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The 19 best summer shift dresses of 2021

Keep it cool, comfortable and casual through the dog days of summer.
SEO: Shift dresses
TODAY Illustration / Target / J.Crew / Lane Bryant

Stuck searching for clothing that provides both comfort and style? Allow me to introduce you to the shift dress: a loose-fitting yet trendy dress with a straight silhouette that comes in all sizes, designs and patterns. These flowy garments are perfect for hanging at home, running errands or spending a day out on the town. Plus, it's a one-stop shop for an entire outfit. Simply pair a shift dress with a purse and some summery sandals and you've got yourself an easy ensemble.

Shop TODAY found the cutest shift dresses for all sizes, occasions and price points. Starting at just $15, you'll want to grab a few of our top picks for your closet before they're gone.

Shift dresses for summer

1. H&M Airy Dress

This loose-fitting dress is made from a blend of viscose fabrics and comes in black, floral or leopard print. You can even buy a matching scarf headband to complete the outfit.

2. A New Day Hem Knit Dress

A whole outfit for just $15? Available in both regular and plus sizes, this lightweight knit dress is sure to be your new summer staple.

3. Satin Rose Print Shift Dress

A scooped neckline, puffed sleeve and shift silhouette team up to create the cutest and comfiest summer outfit. You can wear this dressed up for a wedding or dressed down to work from home.

4. MOLERANI T-Shirt Dress

Made from 95% rayon and 5% spandex, this classic T-shirt dress is stretchy and affordable. Plus, it's available in 41 different colors and styles. No one's judging if you buy more than one.

5. A New Day Ruffle Short Sleeve Dress

We might be obsessed with Target's dress collections and this ruffle-sleeved dress is no exception. Pair this shift dress with your favorite sandals and you've got a great summer outfit.

6. BooHoo Eyelet Smock Dress

This woven-fabric smock dress is both breathable and adorable. Get it while it's still 40% off!

7. KIRUNDO Sleeveless Ruffle Dress

Featuring a high neckline, flowy silhouette and 30 different pattern and color options, you'll want to wear this ruffle dress every day. The gingham pattern is one of our favorites.

8. Universal Thread Short Sleeve Smocked Gauze Dress

This crew neck dress features longer sleeves to give you some extra coverage. Complete the look with an adorable woven purse.

9. J.Crew Tiered Dress

This bestselling dress from J.Crew comes in six different colors and is made with responsibly sourced cotton.

10. KIRUNDO Short Sleeve Flowy Dress

Relaxed fit + lightweight fabric = ultimate comfort. This elegant yet comfy dress is perfect for a dressier occasion. Reviews mention to size down due to its loose fit.

11. Garment Dye Tank Dress

There are certain closet staples everyone should have and a tank dress is one of them. This garment-dyed dress is washed with natural enzymes, giving it a comfortable worn-in feel and allowing it to be shrink-free.

12. Let's Travel the World White Floral Print Shift Dress

Stand out from the crowd with this elegant floral print dress from Lulus. This is yet another lightweight, woven-fabric dress that's perfect for summer.

13. Who What Wear One Shoulder Sleeveless Dress

Looking for something a bit more daring? Try this oversized dress from Target. The one-shoulder strap adds drama while the relaxed fit adds class.

14. J.Crew Denim Shift Dress

Ditch the sleeves with this denim shift dress from J.Crew. Simply pair it with a cute neck scarf and you've got yourself an entire outfit with little effort.

15. Eyelet Flutter-Sleeve Swing Dress

This lined, eyelet knit fabric dress is perfect for meeting your coworkers for lunch, going out with the gals or everything in between.

16. Loose Vintage Garment-Dyed T-Shirt Shift Dress

Getting dressed in the morning doesn't need to be a hassle. Slip on this cute T-shirt dress and get out the door! It's versatile, affordable and comes in five different colors.

17. Ardell Blue and White Striped Embroidered Shift Dress

This embroidered shift dress is both charming and summery. Try pairing it with these wooden wedge sandals.

18. Striped Nantucket Shift Dress

This 100% breathable cotton and machine-washable dress screams summer. With sizes from XXS to 2X, it's a great option for a wide variety of body types.

19. Kristen Flounce Dress

Add a bit of color to your shift dress collection with this dress from Lilly Pulitzer. The short, sleeveless design won't leave you sweaty during the hotter months of the year.

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