Shopping·10 min read

16 Day Dresses For an Easy, Breezy Look

dresses-header
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Free People, Torrid
February 27, 2023

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A good day dress makes a perfect outfit for almost any occasion (except when the sun goes down, of course), from baby showers to errand-running to brunch. The key here is finding one — or two or three — that’s not only versatile, but also so aligned with your style that you couldn’t imagine feeling better in anything else. Shouldn’t be that hard, right?

To ease you in your search, we’ve rounded up our favorites, from whisper-soft cotton styles to linen and floral beauties. It’s time to find your new go-to.

tank-dress
Saks Fifth Avenue

A toile tank dress we added to our cart so quickly…

If we could dream up a perfect dress to wear everywhere from grabbing Sunday brunch to exploring the streets of a new city, it wouldn’t even come close to this one. Trust us, we’ve already tried it on. The silhouette fits just right up top and flows out prettily with an A-line skirt. Plus, the blue and white toile print is to die for. Absolute swoon. ($295, Saks Fifth Avenue)

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halter-dress
Amazon

A halter day dress that’s a little flirty…

Enter the sexy sundress. You’ll have legs for days in this one, plus it’ll give you a chance to show off your shoulders and arms. The light body-skimming material is great for hot days, and it pairs well with heels or sneakers. With over 20 patterns available, good luck choosing just one. ($36.99, Amazon)

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eyelet-maxi
Eloquii

A white maxi dress in allover eyelet design…

A dress that’s sure to be adored by all ages, this one is a maxi length with sleeves that fall to the elbows and a fairly large bow at the front. We would wear this to a bridal or baby shower and love the delicate pink. It also comes in white and sizes 14–32. Psst…use code YESPLEASE to take 40% off. ($149.95, Eloquii)

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tank-dress
Buck Mason

A tank dress that’s extremely comfortable…

Did you know that the brand that makes these men’s basics also makes women’s wear? Let us introduce you to some of the most comfortable clothing we’ve ever put on our bodies, thanks to luxurious pima cotton. This lightweight dress is no exception — it feels like wearing your favorite worn-in tee. It comes in four neutral colors and sizes XS–XXL. Customers say it’s even great as a maternity dress. ($85+, Buck Mason)

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floral-midi
Reformation

A floral midi from *the* dress brand…

When we think of day dresses, Reformation is one of the first places that come to mind. This piece has a pretty flutter sleeve, a midi length with a slit to show a little leg, and a smocked back for a bit of stretch at the bodice. We love the micro floral prints, but it also comes in a larger floral design and three solid colors, available in sizes 0–12. ($228, Reformation)

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maxi-dress
Amazon

A boho maxi dress for days you wish you could go back to sleep…

We all have those days — when getting out of bed is considered a small win. The second win? Throwing on this dress that’s so comfortable you could nap in it. It’s flowy, midi-length, and ties at the front. It comes in more than 20 patterns, so it’ll be easy to find one you like. Hard to pass up. ($30.99, Amazon)

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linen-dress
Faithfull the Brand

A linen mini dress in a bright floral…

If you’re not familiar with Faithfull the Brand, let us put you on to one of our favorite dress brands. The brightly colored floral prints have never let us down before. This linen number is guaranteed to keep you cool and has a fit-and-flare style that won’t cling. We can’t get enough of the subtle bow at the neckline. Psst…they also make the cutest swimwear. ($108, Faithfull the Brand)

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knit-midi
Torrid

A classic knit midi dress…

This one is super soft and stretchy but looks incredibly polished. It has an off-the-shoulder style, elastic to accentuate your waist, and long sleeves. Plus, it’s got pockets. You really can have it all. ($35.99, Torrid)

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maxi-dress
Anthropologie

A breezy maxi dress that comes in four patterns…

Want to feel like a coastal grandma? Choose the grey and white floral. Headed to a wedding where the dress code is “festive”? Opt for the bright coral. It’s really that simple. In addition to its print, we love this dress’s cinched waist and flowy skirt. It comes in standard, petite, and plus sizes. Customers love the tiny hook-and-eye closures at the bust to keep you covered. ($168, Anthropologie)

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open-back-mini
Target

A sleeveless maxi dress for the hottest days…

Made of lightweight, plisse knit, this sleeveless style will keep you cool even if the humidity feels crushing. Especially since it has side slits for added breeziness. It’s easily dressed up or down and comes in five solid colors and sizes XS–4X. ($21.25, Target)

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off-the-shoulder-midi
Free People

An off-the-shoulder midi dress you can wear into fall…

Between the ruching at the waist, the sweet bow at the back, and the side slit, we’re in love. Wear the cap sleeves pulled up to look elegant at lunch with the fam or pull them off the shoulder for a night out. Pair with sandals in the spring, then moto boots and a denim jacket when temperatures start to drop. ($128, Free People)

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sweaterdress
Saks Fifth Avenue

A sweaterdress that comes in 10 colors…

Find a good sweaterdress and never let it go. This fall staple has a flattering V-neck and buttons up the front. The midi length is appropriate for any occasion, and the colorblocking is downright fun. We seriously can’t decide which color pairing we like best, but the blue colorblocked version is a serious contender. Finally an excuse to buy a new pair of boots. ($115.50+, Saks Fifth Avenue)

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linen-midi
Shopbop

A linen midi dress that’ll last forever…

A bit on the pricey side, sure, but this dress is worth the investment. The length and puffed sleeves give it a timeless silhouette, and in our opinion, there’s truly nothing better than a white sundress. It’s a bit more polished than the cult-fave nap dress but will feel similar if you wear it without the belt. And we love the idea of pairing it with a bucket hat if you’re out in the hot sun. ($290, Shopbop)

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knit-dress
Amazon

A casual knit dress that pairs well with heels or sneakers…

It’s soft, sleeveless, and has ruching on the sides that gives it a less skintight fit than a traditional bodycon. The asymmetrical hem makes it longer in the back for added coverage, and it comes in several solid colors. Customers love that it’s double lined. And at this price? We don’t blame you if you pick up more than one. ($32.99, Amazon)

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wrap-dress
Mango

A green midi dress for transitional seasons…

Is there really anything more appropriate for fall and spring than a midi dress? We love the light, flowy fabric and knotted styling of this one. The green floral print is pretty, and it’s fully lined. It comes in sizes 0–12. ($99.99, Mango)

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printed-maxi
Boden

A printed maxi shirtdress that’s so chic…

This dress is 100% cotton (read: super comfy) and has a gorgeous collar with buttons, a tie waist, and pockets for stashing a lipstick. It comes in sizes 2–22. We’re calling this one “Little House on the Prairie” chic. Obsessed. ($94.99, Boden)

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