Stunning, Breathtaking, And Beautiful: 30 Summer Dresses That Scored Reviewers Compliments

Stunning, Breathtaking, And Beautiful: 30 Summer Dresses That Scored Reviewers Compliments

BuzzFeed-Shopping·2025-08-10 05:04

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

1. Amidi corset dress that'll make your cottagecore heart flutter and have you feeling like a modern-day princess. It looks just like the House of CB Carmen dress that was trending on TikTok (and goes for $225!?) and even has the same features, like a back cinch and front tie. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Check it out on TikTok.

Promising reviews: "Bought this dress because I always wanted to get the House of CB dress, but didn’t want to pay over $250 for it. It’s honestly so good! I got the size large in this since they didn’t have my normal sizes, which are small to medium (I have a bigger chest, so I tend to size up). But since this has a corset back, I was able to cinch it up really tight, and it fit perfectly!" —Chris Herfurth Kennedy

"Unsponsored! This is GORGEOUS! Wore it for dinner in Italy and received many compliments. Fabric is a little stretchy, good cut, and little to no sewing errors. Will be good for at least four more summers and nice to keep on hand for tea/garden parties." —Sophie

Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (available in 21 colors/styles and sizes 0–16).

2. A maxi dress so you can arrive to brunch in style. With gorgeous balloon sleeves, a ruffled neckline, oh, and not to mention the adorable colors it comes in, you really can't go wrong, can you?

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love the way this dress fits! It's so comfortable and can be worn for so many occasions. It stretches so well in every area and looks very [awesome] on my curvy body. I also love that you can wear the shoulders in different ways. I get so many compliments on it every time I wear it. I bought two colors and I'm planning to buy more of them in the future." —Naxhiely

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in sizes S–XL and in 36 colors).

3. A gorgeous halter maxi dress with pockets — an immediate Y-E-S. (But like seriously, why don't all dresses have pockets??) It comes in *so* many vibrant and cute designs, I wish you the best of luck trying to choose just one!  

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I read reviews religiously, but I never write them. This dress had to be the exception! As soon as I opened it, it felt like great quality. The material is soft, the top has a gel-like hem so it doesn’t slip, and there are pockets! I’m 5’8” and got a medium! So excited to wear this for my bridal shower this summer!" —Kevin Troy Landers

"I really liked this dress a lot! It’s well made and I didn’t have to use a bra for it either. I am going to wear for dinners out. I also wore it on my cruise, which was for formal night. I got some compliments and cannot believe I found this on Amazon! I normally go to the mall for cute dresses to try on." —Ellie

Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in 32 prints and sizes S–XXL).

4. A spandex-blend slip maxi dress because wouldn't it be nice to look dressy but stay comfy at the same time? Thanks to this Skims lookalike, you can! Reviewers *love* how the material is just as soft as that brand's, and some even say it's better!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Reviewers agree that if you want it fitted, size down.

Promising reviews: "I saw this girl wearing this exact style of dress with a Skims tag on the back, and honestly, it made me so grateful that I purchased this dress instead. It looks exactly like the Skims version, and I could be biased, but the material of this dress looked better than the Skims one. If you want it to be a little snug, I would definitely recommend sizing down one size from your normal size. So freaking comfortable and made out of thick material." —Kaitlyn

"This was purchased to add to my summer dresses. I recently bought one in brown and loved it. So I had to get it in this purple /lavender color. Material's just as good and thick all while being form fitting and going to my ankles. It's still breathable and I could move around without worrying about anything coming loose. I love that even though it was a lighter color you couldn't see what I was wearing underneath. Perfect. I receive compliments all the time in this dress, even from toddlers. Even they know a great look when they see it. Haha. 😊" —Roxi Roxx

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in sizes XXS–XL and seven colors).

5. A drawstring bodycon dress that you can adjust and tailor to your liking. You can pull the strings to make it shorter and ruched or extend the dress for a longer look, whatever you want!

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising reviews: "What’s nice is the string on the side makes the length adjustable. I received so many compliments on this adorable summer dress! I purchased the long sleeve version in black also for cooler weather! Comes in so many fun colors!" —Peggymag

"This dress is amazing! The fabric is so soft and silky but also has structure and because the sides are ruched, I can adjust it to the perfect length, which means a lot when you're only 5'1". The ruching allows me to control the amount of fabric gathered in the tummy and behind areas. To sum it all up, I LOVE the dress and plan on purchasing at least two more in the army green and the brown because this style dress can also be worn in the fall and spring months with a basic or colored denim jacket and a cute pair of boots or booties!" —Tonya

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in 15 colors/styles).

6. An open-back beauty you'll feel absolutely elegant in whether you wear it to a dinner date or for a stroll on the beach. The ruffles at the bottom are simply *everything*.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Love the fabric, the fit, and the flowy-ness of the skirt! I got a size small in blue; it’s a tad bit long (I’m only 5'2"), but I’ll wear it with wedge sandals, so that won’t be an issue! It’s very well-sewn and such a beautiful color, and I couldn’t be happier! (I love it so much I’ve already ordered a second one in another color!)I don’t ever want to take it off!" —Jaime

"Purchased this dress for vacation. It was perfect for an evening dinner and a night out. It fit well. The back is very revealing, but it was perfect for a night out. There is a drawstring in the back to allow you to either tighten or loosen the area around the waist and the back opening of the dress. The material is not heavy, nor is it too thin. Received lots of compliments." —Cassandra Vincent

Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and 29 colors).

7. A floral maxi dress that's just drop. dead. gorgeous. With such an adorable print and elegant hem, don't be surprised when you start getting tons of compliments as you stroll around the vineyard minding your own business — it's just that stunning. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "It's stunning, breathtaking, and beautiful. It was love at first sight when I saw it. It's worth every penny! It makes you feel like a goddess! I got all the compliments! I'm definitely buying this dress in different prints. 🥰" —Kia Howard

Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and 12 colors).

8. A graphic maxi dress reviewers love because it's a perfect alternative to the rather pricey $600 Alemais dress, and to that I say, "Bellissima!" I'm literally looking at flights to Europe after staring at this dress for five seconds. 

Amazon

Promising review: "This dress has gotten so many compliments. It’s absolutely beautiful. The print is so fun and all the fabric makes you feel like a princess twirling around. It’s an amazing [alternative] for a brand that’s over-the-top expensive. It’s not completely see-through. I’ve worn it without anything underneath. Not a dealbreaker. But that all depends on you. It fits wonderfully. There are no pockets, but I wouldn’t want pockets with this dress because it would mess up the fun print." —PagingMrsGehrels

Get it from Amazon for $20.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and in three prints).

9. A smocked midi dress begging to be added to your cart right. 👏 now. 👏 Just imagine wearing this piece covered in tiny, cheery flowers while sitting on a picnic blanket and sipping on a bottle of bubbly — life couldn't possibly get any better. 

www.amazon.com, Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

Reviewers say it generally runs true to size but is a bit on the looser side. BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly (pictured right) actually owns and loves this dress! She said:

"I know, I look SO elegant and not at all like I've been running on ~three hours of sleep a night for going on a week at this point of my vacation, right?! I packed it for Italy knowing that I'd be going in lots of churches and religious sites that require having your shoulders and knees covered, and I pulled it off with this by merely slipping the sleeves up higher. But I owned this dress months before I touched down in Rome and have been racking up compliments from strangers on the streets of NYC thanks to this frock. ('Thanks! It's from Amazon!') It washes well, is super lightweight, and very easy to wear with a regular bra. The only thing it *doesn't* have is pockets. But I'll make an exception for this comfy beaut."

Promising review: "So happy with my purchase! I received many compliments when wearing this dress and it makes sense, because it’s lovely! It’s super comfortable too. It’s beautiful to wear out but also comfortable enough to wear around the house. It’s just as beautiful on the shoulder, though I prefer it off, but the great thing is that it stays put whichever way you should to wear it. I highly recommend it!" —Melanie Grace

Get it from Amazon for $37.99(available in sizes XS–XL and six colors).

10. An airy patchwork mini dress to turn you into a real-life fairy. The mesh fabric will keep you feeling light and breezy all day long! This dress is so amazing that it deserves its own new word: gorgtastic. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I am IN LOVE WITH THIS DRESS. I bought it as a backup dress for my recent trip to Mexico, and it ended up being my FAVORITE. SOOOOOO so so so beautiful, got so many compliments and I loved it SO MUCH. I am ordering it in navy and beige (and probably every other color) because it is amazing!! It’s not only beachy, but could be worn with cowboy boots or even dresses up with a cardigan. BEST PURCHASE by far!!!! So in love!! Just do yourself a favor and buy this now!!" —kayla zumwalt

Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and 32 styles).

11. A dipped-waist smocked midi dress ready to be slipped into so you can conquer the day with style and practicality, thanks to the side pockets!

Abercrombie & Fitch

Promising review: "Easy dress to throw on for any occasion. Lightweight and breathable — got so many compliments!" —Anonymous

Get it from Abercrombie & Fitch for $110 (available in sizes XXS–XXL, three lengths, and six styles).

12. An elegant mini dress — with its flowy sleeves, adorable bowtie, and deep V-neck, it's clear to see why it's earned its spot in Amazon's "Internet Famous" section. Plus, the material is lightweight and breathable, so it has all the ingredients for a perfect summer dress.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This little dress is a delightful addition to any fashion-forward wardrobe. The mini dress exudes sophistication with its deep V-neckline and charming bow tie detail, adding a touch of elegance to your ensemble. It has a pretty lightweight and breathable fabric, and it's perfect for staying cool and stylish during the warmer months. I wore this dress in white on Easter and received so many compliments! The mini length adds a flirty vibe, while the flowy silhouette ensures comfort and ease of movement. Whether you're attending a brunch with friends or a summer soirée, this dress is sure to turn heads!" —Jhawk90

Get it from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in 27 colors and sizes S–XL).

13. A wrap dress for a boho-chic look that's perfect for picnics — or dinners in Rome. Pair it with some slides, heels, or no shoes at all! Vacation mode: on. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "This dress is SO PRETTY!!! The minute I walked out I had so many people compliment on this dress. I bought my regular size and absolutely love it!!! The quality is amazing...extremely soft." —Sarah Arshad

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and 20 styles).

14. A must-have, moisture-wicking tennis dress (or perhaps pickleball, nowadays) designed to give off sporty vibes but can be worn for any casual occasion. It has adjustable straps, a built-in bra, and built-in shorts with pockets on each side to hold your phone and wallet discreetly.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I was so excited to get this dress in the mail. I have been wanting to get one for a while and finally ordered. I love wearing this for walks, casual hanging out, or as a light workout fit. It is so cute. One of my favorite details is that the bra pads are removable! The straps are also easily adjustable. I have gotten many compliments on it, too! 'Is that Lululemon or the Halara brand?' Nope, Amazon ;)." —maiya

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and 17 colors).

15. A rainbow-inspired midi dress to add a pop of color to your day if it's feeling rather drab. The puff sleeves and square neck are to die for, and if you can't decide what color to wear, just throw this beauty on so you can wear 'em all! 

Mr Water New York on Etsy

Mr. Water New York is an Asian American- and woman-owned fashion brand delivering unique apparel that makes a big statement.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this dress!! I get so many compliments when I wear it and it’s truly one of a kind." —Victoria Kennedy

Get it from Mr. Water New York on Etsy for $99 (available in sizes XS–XXL).

16. A one-shoulder smocked midi dress with ruffles for days. So many reviewers said they were flooded with compliments while wearing this, so don't be surprised when they start flying your way! Wear this pretty number out for dinner or to an outdoor wedding, and you'll look as cute as ever. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Dress for many occasions. Wore to a baby shower and received many compliments. It’s flowy and can be easily styled with sneakers, sandals or high-heeled boot. I’m in the season of multipurposing my wardrobe and this dress can be paired in the winter too. Worth the money! Sometimes with these dresses the top halter can be either too small or big, so I recommend getting true to size." —Delors

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in 23 colors/prints and sizes XS–XXL).

17. A darling mini dress you can wear on the beach and on the streets, looking as cute as ever with its adjustable cinch and side slit. Plus, it even comes in sparkly designs so you can snag two options: one to rock your afternoon outing and one to dance the night away. 

Princess Polly

Promising review: "Going to be a staple for sure this summer! I loved this dress and how supportive it was on my chest; the elastic rubber hold on the tube top was great. The slit made the whole dress super fun. Another dress I wore during my friend's bach in Cabo, Mexico. It looked great with my tan, and I got a ton of compliments on it!" —Lauren P.

Get it from Princess Polly for $18+ (originally $75; available in 12 styles and sizes 0–12; note: not all sizes are available in all styles). 

18. A spaghetti-strap maxi with a smocked back for some stretch and some rick rack trim action that gives it a fun lil' touch! This dress is way too adorable to not see the light of day, so even if you're a homebody, you'll probably force yourself to go outside to show this piece off. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Great quality for the price! Super breathable but not see-through; great fabric. Adjustable straps! Beautiful dress. I received so many compliments!! Fits true to size!" —Trinity

Get it from Amazon $14.24+ (available in sizes S–XXL and nine colors).

19. A breezy customizable tie-dye maxi dress that's basically "boho meets chic." The open back is absolutely stunning — Greece doesn't know what's coming for them. 

Coco De Chom / Etsy

Coco de Chom is a Texas-based, woman-owned Etsy shop that specializes in handmade garments inspired by Thai designs and beaches. 

Promising reviews: "This dress looks as gorgeous in person as it does in the photos. Fits great and is super soft. Also ordered in another color (which I also LOVE). Customer service is also amazing, and items are shipped right away. Couldn't be happier!" —Mary Molnar 

"Absolutely love these dresses! This is the fourth one I've bought, and I will continue to buy more. I get compliments every time I wear one! Love, Love, Love!" —Melanie Laymance

Get it from Coco De Chom on Etsy for $54.95+ (available in sizes S–L and in six colors). 

20. A tie-neck cocktail dress with ruffles on the sides, sleeves, and hem that just don't quit! This dress calls for some twirling, shimmying, and dancing 💃 (exactly like this emoji).

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is a very beautiful, fashion-forward dress. It looks just like the picture. I wore it to a wedding and received many compliments. Please note, the dress is not a stretchy material. Although I ordered a size up, I would suggest ordering one or two sizes up if you would like the dress to fit loose or fall closer to your knees because it’s very short." —Quinna LaMark-Smith

Get it from Amazon for $16.51+ (available in sizes XS–XL and in four colors).

21. An off-the-shoulder smock dress — wear it with a sunhat, adorable heels, and sunglasses for a showstopping 'fit. The side slits add a fun detail to this already stunning dress.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Bought this for our couples beach photo session in Oahu and it was PERFECT!!! I received endless compliments whenever I’ve worn this: to dinner, the farmers market, shopping…anywhere and everywhere! The sleeves stay in place and don’t ride up or fall down, very flowy. Buy two!!! You won’t regret it! :)" —Christi

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in sizes XS–4XL and 29 styles). 

22. A pretty floral wrap-effect dress that's just drop. dead. gorgeous. Rock this dress to any party or date and it's going to be compliments galore. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "Everything about this dress made it a winner. The fabric is so nice- light and doesn’t feel cheap. The pattern is great. It was so flowy and comfortable. I got compliments on it all night long." —Hutchinson Family

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes 14–26 and in 10 prints).

23. A midi-length satin dress so you can be the second best dressed at your bestie's wedding. You can't go wrong with the timeless cowl neck, especially when there's no many colors and patterns to choose from! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

FYI, there are TONS of pregnant reviewers who are obsessed with the amount of stretch this dress has. And here's a similar plus-size version (L–5X).

Promising review: "Okay I LOVED this dress. I wore it to a wedding and got so many compliments! The length is good and there is a slit so you can move. It fits and stretches so well. There is a zipper on the side but I didn't need to unzip it to get it on (it was actually easier to do this by myself). I did not have to wear a bra but I could have. The straps are adjustable. There isn't any ruching necessarily, but there is enough material that I kind of ruched it myself." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and in 22 colors and styles).

24. A belted gown that'll make you want to twirl through fields, down the street, and even around your home like the princess you are. This dress has some SERIOUS flow. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

FYI, the ribbon belt is removable!

Promising review: "I got this dress for my college graduation photos and I couldn't of picked a better one, honestly!!! It was very hot the day I got these pictures taken but I was getting all kinds of air and felt so cool because of this dress! It has a liner to hide your undergarments, which works great. The response to this dress from my friends and family has been nothing but compliments. Seriously this is in the top three of my favorite dresses ever!" —Rita Lamb

Get it from Amazon for $42.99+ (available in sizes M–XXL and seven styles).

25. A tie-front satin dress destined to be your "brunch with the girlies" uniform, especially with all the different floral prints! With a stunning side slit and a cutesie lil' keyhole, your besties are going to be starstruck. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Just FYI: The majority of reviewers say to size up!

Promising reviews: "This dress matched my expectations. The material is silky and can be a little clingy with static. It comes very wrinkled and creates wrinkles easily, so definitely iron before wearing. I love how the straps are adjustable, though. The top is stretchy and was almost a little on the bigger side for me, but was very comfy to wear." —Christina

"I wore this to a spring wedding and received several compliments. It felt well-made, lightweight, and the colors were gorgeous. I’m 5'2 and with heels on it worked perfectly." —Danielle

Get it from Amazon for $48.99 (available in sizes XS–3XL and in 17 colors). 

26. A cute chambray overall dress that'll make your inner child happy because it comes in so many playful patterns. Just throw this over a tee and you're ready to go frolic in a field of flowers. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "This is the cutest thing I've bought in a long time! It's long enough on me (I'm 5'9"), the bib covers my chest properly (I'm a 36D), and it looks just like the picture! The straps are adjustable, which makes sizing customizable for you. This dress is adorable and I get compliments every time I wear it! It looks great and is so comfy!" —Jacqueline M.

Get it from Amazon for $30.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and in nine styles).

27. A halter-neck sundress — this is exactly the dress I picture when I think of a modern rom-com movie. With a gorgeous belted waist and high neck, get ready for all the compliments that are going to come flying your way!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This dress is so pretty. I got compliments all night! The top layer is sheer but it has as slip underneath that went to just above my knees. Super comfortable and with a boho type vibe but still felt elegant and fancy enough for a nice restaurant and a play at the theatre. I haven’t washed it yet so I can’t speak to how it holds up and I will most likely take it to the cleaners to let them handle it. But it seems well made and didn’t stretch out, lose shape or wrinkle while I was wearing it." —Jacob Wiebe

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 15 colors; note: not all sizes are available in all colors).

28. A playfulmini dress, because the unique crossover waist and flared sleeves make this *mwah* chef's kiss. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I loved this and it is my current favorite dress, super comfy and great material. I was SHOCKED when I saw it. I got the pink one. I definitely recommend." —Denitsa Nikolova

"Very cute and perfect for summer. This dress came in a clutch for a day outing, and I got so many compliments. The dress is quality material and fits well." —J.

Get it from Amazon for $38.99(available in sizes S–XL and 15 colors).

29. A ruffle-sleeve dress adorned with vibrant colors and designs that'll make you want to hop, skip, and twirl because you just look that cute. You'll absolutely be serving looks with the gorgeous tiers and flared sleeves. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "I liked this dress so much I bought it in a second color. To be honest, it's probably not my last one. I'm definitely thinking about ordering a few more. This dress is so easy to throw on and dress up or down, depending on how you style it. I love the loose, comfy fit. It's already got a slightly oversized feel to it, so don't worry about sizing up. It's perfect as is." —Cristina Thrower

"Super cute and comfy dress. True to size. I get compliments every time I wear this dress." —Amanda Watkins

Get it from Amazon for $38.94 (available in sizes S–XXL and in 32 colors).

30. A drop-waist mini dress, a simple yet statement-making piece. Pair it with some beachy sandals for a casual look, or dress it up with some heels for brunch with the besties.

Free People

Promising review: "This mini dress is so cute, very comfortable, and I got SO many compliments from my friends. Highly recommend for football games, darties, etc." —Free People Customer

Get it from Free People for $58 (available in sizes XS–XL and in six colors)

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity. 

……

Read full article on BuzzFeed-Shopping

America Lifestyle Fashion