When it comes to picking out an outfit, it doesn’t get any easier than throwing on a sundress and heading out the door. (Pants are overrated.) Regardless of what is on your agenda for the day, a breezy dress can take you from brunch to a night out, just like that.
While sundresses for summer aren’t a groundbreaking topic, it's no secret that they are "the ultimate warm-weather essential that blends comfort, style, and ease," says fashion expert Melissa Chataigne. Plus, their airy silhouette makes them universally flattering.
And now that warm weather is upon us, the search for sundresses is slowly on the rise, according to Google Trends. In fact, the search for sundresses was up over 160,000 last week alone. It's safe to say that we've entered sundress season.
Sundresses may be simple to style, but choosing the right one can be challenging. We leaned on the expertise of stylists and fashion experts to share their recommendations, along with their best tips for shopping and styling.
Best milkmaid dress$undefined$42.90
Recommended if you're tall$75.00$129.00
What defines a sundress?
A sundress can mean something different to a lot of people, says stylist Christina Stein, but she notes that since you’ll be wearing it in really warm weather, it’s all in the materials.
“I like to think a maxi, linen cotton-blend, very flowy sundress. That’s what it means to me. That’s what I go looking for when someone says ‘I want a sundress’,” says Stein. “A sundress to one client could mean florals. Another sundress to another client could mean bright colors, like yellows and oranges. So I think the color and the pattern is personal, but a sundress to me is light flowing material. I think that encapsulates it.”
What sundress styles will be trending for summer?
“There’s a wide range of sundresses available this summer but there are some key styles that really stand out,” explains stylist Samantha Brown. Drop waist, maxi and linen dresses are what the stylist says you can expect to be trending throughout summer, along with new twists on the neckline (hardware, twist fronts).
However, no matter your style, there are plenty of flattering options that you can work into your wardrobe, whether you’re trying to complete your vacation lookbook or need a few new ensembles for the office.
The best sundresses, according to stylists
Best milkmaid dress:
Chataigne says to "jump on the 'Milkmaid trend' with this effortless white square neck and full skirt" from Cider. The Milkmaid trend can range in corset waists to puffed sleeves, honing in on vintage and romantic styles, which this dress perfectly embodies.
Recommended if you're tall:
Brown claims that you'll see maxi dresses with "two different contrasting textures" this summer, such as this one from Pixie Market. While the brand doesn't recommend the maxi sundress length for petites, it's a great length (at 53 inches, to be exact) for those who are on the taller side.
For any summer occasion:
“This two-tone drop waist dress can be dressed up or down depending on the accessory pairing,” recommends Brown. “[It] would look chic styled with a sweater over the shoulders.”
A seasonal trend:
"When I imagine the perfect summer dress, this vibrant yellow drop waist bubble skirt is on my shopping list," raves Chataigne. "The butter yellow with a full skirt complements the woman who wants to show off her legs and waist while minimizing her thighs. Dress it up for date night with a white blazer."
For a pop of color:
"This easy linen dress comes in solid black and this vibrant tangerine," says Brown. "It would look amazing styled with wooden accessories or this season’s shell jewelry."
The best sundresses, according to editors
"The comfort level of this dress surpasses most clothing I own — even my favorite T-shirt and boxer pajamas combo," raved commerce producer and editor Julie Ricevuto in her review. "It’s made of cotton and polyester, which allows for a soft, stretchy material that feels lightweight against the body."
Associate editor Shannon Garlin says she lives in sundresses during the summer and this Amazon floral dress quickly became a staple, in fact, she has two! “It looks amazing with casual white sneakers for running errands or meeting friends for lunch,” she wrote.
An award-winning sundress:
We previously rated Quince's Tencel Jersey dress for our Travel Gear Awards, and labeled it as the 'best day time dress.' I find this dress incredible flattering from head-to-toe. The scoop neckline shows off the décolletage, the high waist enhances the waistline and the flare is endlessly versatile. "For the price point it’s hard to beat,” added Ricevuto.
Although the color we rated is out of stock, there are still six other flattering shades to choose from.
Best white sundress:
Consider this a version of the LBD. This mini cotton-blend dress adds a fun and flirty flare to my wardrobe. It's flattering from all angles, and enhances your best assets. I've loved pairing it with sandals and heels for an easy day-to-night transition.
For day and nighttime (literally) wear:
Who says you can't wear your pajamas out? Social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo has worn this nightgown for daytime wear, calling it "a cute summer dress" that she loves to wear "as is or with a button up over top."
Best yellow sundress:
You wouldn't believe the amount of Meshki dresses I own, but that is just telling of how good they are. One of my recent purchases (and most likely will be my most worn item in my closet) is this halter-style midi dress.
While a viscose-blend (most sundresses are a cotton or linen-blend), I've found it incredibly breathable and lightweight for warm summer days and nights. It also has decent support in the bust because of the halter neck, so you can go with or without a bra, depending on your comfort level.
A slim-fitting sundress:
SEO writer Jannely Espinal has loved wearing this sundress from Buck Mason for summer. It's a slim-fitting tank style that perfectly suits what makes a sundress: Sleeveless, suitable for hot weather and consists of a cotton-blend.
Best black sundress:
The definition of a vacation dress would be this one from Madewell. Made from 100% cotton, I've found this dress highly lightweight and breathable for extra sunny days. While the top is a bit long for my short torso, you can raise the height of the dress to find the best fit for you. It's flattering nonetheless, and from my experience, it also doesn't require a bra, even for bigger busts!
Vacation ready:
Sundresses either consist of cotton or linen, but this dress nearly has equal parts of both. That immediately told me that its going to be breathable pick for summer.
You also can't forget the details: Along with its dainty silhouette and flowing sleeves, the dress comes with an adjustable rattan belt that is a statement on its own. Thus, you really don't need to pair any flashy accessories with the dress — I love that you can wear it with the most basic sandal or bag since you instantly feel dressed up with just the dress alone.
How to shop for a sundress
Both of our experts recommend paying attention to the fabric when shopping for sundresses. "In the heat, opt for breathable fabrics and avoid polyester," recommends Chataigne, such as cotton and linen. Brown adds that "linen and cotton are stiffer and don’t stretch, while blends might be a little more forgiving," compared to other fabrics.
When it comes to a specific sundress style, "look for dresses that enhance your assets," emphasizes Chataigne. "The easiest way to look more elevated is to stick with solid colors or prints, but really shop and style yourself [for] the occasion."
While shopping in-store will be easiest to see how a sundress fits, Brown says if you're shopping online, she suggests to her clients to "always read reviews for sizing feedback" in order to get the perfect fit.
How we chose
We selected the best sundresses based on insights and recommendations from professional stylists and fashion experts, along with approved picks from Shop TODAY editors and staffers.
Meet our experts
- Melissa Chataigne is a host, producer and style expert.
- Samantha Brown is a professional and celebrity stylist.
- Christina Stein is a stylist and founder of Style By Christina.
