Everything feels better when you do it in a dress. That feeling is increased twofold when it comes to sitting down for a delicious meal outside. From the comfortable breeze to the orange sunset glow, nothing tops dining alfresco in a pretty dress while taking in the summer scenery. In fact, it's pretty much all I want to do right now. My humble balcony has seen more scrappy candlelit dinners than I'd care to admit.
You technically don't have to dress up every time you enjoy a plate of pasta outdoors, but wearing a nice dress surely enhances the experience. Should you, too, have many evenings of alfresco dinners ahead, take time to consider the below dresses. From elegant silk numbers to low-key floral pieces, each is exactly what I envision wearing on a warm night while downing a glass of wine and a delectable cheese plate. Even if you prefer to eat indoors, these dresses are simply so pretty that you're bound to wear them for at least one occasion this season. Scroll on to shop my favorites and see some summer inspiration.
Just from the details alone, I'd never guess this dress would be under $100.
Loose and flowy—perfect for housing a food baby.
The soft ruffles are nostalgic without being too cheesy.
This is a best seller for good reason.
You can definitely wear this for more than dining out.
While the front is supremely elegant, the back features a subtly seductive cutout.
At 60% off, it's pretty obvious that this should immediately be added to your cart.
You can't go wrong with silk.
Linen is always a good idea in the summer.
Style this with colorful earrings and heels to play up the tropical print.
Sheer is everywhere these days, and if you're game to try the trend, here's a way to embrace it without going totally risqué.
I love the simple silhouette.
While wearing black undergarments is an obvious choice, another approach would be styling a bright swimsuit underneath.
A classic.
I feel like Reformation has another viral hit on its hands.
The Old Hollywood vibes are strong here.
Crinkled material means you don't have to worry about ironing or steaming.
Christy Dawn is an L.A. favorite.
I'm obsessed with this color.
Here is more evidence that an oversize button-down is the MVP of summer. This dress can be worn as a cover-up or worn with heels for a low-key dinner look.
Juicier than your morning OJ.
Everything about this dress is so easy.
Since everyone couldn't stop talking about that pink Zara dress, the retailer released a similar version in black.
The modern way to do polka dots.
This dress feels like destinationwear.
This dress should come with its own plate of cacio e pepe.
When comfort and cool are key, Sleeper's selection of effortless linen dresses is your best bet.
The patchwork just does something to me.
If I'm making a list, ACNE Studios will always be on it.
Next up: How to Shop for a Vacation Without Buying Things You'll Never Wear Again
-
It's Here: Your Guide to the 10 Most Important Fashion Items to Buy This AugustTime to dip a toe into fall.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor in NYC—These Are the Pre-Fall Zara Items I'd Actually BuyIt's 70° outside.
-
My Fashion Friends Put These 30 Exceptionally Good Pieces on My Radar This MonthGood luck picking just one favorite.
-
Zara's New Arrivals Are Giving Bohemian Romance—37 Finds You Might Mistake for Vintage ChloéFrilly lace and flirty sequins.
-
I Shop for a Living—44 Nordstrom, Zara, and J.Crew Items That Are Actually Worth Your MoneyChic finds right this way.
-
6 Fashion Editors, 36 Summer Buys—Inside Our Summer 2025 Mood BoardsEverything inspiring our wardrobes this season.
-
Bring On the Transitional Weather—29 Perfectly Chic Pieces From Nordstrom to Wear Straight Through FallEffortless dressing right this way.
-
The Pretty Dress Trend L.A. It Girls Are Bringing Into Fall (and the "Basic" Style They Already Forgot About)It's finally time to part ways with boring linen dresses.
