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- Best Sundress - July 25, 2024
There is nothing more festive than a great sundress in the summer. We have combed through and tried on over 30 different dresses, and aggregated over 5,000 online reviews, to bring you the best sundress.
Whether you want a plain style, floral, or printed – we’ve got you covered. Here are our top picks.
Our Top Pick
Free People Women’s Lilah Pleated Tube Dress
This pleated tube dress from Free People is stunning, well-made, and perfect for summer. You can dress this one up or down, depending on your mood. We like pairing it with a nice pair of sandals, and heading beach or pool side.
Other Great Picks
BISHUIGE Women Summer Casual T Shirt Dresses Beach Cover up Plain Tank Dress
With over 700 online reviews – this sundress is a bonafide hit. Coming in at a very low price point – it’s also highly affordable. A great deal, when you realize the quality and craftsmanship is also top-notch.
GRECERELLE Women’s Sleeveless Racerback Loose Plain Maxi Dresses Casual Long Dresses with Pockets
With over 4,000 glowing reviews, this light and fun dress is perfect for summer. The racerback and loose fit make it a great choice for any body shape, and the price could not be lower. A must-buy.
KORSIS Women’s Summer Casual T Shirt Dresses Short Sleeve Swing Dress with Pockets
With over 2,000 glowing reviews – this simple casual sundress from Korsis is a great choice. Sleek, stylish, and affordable – we like the printed pattern best, but there are a plethora of style options to choose from.
MOLERANI Women’s Casual Plain Simple T-Shirt Loose Dress
This classic from Molerani is perfect for any event. We loved how casual it felt – even while looking formal, with the right pairings. And with over 2,5000 great reviews online – it has been time-tested, well-worn, and reader-approved.
Angashion Women’s Dresses-Summer Floral Bohemian Spaghetti Strap Button Down Swing Midi Dress with Pockets
This spaghetti strap sundress from Angashion works with nearly anything in your summer wardrobe. We love the red floral print, but truthfully any of the color choices look fabulous. And just in case you’re unsure – over 2,300 people have given it the thumbs up, online. Must-have.
GRACE KARIN Boatneck Sleeveless Vintage Tea Dress with Belt
This vintage tea dress is darling – you’ll absolutely love it. With nearly 10,000 positive online reviews – you can’t go wrong. We like the white floral, but the red polka dot version also stands out. Truthfully, you can’t go wrong with any of the (numerous) color and style options. A must-own for any closet.
NERLEROLIAN Women’s Adjustable Strappy Split Summer Beach Casual Midi Dress
This strappy split dress from Nerlerolian is a great pick for any summer bash, and the price will make you happy. We like the dark yellow and dark pink shades best, but you can also try pairing the navy with a variety of footwear. With over 500 positive customer reviews – you can’t go wrong with this one.
AUSELILY Women’s Short Sleeve Pleated Loose Swing Casual Dress with Pockets Knee Length
This loose swing casual dress from Auselily is a perfect summer pick. We love the pockets, and the army green color is divine. With over 1,000 glowing reviews online, and a perfect (low!) price point – this is a must-have for any fashionista.
Kidsform Women Maxi Dress Striped Long Dresses Casual Loose Kaftan Oversized Round Neck Sundress
This oversized sundress from Kidsform is a great summer pick – and it pairs well with just about anything. The red flower print is our staff’s favorite – but every color looks great. Try pairing it with an oversized hat, your favorite pair of sunglasses – and head to the beach.
What Is A Sundress?
Now that we’ve given you a round up of the best sundresses out there, let’s get into the specifics of sundresses. What exactly is a sundress? What makes it different from other kinds of dresses?
Well, a sundress is a type of dress that is made of lightweight fabric, typically meant to be worn in warm weather. Sundresses are comfortable summer essentials. Typically, the fabric is loose and flowing, allowing your skin to catch summer breezes.
Sundresses are typically thought of as everyday, casual wear, but there are exceptions to this rule. Sundresses come in all kinds of styles — they can be monochromatic, patterned, bold, reserved, ornate, or simple. No matter your personal taste, you can definitely find a sundress to suit your look.
Why Are Sundresses Called Sundresses?
Sundresses are called sundresses because…well…they’re usually worn when it’s sunny! The word “sundress” was first used in the early 1940s, but they became really popular in the 1950s. In the 1960s, sundresses reached an all-time popularity high when Lily Pulitzer – a New York socialite and fashion designer – wore them frequently around town.
Today, people use the term “sundress season” when they think about the period of time between May and August. This is the sunniest time of the year in the northern hemisphere…and it’s a time for summer vacations, beach parties, and all kinds of outdoor activities!
What Are Sundresses Made Of?
Sundresses are typically made with lightweight cotton, linen, or synthetic blend material. The fabric is usually lightweight and breathable. This helps your skin stays cool in the summer heat. The fabric of sundresses can be plain, printed, or embellished with decorations.
Sundresses can also be made into any kind of dress form, from A-line to full-length maxi. Because of this, anyone can find any sundress that works with their wardrobe.
What Do I Wear With A Sundress?
Fashion is all about personal taste, and sundresses are no exception. You can wear whatever you want with your sundress, although there are some classic, go-to pairings for when you’re feeling indecisive.
If you have a patterned or floral sundress, it is best to pair this look with minimal accessories. These can be a simple pair of hoop earrings, a thin chain necklace, or a cluster of slim bangles.
With a monochrome sundress, you can go a little bolder with accessories. Try a chunky statement ring, an oversized shoulder bag, or a floppy summer hat.
No matter the look of your sundress, you can always complete the outfit with your favorite pair of sunglasses. Personally, we love oval and butterfly frames.
How Do I Make A Sundress Look Casual?
Sundresses are already considered a casual article of clothing, so you shouldn’t need to adjust your outfit to make your dress look casual. However, if you aren’t used to wearing dresses…well, then any dress feels like formal attire!
There are several ways you can make your dress feel more casual. First, you can wear your dress with a pair of sneakers. Plain white sneakers look great with sundresses, as do monochrome canvas high-tops.
Second, you can always layer other articles of clothing over or under your dress in order to make it feel more casual. For instance, you can wear your sundress with a pair of leggings underneath. You can also layer a light cotton or denim jacket over your dress for a more relaxed look.
How Do I Make A Sundress Look Professional?
Sundresses are incredibly versatile pieces of clothing, and you can pretty much wear them anywhere…if you tweak them the right way. Do you want to wear your sundress to work, or to another professional outing? Here is how to do it.
First, pick out some dressy shoes. Close-toed flats and modest heels are good options. Also, opt for a pointed (rather than rounded) toe to further formalize the look.
Next, try pairing your sundress with a blazer or cardigan. These are two ways to instantly alter the feel of your dress. Of these two options, a blazer is a sure-fire way to make any outfit feel more professional.
Test your new outfit in front of the mirror — you should be all set for work!
Can I Wear A Sundress At Night?
When you hear the word “sundress,” you likely think of bright, daytime attire. You probably think of sunny picnics and lounging, sipping drinks at the pool. However, you can easily transform your sundress into the perfect outfit for a night out.
If it’s still warm at night where you live, you don’t have to do much to transform your dress. First, put on some heavier makeup to promote that “evening” look. Experiment with smokier eyeshadows and richer lipstick hues.
Next, take a look at your accessories. A sundress can easily convert into an evening look by simply changing your shoes and bag. Opt for black or darker colors when picking out your bag and shoes. This will instantly tone down any bright hues within your dress.
Lastly, you can easily convert a sundress into a night time look by pairing it with the right jacket. Wear a sheer black bomber, or a cut-off denim jacket to complete your look. This extra layer instantly changes the mood of your sundress from daytime fun into a night on the town.
What Kind of Shoes Do I Wear With a Sundress?
The kind of shoes you wear will probably depend upon your sundress! Try matching the color of your dress with the color of your shoes, or try matching a playful print with a playful shoe silhouette. You have so many options for pairing sundresses with shoes, and you can be creative with your choices.
Sundresses are commonly worn with flip flops, sandals, flats, ankle boots, and sneakers. For formal occasions, try wearing flats, ankle boots, or heels. If you’re lounging with friends or headed to the beach, wear sandals or sneakers.
Again, this question is largely dependent on your personal preference, as well as the occasion for wearing your dress. You can pretty much wear any shoes you want with a sundress, as long as you think they look good. Always dress in a way that is comfortable and makes you feel confident!
What Time Of Year Can I Start Wearing Sundresses?
This is an age-old debate. When should we stuff winter clothing into the backs of our closets and pull out the shorts and sandals? If it’s 60 degrees in March, is it okay to wear a sundress?
There is no straightforward answer to this question. Again, it all comes down to personal taste and what you feel comfortable wearing. Most people claim that sundresses should be reserved for temperatures of 65-70 degrees or higher, or around mid-April.
Then again, this also depends on where you live. If you are in a region where the climate is warm and sunny all year round, then you can probably get away with wearing a sundress in any month of the year. If you live in the upper Midwest and don’t see the sun until early June, then you might want to hold off on the sundresses until then.
Can Sundresses Be Long?
Most sundresses fall somewhere between the mid and lower thigh. However, some sundresses are full length! You can purchase a sundress in pretty much any cut or style — all depending on your taste and the occasion for which you are buying.
Some of the coolest, cutest sundresses out there have floor-grazing hemlines. Take a look at our picks for best sundresses! The Grecerelle Maxi dress in our list runs from shoulder to toe, and it’s one of our favorite sundresses in the world!
Where Can I Buy Sundresses?
You can buy sundresses pretty much anywhere you usually buy dresses. Our favorite brands are Free People, Bishuige, Grecerelle, Korsis, Grace Karin, Molerani, Angashion, Nerlerolian, Auselily, and Kidsform. In this article of the best sundresses, each recommendation contains a link that transports you to a page where you can purchase the dress.
You can order any one of these sundresses online, and have it shipped to your house in time for summer. If you decide to buy a sundress online, make sure you look at the brand’s sizing chart to select the right fit!
The Best Sundress
There you have it – our picks for the best sundress. The world of women’s clothes and accessories is certainly not limited to just these – make sure to take a look at our other picks, in the fashion category.