Our Favorite Summer Dresses: R29 Editors’ Picks 2022

The sun’s out to play, and the carousel of one-and-done outfits is in motion. Dresses are likely the choice, and we’re on board with that. Who doesn’t love a cheerful frock or the airiness of a loose house dress? R29 editors adore the flexible piece so much that they’ve come to share their favorite summer dresses of 2022 with you lovely people. The silky LBD of your dreams or vibrant party dress could be around the corner. 

For their chosen frocks, we’ve tapped into some of the buzziest summer fashion trends of 2022. Think itty-bitty mini dresses and bodycons in playful colors, such as hot pink and bright green. There are sleek black styles for the minimalist shoppers, too. Plus, the airflow and breathability of these variations are top-notch, making them a desirable summer staples. 

So if you’re on the market for a new piece or two to add to your summer roundup, look no further. Finding your new designated go-to for busy errands, outings, and even hangover brunches has never been this easy. It’s simply within the five dresses R29 editors declare they’d wear all season long.

H&M Calf-Length T-Shirt Dress, $19.99

“While this might not *actually* be the dress I would choose for a desert island, it IS my go-to for summer. Running errands, black T-shirt dress. Airport outfit for vacation, black T-shirt dress. Hungover brunch with the girls, black T-shirt dress. Walking the dog and haven’t decided what I want to wear today? You guessed it, black T-shirt dress! It has been a staple in my closet for years, and this one is my favorite since it’s not too short or too long.” —Sam Baker, Vice President Commerce and Partnerships

Princess Polly Zena Mini Dress, $34

“Aside from being the most perfect shade of pink to complement summer sunsets, the Zena Mini Dress in pink from Princess Polly has the most flattering fit. The ruching fabric allows you to look and feel snatched right around the waist without feeling tight. Additionally, the breathable fabric allows you to enjoy those summer outings without breaking a sweat.” —Jasmine Cubillán, Affiliate Intern

Free People Marina Mini Dress, $88

“I just got this dress recently, but I can already tell I’ll be living in it this summer. First of all, the airy cotton fabric is super lightweight and breezy, making it perfect for staying cool (and looking cute) in scorching weather. Second, I’m a total sucker for a back detail, and the crisscross straps are so pretty on. I don’t typically go for baby-doll styles, but this one looks modern and flirty instead of overgrown-child vibes. I copped it in a truly stunning shade of emerald green that appears to be sold out (*cries*), but there’s still many colorways available that I also love!” —Karina Hoshikawa, Beauty & Wellness Market Writer

Aritzia Only Slip Mini Dress, $98

“For someone who rarely wears dresses, a simple slip is a must-have for the humid NYC summer heat. It works with for my personal taste as I prefer to wear things that aren’t super “feminine” or form fitting. You can also literally pair a slip dress with anything (sneakers, boots, sandals, mules) and it can easily transition from day to night. A no-brainer!” —Kate Spencer, Affiliate Strategist

Cuyana Drape-Back Dress, $168

“Even in the summer, there is no item more versatile than a little black dress. I bought this style earlier in the spring after seeing my friend try it on at the Cuyana store in Manhattan (she also bought it that day) and have worn it on repeat ever since. Thanks to the Pima Cotton and the sleeveless silhouette, it’s extremely breathable. Meanwhile, the back drape detail and the slits add a touch of unexpected to what is otherwise a T-shirt dress. I love that I can dress it up or down with accessories and wear it everywhere from work to a summer event.” —Irina Grechko, Fashion Director

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. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

20 Oversized Dresses To Waft Around The House In

The Best Summer Dresses To Live In All Season Long

The 15 Best Y2K-Inspired Mini Dresses

These Athleta Pieces Are Perfect For Summering In The Mountains

This past weekend I got my Zen on among the trees in the beautiful Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. I spent the weekend donning Athleta’s wide range of activewear and casual clothing, although I’m no stranger to Athleta’s top-notch offerings. From reviewing plus-size activewear pieces to chatting with Alicia Keys about her collaboration with the brand, I’m on record as a fan of its super-comfortable, size-inclusive apparel. So when Athleta invited me on a weekend getaway to Piaule Catskills with forager-led trail hikes, Michelin-starred delicacies, falconry workshops, and astrology readings, I was obviously excited–especially to try some of its latest apparel launches. From the crispiest linen to the most butter-soft yoga pants, I got to test out some of Athleta’s new bestselling pieces IRL all weekend long.

Read on as I dish on my favorite style moments, thoughts on the fits, and how I used the Athleta pieces. Plus, my travel buddy and best friend Sarah Crawford makes a guest appearance and shares a few thoughts on a couple of her favorite pieces.

On My Way Dress, $89 &
Ultimate Bra, $49 & Salutation Stash Pocket II 5″ Short, $59

“The dress felt very soft and offered up a little more coverage than if I wore the salutation shorts and ultimate bra on their own. Since the dress didn’t have a built-in bra or shorts, it was nice to add in classic athlete pieces for more support. However, if you have chafing balm, the shorts aren’t needed. I love that I got a chance to try on a workout dress and the calm forager trail hike was perfect for a fun but cute outfit. If I were to go back, I’d probably snag the 7-inch salutation short instead because I love any chance for longer short inseams for more coverage.” —Chichi Offor

Infinity Dress, $99 $79.99, Saysh One Sneaker, $150

“I’m not normally a workout dress person, but I really love the feel of this one and the fun color! I often get self-conscious about my body in dresses, especially for workouts, but this dress made me want to branch out more with my workout wardrobe! The built-in shorts were a nice bonus. It was great for a chill hike through the woods.” —Sarah Caroline Crawford

Cabo Linen Wide Leg Pant, $79 & Playa Linen Shirt, $99 & Aurora Seamless Crop Rib Tank, $44

“This was probably my favorite look of the whole weekend for non-athletic activities. I wore this for dinner, an astrology reading under the stars, and s’mores by the fire. The linen is light and slightly roomy, so it’s a super-comfy fit. Although the line was light feeling, it felt substantial, like it was constructed with top-notch quality in mind. I hardly ever get a chance to rock an all-white, monochromatic outfit, so I was super excited to put that to the test.” —Chichi Offor

Conscious Cut Out Crop, $69 & Transcend 7″ Short, $59

“I was so excited to try the conscious crop in the new cutout iteration. The original version is one of my very favorite tops to rock in warmer weather, and this did not disappoint either. The fabric is butter smooth, yet there is a significant amount of compression, so you don’t have to wear a bra, and you are still definitely supported. The Transcend shorts are light as a feather and smooth throughout. They have a barely there feeling that’s like a second skin.” —Chichi Offor

Transcend 7/8 Tight, $99 & Transcend Bra, $59

“I’m surprised at how much I love the light and soft feel of the bra and matching leggings! Other than the bra being a tiny bit low cut for very active workouts, I feel like this set gives me full coverage, and I loved how it fit me. I’ll definitely be wearing it on repeat and want to try it in more colors.” —Sarah Caroline Crawford

Elation Flare Pant, $99 & Conscious Cut Out Crop, $69

“I wanted to do another monochromatic moment during the trip, so I went for a classic all-black look for yoga. I’ve tried the elation material before in the legging form, and these flare pants live up to just what I expect. There’s a little compression but not too much. It’s great for moving freely and stretching deeply as I did in my yoga practice that morning. The black-conscious cutout crop looks good enough to wear for a casual hang or even a date night with a skirt! I cannot emphasize enough how awesome it is to wear tops without bras and still feel supported as a large-chested woman!” —Chichi Offor

Ultimate Stash II 7/8 Tight, $109 & Ultimate Bra, $49

“I used this outfit combination to do a HIIT workout. The ultimate stash leggings held up surprisingly well as I shifted, lunged, and jumped through multiple positions. While the leggings aren’t as soft as some other Athleta pieces, they do have a solid amount of compression. Plus, I think the fuchsia colorway is AMAZING. The ultimate bra was cute and was great for most of the moves. However, I found that my breasts hopped up and down a little more than I liked during the jumping movements. I think this bra is good for medium- to low-impact workout movements or light jogging.” —Chichi Offor

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. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

I Wore Alicia Keys’ Favorite Athleta Styles

The Most Comfortable Underwear For Any Workout

The New Free People Movement x HOKA Collab is Here