Beat the Heat With These Cute Summer Dresses

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 (and they even double as cute spring dresses!) 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.

If you're ready to start filling your closet with cute summer dresses, shop these picks! Afterwards, you can top off your look with a retro-inspired pair of cat-eye sunglasses or a pretty straw hat.