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You want to look cute this summer, but you don’t have time to scroll through endless pages trying to find the perfect dress. You need pieces that work for everything from playground duty to girls’ night, and you definitely don’t want to blow your budget on something that’ll get goldfish cracker crumbs on it by noon.

That’s where these dresses come in. They’re the kind of easy, versatile pieces that make you look like you have your life together (even when you absolutely don’t). Throw one on with sneakers for camp pickup, then swap in wedges and some jewelry for dinner out. We’ve done the hard work of finding 20 summer dresses under $100 that actually deliver on comfort, style, and that magical ability to take you from mom life to date night without missing a beat.

From maxi to casual dresses, here are 15 cute summer dresses for women that are sure to suit all kinds of styles and occasions.

Summer dresses for women

Old Navy Vintage Crew-Neck Mini T-Shirt Dress

$9.99 $24.99

If you’re all about that #nopantslifestyle, a closet full of T-shirt dresses is really all you need. I love this best-seller from Old Navy for the super affordable price tag and wide range of sizes including regular, tall, and petite.

Available in sizes XS-4X

 

Pact Fit & Flare Midi Dress

$68

With a sweet fit and flare ballerina-esque silhouette, this popular Pact style is a total showstopper. Add in the fact it’s made from comfy organic cotton, has a built in shelf bra and pockets as well as a totally reasonable price tag, and now we want one in all the colors.

Available in sizes XXS-3XL

J. Crew Sorrento Dress

$99.50 $198

A tiered beauty in airy cotton voile? Yes, please. The flowy silhouette is casual enough for every day but can easily be elevated by strappy heels and some gold bangles for a polished, party-ready look. It’s lightweight enough for those real scorchers, too.

Available in sizes XXS-3X in classic, petite, and tall lengths

Amazon Ruched Tank Dress

$28.99

One of the most-loved dresses on Amazon with over 30K+ ratings, this tulip-hemmed cotton dress is equal parts casual and sexy. Ruching along the side makes it flattering on every shape and with a rainbow of colors to choose from, there’s a style for every taste.

Available in sizes S-XL

QUince - Motherly

$39.90

Turns out our go-to brand for affordable cashmere has become a year-round staple. Quince, the affordable luxury brand that has no doubt infiltrated your social feeds, promises “high quality essentials at radically low prices”–and they definitely deliver. For the summer, we’re loving this rib knit dress which is comfy yet still put together. And even though it’s less than $40 bucks, it’s fully lined and holds its own against styles that cost 4x as much.

Available in sizes XS-XL

Gap - Motherly

$63 $79.95

Made from Gap’s UltraSoft denim (the same fabric as the pants I recently raved about), their Popover Mini Dress is one of those dresses you wear when you don’t want to have to think about it. The a-line shape and just short enough length make it easy to wear even when you’re chasing littles. And while it’s loose, the drape is more relaxed than baggy.

Available in sizes XXS-XXL

Z Supply Keegan Slub Jersey Mini Dress

$69

I’ve bought several Z Supply pieces over the last several years and practically every single one is still in rotation–including a style similar to this one. The cotton is breathable and not too thick or thin, and washes really well. (One reason they stick around, for sure.) I’m short (5’2″), and love that their mini dresses are actually above my knees–though if you’re taller than 5’8″ this one may not be for you. I also love the wider straps that make it easy to wear a regular bra.

Uniqlo AIRism Cotton Tube Bra Dress

$29.90

Uniqlo’s AIRism fabric deserves some sort of Nobel Prize. It breathes like you’re wearing nothing, doesn’t leave you with underboob sweat, and is stretchy but doesn’t stretch out. Total sorcery. I’ve bought tons from the collection over time, including this piece which is a real standout. You can wear it with straps or without, and in both situations, the internal shelf bra is supportive and doesn’t slide down. The cherry on top? It’s literally less than $30.

Old Navy Striped Mini Shirt Dress

$15.99 $39.99

Yes, I know it’s been a classic for ages, but I’ve recently been on a button down shirt dress kick and just can’t get enough. It’s the easiest style to look classy and put together with practically zero effort, and it works for so many occasions. Old Navy’s version is on the looser side and made from 100% cotton which means it’s ideal for the days that are almost too hot to move.

H&M Tie Strap Maxi Dress

$39.99

If your tastes say DÔEN but your wallet says, “not today sister”, appease yourself with this breezy H&M piece. I love the delicate tie straps and nightgown-esque drape which is giving Brooklynite summering in Vermont–all for less than $40 bucks.

Quince 100% European Linen Sleeveless Swing Dress

$59.90

This casual but sophisticated linen style from Quince is a favorite for travel. It’s stylish and comfortable enough throw in a suitcase whether you’re walking the streets of Rome or kicking it at the Jersey shore. Dozens of reviewers confess to buying it in multiple colors–all of which aren’t see-through.

Available in sizes XS-XL

Spanx AirEssentials Tie-Waist Maxi Dress

$69 $138

From the fit to the fabric, I’ve fallen head over heels in love with this Spanx dress. It’s soft and stretchy in a way that hugs you just right and isn’t too hot either. The tie waist is insanely flattering while the slits allow you to take full stride steps–instead of that terrible waddle that happens with similar styles. And at 50% off it’s a total steal!

Beyond Yoga Spacedye Refocus Dress

$98

Sporty exercise dresses are a summer go-to since they’re made to be sweaty in. This one from Beyond Yoga is made from their super soft Spacedye fabric with a built-in shelf bra which gives you one less thing to think about. It washes like a dream over and over again and is awesome for travel since it never gets wrinkly.

Everlane The Seersucker Mini Wrap Dress

$89 $149

Everlane is so good at elevating otherwise simple silhouettes into something totally eye-catching. I just adore the balloon sleeve on this wrap dress which isn’t super puffy or overwhelming. The textured seersucker fabric is quintessential summer!

Anthropologie Endless Rose One-Shoulder Asymmetric Mini Dress

$80

If the occasion calls for drama, answer the call with this chic Anthro style. The asymmetrical drape is so incredibly eye-catching, and even if you eat a full on nine course meal, you’ll still be comfortable.

A version of this story was published July 6, 2021. It has been updated.