Beat the Heat With These Cute and Breezy Summer Dresses

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When it comes to a warm-weather wardrobe, cute summer dresses are always on the list. Scratch that—they're at the very top of the list, right above jean shorts, lightweight blousy tops, and even flip flops! After all, one of the best things about summer is getting to shed all of those layers for a few months before fall rolls around. Fun in the sun just wouldn't be, well, as much fun without a few affordable dresses.

While floral dresses often embody "spring," summer dresses, too, come in a vast variety of playful designs and styles. You can find bright pops of color, fun prints and patterns, and cute details like ruffles, tie straps, and tiered silhouettes. Of course, you'll find plenty of smocked dresses, too. If you're looking for something more sophisticated, that's doable as well: A crisp white dress paired with comfortable sandals works just as great at a beach party as a casual sundress does.

One of the most iconic summer looks, flowy maxi dresses, are another fun option to keep in mind. Lightweight and breezy, they're all perfect for sultry summer days and nights, while still offering leg coverage. You'll find a few cute options here, along with midi dresses, mini dresses, and knee-length dresses. Of course, you can browse plenty of dresses from Ree's new summer collection, too! Afterwards, you can top off your look with a retro-inspired pair of cat-eye sunglasses or a pretty straw hat.

Add to your summer wardrobe with these essentials:

• Cute Summer Outfits You'll Wear Throughout the Warmer Months

• Best One-Piece Swimsuits to Wear This Summer

• Breezy Summer Skirts to Wear All Season Long

The Pioneer Woman Tiered Knit Dress

Warm-weather adventures will be calling your name as soon as you slip into this casual yet cute pick from Ree's new collection. Seen here on Alex, it boasts a comfy cotton fabric, pretty puff sleeves, and a tiered skirt. Grab it in this teal, pink, or a black floral print.

Gingham Ruffle Maxi Dress

A carefree silhouette and cheerful gingham print make this dress a favorite for picnics, beach trips, and beyond! The tiered maxi skirt is just made for twirling in the sun!

Draper James Tie Waist Dress

Fun, flirty, and flouncy, this mini dress is just what your seasonal closet needs. The design includes a vibrant, charming print atop an A-line dress with a flattering tie-waist. It even has pockets!

Chico's Lace Shift Dress

With its double layer lined design adorned in all-over lace then topped with dramatic trumpet sleeves, this sophisticated pick is the perfect occasion look for the seasons ahead. It comes in a navy shade, too.

Ruffle Sleeve Floral Midi Dress

The best part of this pick? You can dress it up or down to fit your every seasonal need. No matter how you wear it, the loose babydoll silhouette with ruffled sleeves and colorful florals will keep you feeling comfortable and looking stylish.

Loft Can Print Linen Blend Strappy Midi Dress

Can't get enough of this can print dress? That's to be expected! It's downright fun! The flattering silhouette cut with a smooth-fitting, square-neck top and flounce skirt is just as irresistible.

SimpleFun Floral Sundress

For a style that you can simply slip-on with sneakers or sandals, try this casual t-shirt sundress. From florals and paisley to bandana and geometric, it comes in plenty of lively patterns. Plus, it has pockets!

The Pioneer Woman Off The Shoulder Belted Midi Dress

Florals on florals, please! We're more than a little obsessed with this pattern from Ree's new summer line—and the easy-wearing, off-the-shoulder design with ruffled tiers and a belted waist just makes it even better.

American Eagle Strapless Ruched Poplin Midi Dress

This chic and breezy number would be just the thing to wear to a farmer's market or into town for dinner. It's made of crisp cotton with a ruched bodice and flattering flare skirt. It also comes with removable straps.

Chico's Silk Blend Modern Print Shirt Dress

That bright and bold geometric pattern is just the beginning of this fabulous find! Other features like a sophisticated spread collar leading to a full-length buttoned front, waist-defining tie, and lightweight fabric will carry you through the summer in style.

Abercrombie Eyelet Maxi Dress

Because you need a little black dress for summer, too! Besides, this one is just plain elegant! That's thanks to the scrunchie straps, tiered skirt, and all-over eyelet details.

Boho Spaghetti Strap Maxi Dress

This beautiful dress will pair just as well with comfortable flip flops as it will fancy heels, making it an instant must-have. It's got a shirred bodice, self-tie sleeves, and a ruffle hem skirt.

Gap Linen-Cotton Puff Sleeve Mini Shirtdress

Linen is a go-to when the temperatures start to rise. The famously lightweight fabric will keep you feeling cool and looking cooler—especially when paired with that adorable shirtdress style in pretty pastel stripes.

The Pioneer Woman Eyelet Smocked Waist Ruffle Dress

Stylish and down-to-earth, this cotton eyelet dress from Ree's collection is bound to be an instant favorite. You'll especially love the tiered skirt, flutter sleeves and smocked waist to accentuate your figure.

Lulus Delicate Excellence Floral Embroidered Midi Dress

Darling details like dainty daisy embroidery and a crochet lace-trimmed V-neckline bodice make this sweet dress more than perfect for all your upcoming outings.

Abercrombie Tiered Ruffle Maxi Dress

There's just so much to love about this sweet style: a floaty tiered silhouette, a self-tie bow at the back, and lightweight cotton in a bright orchid hue.

The Pioneer Woman Sleeveless Tiered Midi Dress

Denim can be a little heavy for summer. But its cousin, chambray, is a great option for staying and looking cool in warm weather. We love the gentle shirring accents and the waist cinching self-tie belt on this one from Ree's line!

Abercrombie Crochet-Style Maxi Dress

We're hooked on the crochet trend! Get it? Either way, this gorgeous pick is just as flattering as it is fabulous featuring an elevated sweater-yarn fabric, contrast binding details, and a square neckline.

Cupshe Soft Tropics Short Sleeve Mini Dress

Vibrant orange, pink, and blue florals make this dress a winner for the warmer months ahead! Add the ruffled skirt and breathable, breezy fabric for a pick you just can't pass up.

The Ellie Nap Dress

Get ready to twirl! This pretty, smocked dress would look beautiful at the beach or at a backyard picnic—or basically any other summer event you can think of, too. It's soft, comfortable, and even has pockets!

Loft Striped Ruffle Strappy Midi Dress

A sweet striped pattern and pops of pink color are so seasonal. This breezy pick with a billowing skirt and ruffle neckline just nails it! Bonus: The spaghetti straps are adjustable.

Alaster Tie-Dye T-Shirt Dress

Get a summer camp feel—but for adults—with a fun tie-dye T-shirt dress. This one even has pockets! Major win.

Naggoo Ruffle Wrap Dress

These ruffles are too cute. You can dress this look up with colorful sandals or go more casual with a simple pair of sneakers. It comes in more than 30 fun prints and hues!

VOTEPRETTY White Summer Sundress

The bow and cut out details really elevate this simple white sundress. Pair it with a straw hat for the perfect summer look.

Billabong Wrap-Front Midi Dress

This dress is perfect for those who want a maxi feel without a hem that hits the floor. The tie-waist design gives the dress the perfect shape.

EXLURA Tie-Back Dress

Elastic waistbands for the win! You'll love the breezy chiffon fabric of this understated dress, too.

Floerns Boho Ditsy Floral Midi Dress

No matter the event, this ditsy floral-covered dress is sure to wow everyone in attendance. It has a flattering a-line cut and shirred waistline to match. We suggest a pair of espadrilles to tie it all together!

Bohemian Floral Printed Wrap Dress

New summer wardrobe staple alert! This super popular swingy dress features an irresistibly cool pattern and wrap-style closure. It comes in plenty of colors, too.

The Drop Britt Tiered Maxi Tent Dress

If you can't get away for a beach vacation this summer, you can bring the vacation to you with this cute maxi dress. Better yet, it comes in a wide range of vibrant colors and sizes!

SummerSalt The Silky Luxe Smocked Maxi Dress

Polished yet playful, we think this flouncy dress would look charming with both sneakers and heels. Not to mention, that stripe just screams summer!

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