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On the hottest summer days, even shorts and a t-shirt can feel oppressive. Sometimes the only smart option is to slip into an easy, breezy sundress, one that is lightweight enough to feel like you’re wearing almost nothing — while still being cute enough to ensure you look stylish.
The key is opting for a breathable fabric that will feel airy even when there’s no breeze in sight. Think cotton, linen or even viscose, all of which are light and comfortable. You should also prioritize sleeveless tops, flowy skirts that move with you and a loose fit that feels more versatile. Below are a few of our favorites — and the best part? They start at just $9.
21 Easy, Lightweight and Breathable Summer Dresses
1. Our Favorite: Made of 100% cotton, this eyelet lace dress is more lightweight than it looks. It’s cute enough to dress up for a party and covers enough skin to make it office-appropriate.
2. Runner-Up: The light, thin material of this sundress makes it extra comfortable. Plus, we love the ruffled sleeves, tiered skirt and pretty floral print.
3. Boho Vibes: Between the colorful flowers and loose fit, this tank dress has a boho-inspired feel that works perfectly for an everyday dress. It’s versatile, comfortable and adds such a nice pop of color.
4. Minimalist Chic: This shift dress is proof that sometimes simple really is best. It offers a classic silhouette and a comfortable fit, and the linen/cotton blend makes it look and feel so luxe.
5. Beach Vacation: If you’re headed to a seaside getaway, be sure to pack this strapless maxi dress. It has a loose fit and striped design that makes it feel nautical, and the linen fabric is so light and cooling.
6. Stripes for Summer: There’s something about blue and white stripes that just feels so right for a summer day. This woven sundress is light with a pleasantly stretchy feel and has a ruched back for comfort.
7. Off-Duty Supermodel: Flowy and slightly oversized, this sleeveless maxi dress is giving the kind of off-duty glam that supermodels are always showing off. Wear it as a beach cover-up or a dress on its own.
8. Everyday Look: Made of lightweight and stretchy viscose, this striped midi dress is comfortable enough to wear when running errands. The light knit has tiny holes in it that make it feel extra breathable.
9. Summer Go-To: Super casual and easy to throw on with just about anything, this tiered sundress will become a wardrobe staple. The bright colors and prints make it so fun.
10. By The Seashore: Throw this flowy dress on with your favorite flat sandals and a pair of earrings, and you’re good to go. It’s light, moves with you and has a really pretty color palette.
11. Effortlessly Chic: This sleeveless linen dress makes putting on a cute outfit so simple. It’s one of those simple pieces that doesn’t really need anything to look good – but you can also style it with accessories to make it extra fun.
12. Business Casual: While this button-down shirt dress might not work for the office (unless casual attire is okay), it still has a polished look to it. The loose fit makes it so easy to wear.
13. Fun and Functional: For the days when you feel like you need a little more support than just a light dress, there’s this linen skort dress. It features built-in shorts that make it so functional, but it still has that easy-breezy look.
14. It Has Pockets: Between the loose fit, soft and breathable fabric and roomy side pockets, this tank dress is going to be a quick favorite. We love the contrasted neckline design for a fun touch.
15. Fairy Feels: This blousy cotton minidress has all of the whimsy, but still feels put-together enough to dress up. And you can’t go wrong with this gauzy fabric, which is so lightweight but looks like denim.
16. No Bra Needed: Want to make getting dressed even easier and more comfortable? Opt for this bra-free sundress, which has a built-in shelf bra that offers actual support and leaves you feeling so much freer.
17. Under $10 Alert: You can’t go wrong with this cotton mini dress, which offers a cute and classic silhouette and some pretty color options. This is an easy go-to option when you don’t really want to wear anything at all.
18. Euro Summer Vibes: Channel your inner European aura with this striped cotton shift dress. The yellow and white colors make it look like you’re ready to hit a beach on the coast of Italy or France in the best way.
19. Cutest Coverup: Go from the beach or pool right to dinner with this super lightweight mini dress. The ruffled hem makes it look so cute, and we love the button-front top.
20. Inexpensive Find: This cotton and linen blend dress comes in at under $15, which is truly a steal. And it features an easy, T-shirt-like design that will make it an everyday go-to.
21. Worth the Splurge: Made of organic cotton that feels so incredibly soft and breathable, this midi dress is worth the extra money. It looks luxe and can be dressed up or down, with a flowy, comfortable feel.
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