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The Best Women’s Dress

Last updated on June 22, 2022

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When spring and summer roll around, temperatures get high, and humidity levels rise, it’s the perfect time of year to wear casual, lightweight dresses. The most comfortable styles are made from lightweight, breathable fabrics and don’t include closures like zippers, snaps and buttons. You’ll likely want to be able to pull them on over your head, adding a belt if you like (many come with matching ones).

Summer dresses can be sleeveless, short or long-sleeved; short peasant-style versions with full sleeves are trending for 2022. While some women go for full-length maxi dresses in the summer, shorter minidresses and ones that hit at the knee (midi dresses) can be more fun and casual.

Maxi dresses are great for most, but petite people may need to hem them. V-necks can elongate the body and be quite flattering. Elastic waistbands and ruching can also create a gorgeous silhouette. For those looking for a great time with minimal fabric to weigh you down, there’s always the bodycon dress, too.

Cotton is a very lightweight summertime material but is more prone to wrinkling. Today’s polyester, rayon, dacron and viscose materials are blended with spandex or elastane for stretch and are much easier to care for. Most can be machine washed and dried on a low setting or air-dried and won’t even wrinkle.

Our Picks For The Top Ladies' Dress

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

BTFBM Ruched Sleeveless Bodycon Mini Women’s Dress

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BTFBM

Ruched Sleeveless Bodycon Mini Women's Dress

As a sleeveless version of a bodycon mini dress, this great little piece is made from a breathable, stretchy polyester/viscose/elastane blend material that comes in 37 colors. This dress is lined and features a crewneck style and ruching in the front for a flattering fit.

Overall Take

Wearable, Versatile FrockWear it casually for work, play or hanging out with friends; you can easily add accessories and heels for dressier looks.

 Runner Up

HiMONE Sleeveless Empire High Waist Women’s Dress

HiMONE

Sleeveless Empire High Waist Women's Dress

Unbranded's sleeveless swing tunic mini dress is available in 41 different colors and patterns, is made from soft rayon and spandex and is sold in sizes x-small to xx-large. There's a choice perfect for every occasion you'll encounter this summer.

Overall Take

Relaxed Look and FeelThis dress looks perfect with sandals and sneakers; you can pull on a pair of leggings and a cardigan when it gets chilly at night.

 Best Leopard Dress

LAGSHIAN Leopard Bodycon Tank Dress

LAGSHIAN

Leopard Bodycon Tank Dress

The bold pattern and curve-hugging design make this bodycon dress a great addition to any wardrobe. You’ll get stretch fabric that’s both lightweight and breathable while also being thick enough to hold up even with regular wear. Elastic closure frees you of zippers and snaps to help keep you comfortable.

Overall Take

Vibrant PatternThe bold print of this tank dress will help you stand out from the crowd.

 We Also Like

Amoretu V Neck Long Sleeve Tunic Women’s Dress

Amoretu

V Neck Long Sleeve Tunic Women's Dress

Made from 100% dacron, this flirty peasant-style dress features a loose fit with long, flowing sleeves, a V-neck and a pleated skirt that hits a few inches above the knees (the back length is slightly longer).

Overall Take

A Pretty Peasant SilhouettePop this cute dress on when you're feeling a bit Bohemian, and prepare to hear lots of compliments when everyone sees you!

What to Look For

  • Some dresses made of lightweight fabrics can be a little bit see-through, so look for lined styles when possible. You can also opt to wear nude-colored underwear if you are concerned.
  • Read sizing charts carefully before picking a size.
  • Always follow the washing instructions, or your beautiful new dress might fade, shrink or tear. 
  • Sheath-style dresses are more form-fitting, and A-lines have narrow bodices and flared-out skirts. Some styles are loose all over.
  • Looser skirts on dresses are great for twirling!
  • Summer dresses can be perfect for the beach! Pop one on over your suit and throw on a pair of sandals, and you’ll be all set.
  • If you find a dress that you absolutely love, buy it in a few more colors and patterns and you’ll be set all summer long.

More to Explore

While dress and skirt hemlines rise and fall yearly based on the whims of fashion designers and celebrities, the miniskirt tends to stay put. Though British designer Mary Quant is credited with releasing the first version in the 1960s, history speaks differently.

Archaeologists found ancient Egyptian frescos with miniskirt-clad female acrobats and European figurines dressed in miniskirts that dated back to 5400-4700 BCE.

Additionally, in 1926, entertainer Josephine Baker wore a miniskirt made out of bananas during one of her “Folies Bergère” performances in Paris. Pre-1960s miniskirts were also seen in 1950s science fiction films, with two examples being “Forbidden Planet” and “Flight to Mars.”

More to explore