your skin.

Everlane

Promising review: "The perfect dress. I was worried about the sizing, but it turned out to be a perfect fit. I got a large, and I’m between a 10–12. It was also delivered pretty quickly. Worth the money." —Ashley

Get it from Everlane for $62 (originally $248; available in sizes 00–16 and two colors)

25. A tie-strapped smocked poplin dress in a gorgeous golden hue to add a ray of sunshine to your wardrobe while manifesting warmer days ahead. Wear it solo in peak summer or layer it under jackets and cardigans in the cooler months. ☀️☀️☀️

Loft

Promising review: "Absolutely breathtaking dress, every time I wear it I get tons of compliments. It's very unusual; it's not a dress I would normally purchase due to the design under the midsection, but it is actually very stylish. There were only five reviews on this dress, but all great reviews when I purchased it… I’m so glad I did. I would buy it again and again, it’s beautiful." —Niaomi

Get it from Loft for $60 (originally $120; available in sizes 00–18, including petite fits).

26. Apintuck drop-waist mini dressthat's a delicate addition to your warm-weather wardrobe. The ruffled top and corset-forward silhouette scream vintage vibes, so just imagine how gorgeous it'll look paired with Mary Janes and a floppy hat.

Gap

Get it from Gap for$71 (originally $89.95; available in sizes XXS–XXL, including tall and petite fits, and three colors).

27. A flutter-sleeve swing dress with a tiered design that'll be a top-tier look in all of your friends' eyes, because they won't stop asking where you got it. And whether you gatekeep or not is up to you...

Lane Bryant

Get it from Lane Bryant for $29 (originally $59.95+; available in sizes 10/12–38/40, including tall and petite fits, and 23 colors/designs).

28. A red polka-dot mini dressfor wearing while you're on a much-needed tropical vacation *or* while you're ~dreaming~ of a much-needed tropical vacation.

Lulus

Promising review: "This dress fit perfectly! I usually wear a medium, and I ordered this in a medium — it hugged my body so well. The adjustable strings at the back are such a nice touch because they let you customize the fit perfectly to your body. I wore this dress for my graduation, and it went perfectly with my cap and gown. The length was just right, and I specifically wanted a straight neckline to pair with the gown, so this was exactly what I was looking for. And the back is sooo sexy — such a stunning detail! Overall, I absolutely loved the fit and the look of this dress. It ended up being the perfect graduation dress, and I would highly recommend it!" —Vedika H.

Get it from Lulus for $62 (available in sizes XXS–XL and nine colors).

29. A column midi dress if you want to channel your inner business babe, even when your OOO away message is firmly *on.* It has enough stretch that you won't feel cocooned, but the figure-hugging fit brings a sleek, streamlined edge. 

Levi's

Promising review: "Great fitting, comfortable, and very easy to move in. Looks great too!" —KCB007

Get it from Levi's for$110 (available in sizes XS–L).

30. A V-neck chiffon maxi dress if the theme of your summer outings is country-boho. Festival? Wedding? Brunching with friends? Strolling the aisles of Whole Foods for some fun snacks? Do it in this dress.

Torrid

Promising review: "I got the gingham blue, and it's soooo gorgeous, I love the material, it's so flowy and breathable, a perfect summer dress I won’t overheat in!! My only downside for this dress is that if you're a bigger-chested person, there's no room for a bra in this dress, and if you sit down or bend over, the ladies might say hello! I personally don't mind wearing a lace-trim cami underneath, but without a bra, it does look off. So I will maybe invest in some boob tape and try that. If not, just hold them with a hand when I bend over LOL! I am a size 4X; I say it's true to size, but tighten the straps! I’m also 5’3, and it just touches the floor, so be a little mindful, my short pals." —Jazz1809

Get it from Torrid for $35.96+ (originally $89.90; available in sizes M–6X and two colors/patterns).

31. A collared V-neck midi dressin an easy breezy linen-blend fabric so you can enjoy the summer weather without feeling like you're about to melt. It offers modest coverage while being a lightweight gem that's ideal for work or play.

Nordstrom Rack

Get it from Nordstrom Rack for$59.97 (originally $140; available in sizes 1X–3X and two colors).

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

* Dresses That Reviewers Say Actually Feel Lightweight During The Summer

* Cute Dresses That Are Actually Comfy

Plus, finds Walmart.

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Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.