A Definitive Guide To The Best Casual Summer Dresses

While it’s technically true that any outfit revolving around a dress could be categorized as an easy, breezy, one-and-done look, not all frocks are created equally effortless. With humidity levels peaking right now, throwing on a lightweight summer dress and calling it a day feels like the correct move. But what even constitutes a casual summer dress, and what are the best styles for dressing nonchalantly in this heat? 

For this guide to the best casual summer dresses, we set a few criteria. One, the fabric of the dress had to be easily machine- or hand-washable, and the material needed to handle a bit of inevitable summer sweat. Two, the dress silhouette had to be a pullover or pull-on style, with no complicated zippers, hardware, or accoutrements. And three, the length of the dress needed to fall within the mini to midi range (because maxis can require a whole lot of work, not to mention hemming, for the petite dress-wearers of the world). 

Of course, footwear also plays a huge role in your low-maintenance summer dress look. Pair any of the below pieces with sneakers or flats, and you’ve got yourself an “Oh, just pulled this together” vibe. Need to transition the dress from day to night? Some evening accessories, a quick going-out beauty routine, and a simple shoe swap for heeled sandals or ankle booties should do the trick. Now that we’ve got those guidelines out of the way, here are the best casual summer dress styles we’ve uncovered on the world wide web.

T-Shirt & Tank Dresses

The go-to summer dress in your arsenal (especially if you’re still working from home these days and can’t be bothered with more effort) is a T-shirt or sleeveless dress, preferably in a cotton or cotton-blend material. Listen, you’ve got plenty of soft, worn-in T-shirts — now just imagine a longer, oversized version of that same comfort. Looking for a specific color? Brands like Los Angeles Apparel or Everlane tend to have an array of hues, with T-shirt dresses in a more straight-forward shape. Or seek out retailers like Anthropologie or Missguided for trendier T-shirt dresses, with unexpected details like ruched sides or patchwork bodies.

House & Nap Dresses

Thanks to lockdown living, the nap dress (also known as a house dress) has become a fave style amongst the cottagecore-leaning indoor folk. These lounge dresses may look like they have a lot going on — a tiered construction, smocked tops, and often puffed or frilly sleeves — but they are so casual that yes, you are encouraged to take a snooze in them. Then go about your day without a wardrobe change!

Shift Dresses

Shift dresses are typically more form-fitting, with detailed feminine darting around the bust or waist. While some sheath-like bodies work well for casual summer dressing, the general goal here is to be able to move effortlessly throughout the day. So, check out pullover shift styles that offer wiggle room wherever possible — such as midi dresses that tent out or knit tunic dresses with stretch.

Slip & Cami Dresses

Depending on the material and cut, the slip dress may end up looking a bit more put-together and even nighttime-y, and a little less casual. However, we love any summer dress where all you have to do is slip it on and go — which is why the cami-top frock is not to be overlooked this season. Reformation consistently offers lightweight slip dresses with a sexy detail (like a thigh-high slit), while LOFT is a stellar source for a more low-key, but equally chic, spaghetti-strapped affair.

Linen Dresses

A linen dress is essential for summer, as its breathable flax fibers won’t stick to your body, no matter your sweat levels. The material is ultra lightweight and billowy, which makes linen dresses perfect for all-day wear. The one thing to note is that the natural fabric tends to wrinkle easily, so to get rid of creases, dampen the dress and iron it using blasts of steam.

Chambray & Denim Dresses

Nothing’s more casual or cool than classic blue denim. For a stiffer, thicker, more structured feel, opt for a dress made of the standard indigo you’re used to. But on supremely hot days, chambray is the sister version you’ll want to opt for instead — chambray dresses are more lightweight, softer, and have a smoother finish.

Button-Down Shirtdresses

There’s nothing a button-down shirtdress can’t do — it has the range and versatility that other casual summer dresses don’t have. The oversized oxford is comfy enough to be worn on chill weekends and to most corporate offices on summer Fridays (wear work trousers or culottes underneath if you must). Plus, it’s got that “boyfriend shirt” wink-wink going on, and looks great belted.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Psst, Athleta’s Semi-Annual Sale Is Happening Right Now (Up To 60% Off)

If you've been craving some brand new activewear, either to psyche yourself up for heading back to the gym or to feel good while doing your morning workout at home — Athleta's got you covered. Starting today, get up to 60% off select styles in their big semi-annual sale event, no promo code required. It includes everything from a medium-impact, supportive sports bra that go up to a size DD, to the softest lounge pants you could ever imagine. Athleta's sizes are more inclusive than some other brands (ahem, not naming any names), going from XXS to 3XL in some styles. But the sale is only for a limited time, so you might not find your size available if you wait too long to "add to cart."

Click ahead to shop our top picks from the Athleta Semi-Annual Sale, and add a bit of athleisure to your closet. Yes, you can always use another pair of leggings, trust us.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Athleta Printed Mesh Racer Run Short 4", $, available at Athleta

Athleta Conscious Crop Bikini Top A-C, $, available at Athleta

Athleta Solace Printed Bra D-DD+, $, available at Athleta

Athleta Salutation Stash Pocket II Intention Capri, $, available at Athleta

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Athleta Cinch Longline Bra A-C, $, available at Athleta

Athleta Flow With It Short, $, available at Athleta

Athleta Breezy Tank, $, available at Athleta

Athleta Studio Wide Leg Pant, $, available at Athleta

Athleta Kinetic Gym Duffle, $, available at Athleta

Athleta Colorblock Triangle Bikini Top A-C, $, available at Athleta

Athleta Kinetic Backpack, $, available at Athleta

Athleta Clean Medium Bottom, $, available at Athleta

Athleta Serenity Sweatshirt Tee, $, available at Athleta

Athleta Ultra High Rise Elation Capri, $, available at Athleta

Athleta Vapor Hooded Tee, $, available at Athleta

Athleta Venture Pant, $, available at Athleta

Athleta Marlow Maxi Dress, $, available at Athleta

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Valentino’s Couture Show Featured Statement Sleeves & Colorblocking

The return of in-person fashion shows these past few weeks, for Paris’ Haute Couture Week, has confirmed that, a year and a half after the pandemic first took hold, people are ready to get dressed. And Valentino’s latest show is the embodiment of that spirit. 

On Thursday, the Italian house showed its couture show, filled with bold colorblocking, party-ready feathers, opera gloves, and statement sleeves. 

Shown in Venice, Italy, the 84-look collection featured elevated basics like bold-hued coats, matching sets, and A-line skirts. The office-ready looks were contrasted with oversized feather hats, Olivia Pope-approved gloves, sequined jackets, and dramatic gowns. In line with creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli’s signature style, the lineup was full of colors, from apple red and sunshine yellow to royalty-ready purple and aqua blue. 

The collection confirms that some of the biggest trends we’ve witnessed this spring and summer will continue through the fall, including cut-outs, party dressing, going-out tops, and statement sleeves. Feathers — seen on hats, capes, and jackets — are also becoming the protagonist in 2021, thanks to designers and celebs like Harry Styles. (Search for “feather boas” spiked 1,500% on Lyst, a global fashion search platform, after the Grammy Awards, where Styles wore three consecutive feather boas in one night.)

Valentino’s collection also signals the return (whether you like it or not) of colorblocking, with standout combinations including purple and green, as well as pink and neon green.

A staple of the 2010s, colorblocking made an appearance earlier this season, at Bottega Veneta and Brandon Maxwell’s spring collections, with subversive takes on monochromatic dressing that contrasted lighter and bolder hues of the same color in one outfit. (Think: a pink top paired with a red bottom and a burgundy blazer, as seen on Prada’s spring 2021 runway.) Back in 2010, designers like Raf Simons, Jil Sander, and Prabal Gurung defined the colorful aesthetic, while retailers like J. Crew and Zara took the popular runway trend to the masses. 

Though colorblocking is already a bold trend, Valentino is pushing its limits, pairing it with glamorous accessories that make sweatpants look so 2020. Take a look at the full collection below.

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Katie Holmes’ Baggy Jeans & Button-Down Combo Is The Perfect Summer Uniform

EXCLUSIVE: **USE CHILD PIXELATED IMAGES IF YOUR TERRITORY REQUIRES IT** Katie Holmes is all smiles as she is spotted out with her daughter, Suri Cruise shopping at Scotch and Soda in New York City. Katie who is wearing a chambray shirt and jeans, appears to be sharing a joke with a man on the street. Suri is wearing short shorts and an oversized T-shirt while in Soho, New York, NY on July 14, 2021. Photo by Dylan Travis/ABACAPRESS.COM Pictured: Katie Holmes Ref: SPL5238998 140721 EXCLUSIVE Picture by: AbacaPress / SplashNews.com Splash News and Pictures USA: +1 310-525-5808 London: +44 (0)20 8126 1009 Berlin: +49 175 3764 166 photodesk@splashnews.com United Arab Emirates Rights, Australia Rights, Bahrain Rights, Canada Rights, Greece Rights, India Rights, Israel Rights, South Korea Rights, New Zealand Rights, Qatar Rights, Saudi Arabia Rights, Singapore Rights, Thailand Rights, Taiwan Rights, United Kingdom Rights, United States of America Rights

On Wednesday, while embarking on a shopping date in Manhattan with her daughter, Katie Holmes was spotted wearing this summer’s most effortless style uniform. For the mother-daughter occasion, the Dawson’s Creek alum donned a striped button-down from the men’s department — a top trend from quarantine life — with baggy jeans, a tote bag, and her signature black Gucci loafers. *Saves for future summer outfit inspiration.* 

Not only is the look casually chic but it’s also easy to recreate, with most people already owning these staples. An Oxford button-down? Baggy jeans? A pair of loafers? Check! Check! Check! All we needed was the actress-turned-style star to show us how to wear it all together. 

EXCLUSIVE: **USE CHILD PIXELATED IMAGES IF YOUR TERRITORY REQUIRES IT** Katie Holmes is all smiles as she is spotted out with her daughter, Suri Cruise shopping at Scotch and Soda in New York City. Katie who is wearing a chambray shirt and jeans, appears to be sharing a joke with a man on the street. Suri is wearing short shorts and an oversized T-shirt while in Soho, New York, NY on July 14, 2021. Photo by Dylan Travis/ABACAPRESS.COM Pictured: Katie Holmes Ref: SPL5238998 140721 EXCLUSIVE Picture by: AbacaPress / SplashNews.com Splash News and Pictures USA: +1 310-525-5808 London: +44 (0)20 8126 1009 Berlin: +49 175 3764 166 photodesk@splashnews.com United Arab Emirates Rights, Australia Rights, Bahrain Rights, Canada Rights, Greece Rights, India Rights, Israel Rights, South Korea Rights, New Zealand Rights, Qatar Rights, Saudi Arabia Rights, Singapore Rights, Thailand Rights, Taiwan Rights, United Kingdom Rights, United States of America Rights

This isn’t the first time Holmes has made us rethink our wardrobe’s basics. In fact, her street style consistently includes elevated classics, which she styles in a variety of ways that make them appear brand-new. Last November, she wore an equally nonchalant denim button-down with distressed jeans and Bottega Veneta’s braided sandals. In June, she made it clear which side of the skinny versus straight-leg jean debate when she wore a pair of straight-leg jeans with the same Gucci loafers and a graphic T-shirt. 

In turn, she’s proven that to have great style, you don’t need an extensive wardrobe. Instead, it’s all about collecting classics to repeat again and again.

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Watches Are Becoming An Engagement Staple — Here’s Why

PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 05: Xenia Adonts wears a white pearls necklace with CD pendant from Christian Dior, a white and navy blue checkered zipper tank-top / crop-top, a matching white and navy blue checkered blazer jacket from Dior, a matching white and navy blue checkered short skirt, a gold J’Adior ring from Dior, a gold ring, a white matte leather heart pattern embossed Lady D-Lite hand bag from Dior, a gold Bulgari watch, outside Dior, during Paris Fashion Week – Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2021/2022, on July 05, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Alice Arden was already planning on asking his partner to marry him when he got a surprise proposal. He and his partner Ben Knudtson were in Bellingham, Washington, on a weekend-long staycation in November 2020. When they got back to their Airbnb, Knudtson popped the question.  

Instead of an engagement ring, Arden and Knudtson cemented their union with a different item: a watch. “I think he was looking for something that fit us aesthetically, but also something that felt personalized,” says Arden. “These feel more personal.”

Arden and Knudtson aren’t the only ones who feel this way. “Engagement watches” are fast becoming a trend. On Instagram, the hashtags #engagementwatch and #engagementwatches are growing in popularity. At the same time, more sellers are marketing their watch offerings to the soon-to-be betrothed.

For some people, especially women looking to propose to their male partners or couples in same-sex relationships, watches are becoming a way to forgo the traditional engagement route. 

Although Arden and Knudtson aren’t firm believers in the institution of marriage, they see the value in formalizing their relationship in a legal way. But Arden says they wanted to approach this next step on their own terms. 

Although their watches don’t match, they are both from the same brand, Original Grain, which specializes in handcrafted pieces inspired by the Pacific Northwest. The watches nod to Arden and Knudtson’s “forever home” in Seattle and their favorite beverages: The timepieces are made from repurposed wine and beer wood barrels, respectively. For the couple, watches offered an opportunity to participate in the traditions of engagement and marriage in a personal way — and without the outdated social norms or the skyrocketing price tag of rings (each Original Grain watch is valued between $200 and $600). 

“This season, more couples have been forgoing traditional rings as engagement presents, instead opting for gender-neutral watches,” says Morgan Le Caer, a content lead at global fashion search platform Lyst. During the past year, Lyst has seen a 42% increase in searches for “couple,” “engagement” and “wedding” watches. Le Caer adds that models usually marketed for men, like the Rolex Pre-owned 40mm Submariner, are getting more attention from female shoppers.  

Engagement rings have been used in different iterations since the 15th century, with men traditionally giving women rings to officialize a marital agreement. But the modern significance of using diamond rings to propose dates back to the early 20th century. In 1947, diamond rings became increasingly popular after De Beers, a British company, launched an ad campaign to help boost their significance in the United States. The slogan “a diamond is forever” declared diamond rings the most valuable form of engagement present. 

Since then, rings have become an essential part of modern-day engagements, with 72% of brides-to-be surveyed getting a diamond, according to the 2019 Diamond Insight Report by De Beers Group. The price of engagement rings varies depending on the carat size, metal, and brand, but according to The Knot’s 2020 Jewelry and Engagement Study, the average cost is $5,500. That’s a hefty amount to drop for many couples, especially when the responsibility falls on one partner. 

For some, the lack of an object announcing their relationship status adds to the appeal of an engagement watch. Arden says that since getting engaged last November, the two have yet to come across anyone asking them about their engagement or relationship — something he’s thankful for. 

“I think that if we were wearing rings, people would be curious about it,” he says. “But there is nothing pointing to my watch that says ‘This is an engagement ring.’”

Watches have had a general spike in popularity in the past few years, according to McKinsey & Co’s 2021 State Of Fashion Report. High-end pieces became a particularly strong category amid the pandemic, thanks to their appeal as investment items. Although rings continue to be the dominant engagement piece, according to experts interviewed, watches offer a versatility and intimacy that may, one day, outweigh the pros of a traditional ring. 

Lisa Fristik, senior director of fine jewelry and watches at Fashionphile, has also seen an interest in the trend: Fashionphile is currently on track to sell more watches in 2021 than it did the previous year, doubling its revenue from this category. Searches for the word “watch” are up 73% on the site compared to 2020, while “women’s watch” have increased by 92% since last year. “For women, watches are seen as jewelry,” adds Fristik. 

Fristik says that watches are becoming more common as engagement presents because they are seen as heritage investment pieces that — much like rings — are passed down from generation to generation. They are also, according to Fristik, a way to tailor to people’s unique tastes, which might not include rings.

Fristik would know. In 2012, she gave her now-husband a watch when the two got married because he didn’t want to wear a wedding ring. “It’s a perfect example because he said, ‘I have long skinny fingers and rings look silly on me; I’d like a watch’,” she remembers. “It’s all about personal preference.”

Come October 2021, Arden and Knudtson will be married in a small ceremony with close to 30 guests. Only then will the two venture into wearing wedding rings. When Arden thinks back to their engagement, he says that even if it’d been the other way around, he wouldn’t have chosen a ring. 

“The more I think about it, watches are the thing I would have gone with,” he says.

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How To Make Your Post-Pandemic Fashion Debut

For those unfamiliar, to be "in one's bag" means to work with singleminded determination towards a goal, such as the accumulation of wealth or learning Esperanto. But for some of us, the phrase took on a different meaning during that year at home: to keep grinding until we could emerge with a stronger style game than ever before.

Through moodboarding, a running list of outfit ideas, and more than a few dress-up sessions, we've condensed months of research into three enormous looks for returning to (non-sweatpants) society. What ties these made-to-mingle 'fits together? Silhouettes that actually show your shape, can't-look-away colors — and a full-to-bursting sense of joie de vivre. Ahead, in partnership with Macy's and content creator JaLisa Vaughn, see how we're planning to make our post-pandemic fashion debut.

If we're not rolling up to the club in this (then promptly back out because who are all these people), we don't want it. With body-hugging ruching and an asymmetrical cut, this peach dress says, "I'm the main character, full stop."

INC International Concepts One-Shoulder Asymmetrical Dress, $, available at Macy's

GUESS Flat-Edge Hoop Earrings, $, available at Macy's

Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate, $, available at Macy's

For a celebratory dinner inside a restaurant, we'd pair this mock-neck top with a polished leather wrap skirt. Remember that while white might not be the safest option around bolognese, there's nothing like it to make brights pop.

INC International Concepts Mock-Neck Sweater, $, available at Macy's

French Connection Gabina Drape Skirt, $, available at Macy's

Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Toilette, $, available at Macy's

You know, sometimes after surviving a global pandemic, you just want to wear a lacy dress. We say go for it with a mini, off-the-shoulder babydoll number.

Free People Ari Smocked Crochet-Trim Dress, $, available at Macy's

Giani Bernini Cubic Zirconia Sterling Silver Stud Earrings, $, available at Macy's

MAC Satin Lipstick, $, available at Macy's

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ThredUP Partnered With Gossip Girl’s Costume Designer To Launch Boxes Inspired By The Show

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 20: Jordan Alexander is seen at the film set of the ‘Gossip Girl’ TV Series on May 20, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Gossip Girl is back. And so are the major fashion moments that the original show was known for, from a Christopher John Rogers fashion show to the everyday runway that is Constance Billard. For the return of the show (streaming now on HBO Max), creators brought back its costume designer Eric Daman, whose work on the OG Gossip Girl remains as legendary as Blair Waldorf’s schemes. Now, following the second episode, Daman announced a new partnership — with thredUP, the online resale marketplace.

The collaboration includes three boxes, each containing 10 thrifted items and inspired by New York neighborhoods and boroughs: the Upper East Side, which includes preppy looks like A-line dresses, flats, and blouses; Lower East Side, which features edgier items like black dresses and moto boots; and Brooklyn, which includes oversized tops and bike shorts. To get their selection, shoppers will have to share their size, fit, budget, and style through an online quiz. The items will then be tailored to their preferences, and shoppers will only pay for what they choose to keep, along with a $10 styling fee. The partnership also includes a curated selection by Daman of additional luxury and vintage items, available on thredUP. 

“I firmly believe in thredUP’s mission to create a more circular future for fashion,” Daman told Refinery29. “The generation that we’re designing for has a firm belief in that.”

“With Eric’s stylist eye for the coolest looks and thredUP’s massive inventory of millions of secondhand items, we can’t wait to deliver consumers their dream thrifted wardrobe,” says Erin Wallace, VP of Integrated Marketing for thredUP.

Although Daman didn’t thrift any of the costumes on the original Gossip Girl, the reboot is full of items from online resale sites like thredUP, The Real Real, and Depop. Amid the pandemic, Daman had to rely on these digital thrift sellers as many of the secondhand stores he used to frequent in New York City for shows like Sex And The City (on which he worked alongside costume designer Patricia Field) had either closed or had a limited inventory. “It was a very strange shopping experience,” says Daman. One that didn’t impact the impressive styling seen on the show.

“When you are shopping thrift, you can find these incredible pieces that are one-of-a-kind that really speak to this generation’s individuality,” he says. “You can find anything from Gap to Gucci.”

Over the past year, thrifting and secondhand shopping have boomed, with more than 40% of millennial and Gen Z shoppers buying this way, according to thredUP’s 2021 Resale Report. For Wallace, this was an important factor to consider in partnering with Daman to reach the Gossip Girl 2.0 generation. 

“Styling the series with a mix of new and thrifted fashion reflects how Gen Z really shops today, and we’re thrilled to partner with Eric to bring those trends from the small screen to closets everywhere,” she says.

The three boxes, as well as the item select items curated by Daman, are now available to shop on thredUP.com.

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