Summer means many things for many people. For women, it means ditching itchy heavy fabrics for light-as-air summer dresses that make you feel like you’re wearing nothing.
Summer dress season is a glorious time for us women. Not only are they pretty but the ease of slipping one on in as little as mere seconds make them the best type clothing, period.
Recall how long it took us to suit up just to leave the house only a few short weeks ago? Let's leave those sorrowful memories behind and start planning our summer dress lineup with these 20 warm weather frocks for inspiration.
Story continues below the slideshow:
Women's Summer Dresses
Yumi Kim Sasha Maxi, $260
If there’s anything Yumi Kim does well, it’s founder and designer Kim Phan’s variety of maxi dresses and rompers. The Shasha Maxi is made of silk chiffon so it will feel great against your summer skin. Yumi Kim’s dresses are all about details and we love the braided rope, gold hardware and the slightly longer hemline in the back.
Zara Ribbed Detail Dress, $79.90
We can’t stop gawking! This snow white dress is calling all minimalist fashionistas who love a relaxed fit and a haute couture esthetic. The peek-a-boo cutout is really what makes the dress though.
Club Monaco Narella Dress, $179.50
This silk shift dress is relaxed enough for the beach but an easy feat to dress up for a night out. The scalloped trim gives it that fun playful edge that a great summer frock should posses.
If you’re looking for something cheap, cheerful and edgy, Forever 21 is your haven for wallet friendly on-trend looks. We love this scoop neck embroidered dress with crochet trim that channels your inner bohemian.
FCUK’s Springfield Flower Maxi is a statement maker. The semi sheer top and embroidered detailing gives this dress an interesting mix of bohemian princess and modern elegance.
Mango Floral Shift Dress, $59.95
The boxy shape of Mango’s Floral Shift Dress is what caught our eye first. We also love the dropped shoulders and the pops of red within the floral pattern.
Rachel Zoe Trench Dress, $495 (Available at Kitson)
Popular LA boutique Kitson is where much of young Hollywood flock for their everyday wardrobe. We found this great trench dress by Rachel Zoe that might not be ideal for the beach but perfect for a summer night out with the girls. And yes, they do ship to Canada!
Somehow, this dress with the gold sequin overlay looks quite earthy and almost beach appropriate. The Golden Panes Shift is part of Tabitha—Anthropologie’s exclusive line designed by Beth Bowley. Bowley’s signature style is romantic with a splash of something unexpected and we definitely see that in this great summer number.
Joe Fresh doesn’t disappoint with this stunning silk print dress with a modern silhouette. We can’t imagine doing anything but sipping a fresh coconut in this tropical inspired dress.
If Kate Moss approves, so do we. Leave it to Topshop’s ongoing collaboration with supermodel Kate Moss to bring us this head-turning fringe dress. We implore you to twirl around in this number for extra drama.
Whether you like it or not, gingham is in so join the club with this adorable pleated number from our fashionable friends at ASOS.
We’re well aware this dress featuring the original grumpy cat isn’t for everyone. However, if you’re a bit daring and have a sense of humour, you’ll love London-based label, Lazy Oaf’s collaboration with Garfield.
Comfort meets style in the form of this simple colour blocked maxi dress with a front slit. No fuss no muss.
A classic white shirt-dress with a cute panama hat? How St. Barts of us! We especially dig the side slits that give this conservative summer dress a little sex appeal.
Navy Seal style goes sexy with the Little Moons dress by surfer label, Billabong. The flowy dress features a ruffled overlay and an adorable rope belt to finish off the look.
We promise, you’ll feel very Mary Kate and Ashley in this majestic silk printed caftan from BCBG.
You can always count on Kate Spade for impeccably tailored whimsical designs. This tropical print peplum sheath is ideal for a Sunday stroll, paired with minimalist sandals or swap them for heels and party the night away.
LOFT Blurred Dot Cutout Back Dress, $102.33
Polka dots just say summer, which is why we love this blurred dot A-line dress from LOFT with a feminine sweetheart neckline.
If you’re looking for a great splurge for the summer, look no further than this printed maxi by Ted Baker. The ethereal dress features a halter neckline, pleated detailing on the bodice and an ombre effect throughout.
The Gap Tulip Dress, $64.95
The Gap is pushing the t-shirt dress this summer and we’re totally on board with their simple yet stylish Tulip Dress. There’s really nothing like a jersey dress so comfortable, it feels almost like your second skin.