The Best Summer Dresses and What to Layer Them With

This slip dress from Rolla’s has all the right details to make it our new staple. The V-neck with lace makes it different from others, and the criss-cross straps with the open back make it a little sexy. Throw on a denim jacket and sneakers for the office, then pair it with heels for date night. ($149, Rolla’s)

From bridal showers to baby showers to birthday brunches, this midi dress fits the bill. The floral print is bright but not too busy, and it’ll accentuate your waist but won’t feel restricting with the flowy bottom. The little bows on the straps are an added bonus. ($79, Lulus)

When J.Crew made its comeback, we were excited to buy new versions of the pieces we’ve loved since we were teens. This cardigan was at the top of our list. It’s pre-shrunken, so it already has the perfect lived-in feel, and the cashmere is lightweight enough to wear year round. Grab the white, the black, and one of the bright colors for good measure. ($128, J.Crew)

No one does summer dresses like Reformation. This one is made of a body-hugging, breathable cotton knit and will move with you as you’re strutting down the street in your new dress. The neckline is flattering and the low back will keep you cool. Both the black and nude colors can be dressed up or down. ($218, Reformation)

We’ve written about how perfectly this dress fits before, and just when we thought we couldn’t love it more, Staud drops this adorable ladybug print. It’s made with the same light and breezy cotton poplin and would be cute for a bride who’s having white dress fatigue. Get it before it inevitably sells out. ($295, Saks Fifth Avenue)

A light layer that’s vastly underrated? The denim vest. It looks good thrown over most anything — just imagine it with the dress above plus sneakers for brunch — and you can also wear it buttoned up as a top. Pair it with denim shorts for a summer Canadian tuxedo. ($108, Madewell)

Between the green color, the detailing on the bodice, and the smocked back, there’s not a part of this dress we don’t like. It’s giving “midday wine tasting just to beat the heat,” and with this stretchy linen-cotton blend, you’ll stay cool no matter what. ($158, Anthropologie)

When you find a good midi dress, never let it go. This one has a fit-and-flare silhouette, a sweetheart neckline, and pockets for stashing your lip oil. We’re partial to the white embroidered version (who can resist a white dress in the summer?) but we also love the blue and white stripes. ($35.99, Old Navy)

Never sleep on Target dresses. This knit tank dress is lightweight and feels like wearing your favorite worn-in tee. Plus, you’re guaranteed to stay cool without sleeves. It comes in five colors and sizes XS–4X. ($15, Target)

We love a nap dress for the summer, and no one does it like Hill House Home. Wear this with a jacket for work, then shed your outer layer for post-work plans. Grab the matching bow to feel extra cute. ($150, Hill House Home)

Strapless dresses are synonymous with summer and rooftops. This one is made of a breathable cotton-linen blend that’s smocked at the back for a comfortable, snug fit. Add a jacket for the office, then peel it off when it’s time to show off your shoulders. ($120, Abercrombie & Fitch)

This shirt is slim-fit, so it won’t look overly baggy with an already-flowy dress, and the eyelet is so pretty. You’ll also find yourself reaching for it to wear with shorts, the matching skirt, or even over a bathing suit, as well. Hard to go wrong with any of the colors. ($148, J.Crew)

The humble sheath dress is peak professionalism. This one hits just below the knee and has a twist at the shoulder that’ll set it apart. The black is a staple in any wardrobe, and it comes in sizes 14–28. ($41.99, Eloquii)

We confess to buying both the white and black in this one. From the airy fit to the smocked bust to the bow straps, it’s a just-right summer dress. It pairs well with a denim jacket or linen blazer and can be worn with sandals, sneakers, or heels. ($148, Aritzia)

This blazer is made of a lightweight linen, so it won’t make you sticky during your commute. It comes in a chic oatmeal color you don’t see often that will go nicely with almost any dress. Plus, it’s machine-washable. ($178, Everlane)

If you wake up feeling particularly fancy, try this minimal (yet eye-catching) slip. It looks great paired with low block heels or trendy ballet flats, and comes in sizes XS–XL. Good luck picking just one from 17 colors. ($79.90, Quince)

Between the flattering fit, soft jersey knit, and wide range of colors, what’s not to love? The V-neck isn’t too revealing and the fabric will allow you to move (but never stretch out). We love that it’s not too short if you’re rushing around. ($7.40+, Amazon)

The most iconic light layer of all. This one is a little roomier but not too oversized (we recommend sizing up if you want a larger fit). It’s made from 97% cotton and 3% elastane, which means it won’t be so stiff that it requires extensive breaking in. It comes in several washes and sizes XS–4X. ($43.46+, Amazon)