Sundresses are one of the best things about summer. They’re both comfortable and beautiful, and it’s difficult not to instantly feel more glamorous when you slip one on.
They’re also fantastic because of their versatility – you can wear them to weddings and parties, as well as for casual lunches or a day in town. Best of all, though, is the fact that they’re so effortless – you don’t have to think about pairing them with anything else; they’re an outfit in and of themselves.
That said, the weather doesn’t always respect our sartorial wishes, but sundresses win again, because they pair so beautifully with a simple denim jacket or lightweight wrap.
They also look equally good with various types of footwear, lending themselves just as well to flat sandals and espadrilles, as they do to heels or trainers. This means that you can make your sundresses work hard for you all summer long, simply by changing your shoes and accessories to suit the occasion.
In this guide, we’ve tried to include as many shapes and styles as possible, being mindful of the fact that many mature women wish to have a little more coverage. Even so, we’ve included some strappier examples, a range of prints and colours and – most importantly – a variety of cool, lightweight fabrics.
1. Floral Ruched Front Maxi Dress
With its bold floral pattern, this dress is as vibrantly summery as they come. It also has a flattering V-neck and a ruched waist, both of which draw the eye inwards and create a slimmer silhouette.
Since many women are self-conscious about their arms, the short but relaxed sleeves on this dress are another advantage – as is its maxi length and roomy pockets.
2. Lori Metallic Midi Dress
Long sleeves aren’t just for winter, especially when the outfit in question is as floaty and effortless as this one.
With its beautiful combination of blues, purple and green, this dress falls to a flattering midi-length and has elasticated cuffs, so that you can push the sleeves up for a three-quarter or elbow-length style. It’s also fully lined, so that you get the sheer effect without your dress being see-through.
3. Nobody’s Child, Petite Donnie Sheared Midi Dress in Yellow Gingham
Yellow and gingham are such a perfect combination when the sun comes out, and this pretty dress delivers both, complete with a shirred bodice and roomy pockets. The square neck provides a flattering frame for the decolletage and collarbones, while the cut-out back exposes just a peep of summery skin.
As part of a petite range, this dress is ideal for women who struggle with the lengths of ‘regular’ fit clothing.
4. Blue Blossom Print Wrap Midi With Dipped Hem
Blue is one of the most summery colours imaginable, and this wrap dress combines it beautifully with a floral print. The tie waist adds a flattering shape, while the cap sleeve provides coverage – as does the below-knee length.
5. Navy Tropical Print Tiered Shirt Dress
Pure cotton is always a winner in the warmer months, and the vibrant tropical print of this wrap dress delivers summer in spades. It also features comfortably loose sleeves and a tie waist, as well as a flattering V-neck.
The navy background allows the orange to pop, as well as keeping the whole look elegant and wearable.
6. Linen Rich Embroidered V-Neck Day Dress
The boho look never goes out of style, but it really comes into its own in summer. This linen-rich dress gives more than a nod to the trend, with its blouson sleeves and Ikat-inspired embroidery, and is available in petite, regular and long.
It also features a tie-waist belt, so that you can pull it in for a streamlined silhouette – or wear it loose and comfortable. The linen-rich fabric is nice and cool, too.
7. Amy Off-Shoulder Midi Dress
Even if you prefer to keep your upper arms covered, the ‘cold-shoulder’ look – where the neck and shoulders are exposed – is almost universally flattering. This is largely because these are parts that remain immune to changes over time, showing off collarbones and shoulders.
The great thing about this midi-dress (which features a stylish split) is that it can be worn either way, thanks to its elasticated neckline: reveal or conceal as you wish. It also features a print designed in collaboration with First Nations Australians, and a halter tie, which can also be worn tied in a bow at the front.
8. Nelly Linen Wrap Midi Dress
A midi dress in a wrap style with blouson sleeves would probably tick all of the summertime boxes – even if it weren’t made in a linen mix fabric.
Featuring a rustic print on a breezy cream background, this lovely item is available in sizes up to 20, and has a flattering V-neck and gently ruffled hem.
9. Pier View Jersey Dress
Not only does it come in a range of summery, feel-good prints, but the fit-and-flare style of this dress is immensely flattering.
Added to this, it’s available in petite, regular and tall fits, and in sizes ranging from 8-28. Need further convincing? It’s crafted from 96% organic cotton, and made in India in line with ethical practices.
10. The Somerset Puff-Sleeve Maxi Dress
Available in two colourways, and featuring a scoop neck, puffed sleeves, and a dreamy boho ruffled skirt, the Somerset has become one of Anthropologie’s most popular dresses, ever. And why not?
It’s 100% cotton, making it nice and cool; has side pockets, for when you don’t know what to do with your hands (also great for stashing a lip balm); and an easy pull-on design, with no zipper help needed.
11. Black Palm Leaf Ruched Frill Waist Midi Dress
A paradise island print and forgiving frills around the waist and upper arms – plus a lightweight fabric, midi length and V-neck – this breezy dress is available in sizes up to 28.
It’s also affordably priced, and the darker colourway makes it an effortless day-to-night option. too.
12. Hazy Coral Midi Dress
With its dreamy blue print and flattering, silhouette enhancing waistline, this Whistles dress is made from light, eco-friendly viscose, and features a tie-feature on the arms.
It falls just below the knee, making it a great option for petite women who might feel swamped by a midi or maxi length. Available in sizes up to 20, customer feedback praises this dress for being beautifully made.
13. Printed Cap-Sleeve Dress
Loose fitting yet elegant, this button-through shirt dress would be just as suitable for a day in the office, as it would be for a sophisticated lunch or early evening drinks.
The abstract print and silk crêpe de chine fabric, as well as the muted colour palette, elevate this piece beyond a simple summer dress and into a style statement. Shell buttons and side pockets provide the finishing touches.
14. Yours Curve Ribbed Swing Maxi Dress
When the sun’s out, the socal calendar inevitably starts to look a little busy – which is why great basics can be a lifesaver. You can throw them on without overthinking them, add a denim jacket if the weather takes a cool turn, and change the look with different accessories or footwear.
Made from a low-maintenance jersey fabric, this dress ticks all of the boxes.
15. Joe Browns Polly Spot Jersey Maxi Dress
Heading off on holiday? Sundresses are your best friend, especially when they pack down small and don’t arrive at your destination in a mass of creases.
Made from crumple-free viscose, this jewel-toned maxi dress features a flattering shirred bodice, a tiered hem, and a delicate ruffle to the shoulder straps. The perfect beach-to-bar dress.
16. Balloon-sleeved Dress
It’s available in two prints and colourways, but the green and pink floral version is midsummer night’s dream. Add balloon sleeves, loose fit, side splits and a tie belt, and your warm weather style is sorted.
This beautiful garment is sized up to 4XL and affordably priced – but, with its floaty, unlined design, you may want to add a short slip to your look.
17. Printed Cotton Lace Trim Maxi Dress
The bright colours, vibrant print, and lace trim of this lightweight maxi dress are the stuff of good moods, even when the weather isn’t playing the desired game.
This gorgeous dress is also lined, made from 100% cotton, and machine washable – the perfect get-up-and-go dress, whether styled with sandals, heels, or trainers.
18. Pastel Palm Jem Dress
The gorgeous print of this easy pull-on dress is as summery as it gets, and it can be worn off the shoulder if you want to expose a little more tan. Made from a soft, stretchy fabric, and available in sizes ranging from small (6-8) to XXXL (26-28), this dress is truly for everyone.
Another reason to love this Never Fully Dressed is that this brand limits fabric waste in the making of their garments – and their packaging is fun too.
19. Love & Roses Sequin Trim Sleeveless Midi Dress
Leopard print never goes out of style, and this pink take on the trend gives the pattern a summery lift – not to mention the sequin embellishment at the neckline.
With its dipped back, V-neckline and sleeveless style, it’s a chic summer dress that could easily take you between settings and occasions.
20. Cassie Relaxed Halter Neck Maxi Dress
Continuing with the animal print, the jewel-green tones of this one are irresistible. With its relaxed shape and a maxi length, there’s virtually no room for self-consciousness when wearing this – and the halter neck style and keyhole feature help to draw the eye inwards.
21. Garment Dyed Linen V-Neck Dress
A simple shape, short sleeves, and a V-neck…this dress is perfect for warm weather. Plus it’s made from linen and has side pockets.
The rooibos red is a vibrant choice, and the fact that the piece is garment-dyed means that you’ll see variations in colour and get a relaxed, crumpled texture.
Final thoughts…
No matter what your summer plans are, a sundress (or several!) should be part of them. They’re incredibly versatile, feel lovely on, and take the effort out of putting an outfit together from scratch.
For more style tips, check out the fashion and beauty section of our website.
Are you tempted by any of the sundresses listed here? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.