The Best Summer Dresses and What to Layer Them With

This will be your throw-on-and-go dress of the summer. It has a strapless top with a drop-waist silhouette, and a midi length that pairs well with heels or sneakers. It’ll withstand even the hottest days but looks good with a jacket thrown over it for the office. ($78, Free People)

When J.Crew made its comeback, we were excited to buy new versions of the pieces we’ve loved since we were teens. This cardigan was at the top of our list. It’s pre-shrunken, so it already has the perfect lived-in feel, and the cashmere is lightweight enough to wear year round. Grab the white, the black, and one of the bright colors for good measure. ($188, J.Crew)

There’s just something about a white denim jacket. It evokes the Hamptons and days filled with endless lobster rolls, especially when it’s the whitest white like this one. The fit is classic, and it looks cool when worn with the matching pants. ($79.95, Gap)

This dress is perfect for a summer bride or Euro Summer. It has a high neck, an empire waist with subtle cut-outs, and a flowy, full skirt. The linen ensures you won’t overheat, whether you’re at an outdoor gathering or roaming the streets of a new city. ($55, Eloquii)

When we think of a true sundress, this is what comes to mind — skinny straps, a fitted-but-not-too-fitted silhouette, and a floral pattern. The best part about this dress is that you don’t have to wear a bra since the large flowers are strategically placed. ($260, Nordstrom)

There are a lot of different ways to wear this midi dress, making it appropriate for all occasions. You can unbutton the bottom of the skirt to show a little leg, unbutton the top for a deep V, or leave everything buttoned up. The exaggerated sleeves make it a standout. ($198, Anthropologie)

One editor just bought this dress, and it’s her new wardrobe essential. The close-fitting stretchy cotton top and the crisp poplin bottom makes it polished and relaxed at the same time. The colors are even prettier in person, and you can easily throw a blazer on top. ($148, J.Crew)

This blazer is made of lightweight linen, so it won’t make you sticky during your commute. It comes in a chic off-white and a khaki you don’t see often, either of which will go nicely with almost any dress. Plus, it’s machine-washable. ($198, Everlane)

From bridal showers to baby showers to birthday brunches, this midi dress fits the bill. The floral print is bright (but not too busy), and its flowy skirt isn’t constricting. The little bows on the straps are an added bonus. ($79, Lulus)

No one does summer dresses like Reformation. This one is made of a body-hugging, breathable cotton knit and will move with you as you’re strutting down the street. The neckline is elegant, and it can be dressed up or down. It even comes in the butter yellow taking over your Instagram feed. ($198, Reformation)

Between the fun fruit print, the shift style, and the mini length, there’s not a part of this dress we don’t like. It’s giving “midday wine tasting just to beat the heat,” and it has a good amount of stretch. ($148, Anthropologie)

We love a nap dress for the summer, and no one does it like Hill House Home. Wear this with a jacket for work, then shed your outer layer for post-work plans. It also comes in a shorter version. ($228, Hill House Home)

Strapless dresses are synonymous with summer and rooftops. This one is made of denim with a bit of stretch so you can still move. Add a jacket for the office, then peel it off when it’s time to show off your shoulders. ($97.50, Abercrombie & Fitch)

This shirt has a menswear fit and is made of a crinkly cotton blend, so it’ll look lived in (apparently wrinkles are in). You’ll find yourself reaching for it to wear with shorts, a dress, or even over a bathing suit. It’s available for preorder now, but the pretty stripe print is worth it. ($128, J.Crew)

We confess to buying both the white and black in this one. From the airy fit to the smocked bust to the bow straps, it’s a just-right summer dress. It pairs well with a denim jacket or linen blazer and can be worn with sandals, sneakers, or heels. ($148, Aritzia)

If you wake up feeling particularly fancy, try this minimal yet eye-catching slip. It looks great paired with low block heels or trendy ballet flats and comes in so many colors. The lightweight silk is also hypoallergenic if you’re sensitive to fabrics. ($79.90, Quince)

The most iconic light layer of all. This one is a little roomier but not too oversized. (We recommend sizing up if you want a larger fit.) It’s made from 97% cotton and 3% elastane, which means you won’t have to break it in — but it’ll only get better with wear. ($54.97+, Amazon)