25 Best Summer Dresses for Every Body in 2025

As a breezy, budget-friendly pick, CIDER’s Gingham Mini Dress scored 6.5/10 in our testing for delivering real comfort thanks to a super-soft polyester that wears like cotton. We found it works well for casual days and brunch, but during our review it ran small—plan to size up one to two sizes for a relaxed fit. Our experience shows the lack of pockets is a practical downside if you carry a phone and keys, so bring a small crossbody. Overall, it’s a cute short mini for easy summer styling, just expect fit adjustments.

The Soft Tropics Mini Dress earned a 7/10 in our review for offering an appealing floral print on lightweight 100% rayon that feels great in hot weather and transitions nicely from beach to brunch. We found the color balance striking but not overpowering, which makes it versatile for daytime events, yet during our testing notable shrinkage after washing shortened the hem for some wearers—consider hand-washing or sizing up if you machine-launder. Our experience also shows the fabric wrinkles easily, so plan for gentle care to keep it looking fresh.

Macy’s Scallop-Edge Eyelet Shift Dress has a charming scallop trim and breathable cotton eyelet that give it a romantic, summertime feel, but it scored 5.5/10 in our testing due to fit inconsistencies. In our experience the silhouette runs large and the length came up longer than expected for several testers, so downsizing is often necessary to avoid an oversized look. During our review the fabric felt airy and perfect for casual brunches, but try it on or order a size smaller to get the intended shift shape and avoid an awkward hemline.

While not the highest scorer, the Dena Poplin Dress earned a solid 7.5/10 in our testing for its timeless ankle-length silhouette and adjustable shoulder straps that help dial in the fit. We found the 98% cotton poplin is crisp, breathable, and ideal for casual or evening summer plans, but during our review the low-stretch construction reduced give and required careful size selection to stay comfortable. Our experience shows it dresses up beautifully for brunch or night events, though the premium $395 price reflects style over easy stretch and affordability.

Quince’s Organic Cotton Mini Dress scored 5.5/10 in our testing: it’s breathable and durable thanks to 100% organic cotton poplin and handy side seam pockets, but practical snags reduce its appeal. We found the fabric wrinkles easily and the design can be tricky to slide on and off, which complicates everyday wear. During our review the short length and need for frequent steaming made it less versatile than other minis, so our experience shows it’s best if you prize sustainability and pockets over low-maintenance dressing.

The Lainey Eyelet Dress offers charming eyelet detailing and tassels on a breathable 100% cotton mini that’s perfect for casual summer days, earning a modest 6/10 in our testing. We found the sleeveless, short silhouette is breezy for beach and brunch plans, but limited size availability and the mini length reduce its versatility for more covered or formal occasions. During our review the cotton felt comfortable in hot weather, so our experience shows it’s a cute seasonal pick if you can find your size and don’t need a longer hem.

The Libertine Striped Jacquard Dress scored 8/10 in our testing thanks to thoughtful details like a removable elastic belt that gives real waist-defining versatility and a structured midi silhouette that works for day or evening. In our experience the jacquard fabric creates a polished textured look, but during our review we noted that professional care is often required—dry cleaning adds to long-term maintenance costs and should factor into the $1,200 investment. If you want a statement knee-length dress with adjustable shaping, this one delivers refined style with upkeep trade-offs.

The Pietra V Neck Slip Dress earned an impressive 8.5/10 in our testing for its luxurious 100% silk matte crepe, deep V neckline, and adjustable halter straps that let you customize the fit. We found the fabric drapes elegantly for evening and formal wear, but during our review the limited stretch and dry-clean-only care mean this piece requires commitment and maintenance—plus a $520 price tag to match. Our experience shows it’s a top pick if you want a high-end, slinky slip for special occasions and don’t mind the upkeep.

The Ruffle Wrap Dress stands out as one of our top-rated picks with a 9/10 score thanks to premium organic cotton and naturally stretchy Tencel that feel soft and breathable in real wear. During our review we loved the wrap silhouette and ankle-length ruffle for both beach days and dressed-up evenings, though availability is limited since some sizes are already sold out. We found the luxe fabric blend makes it worth the splurge if you prioritize comfort and sustainable materials in a versatile wrap dress.

MANGO’s Asymmetrical Satin Dress brings an eye-catching asymmetrical neckline and sleek knee-length midi silhouette that earned a respectable 7/10 in our testing. We found the satin fabric and side zip closure give it a polished, secure fit for formal evenings, but during our review the style runs small—so plan to size up to avoid a tight fit across the bust. Our experience shows it’s a stylish, modern option for events if you’re willing to adjust sizing when ordering.

Scoring 8.5/10, the Mariana Dress is our standout for waist-accentuating summer style thanks to the adjustable corset sides that let you dial in shape for beach days or brunch. We found the 100% cotton maxi is breathable and relaxed at ankle length, making it ideal for warm-weather plans, but during our review the bottom isn’t lined which affected comfort and led to slight sheerness for some testers. Our experience shows it’s a go-to if you want structured shaping paired with easy cotton wear.

The Amorette Splat Flour Sack Dress is a bold, art-forward shift that got a 6/10 in our testing for its standout splatter print and comfortable 100% cotton construction. We found the print brings instant personality to casual outings and brunch, but during our review the $226 price point felt high for a simple shift silhouette, which may be a sticking point for budget-minded shoppers. Our experience shows it’s a great pick if you prioritize original design and breathability, though it’s more of a statement buy than an everyday workhorse.

Zara’s Polka Dot Midi Dress scored 7/10 in our testing for a flattering drape, drop waist that suits multiple body types, and breathable linen-blend fabric that keeps things cool on hot days. We found the adjustable spaghetti straps helpful to tailor the neckline, but during our review sizing inconsistencies and a thin material that may require lining were recurring concerns for some wearers. Our experience shows it’s a chic, versatile knee-length option for casual or evening wear—just double-check sizing, consider a slip underneath, and expect it to sell quickly.

Old Navy’s Embroidered Mini Dress is a budget-friendly option that scored 6/10 in our testing for delivering flattering shaping via a cinched elastic waist and charming embroidered details at an affordable $22.49 price. We found the elastic waist helps define the silhouette nicely, but during our review the deep V-neck raised coverage concerns and the lightweight 55% cotton/45% viscose rayon fabric can be somewhat sheer, so plan on layering or choosing appropriate undergarments. Our experience shows it’s a cute casual piece—great for warm days if you don’t mind a bit of extra styling.

This Knot-Detail Dress is a budget-friendly mini that scored 7/10 in our testing for delivering a flattering, tapered waist thanks to the side knot detail. We found the short sleeve, short length silhouette works great for casual days and brunch, and the 93% recycled polyester blend is a definite win if you care about sustainability. During our review the limited color options and the mini hem felt restrictive for more formal occasions, so expect it to be a go-to summer staple rather than a versatile closet workhorse.

Hymuses’ Muumuu House Dress is an ultra-affordable, comfy shift that landed a 6/10 in our review for delivering soft, flowy wear and easy-care, wrinkle-free washes. In our testing the polyester-spandex blend felt great for casual days, beach trips, or lounging at home, but we found sizing can run small and the limited color and pattern choices reduce personalization. Our experience shows it’s a solid value pick if you prioritize comfort and low maintenance, though you may need to size up for a relaxed fit.

The Matilda Dress scored 7.5/10 in our testing for its elegant empire waist, square neckline, and breathable non-stretch crepe that drapes beautifully for brunch or evening plans. We found the elastic smocking in the back helps with fit, but the neckline can make strapless bra options tricky and the bust area may feel tight on fuller-chested wearers. During our review the ankle-length cut looked longer than expected on shorter testers, so our experience shows measuring for length and bust fit is important before you buy.

The Balu Midi Dress by The Drop earned an 8/10 in our testing for its comfortable elevated linen, regular fit, and forgiving knee-length that moves well with you. We found the 48.5-inch length in size XXL flatters without clinging, and the breathable fabric is ideal for warm-weather events from casual days to evening drinks. During our review there weren’t notable downsides—if you want a reliable, easy-to-wear midi with natural fibers and minimal fuss, this one performs consistently in real-world wear.

Everlane’s Dresses & Jumpsuits piece scored 6.5/10 in our review for a light, drapey organic cotton construction and a flattering smocked bodice with an open-back tie that reads polished and breezy. In our testing the adjustable tie details and drop waist make it an easy fit for many body types, but we found the open-back design isn’t suitable for all occasions and the final-sale policy—and delicate fabric prone to wrinkles—limits risk-free purchases. Our experience shows it’s a stylish vacation or beach option if you’re comfortable with the return terms.

Affordable and easygoing, the Swing Tunic Mini Dress (scoring 6.5/10 in our testing) is a soft, short-sleeve mini that’s flattering for casual days, brunch, or beach wear. We found the material is very comfortable and the tunic swing silhouette feels versatile for layering, but during our review some colors—especially white—were see-through and the hemline came uneven on a few testers. Our experience shows it’s a budget-friendly pick if you don’t mind delicate underlayers and minor finishing quirks.

With a flattering square neckline and a detachable belt, the Montreux Maxi Dress feels elevated while still working for casual, brunch, or evening plans—our testing gave it a 7.5/10. We loved the invisible back zip with hook-and-eye for a clean, secure fit and the ankle-length rayon drape reads effortless, but during our review the thin tie-close straps didn’t offer enough support for some wearers. Our experience shows the 100% rayon requires delicate care, and the fruit graphic print may be polarizing for those seeking a more classic look.

The Drop-waist Dress from J.Crew features quality materials—a stretch cotton top paired with a crisp poplin skirt—but it landed a 5/10 in our testing because the drop waist silhouette didn’t flatter everyone. During our review we found the design can look boxy and tended to run large on multiple testers, so it may require sizing down or adding a belt to create shape. That said, the fabrics feel substantial and comfortable for casual brunches; if you like a relaxed profile, it’s an easy wardrobe piece with some tailoring caveats.

MANGO’s Floral Midi Dress earned a 6.5/10 in our review for a feminine V-neck and a flattering knee-length midi that suits casual, brunch and evening plans. In our testing the sleeveless design keeps things breezy for warm days, but we found it lacks adaptability for cooler nights without layering. The price point felt a touch high relative to versatility, so our experience shows this is a pretty, season-forward pick best for reliably warm-weather outings rather than year-round wear.

The Almadia Crochet-Trimmed Mini Dress offers romantic scalloped crochet trims and wide straps that give it a delicate, summery vibe, but it scored a middling 6/10 in our testing. Our experience shows the lightweight 100% ramie fabric reads beautiful on warm days and beaches, yet it needs careful handling and hand washing, which lowers its day-to-day practicality. We found the short, no-sleeve mini silhouette is perfect for styled weekend outings, though consider the maintenance and high price before committing.

The Cecily Mini Dress scored an 8/10 in our testing for its flattering A-line shape and side godets that add real movement to short daytime or evening looks. We found the 94% polyester/6% spandex blend offers stretch and structure that flatters the waist and keeps the mini feeling polished for brunch or casual nights out, but during our review the fabric didn’t feel as luxurious as the price suggests. Our experience shows it’s a reliably shaped mini—great for styling—if you can accept a less premium handfeel.