"Every time summer comes around, I have a strict rule where I refuse to wear pants with a zipper or button until Labor Day arrives. (OK, I’m exaggerating just a little). When the temps are over 80, the last thing I want is my legs to be restricted, so I end up solely relying on casual summer dresses from May through September.
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A casual summer dress will always be there for you on those days where you might think you “literally have nothing to wear,” and you already know it’s going to look cute with those mesh ballet flats you picked up recently. I like to wear casual summer dresses around the house, working from home, running errands, or to any social event the summertime comes with. They’re the one-and-done outfit that’s the gift that keeps giving all season long.
If you’re in the market to add more dresses to your wardrobe this season, look no further. We rounded up the 50 best casual summer dresses you can throw on and call it a day below.
Sheath/Shift Dresses
Shift dresses never really go out of style, but they’re always reimagined in different ways (hello, quiet luxury!). We’re currently partial to the timelessness of a linen shift dress.
Shirt Dresses
We’re calling it now: Collared shirt dresses are going to be an it-dress this summer. They look good on everyone, go with every possible shoe, and can be dressed up or down if you need them to be.
T-Shirt Dresses
T-shirt dresses are perfect to practically live in in the summer. I like to style my T-shirt dresses with a platform sandal and lots of chunky accessories to give the simple dress some dimension with items I already have in my closet.
Maxi Dresses
Is it just me, or every time you throw on a maxi dress do you feel a little too formal? One goal I have for this summer is to wear more maxi dresses, and these ones are casual enough to wear and not feel as if I’m wearing a Bridgerton-esque ball gown. They pair well with sneakers, sandals, and can certainly be dressed up with heels if needed.
Smocked Dresses
Hill House’s Nap Dress went viral a few years ago, and we’re still riding the high of smocked dresses in 2024. Smocked dresses typically have a ruching or bunching at the torso, making for a comfortable, flattering fit. Whether you wear this look in a maxi or mini length, you can be sure that you’ll be stylish and comfortable all day long.
Babydoll Dresses
Babydoll dresses are an easy dress to have in your closet to rely on when you don’t want to worry about picking out an outfit. They’re perfect to grab as a cover-up for the pool, or pair with sneakers or sandals while you’re running errands.
Denim Dresses
With the wave of the Western trend, we’re all about denim dressing lately. And of course, that’s going to include denim dresses. Think about it: Jeans already go with everything, so obviously a denim dress is going to as well. They’re casual, cute, and sure as hell pair well with your cowboy boots.
Workout Dresses
Let’s be honest here: Are we actually wearing these activewear dresses to workout? When a dress is made of the same material as my leggings and comes with an inner lining so I don’t have to worry about accidentally flashing anyone, of course I’m going to want multiple. If there’s any one-and-done dress, it’s an activewear dress. Plus, they look super cute with athletic shoes and crew socks.
