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We love dresses for summer! They create an effortless, all-in-one outfit, pack light, and can easily transition from day to night. Take a look at the latest trends with these cute summer dresses for women!
Cute Summer Dresses for Women
Table Of Contents
Nothing keeps you cool and pulled together during your summer travels quite like a day dress. They are easy to throw on and get you quickly out the door and enjoying your destination. The perfect staple to add to your functional capsule wardrobe.
The dress trends of this season all seem to focus on delicate and feminine details; I’ve compiled a few cute summer dresses for women below.
So if you are on the hunt for the perfect vacation dress, then read on for this summer’s dress trends and why they work for the fashion-forward traveler.
Best Options For Cute Summer Dresses
Gevomir Printed Halter Summer Dress | Sizes S-XXL
Editor’s Pick for Cute Summer Lightweight Dress
Although I’m not a huge wearer of dresses, and often prefer shorts, jeans, or rompers, I wanted to quickly share my review for this Gevomir dress as I was contending with the scorching summer temperatures in Europe recently, and many readers are always on the hunt for the same relief when it comes to European travel!
This lightweight halter dress has been an awesome find for a few reasons!
First, it can be worn casually with sneakers for all day sightseeing, dressed up with wedges or heels for a nice dinner, or paired with casual slide sandals for just about everything. I imagine it would probably look just as good with combat boots and a denim jacket at home, too!
Gevomir Halter Dress paired with Taos Plim Soul Lux Leather Sneakers
Second, it works in a range of settings. From Athens to Santorini to Rome and Croatia, this has been absolutely perfect in every European destination so far. Plus, it will look equally nice when I’m not traveling as well.
Third, even though the Gevomir dress is a synthetic fabric, it’s airy so it’s comfortable enough in the heat. And because of the fabric, it’s wrinkle-resistant so whether I’m stepping out for a quick coffee or going out to dinner, it’s super easy to throw on and go while still feeling polished and fresh in the weather, too. Also, I’ve been able to rewear it repeatedly without washing – so it’s the perfect travel fashion balance where form, function, and fashion combine without the need to wear a “travel” or “hiking” outdoors brand. That balance is the core of what Travel Fashion Girl is all about!
Finally, it looks great in my travel pics, especially the deep red against a blue sea or among the ancient ruins! While there are many cute summer dresses for women, this one made my European trip more relaxed and comfortable!
Feeling utterly relaxed in my Gevomir Halter Dress in Santorini, Greece
It’s a great option to feel pulled together while you travel and can be worn with a strapless bra to finish off a more polished look. It’s a perfect and easy outfit for resort and beach vacations, too! Available in sizes S-XL.
For a bit more coverage, take a look at these summer maxi dresses!
LL Bean Long Sleeve Chambray Dress | Sizes XS-3X
Long Sleeve Chambray Dress
This flowy, wrap-style dress by LL Bean has such a timeless look, so you never have to worry about it going out of style!
It is beautiful, longsleeve shirtdress and a tie waist that makes it super feminine. Stylish, yet relaxed, this summer dress for women has a silhouette that you can move around in easily. It’s versatile, too, and would be pretty with boots and a blazer during colder months! Available in sizes XS-3X.
These ultra-versatile styles will keep you cool and comfortable on the go due to their moisture wicking fabrics!
Quince 100% European Linen Smocked Midi Dress | Sizes XS-XL
Smocked Midi Dress
Quince’s cute summer dress for women features smocked bodice with tie sleeves and flows beautifully. It’s made of 100% linen, so it feels just as dreamy as it looks!
This beauty is perfect for travel to hot destinations, as both a dress about town or a beach coverup. It’ll keep you looking elegant and feeling cool at the same time! It comes in sizes XS-XL. it is also available in three colors too.
Just pair it with slide sandals or cute and comfortable ballet flats to complete your look!
Columbia PFG Freezer III Tank Dress | Sizes XS-3X
Versatile Sleeveless Dress
Made of a super soft and stretchy material, this cute summer dress from Columbia is perfect for long days of sightseeing in warm-weather destinations. It has a cute, summer look that’s ultra-versatile, so it’s a perfect go-to that you can easily mix and match with your travel shoes and accessories.
TFG Editor wearing the Columbia Freezer Dress in the maxi length and knee high length style. So comfortable and easy to pack!
They’re so featherlight, making them perfect for the heat. You could easily pack 7 of these dresses in 1 slim packing cube, and you would be set for a 1-week vacation!
It can be worn day or night, or even double as a swim coverup! Sizes range from XS-3X.
Here are comfortable walking sandals that are stylish, too!
ZESICA Cap Sleeve Wrap Dress | Sizes XS-XXL
Cute Summer Wrap Dresses
ZESICA takes cute summer sundresses up a notch with this elegant, floral print wrap dress! It’s versatile, comfortable, and lightweight, which is ideal for a summer vacay.
Zesica Short Dress worn with Taos Star Sneakers
With the v neck and bohemian style, you’ll look polished and sophisticated as you wander through a museum or embark on a walking tour! The vintage green color is so pretty, and is a great neutral for summer! Available in sizes XS-XXL and in long versions too!
I originally shared it in my Spring Haul and the readers absolutely loved it! It quickly became a bestseller.
Quince Fit & Flare Jersey Midi Dress | Sizes XS-XL
Sleeveless Jersey Swing Dress
Midi dresses are one of the cute summer trends readers can’t get enough of! This Quince Fit & Flare midi dress is a super travel-friendly piece. It’s lightweight, breathable, and flattering, with a cinched waist and a flowy skirt. Plus, it features pockets for storing small essentials.
It’s a perfect summer dress for women that’s versatile enough to be worn with sneakers for a chic European stroll or dressed up for a night out with wedges! Choose from black, brown, red, or dark olive to match your travel capsule wardrobe! Available in sizes XS-XL.
Karen Kane is highly recommended by readers, check out more of their gorgeous summer dresses here!
Tommy Bahama Embroidered Cotton Tier Cover-Up Dress | Sizes XS-XL
Tunic Style Summer Dress
This Tommy Bahama tunic dress is perfect for a seaside getaway! Made from soft cotton, it’s airy, lightweight, and perfect for hot weather. It’s an easy piece for daytime wear, or can even be worn as a beach coverup!
The flowy tiers and pretty embroidery elevate the look, so you can go from the beach to a nice dinner in this stylish item! Pair with dangle earrings and strappy sandals for the perfect summery outfit. It comes in sizes XS-L, and is also available in black and in their website!
Tommy Bahama is a trusted TFG reader brand for linen and hot weather pieces. See their selection on Nordstrom!
Spanx AirEssentials Tie-Waist Tank Dress | Sizes XS-3X
Cute Tie Waist Dresses
If you’re looking for cute summer dresses for Europe, this adorable tie waist dress is a top pick! Features a tie-waist belt that defines your silhouette, low-profile front pockets and high side slits for easy movement.
Luxurious comfort that goes anywhere. In exceptionally soft AirEssentials fabric that’s breathable and ultra-drapey.
It’ll look great with elevated slip on sneakers for roaming around new cities, and it can be dressy enough to pair with flats or sandals for special occasions.
This dress is budget-friendly, too, and will hold up super well throughout your travels! It comes in sizes XS-3X.
Anthropologie The Marisol Smocked Gauze Maxi Dress | Sizes XXS-3X
Cute Sleeveless Maxi Dress
If you want to look as stylish as can be while traveling this summer, cute dresses like this Anthropologie maxi dress is the way to go! The soft cotton fabric is breathable and light, while the flattering elastic waist and flowy skirt make it feminine and effortless. The perfect pick for any warm-weather day!
Just add comfy sandals and bring along a jean jacket, and you’ll be set for a long day of exploring while looking absolutely fab! Sizes range from XXS-3X.
Beachlungelounge is SO sought after for their lightweight summer dresses, among other pieces like airy blouses, see what other cute things they offer here!
Royal Robbins Spotless Traveler Tank Dress | Sizes XS-XL
Cute Knee Length Dress
Beat the heat with this travel-approved Royal Robbins Spotless Traveler tank dress! The fabric is silky smooth, cooling, and had UPF 50+ sun protection. Wearers highlight the flattering yet relaxed fit and removable belt that adds a feminine shape, as well as the four handy pockets for storing small essentials while on the go!
It’s also wrinkle-resistant and stain-resistant, so such a low-maintenance and easy travel dress! The cut is forgiving, and it can be dressed up or down; plus the pockets are a great feature. It comes in sizes XS-XL.
Thigh Society The Cooling Shorts | Sizes XS-6X
Best Shorts to Wear Under Dresses
If you’re looking for shorts to wear under your dresses, Thigh Society’s The Cooling Anti-Chafe Shorts are a reader favorite. These shorts pull heat and moisture away from the body, keeping things cool, fresh and chafe-free on even the hottest of days due to their silky hi-tech performance fabric.
They’re tagless, don’t roll or bunch, and are ultra-thin and lightweight yet stretchy and durable as can be. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors, lengths and sizes from XS-6X!
Find out how to turn any one of your dresses into versatile dresses in this video!
How to Make Any Dress Versatile For Travel
Dresses are multi-purpose making them the perfect staple in your travel wardrobe. Not only are they a one-piece outfit, but if layered and accessorized strategically, they can take you in between seasons and accommodate changes in weather.
Read this post or watch this video to find out how to turn any one of your dresses into versatile dresses!
How to Pack Summer Dresses
Packing dresses is the perfect way to create a fresh outfit every day. If you’re going on a seven-day trip, pack seven dresses. It’s as easy as that! Then, use slim packing cubes to save space in your suitcase and travel carry-on only.
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in the video above!
We put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!
Buy Compass Rose Packing Cubes here!
Which of these cute summer dresses for women do you want to travel with? Comment below!
For more ideas on travel dresses, please read:
- Best White Dresses
- How to Wear One Dress, Many Ways
- Top Summer Dresses for Traveling Abroad
- Cute Summer Dresses for Women
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Can never have enough dresses?
I love this! My co-worker wears great summer dresses and always says how easy it makes here morning. This blog will help my find the perfect dresses that I can not only wear to work, but also pack to travel! Thank you!!
Loving all these options !!
Great options for day to night!
Really helpful suggestions with fun diverse options for daytime touring thru evening/dinner.
I’m a convert! I found your site just before a trip to Switzerland, France, Germany and The Netherlands last month. I hadn’t worn a dress in years, and had forgotten how comfortable they can be. Summer dresses saved me during the European heatwave!
Love your info. BUT! Iam 78 yr. old women and do not wear short dresses and dresses that don’t cover my shoulder and partially on the upper arm.
We do a lot of traveling and I do need cool weather clothes.
Hi Gail, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. In all our blog posts we do try to feature a range of reader recommended products to reflect different price points, sizes and different audiences.
The product images shown in the packing lists are simply to provide you with an understanding of general principles you can use. Then it is up to you to tailor the advice shared on the blog to suit your own body and style preferences based on the explanations on how to choose clothing. Here is a helpful guide that explains more about how to use our guides: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-use-the-travel-fashion-girl-packing-lists-and-guides/
For traveling in cooler weather, here are a couple of resources to help:
1. Thermals are the secret to minimal packing with less bulk, they’re amazing: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-thermal-underwear-for-women/
2. Here are some tips on how to layer them with your clothing to stay warm: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-stay-warm-in-cold-weather/
3. This is a sample packing list for the cold: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-pack-for-cold-weather/ You can use the principles to create your own capsule wardrobe according to your own clothing preferences, not necessarily to pack what is shown in the example
Hope this helps. Happy travels!
I bought the red halter dress to wear in Santorini and loved it! Thank you! I have learned so much from your website!
I wish you would suggest clothing choices for the mature woman. I’m 65 and will be traveling to the Mediterranean, France and Spain this summer. Most of these cute little dresses don’t work for older women even though we want to look smart and fashionable.
Hi Teresa, we do have a selection of age-specific articles you might like: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/over-40-fashion/
Because every woman has unique needs and style preferences, it’s up to the individual reader to apply the principles we share and adapt them to her needs.
The product images shown in the blog are simply to provide you with an understanding of general principles you can use, then because every woman has unique needs and style preferences, you can then apply the principles we have shared and adapt the items to suit your own needs.
For example, if you see thermal leggings shown and replace them with linen pants, that probably won’t work. The idea is to take what the item represents and find something suitable. In this case, thermal leggings would mean you need a warm layer for your legs. If you don’t like leggings find an equivalent such as yoga pants, jeggings, or fleece lined trousers. You have to choose what works best for you, your style, and your body type.
Here is a helpful guide that explains more about how to use our guides: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-use-the-travel-fashion-girl-packing-lists-and-guides/ I hope this helps. Happy travels!
Agree!
I love the “Marakesh Maven” dress from Columbia sportswear (happens to be on sale right now; I had an extra coupon and bought 3!) It’s omni wick, stretchy, quick dry, and has 2 awesome pockets. Looks really cute and sized nicely (I’m a 16 w/ large bust and the XL is very comfy).
Thanks for sharing this 🙂