In Kind Shopping: The Ultimate Summer Dress Guide
You asked, so we asked: 20 shopping recommendations from some of our most stylish friends.
When the weather warms and all we want is one-and-done looks, we’re thinking of outfits almost exclusively in terms of dresses.
Here, we enlisted a few of our friends—stylish founders, creatives, and all-around cool women with excellent taste—to share the summer dresses they’re shopping and wearing all season.
x Leah + Hannah
There’s maybe nothing so quintessentially summer as the perfect white dress.
“A white cotton eyelet summer dress is a forever staple. I love the drop waist and hem details on this Sea number. Style with a flat sandal and statement earrings.”—Meg Busacca-Green, designer
“‘Tis the season of the perfect sundress, and my girl [designer] Jessie Loeffler Randall knows how to do it right.”—Molly Fienning, co-founder & CEO of Red Clay Hot Sauce
“This Zara find looks expensive and quality is even better in person. Love to drape a cream sweater over or white denim jacket.”—Laura Deems, artist
“I adore this for an easy slip on dress—I sized up for a looser fit.”—Laura Deems
“Since giving birth to my son a month ago, finding flattering styles for my changing body has been difficult. This lace shirt dress is perfect; it can be worn with its self-tie belt to define the waistline or trapeze style, gently draping away from the body.”—Samantha Sheinson, blogger & creator of The NY Blonde
The LBD says summer, albeit a bit more subtly.
“It’s a nautical summer! I love this classic, timeless dress that you will continue to grab from your closet for many summers to come.”—Meg Busacca-Green
“If this doesn't give you Parisian girl chic, I don't know what does. A La Ligne dress and sexy mules are basically my summer wardrobe.”—Molly Fienning
“Nothing beats an effortless LBD like this mini cotton eyelet dress from Doen. I love the delicate ruffle trim and feminine eyelet details.”—Samantha Sheinson
Want easy, breezy? Look no further.
“This dress just screams summer. I love a cute shift and the gingham can easily be dressed or down depending on your shoes and is the perfect choice for Fourth of July festivities but will also take you into early fall.”—Kristin Koch Kennedy, blogger & creator
“I’ve got printed mini dresses on the brain for my summer trips to Central America—this one from Zimmermann and…
…this from Farm Rio.”—Claudia Mata, founder of Vertly
“Our perfect little square beach kaftan can be worn as a cover-up, a short shift, or a tunic. I always add these to my luggage as they are small to pack and yet are the most versatile pieces. The fact that they are one size and so comfy is another huge reason I adore them!”—Sue Sartor, founder and designer of Sue Sartor
“Rhode is one of the few brands that can get me to wear color, and this dress is a colorblock dream! In my summer dreams, I'm wearing this dress fresh from the beach with wet hair and flip flops to meet friends for crudo and wine.”—Betsy Sadler, founder of Marshell
We like to think of these as statement-making without trying too hard.
“I like to buy one ‘special’ dress in the summer and this is high on my list! It can be dressed up or down, and will easily transition into fall.”—Jasmine Woodard Rose, strategic and creative brand consultant
“What a fun, tropical print for summer. I love this strapless maxi dress with its elegant silhouette—plus, it's under $110.”—Samantha Sheinson
“I think the contrast borders of our tie-shoulder sundress is the loveliest design detail. I like easy sundresses because all I have to do is add a favorite pair of sunnies and some espadrilles or sandals, and I’ve got a go-everywhere summer-ready look. One and done.”—Sue Sartor
“I love a beautiful sundress you can just throw on and wear all day, from the beach or pool to cocktails and dinner. This one does it all and the embroidered detailing is so pretty.”—Kristin Koch Kennedy
Summer, with a little more coverage.
“I love this dress because it's so easy and packs well for travel (folds down into basically nothing!). It's striped but neutral and goes with all my summer shoes.”—Nikki Kule, founder and designer of KULE
“I love the quality of the poplin of this dress. It's crunchy but so light and airy. It travels well and packs down really small, too.”—Nikki Kule
“This dress is perfect for when you don’t want to go sleeveless. I love the pops of red.”—Jasmine Woodard Rose