As soon as the weather gets hot, you'll only catch me wearing one thing until stores start pulling out Halloween decorations: summer dresses. Because once it's over 72 degrees outside, I refuse to wear anything that's gonna have me feeling hot, sticky, and restricted (aka pants). So, when I want a cute warm-weather outfit moment and something that's 1. trendy, 2. affordable, and 3. ships fast, I turn to Amazon.
The online retail giant has a slew of adorable dresses available for every kind of summertime occasion. Whether you're looking for an all-white ensemble for a dinner date by the water or a family-friendly maxi for that backyard barbeque, Amazon has it all. To prove to my friends all those hours spent scrolling through the depths of Amazon's clothing section aren't for nothing, I have put my talents to use for you, dear reader, and you're going to like the results.
Our top picks for the best summer dresses on Amazon in 2023:
1
PRETTYGARDEN One Shoulder Strappy Tiered Floral Dress
Ahead, you'll find 27 adorable summer dresses on Amazon. Get ready for ruffles, cut-outs, silk, prints, and more! Yeah, I won’t be surprised if you come out of this shopping spree with a whole new wardrobe…🙈
1
PRETTYGARDEN One Shoulder Strappy Tiered Floral Dress
1
PRETTYGARDEN One Shoulder Strappy Tiered Floral Dress
You love a bodycon dress, but a tight fit isn’t always very pleasant under the scorching summer sun—I hear ya! With this smocked option, you’ll still get that form-fitting silhouette but with a very breathable and lightweight feel. Wear it to a bridal shower, brunch, or rooftop party, and not worry about sweat stains! THE REVIEWS: "I love this dress! It is the perfect amount of stretch—and it's light and airy," wrote one reviewer. "It's great for summers and for wintering in Florida with a cute denim jacket over the top! I had the hardest time deciding which color to choose and would love them in every color."
Two-piece sets are superior! Why? They look like a dress and give that same elevated essence, but they're so much easier to move in. No one will ever know you snagged this tw0-for-one combo for less than 30 bucks! Pair it with some chunky jewels, a woven bag, and some strappy heels to really tie everything in.
THE REVIEWS: "I absolutely love it! I received so many compliments," one reviewer wrote. "I have this outfit in a few colors and it’s very stretchy. You can adjust the top and the skirt to show skin or not."
This poplin frock is great if you’re a fan of frills and cut-outs. Peep the flirty scoop neckline and charming ruffles! MY REVIEW:As a sweaty girl year-round (but especially during the summer), I appreciate any dress that will allow for alllll the airflow to come through. But sometimes I don't want to go for a total skin-baring moment to achieve that. I love that this option has room to breathe without having intense cut-outs.
Let go of your neutrals this summer and trade them in for some bold colors! You'll literally be a walking art piece when you step out in this tie-dye number.
THE REVIEWS: "It’s really comfy, super cute on, and the print is so pretty and different."
Found: A maxi dress that’s cozy and cute enough to lounge in at home or wear to lunch with your pals. However you choose to wear it, I guarantee this gorgeous printed black and brown option with hints of blue will be on a constant rotation for ya.
MY REVIEW: Honestly, I don't wear dresses often. It's just not my thing! That isn't to say that I don't like them though! And when I'm shopping for a dress, I want one that I can wear during any season. I don't wanna buy something good for one time only. This maxi is weather-friendly and can be worn with platform sandals or platform boots—and with or without a cover-up. Either way, it'll look just as fab!
It’s got two of our favorite things: puff sleeves and a square neckline!
THE REVIEWS: "This dress is so cute!! Got so many compliments and it’s great quality for the price," writes one reviewer. "Can be worn off the shoulder too. Loved it!"
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Making the Cut Design Season 3 Episode 1 Winning Look
7
Making the Cut Design Season 3 Episode 1 Winning Look
No, because the fact that any bride-to-be can buy the perfect rehearsal dinner dress on Amazon for under $140 is *almost* too good to be true.
THE REVIEWS: "The most beautiful dress I’ve ever purchased," writes one reviewer. "It is STUNNING! It’s more expensive than my usual dresses, but damn is it worth it. I can immediately tell that the quality of the dress is above and beyond. The fabric and stitching are luxe. The skirt is so full and flouncy and there are pockets! I wasn’t sure if the sleeve parts could possibly still have the height they had on the show, but they definitely do. Some magicians sewed it perfectly to create these wing-like sleeves. I am in love."
A timeless classic from our friends over at Amazon’s in-house brand The Drop, this V-neck slip dress is ideal for styling by itself in the heat of summer or layering under a sweater during the winter. And it's got adjustable straps!
THE REVIEWS: "I’ve been wanting a slip dress for a while but the way my curves are set up it was not happening. This is perfect to dress up or down has some stretch to it," one reviewer writes. "This is 10/10 big booty big hips approved."
POV: You're on a picnic date with your partner or loved ones, frolicking in the park while wearing this flowy, romantic dress. I can see the *chef's kiss* Instagram pictures now!
THE REVIEWS: "I love how soft and pretty this is on! It’s flattering—so much so that I’ve bought two! Cute as a wedding guest dress or just for date nights!"
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10
Madjtlqy Women Sleeveless Backless Cutout Maxi Dress
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Madjtlqy Women Sleeveless Backless Cutout Maxi Dress
Meet the cottagecore dress of your dreams. She's got everything you want in a romantic silhouette. from the gingham pattern to the puff sleeves.
THE REVIEWS:"It fits perfectly on me," a reviewer writes. "I am 5'4", 220 pounds. I love that this dress has a nice shape to it and is not so straight. The puff sleeves are so cute and are very comfortable. The top is a super cute square shape that looks super flattering on your neck/décolletage area."
Fans of the oversize sleeve trend (and Bridgerton, TBH) are going to want to frolic around all summer long in this midi ensemble.
THE REVIEWS:"So happy with my purchase! I received many compliments when wearing this dress and it makes sense because it’s lovely! It’s super comfortable too," one reviewer writes. "It’s beautiful to wear out but also comfortable enough to wear around the house. It’s just as beautiful on the shoulder, though I prefer it off, but the great thing is that it stays put whichever way you should to wear it. I highly recommend it!"
Some reviewers say the top is not very supportive for large chests
Frankly, no summer wardrobe is complete without a billowing white dress. This knotted option, with numerous decorative buttons, is giving me major afternoon picnic vibes.
THE REVIEWS:"I love this dress! Surpassed my expectations," one reviewer writes. "It’s light, soft, and a cotton blend. The color is exactly as pictured and the size (XL) is just right! I am under 5’5, 190lbs, with a bra size of 36DDD, and usually an XL in tops and 14 in jeans. This particular dress is one you knot yourself at the bust and that’s perfect because I was able to pull it tight enough that I can go without a bra (and hello...36DDD, that NEVER happens!) I feel cool, cute, and comfortable. Ordering another right now!!"
The cowl neckline of this is just *chef's kiss.* Pair it with heels or flat sandals. Either way, a load of compliments about you in this silky number are in your future.
THE REVIEWS:"Fits like a glove!! The color is beautiful and the fabric is so soft, stretchy, and durable, I was comfortable in it all night and received so many compliments," one reviewer writes.
Your tropical vacation will be incomplete without this palm leaf-patterned gem.
THE REVIEWS: "I loved this dress," writes one reviewer. "It was thick, good quality, comfortable, and fits as expected. I’ve already worn it twice and will wear it much more this summer. Wrinkles come out really easily with a steamer."
The best part about wrap dresses, like this one, is the tie detail that you can easily adjust to your liking.
THE REVIEWS: "This dress is great! I got a ton of compliments on it! Definitely order a size up if you're not sure," writes one reviewer. "It's a full wrap dress, so you can just tie it tighter if it's a little too big. The material is so lightweight and breathable, but not at all see-through. It also doesn't show watermarks (if you sweat or spill something). And it doesn't wrinkle easily at all! Absolutely perfect!"
PSA: You can wear this in more than one way. Leave the tie at the front bust for a dainty look, or re-tie it around your neck for a sexy halter style.
THE REVIEWS:"The dress is totally gorgeous and flattering. I am very “busty”, but there is a lot of give in the top part. The color is gorgeous and it's sturdy and comfortable," one reviewer writes.
Introducing: a light and airy mini you can dress up or down. The off-the-shoulder design on this one is perf for the summertime.
THE REVIEWS: "This dress fit me perfectly and I didn’t even have to make adjustments; the length was just right! Really nice quality dress and so comfortable. My favorite feature was the pockets. I got so many compliments on how the dress fit and the color."
Let me introduce you to this stunning maxi with the most gorgeous details. The padded shoulders! The ring detail! The cut-outs! The slit! It's all too good to be true and for under $35, too??
THE REVIEWS:"I usually wear sizes 12-14 and this fits perfectly in a size large, one reviewer writes. "It's very comfortable, the material is soft, and it has great quality. Love it!"
While I'm fangirling over the gorgeous open back of this multicolored sundress, what really has my heart is the striped design. THE REVIEWS:"Alright people! This is it!! This dress is sooooo flipping cute!" one reviewer writes. "I bought the pink stripe and another in gray size large. The bottom hem is on the floor. I put a small knot at the bottom and it looked cute but I'll likely hem it. Although, the right length heels could really set it off too. The V neckline worked for me with a regular bra, as well as, a strappy yoga shelf bra. The body is ample and the pockets are well placed giving a look of sophistication. While the fabric is NOT cotton it is lightweight with a hint of stretch for ease pulling over the shoulders."
Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram.
Hanna Flanagan is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, sharing her recommendations for everything from denim and eye creams to coffee mugs and silk sheets. Before joining Cosmopolitan, she wrote fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content at People (so, yes, she’s basically a professional product tester at this point). Follow her on Instagram for photos of Timothée Chalamet and #OOTD mirror pics.
Bianca Rodriguez is the Fashion & Luxury Commerce Manager at Hearst Magazines, covering fashion, beauty, and more for Cosmopolitan, Elle, Esquire, Harper’s BAZAAR, and Town & Country. She likes lounging about with a good book and thinks a closet without platform sneakers is a travesty.