It's not imperative to wear dresses all summer, but they surely do make it fun. I call it the quintessential one-and-done outfit, and this time of year, you thankfully don't have to worry about the minutia of layering it to oblivion. Personally, my closet is overflowing with dresses like nothing else at the moment, and it's the one item I'm not afraid to go overboard with.
Beyond the convenience and sartorial pleasure of wearing a dress, it's a piece that makes complete sense right about now. There's always an event to attend in the warmer months—even if it's not a summer wedding or destination vacation. Surely, someone is either graduating, throwing a birthday celebration, or putting together a party just because. And here's where that overflowing arsenal of beautiful dresses comes in. When picking one out, your best bet is to stick with a timeless silhouette that can carry you across all occasions. A little bit of trendiness thrown in is always a good idea too.
Below, I've curated a list of elegant and simply gorgeous dresses to consider when looking put-together is the objective. Keep scrolling to shop them all.
Silk dresses are a dime a dozen, but what makes this one so special is the contrasting black lace across the bodice and a well-placed (yet slightly modest) cutout.
Believe it or not, wrinkly satin is very in right now.
There are so many ways to style this.
If you need a special vacation dress, this shade of tangerine will definitely turn heads.
Minidresses tend to look informal no matter how you spin them, but the tailored shape and scoop neckline on this one feel super sophisticated.
Cutouts don't have to be edgy. This dress utilizes the trend in the most polished way possible.
This shape is so practical. You can virtually wear it for anything.
Réalisation dresses are always on point when it comes to silhouettes.
Simply stunning.
Now that Gen Z has discovered the magic of Norma Kamali, expect this to sell out like hotcakes.
I'm here for the halter neckline.
Maybe it's just me, but black and white in a dress just scream elegance.
Wearing all white is definitely taking a chance, but just keep a stain-remover pen handy—this dress is so worth it.
This piece is more of an investment, but trust me when I say you'll have this forever.
Suddenly, I want to go on vacation.
I'll take this exact outfit, please.
When in doubt, an off-the-shoulder dress is guaranteed to bring the elegance.
This color is everything.
The front-button details give big Italian-grandma vibes.
I'll be surprised if this is not completely sold out soon.
Of course, you can't have a list like this without Reformation.
Add a pair of vibrant sandals for a cool play on color.
Toile prints just do it for me in the summer.
Who said florals can't be tasteful?
This is currently in my cart.
Jacquemus can do no wrong in my eyes.
As a life goal, I want everything in my closet to be Christopher Esber.
Here's a more modest dress that is every bit as fresh and modern.
Just dreamy.
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