Summer Dresses for Women

A summer dress has one job that outranks all the others: staying comfortable when it is genuinely hot. That comes... Read More

A summer dress has one job that outranks all the others: staying comfortable when it is genuinely hot. That comes down to fabric long before it comes down to cut — which is why these are made in cotton poplin, viscose linen and lightweight georgette rather than heavy synthetics. Exclusive prints designed in-house, hand-finished detail, sizes XS through 3XL, by Project Runway Season 13 designer Sandhya Garg.

The cotton poplin fit-and-flare maxis in yellow, pink and black are the workhorses of this collection — structured, breathable, and dressy enough for a summer wedding without reading as formalwear. The Casablanca Midi and Marrakech Mini carry bold print for daytime. Among the current markdowns, the Blossom Cotton Dress is $207 and the Freesia and Azalea wrap dresses are $225 and $235. The Opal Black Wrap, the most-reviewed dress here, takes summer into evening.

A note on fabric. Cotton poplin holds its shape and sits away from the skin, which is why it outperforms jersey on a hot day — jersey clings the moment you warm up. Viscose linen drapes and breathes without creasing as hard as pure linen. Heavy lining traps heat regardless of what the outer fabric is doing, so it's worth checking. Lighter colours genuinely do run cooler in direct sun, though a dark print survives a spilled drink at a wedding rather better.

On length: a midi is the most versatile choice — appropriate at nearly any summer occasion, easy to sit down in, and long enough to feel considered. A maxi suits outdoor weddings, rooftop evenings and anywhere you'll be photographed. A mini is best kept for casual daytime and drinks.

Read more: five must-have summer outfits, the best modern sundresses, and spring and summer tops with sleeves. Travelling? See what to pack for a summer vacation. Wedding season? Read maxi dresses for wedding guests and what to wear to a beach wedding.

Browse by length in maxi, midi and mini dresses, or by style in sundresses, floral dresses and linen dresses. See also summer wedding guest dresses, vacation wear and the plus size occasion range. Check the size chart before ordering.

Free US shipping on orders over $250. Afterpay available. Ships from Scottsdale, AZ within 1–3 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fabric is best for a summer dress?
Cotton poplin, linen and viscose linen blends perform best in heat because they hold their shape and sit away from the skin. Jersey and stretch knits cling as soon as you warm up. Check for heavy lining, which traps heat regardless of the outer fabric. Georgette and lightweight viscose work well for summer evenings when you want more drape.

What length summer dress should I wear to a wedding?
A midi or maxi is the safest choice for a summer wedding. Midi suits garden ceremonies, restaurants and anywhere with seating; maxi works for beach and outdoor weddings and photographs particularly well. Avoid minis for daytime ceremonies. Whatever the length, avoid white, cream and ivory unless the invitation asks for them.

What colours are best for summer dresses?
Lighter shades reflect heat and genuinely stay cooler in direct sun — whites, pastels, corals and yellows. Bold prints in warm tones photograph well and hide creasing better than solids. For evening, jewel tones and dark florals read more polished than daytime brights. A dark print is also the practical choice at any event involving red wine.

Can you wear a summer dress to a wedding?
Yes, provided the fabric and length match the formality. A cotton poplin fit-and-flare maxi or a printed midi in viscose linen reads as appropriate at most summer weddings. Casual sundresses in jersey or thin cotton generally read too relaxed for a ceremony. Add heels and structured jewellery to lift a daytime dress into wedding register.

Do summer dresses come in plus sizes?
Yes. Every style is cut across the full XS–3XL range in the same prints and fabrics, at the same price — there is no separate plus size line. Made-to-measure is also available on any style for $50–$100 above retail.