23 Throw-On Summer Dresses That Still Feel Really Polished

Every year, there comes a point when I make the switch from my usual uniform (jeans and a simple top, probably striped) to donning dresses everyday. It usually happens somewhere between mid-May and June, and it's prompted by the first signs of warmer weather. After several weeks of blue(r) skies and milder temperatures, I feel safe in making the transition now. After all, when we find ourselves in 20-degree climes, there's no comfier item to float around in than a lightweight cotton dress.

To be more specific, cotton poplin is the fabrication I'll be stocking up on for the coming months. It's crisper and softer than its sister fabrics, and it's naturally wrinkle-resistant. You'll be grateful for this fact when you stuff your holiday dresses unceremoniously into your suitcase, only to discover there's no iron in your hotel room. We've all been there.

The good news is that the closer we get to summer, the more poplin dresses are populating new-in categories. The bad news, if you're impatient like me, is this means sifting through hundreds of styles in search of the perfect dress (or two, or five). But don't worry—I've taken one for the team and done the wading for you. Keep scrolling to see and shop the best poplin dresses for the season ahead.

Shop the Best Poplin Dresses for Summer 2025: