Lightweight dresses are what summer fashion is all about. Our list includes five casual frocks you’ll want to wear all season long.
Dresses are perfect for summer, especially when they’re made of lightweight materials, like linen and cotton. Great for throwing on over a swimsuit, doing a little weekend shopping, or hanging out by the tiki bar, you’ll love each and every one of these dresses for different reasons.
With flirty minis, trendy midis, and tried and true maxis, there are a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your personal style. We’ve included colorful and eye-catching looks, as well as basic, but far from boring, neutral dresses, allowing you to have as much fun with color and accessories as you’d like. Even better news is that these are well made dresses in natural materials that are intended to last, meaning these fabulous frocks will be around for many summers to come.
1. Peachy Keen Midi
This peach linen button down dress with a sweetheart neckline may quite possibly become your favorite summer dress. We recommend wearing this as-is with your favorite flats, or layered with a variety of different summer separates. Style this dress unbuttoned with a pair of denim shorts, over your swimwear, with distressed jeans, or over a coordinating tank. Beyond peach, this style comes in multiple colors and patterns. Priced at $79.
2. Flirty Ruffled Mini
A cross between a pinafore dress and a vintage apron, this flirty little number has had a modern makeover with a lightweight summer feel. Black gives it a more formal appeal, but the cotton and linen blend and semi-sheer look keeps it casual. You’ll look as good coming as you will going thanks to the dramatic low-back design that would show off your ink. This dress would pair well with black lace up flats or some trendy platform sneakers. Priced at $68.
3. Setting Sun Maxi
Wow! A fun, eye-popping dress like this captures all the colors of the rainbow (and beautiful beach sunsets) and has combined them into one really rad-looking maxi. Casual, and slightly oversized, this empire waist dress has a tassel tie back detail and a generous cut. Try it with a coordinating bralette or basic tank if you don’t want to go braless. You can also throw this over all of your swimwear. Pair with heels or flats and your favorite straw tote. Priced at $98.
4. Yellow Gingham Midi
Take the picnic with you wherever you go in this adorable gingham linen midi. We’re loving the way it’s styled with the fishtail pigtail braids and the espadrille lace-up wedges. The roomy cut still provides plenty of shape thanks to the elastic waistband and is loose in the bust area, providing a relaxed fit. And although it’s not bra friendly, it does have pockets (pockets!), which pretty much cancels out any sort of flaw this dress might have. Priced at $218.
5. Denim Cold Shoulder
The list wouldn’t be complete without a touch of the trendy. This off-the-shoulder dress is breezy, chic, modern, and perfect for lightweight summer dressing. Denim makes it unique and the bell sleeves add a touch of whimsy. The close cut is loose, yet flattering and would look great with a variety of footwear. From lace-up flats to espadrille wedges, and laid-back slides to athletic sneakers, you can’t go wrong! An armful of bangles and simple thin hoop earrings would complement this look nicely. Priced at $98.
*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.
Related on EcoSalon
7 Surprising Ways Clothing Affects Your Life (Not Just Your Look)
11 Must-Wear Spring Sandals That are Also Vegan
5 Looks Inspired by Sea Glass: Friday Finds