On a hot summer day, the last thing you want to worry about is putting together a complex ensemble as you're running out the door to happy hour or a picnic in the park. Compound this notion with a paramount desire for comfort, and you're left with dresses as the sartorial solution to all your seasonal needs. In case you're in search of a few new styles to add to your rotation, we've asked our staffers to share the dresses they've been living in over the past few months. The results range from printed midis to slinky knit maxis to frothy minis, all of which promise to carry you seamlessly from day to night, office to dinner, beach to city.
Jess Teves, Head of Content
Maidstone Printed Cotton Voile Midi Dress
This dreamy, soft, pink-hued dress is everything I want to live in this summer—with lots of gold jewelry and big hats, of course. Besides this dress having a subdued, almost nostalgic-feeling Hawaiian print, I'm loving how you can also wear it strapless, if so desired.
Blossom Cut-out Beach Dress
This ethereal dress is made wearable from the Lycra bodysuit housed discreetly inside voluminous sleeves and flowing chiffon fabric. I dare say if there was ever a dress to scream summer vacation, this one might be it.
Lorraine Knit Dress
I'm scooping this up now because I'm so afraid it'll be out of stock come fall. It's the perfect year-round dress that I can pair with sandals and chunky gold jewelry in the summer, and layer under leather and blazers in the fall and winter.
Leya Kaufman, Head of Sales & Brand Partnerships
Asymmetric Dress in Cotton Jersey
This is the type of dress that I could live in. It's the perfect summer desk-to-date staple that I want to rock on repeat with my hair pulled back, any sandal in my closet, and chunky gold hoops. Like any versatile classic LWD, it is also begging to go on vacation.
Comoroto Maxi Dress
For me, summer always calls for a few dresses with unexpected cutouts, but that doesn't mean I want to live in bodycon silhouettes. I love this slightly playful and voluminous take on a maxi dress that shows a little skin. This dress was also handcrafted by female artisans in Venezuela.
Mixed Prints Bow Top Midi Dress
I've also been crushing on Farm Rio's eye-catching colors and prints all season. While my wardrobe tends to be filled with neutrals throughout the year, after a few summer barbecues or beach trips, I have to throw on a hint of color. As a bonus, this dress just pairs perfectly well with an Aperol Spritz.
Camille Freestone, Associate Style Editor
x Emilia Wickstead Nika Caftan
This collaboration features two favorite brands of mine who have come together for a collection that fully evokes the refined "la dolce vita" sentiment I am attempting to channel this summer. The classic stripe motif will go perfectly with brown leather shoes and accessories.
The Dolly Silk Dress
As someone who is rather pale, I grew up with the antiquated idea that I couldn't wear yellow. Luckily, I've shattered that boring illusion and have had so much fun sporting the sunny shade. This simple minidress is super flattering and works with anything from summer sandals to Converse high-tops.
Dot Dress
Over the summer, I tend to gravitate towards dresses that are super boxy and very short (if you can't tell by my other selections). Not only is this extremely flattering (and forgiving), it's so comfortable. And with the all-around happier energy this season, I've found myself gravitating towards more and more color, which is a rarity for me.
Caroline Dunn, Affiliate Coordinator
Kate Dress
This effortless Jenni Kayne midi dress reminds me of an updated take on this Carrie Bradshaw look. Super chic, flattering, and perfect for a cooler evening or outdoor dinner by the water this summer.
Serin Circle-back Maxi Dress
Modern Citizen is one of those brands that you'll wish you found sooner upon realizing that every single thing on their site gives the "put-together fashion girl" look at an affordable price. I'm in love with the cutout detail of this otherwise classic navy dress, and will be pairing with my go-to Isabel Marant Lecce Belt and the Staud Audrey Sandal.
Cutout Midi Dress
If you've ever watched Bravo's Summer House, you'll know that "summer is supposed to be FUN," and fun this dress is. If you happen to have an upcoming brunch that has the potential to become an all-day affair, this one should be a no-brainer.
Ama Kwarteng, Beauty Editor
Angelica Midi Slip Dress
With a draped cowl neckline, a side slit, and a low back, this slip dress makes for a subtle, sexy summer dress that doesn't look like you're on your way to Avenue Nightclub (RIP). The midi-length cut paired with the lightweight fabric of this dress also makes it appropriate for any summer occasion, from an early evening dinner to rooftop drinks.
Tyra Cutout Crochet-Knit Maxi Dress
I've been a huge fan of the crocheted knit dress trend, and I don't see my love waning anytime soon. The material doesn't just add a tactile dimension, but it's also an ultra-breathable fabric—that plus the eye-catching waist cutout makes this dress a great wardrobe choice during those hot summer days.
Gaia Mini Dress
If you look up "statement dress" in the dictionary, I'm pretty sure you'll see this look. Together, the mini-silhouette, saturated colors, and bold prints make this body-hugging dress perfect for any event where you want to steal the show and get a good Instagram picture while doing it.
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