Fashion Clothing Summer Dresses By InStyle Editors InStyle Editors Instagram Twitter InStyle's mantra is "Everybody's in," and that means anyone who finds their way to our stories should find themselves reflected in them. We prioritize bringing the right writer to every story and sometimes collaborate as a team to ensure we're including points of view across race, gender expression, body size, skin and hair type, and more. Our editors and writers comprise decades of expertise across the beauty, fashion, lifestyle and wellness spaces in print and digital. We prioritize journalistic integrity, factual accuracy, and also having fun with every story we share. For more about our team, click here. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on April 1, 2015 Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: Courtesy of Allegra Hicks Summer Dresses 01 of 22 Phoebe Couture Courtesy of Phoebe Couture Need something flirty and fun for an evening party? Try this little number. Metallic sandals and a coordinating clutch will finish this dress off with pizazz.Click to Buy the Look $290; neimanmarcus.com 02 of 22 Ella Moss Black Label Courtesy of Ella Moss You'll be ready to hit the dance floor at a wedding reception in this tiered silk frock. Dress it down for a daytime occasion with a simple cardigan and neutral-colored sandals.Click to Buy the Look $297; nordstrom.com 03 of 22 Corey Lynn Calter Courtesy of Corey Lynn Calter We love the maxi dress for warm days and sultry nights. Slip on some wooden bracelets and flat sandals and you've got a boho chic ensemble that looks great for an outdoor dinner party. $240; 802-862-5051. 04 of 22 Reiss Courtesy of Reiss A sophisticated cut like this dress makes it very versatile-it's suitable for work with a black cardigan and black pumps, or can work on its own for a luncheon, shower or graduation party. $395; reiss.co.uk. 05 of 22 Lauren by Ralph Lauren Courtesy of Lauren by Ralph Lauren This ultra-feminine dress will take you from day to night, all with a few key accessory changes. For the office, wear it with a jacket on top, basic nude heels and simple jewelry. Lose the jacket for night time, throw on some strappy heeled sandals and let your hair down. Click to Buy the Look $190; ralphlauren.com 06 of 22 Julie Haus Courtesy of Julie Haus This sweet little silk chiffon dress can work for occasions like a baby shower, a baptism or lunch with the girls. Keep accessories simple since the dress's color and white trim are statements enough. Click to Buy the Look $385; juliehaus.com 07 of 22 Cool Change Courtesy of Cool Change A backyard barbecue calls for something comfortable (you're there to eat, after all!) and fun. A strapless dress like this with a long necklace and sandals creates the perfect ensemble.Click to Buy the Look $150; saksfifthavenue.com 08 of 22 Nicole Miller Courtesy of Nicole Miller A dressier affair calls for a little drama, which is what you get from this gorgeous piece. An evening soiree, including a wedding, is the ideal venue to wear this stunner. Click to Buy the Look $400; nicolemiller.com 09 of 22 ABS Courtesy of ABS Depending on the shoes you wear, this dress can be worn to a fancier occasion, like a cocktail party, or something more simple, like an outdoor dinner party. Regardless of which you choose to wear it to, keep the jewelry simple-the jeweled neckline is enough bling already. Click to Buy the Look $350; bloomingdales.com 10 of 22 Vera Wang Courtesy of Vera Wang Ladies who lunch need dresses like this. The sophisticated cut and beautiful details render this style a lovely one to wear to any event where you want to appear ladylike and sophisticated. Click to Buy the Look $540; neimanmarcus.com 11 of 22 Cynthia Steffe Courtesy of Cynthia Steffe You'll get tons of use out of a white eyelet dress during the summer. It's great for a picnic, a lunch with friends or with a cardigan for the office. $275; neimanmarcus.com 12 of 22 Vince Courtesy of Vince The paintbrush strokes on this v-neck style add a trendy touch to an otherwise basic cut and make it a good option to wear when you want to impress your fashion-forward friends. Click to Buy the Look $285; eluxury.com 13 of 22 Plenty Frock by Tracy Reese Courtesy of Plenty Frock by Tracy Reese If you need a dress for an afternoon wedding or other slightly formal occasion, look no further than this sweet strapless piece from Tracy Reese. $230; nordstrom.com 14 of 22 Twenty8Twelve by S. Miller Courtessy of Twenty8Twelve by S. Miller With a wide-brimmed sun hat, this dress will make you the belle of the Fourth of July BBQ! $575; neimanmarcus.com 15 of 22 J. Crew Courtesy of J. Crew If you want to feel a little more covered up, this below-the-knee cotton dress will be appropriate for conservative occasions. This style will look best with high heels rather than flats. $268; jcrew.com 16 of 22 Max Azria Courtesy of Max Azria The flapper-vibe of this flirty frock makes it a go-to choice for any fun summer parties you have. Keep your shoulders warm at night with a pashmina wrap that coordinates with one of the color tones in the dress. Click to Buy the Look $650; maxazria.com 17 of 22 Victoria's Secret Coutesy of Victoria's Secret Off to an exotic location? Throw this light-weight silk dress in your suitcase. It'll come in handy for a beachside luau or a romantic dinner for two. $109; www.victoriassecret.com 18 of 22 DKNY Jeans Courtesy of DKNY Jeans A t-shirt dress like this is a great option for an easy piece to throw on with gladiator sandals. The wood embellishments at the neckline dress this piece up a bit. $80; dknyjeans.com 19 of 22 J. Crew Courtesy of J. Crew Add a red shoe to this simple little dress and you're ready for a Fourth of July picnic or a boating excursion. $88; jcrew.com 20 of 22 Catherine Malandrino Courtesy of Catherine Malandrino Watching your local baseball team, strolling barefoot in the grass or just sipping cocktails on the front porch-why not do them stylishly in a sweet little spaghetti-strap sundress like this? Click to Buy the Look $595; nordstrom.com 21 of 22 Tysa Courtesy of Tysa Looking for something super girly and sexy? This fiery babydoll number will do the trick. If you have tanned or darker skin, wear it with gold accessories for major sizzle. Click to Buy the Look $275; tysaclothing.com 22 of 22 Allegra Hicks Courtesy of Allegra Hicks An easy, pretty piece like this will become a summer-time staple because it can be worn to a variety of occasions. Dress it up with peep-toe heels and dress it down with flat brown sandals. $479; allegrahicks.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit