34 Summer Dresses with Sleeves (That Won’t Cause You to Overheat)
Whether you’re hoping to get some extra protection from the sun, would rather not expose your arms or just prefer a more modest sleeve length, these breezy frocks have got you covered. Literally. And just because they’ve got more fabric up top doesn’t mean you’ll end the day in a gross, sweaty puddle. Here, 34 hot-weather-approved long-sleeve options to get you through the next few months in style.
1. Maaji Wonderland Dreams Tunic Cover-Up
This moody tropical floral will look just as good paired with strappy sandals and some statement earrings for afternoon brunch as it will tossed over your bathing suit for a day at the beach.
Available in sizes XS to L
2. STAUD Long Sleeve Carolina Dress
This bubblegum pink frock may have long balloon sleeves and a ruffled high neck, but the cotton fabric and flounced hem will help keep the air flowing and your skin feeling nice and cool.
Available in sizes 0 to 12
3. Chico’s SANTORINI PRINT SHORT DRESS
This breezy tent dress is named after a Greek island, meaning it’s definitely a great dress to pack for an island getaway (even if that island is more local and less glamorous than Santorini).
Available in sizes 0 to 22
4. Lane Bryant Striped Maxi Dress
The slanted stripes of the bodice draw the eye up and in which is a super-easy way to create a slimming effect. The vertical stripes of the skirt, on the other hand will help elongate your frame no matter your hieght.
Available in sizes 10 to 28
5. MISA Lorena Dress
We’re obsessed with the florals-meets-tie-dye pattern on this mini, but even better is the incredibly lightweight chiffon it’s made from, which allows air to flow in and out with ease.
Available in sizes XS to XL
6. Stine Goya Wendy Dress
This mint-green frock evokes images of a delicious mint chocolate chip ice cream cone (in the best way possible) and will keep you feeling just as cool.
Available in sizes XXS to XL
7. Standard & Practices Meme Tencel Midi Dress
A denim dress for summer? We say yes, provided you stick to lighter chambray fabrications and loose flowy silhouettes, like this elegant midi.
Available in sizes 1X to 3X
8. Simply Be midi tea dress in leopard print
If super realistic animal prints just aren’t your thing you can absolutely still get in on the wilderness trend. Just look for more abstract variations, like these painterly spots, instead.
Available in sizes 12 to 22
9. Who What Wear 3/4 Sleeve Dress
The easiest way to balance the extra fabric of a long sleeve is by taking the hem up higher. Of course, adding buttons so you can adjust the amount of skin showing never hurts.
Available in sizes 1X to 4X
10. Madewell x Banjanan Wrap Mini Dress in Bird Print
This adorable wrap is part of a gorgeous collaboration between Madewell and the eco-friendly brand Banjanan, which is based in Jaipur and known for its vibrant original prints and easy, flowing silhouettes.
Available in sizes XXS to 3X
11. All In Favor Floral Smocked Waist Long Sleeve Minidress
Knot the ties at the neck into a loose bow for a little extra coverage or leave them hanging for a more boho vibe.
Available in sizes XS to XXL
12. Vince Textured V-Neck Midi Dress
Chic minimalism at its absolute finest, this golden-hued midi looks gorgeous on just about every skin tone and can just as easily be worn with flat tan sandals as with glittering heels and your favorite crystal earrings.
Available in sizes XXS to XL
13. Who What Wear Short Sleeve Dress
Not entirely sold on that hot pink hue? (Though we swear it’s easier to pull off than you think.) This fit-and-flare frock also comes in classic white and a pretty black floral print.
Available in sizes 1X to 4X
14. Burlesque Fluttering Romance Midi Dress
The fluttering sleeves on this lightweight floral dress offer just enough upper-arm coverage without feeling heavy or restrictive.
Available in sizes L to 4X
15. APIECE APART Nyang Nyang Dress
Swap the matching string belt for a light brown leather one to really define your waist, or skip a belt altogether and embrace the tent dress silhouette.
Available in sizes 14 to 22
16. Free People Maya Midi Shirtdress
Unbutton the bottom few buttons to get some extra air flow and show off more of your gorgeous stems.
Available in sizes XS to XL
17. Ava & Viv Floral Print Short Sleeve Wrap Dress
Tropical blooms add a little vacation vibe to your day, even if your plan consists of nothing but sitting on your couch binge-watching The Office... again.
Available in sizes X to 4X
18. FANCYINN Bell Sleeve Ruffle Hem Swing Mini Dress
While we’re big fans of this eye-popping black-and-white print, this dress also comes in a number of solid hues if that’s more your style.
Available in sizes XS to XL
19. Eloquii Dress with Dramatic Puff Sleeves
Wrap dresses aren’t always easy for those with big boobs to wear (too much cleavage, not enough fabric, lots of gaping), but the experts at Eloquii have cut this dress just so to wrap perfectly to show off just the right amount of clavicle.
Available in sizes 14 to 28
20. Wray Rosemary Dress
This billowing midi isn’t nearly as neon in person as you might fear. In fact, we’d venture to call it the ultimate shade of lime.
Available in sizes XS to 4XL
21. Tanya Taylor Cynthia Dress
This mixed media maxi has an adjustable tie at the back of the bodice to ensure it fits your bust just so, whether you’re working with an A cup or a DD cup.
Available in sizes 0 to 22
22. Shoshanna Ari Dress
We came for the stunning yellow floral print, but stayed for the incredibly flattering mini peplum waist.
Available in sizes 0 to 14
23. Line and Dot EMBROIDERED MINI DRESS
The combination of subtle daisy embroidery and a row of buttons at the back make this simple white frock feel a little more special.
Available in sizes XS to L
24. Self Portrait Rust Taffeta Midi Dress
This rust-hued midi combines two of our top favorite summer trends: puff sleeves and a square neckline.
Available in sizes 0 to 10
25. Uniqlo x Marimekko LINEN BLENDED SHIRT DRESS
This ‘60s print may be bold but it’s also incredibly flattering and will easily mask any lumps or bumps you’d prefer to hide. All that for just $15...
Available in sizes XXS to XL
26. For Love and Lemons Zinna Midi Dress
The matching belt is removable so you can continue to rock this pastel print long after summer dress season comes to a close. As for the dress itself, the small ruffle detail at the waist will help elongate your torso.
Available in sizes XXS to 2X
27. Rebecca Taylor INDIGO IKAT SILK DRESS
A shirred midsection gives shape to this flowy mini without pinching, a major bonus when you’re trying to beat the heat.
Available in sizes 00 to 16
28. Lulus Wandering Heart Mustard Yellow Balloon Sleeve Mini Dress
This lightweight cotton isn’t just breathable, it’s also super soft for all day comfort.
Available in sizes XS to XL
29. Lisa Marie Fernandez for Target Polka Dot Puff Sleeve Shirtdress
If Moira Rose shopped at Target you know she’d for sure have this polka-dot frock in her shopping cart.
Available in sizes XXS to 3X
30. Voloshin Amer Tiered Dress
We first fell in love with Voloshin for its sustainable, fair trade business practices, but it’s the consistently gorgeous small batch collections that keep us coming back month after month to see what’s new.
Available in sizes XS to XL
31. Eloquii Off the Shoulder Puff Sleeve Fit and Flare Dress
Just because you’d prefer to cover your arms doesn’t mean you can’t show a little collar bone and shoulder. Especially in a frock with a neckline as beautifully draped and folded as this one.
Available in sizes 14 to 28
32. Rhode ELLA DRESS Thread Embroidery
Rhode’s Ella dress has become the calling card of the brand and a staple among fashion influencers. And while there are lots of prints and patterns (and some solid hues, too) to choose from, we think this wood-block floral print is perhaps one of the prettiest designs yet.
Available in sizes XS to XL
33. Outerknown WILDFLOWER DRESS
The neckline of this midi is fully elasticized so you can pull it down over your shoulders to create a sexy off-the-shoulder silhouette at will.
Available in sizes XS to L
34. MARA HOFFMAN Adelina Dress
The ties of this wrap-front midi can be knotted at the back for a smooth silhouette or wrapped all the way around your waist to really cinch it and create an hourglass figure.
Available in sizes XL to 3X
RELATED: The 15 Best Plus-Size Shorts to Get You Through Summer’s Heat in Style
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