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20 Best Summer Sundresses to Add to Your Warm-Weather Rotation

Perfect for frolicking, FYI.

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Anyone else notice how cute dresses—and specifically easy, breezy sundresses—are really having a moment right now? These beauts are taking over our feeds rn in a big way! And with their lightweight, flirty, and functional appeal, it's hard to resist. So, of course, we're here to bring you the best sundresses for the summer. Get ready to soak up the sun, babe.

While sundresses can cover a variety of lengths, fabrics, and styles, the thing that separates a ~sundress~ from a ~regular dress~ is its ability to be worn under the unforgiving scorching sun (but never forget your SPF!). It should embody summer vibes and instantly transport you to carefree days filled with iced lattes and beach hangs. Typically, you'll find cotton and linen to be the most breathable fabrics for these frocks—but you can easily have your spotlight moment in a satin dress as well! And even if your dress is on the longer side (we love you, maxis) doesn't mean it wont catch the breeze and flow properly on a hot day. Throw on what feels most comfortable (and cool) to you, and you're set. Okay, ready? Go.

Our top picks for the best summer sundresses in 2024:


Of course, if you're looking for something more specific like the best summer shorts, midi dresses, slip dresses, or the chicest linen shirts, you can bet we've got you covered on those grounds as well. In the meantime, let's get down to these stunning sundresses! Cool?

Crocheted Halterneck Mini Dress
Credit: & Other Stories

Crochet is a summer staple. If it's not already part of your wardrobe, this halter dress is the perfect first purchase.

Found: Your new fave white dress. (I mean, it's mine!)

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The Anjuli Nap Dress
Credit: Hill House Home

This cottagecore-inspired dress is breathtaking! Create a perf look by pairing it with a cute bag and some chic accessories.

this bubble dress

MANGO A-line dress

A-line dress
Credit: Mango

Another major trend for summer? Bubble dresses. This bright red stunner is the ideal day-party look.

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Victoria Maxi Dress
Credit: Fanm Mon

How pretty is this butter yellow dress? Just look at the floral embroidery!

How cute is this nautical inspired mini dress? I see a boat day in your future!!!

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All of a sudden, I'm ready for a tropical getaway. This strapless maxi is effortless.

Nama Smocked Ruffle Strapless Maxi Dress
Credit: Nordstrom

The color of this dress is stunning (Barbiecore forever, baby) and would look so amazing at a summer wedding.

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Drop waist silhouettes are having a major moment. This elegant maxi will get you through any formal event this season.

this compliment magnet

Bardot Vibrant Floral Midi Dress

Vibrant Floral Midi Dress
Credit: Revolve

If you have a fun summer party or wedding to attend, snag this midi dress and get ready for allll the compliments.

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Kebbi One-Shoulder Dress in Lavender
Credit: Nordstrom

How stunning is this one? From the one-shoulder to the ruched bodice and of course the color, this is the summer dress of my dreams.

Crochet-look Beach Dress
Credit: H&M

You'll obviously need a crochet mini dress this summer—how else are you going to show off your cute bathing suit?!

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Sora Linen Dress
Credit: Reformation

Get ready for all gingham everything. I'm not mad about this though—this one's already in my cart.

Absolutely loving this linen vest dress. It's cool and effortless...what more could you want?

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This one's a vacay must. It's lightweight which makes it a must for even the hottest dog days.

One-shoulder dresses single-handedly (LOL) make dresses cooler...and so do cut-outs!

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this classic dress

Steve Madden Sally Dress

Sally Dress
Credit: Revolve

When it's too hot to even think about what to wear, consider this option as an easy go-to.

this printed blue maxi

SNDYS Angel Dress in Blue

Angel Dress in Blue
Credit: Revolve

Did someone say happy hour? It's a winner for me.

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this off-the-shoulder one

Lioness Field Of Dreams Dress

Field Of Dreams Dress
Credit: Revolve

This dress is giving ethereal vibes and it's almost begging to be worn to a bridal shower.

Soft Linen-Blend Mini Dress
Credit: Gap

Easy and lightweight, you already know you'll get a lot of wear out of this green mini.

Headshot of Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien

Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle about 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is Miss Supranational Haiti 2024, a Syracuse Masters graduate, and the author of three books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok: @iamtarahlynn.

Lettermark
Danielle Flum
Fashion editor
Danielle is the Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers the American and British ready-to-wear markets and handles fashion for all covers and fashion stories in book and online. When she's not working on print, she covers all the latest fashion trends and news for digital. Danielle started as a Fashion Intern for Cosmopolitan in 2016 and has been with the magazine ever since. Follow her journey in the fashion industry on Instagram.
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