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31 Dresses Future You Will Be So Glad You Bought Before Summer Even Officially Begins
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BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More Because we all know the song “Summer Lovin‘” was actually about the perfect dress. I am a contributor who has been writing for BuzzFeed Shopping for over two years with an emphasis on home goods, parenting items and toys, beauty products, and anything that can make your day-to-day life run a little smoother. Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's. Promising review: "Love this dress! So cute and comfy! Very well made. Great weight. I love that it's not see-through! Perfect summer go anywhere dress! —Sissy Get it from Madewell for $74.99+ (originally $128+; available in sizes XXS–XXL and three colors). Promising review: "It's just as stated. I love it for my summer weddings. Never any doubt when ordering from Lands' End." —bernies mom Get it from Lands' End for $89.95 (available in sizes S–3X and two colors). Get it from Banana Republic Factory for $72+ (originally $120; available in sizes XXS–XXL, tall and petite sizes, and four colors/patterns). Get it from Lane Bryant for $71.97 (originally $119.95; available in sizes 14–28). Promising review: "Bought for my honeymoon in Europe! Has built-in bra/running shorts, which makes moving around easy!" —Melissa24 Get it from Abercrombie for $56.25 (originally $75; available in sizes XXS–XXL, tall and petite sizes, and nine colors/patterns). Promising review: "This dress is practically perfect in every way. I loved it so much I bought all three prints. I think it actually looks better in person than on the model. If you have a larger chest, I wouldn't size down." —mommydearest Get it from Anthropologie for $178 (available in sizes XXS–3X). I LOVE Tradlands. They focus on high-quality staples, thoughtful designs, and making products that will last. It's the opposite of fast fashion and will last for years to come. Currently wearing my beloved alpaca cardigan as I type this because I'm that obsessed. For real life. Promising reviews: "Love the dress! The red color is beautiful. I also love the smocking — normally, maxi-flowy dresses just eat me up, but with a fitted bodice, I get the best of both worlds: a comfortable dress that suits my body. Not too big and not restrictive either." —Nimue "I love this dress! The model photos don’t show this, but it also works beautifully off the shoulder. I wore it to a formal event, and despite the casual fabric, the shape and color looked formal enough that I didn’t feel out of place. I can see myself wearing it in my everyday life too, and I love that versatility (because I didn’t want to buy a formal dress, I would only wear it a couple of times per year). The pockets make it extra comfortable and practical. This was my first Tradlands purchase, and I’m super impressed." —Mia Get it from Tradlands for $188 (available in sizes XS–4X and six colors/patterns). Get it from Gap for $49+ (available in sizes XXS–XXL, tall and petite sizes, and three colors). Promising review: "So cute! The smocking ensures this dress will be a great fit." —Elizabeth P Get it from Unique Vintage for $98+ (available in sizes XS–5X and five colors/patterns). Promising reviews: "Love this dress. So comfy and soft. Perfect for Florida spring." —Creativeyebyidaliz Get it from Target for $28 (originally $35; available in sizes XS–4X and two colors/patterns). Get it from Asos for $54.99+ (available in sizes 14–26 and two colors/patterns). Promising review: "I love athletic dresses, and this one is amazing. We just need more colors." —Jessika C Get it from Old Navy for $32.99 (originally $54.99; available in sizes XS–4X, tall and petite sizes, and three colors). And yeah, you absolutely need that woven tote, too! Get it from Loft for $66 (originally $110; available in sizes XS–XL). Get it from J. Crew for $124.50 (originally $178; available in sizes XXS–3X, tall and petite fits, and five colors) Promising review: "I love this comfortable dress! The length is perfect for me and doesn't cling to me at all. It's a dress that one could put over a swimsuit or dress up with a necklace and heels. This will be a wardrobe staple. Great fabric and washes well." —Katherine R. Get it from Everlane for $97 (originally $138; available in sizes XXS–XXL and three colors). Promising review: "This is literally my favorite dress. Dinner plans? Perfect. Back to school night? Throw a cardigan over it and a cute pair of sandals. Country concert? Pair with a jean jacket and your fav boots. I wish this came in more colors in the plus sizes... Would love a black, navy, or cute print." —LIZ Get it from Quince for $84 (available in sizes XS–XL in 12 colors/prints and plus sizes 1X–3X in five colors/prints). Get it from Urban Outfitters for $69 (available in sizes XS–XL). Promising review: "Love this cotton dress with cotton lining! It is not see-through, and I don't have to wear a bra or slip. Perfect for hot Texas summer weather." —Yesitsreallyme Get it from Walmart for $36 (available in sizes XS–4X and two colors/patterns). Promising review: "This dress is so comfortable and sexy at the same time. It has pockets and just enough coverage. I'm an 18 in dresses usually, and also large-breasted. The XL fits me perfectly. I bought it during their sale in navy. Hopefully, the other colors will become available for sale. Because I will be buying the white and the black dress. —Anonymous Get it from Banana Republic for $89.97+ (originally $200; available in sizes XXS–XXL, petite sizes, and three colors). Get it from Nordstrom for $109 (available in sizes XS–XL). And be sure to snag that tote to complete the look! Promising review: "I have this dress in black and LOVE it. Dress it up with cute sandals and a blazer, or put on your baseball cap and tennis shoes. Great material. Above the knee, but not too short so I can wear it to work." —Cindy Get it from Athleta for $49.99+ (originally $79; available in sizes XXS–XL, petite and tall sizes, and seven colors). Promising review: "I love the styling of this dress with all the tailored seaming. A great summer dress!" —Cathy Get it from L.L. Bean for $130 (available in sizes XS–XL). Promising review: "I absolutely love this dress. The material feels nice, it’s flowy, and the color is gorgeous. Love the pockets, the fit, and the length. I will be ordering it in more colors." —F**a Get it from Bloomchic for $36.72 (originally $45; available in sizes 10/M–30/6X and four colors). Promising review: "I bought this for a cocktail reception. I will also pair this with jeans and a T-shirt. This is officially my favorite thing in my wardrobe." —Juliann Get it from Boden for $270 (available in sizes 0–22). Promising review: "This is the most comfortable and beautiful dress ever! It comes in so many gorgeous colors. I highly recommend it. I’ve worn it so many times, and it still looks brand-new." —Free People Customer Get it from Free People for $118 (available in sizes XS–L and 13 colors). Get it from Gap Factory for $39.99+ (originally $64.99; available in sizes XS–XXL, petite and tall sizes, and eight colors/patterns). Get it from Levi's for $69.95 (available in sizes XS–XXL). Promising reviews: "This dress fits so well and is so fun! Looks super cute on and I cannot wait to wear it to my friend's welcome party the night before her wedding!" —Elizabeth P. "I was looking for a short dress for summer. The fit is perfect. I don't feel I need undergarments to hold me in. Very comfortable. Dressy enough for a wedding guest." —Crystal C. Get it from Lulus for $49 (available in sizes XXS–XL and two colors/patterns). Promising review: “Midi dress with a flare! So pretty and true fit, received so many compliments, it was a great choice!” —Hajjji Get it from Nordstrom Rack for $49.97 (available in sizes 14W–24W). Promising review: "Fit beautifully. I love it and can't wait to wear it. The material is soft and lies perfectly." —Lizzie007 Get it from Torrid for $59.98 (originally $75.99; available in sizes 10–30). Get it from Reformation for $198 (available in sizes 0–12 and three colors/patterns). * Dresses That Reviewers Say Actually Feel Lightweight During The Summer * Versatile Dresses You’ll Wear Over And Over Again All Summer * Dresses Reviewers Say Travel Well So You Can Confidently Pack Them In Your Suitcase BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.