The Best Sundresses for Spring and Summer

The return of spring and summer means the return of carefree wardrobe options. And what’s more carefree than a pretty sundress? A sundress is a general term for any variety of women’s dresses that are meant to be worn in warmer weather. They tend to be on the more informal side, although they can be dressed up for formal events like weddings. These lightweight, comfy dresses are super versatile in that they look great with sandals, dress shoes, flats, or even sneakers, depending on the type of dress. While there are many types of sundresses, here are some of the most basic types loved by women of all ages during spring and summer.

Wrap Dress

Wrap dresses are a popular type of sundress for women of any shape. As its name suggests, the dress is styled by wrapping one side around to the other side and securing it in place with a belt, tie, or button. The result is a V-neck that can be worn as open or covered up as you like to provide for a dramatic and sexy look.

Maxi Dress

A maxi dress is one that is longer than most other styles of dress, typically reaching the ankles or even the floor. They are more form-fitting at the top and then looser starting just below the waist, so they look flowy and elegant, yet casual and simple at the same time. While most people think of spaghetti straps when they think of maxi dresses, they can also come in sleeveless or short-sleeved styles. While you may assume that maxi dresses are for tall women when you see them in photos, it is only because of the illusion they create. As such, they’re great for shorter women as well. A petite maxi dress can elongate your body for a very flattering look. And if you’re tall but want to break up the look halfway down, you can wrap a cardigan or scarf loosely around your waist.

Fit-and-Flare Dress

For a fancier and sometimes retro summer look, a fit-and-flare dress can be lots of fun. They’re typically fitted through the waist and then flare out at the hips, making them fun to twirl around in. Match them with some espadrilles or heeled sandals for an elegant, classy look.

A-line Dress

An A-line dress is similar to a fit-and-flare dress with a slimmer silhouette. As the name implies, it looks like the letter A in its shape and looks great on practically any body type. Some maxi dresses are also A-line shaped, which can lend them a more formal appearance that makes them perfect for summer weddings and other events.

A Sheath Dress or Shift Dress

Whether you call it a sheath dress or shift dress, they are both simple styles that are a bit boxier in appearance than other dresses, as they fall straight down from the shoulder to the hem. However, sheath dresses are slightly more fitted than shift dresses. Sheath dresses look best on women who are hourglass or pear-shaped and want to highlight their curves. In contrast, the roomier look of a shift dress flows a little more loosely over the hips and waist, contributing a flattering look for less curvy women.

Jersey Dress

A jersey dress can come in any of the styles mentioned above, but it is the fabric that they’re made of that sets them apart. Jersey is typically a comfy, soft fabric that drapes over the body. T-Shirt dresses are common jersey dress styles, yet they can come in maxi dresses as well. One of the best features of jersey dresses is that they are wrinkle-free, so you can quickly get dressed for work in the summertime without wasting time ironing. Because they’re so versatile, you can wear them with heels and a sports jacket, or with sneakers and a jean jacket.

When choosing the perfect sundresses for spring and summer, don’t forget to consider different colors or patterns. Florals are always popular in springtime. And even if you tend to dress in basic black most of the time, let loose and have fun with a brightly colored sundress once in a while! Sundresses are such a versatile element of your wardrobe, so be sure to have a few of them at the ready. They make dressing to impress in the summertime easy! Just make sure you’re set with a selection of cute sandals, flip-flops, or sneakers so you can customize your sundress to be as casual or dressy as you like.