Summer dresses are the epitome of the season’s style: Effortless looks that can be transformed from day to night, gussied up, or made to appear more casual. This is why it’s important to restock your dress selection every season, especially as some events call for more formal fits — hello summer weddings! — whereas beach days beckon easy, breezy and flowy fashion.
As Memorial Day reminds us that summer is officially here (and brings tons of sales with it), take advantage of the discounts to up your inventory and ensure a summer of style. I sorted through Amazon’s Memorial Day sale to find the best dress deals, and these are the must-haves you won’t want to miss — including some seriously trendy featured brands like Vince Camuto and London Times that will take you everywhere from backyard barbecues to weddings to tropical vacations, and all the events in between.
Merokeety Summer Puff Sleeve Smocked Floral Dress
Available in 14 different colors (I personally love the tea rose and ginger options), this long sleeve chiffon dress with a crew neck and bubble sleeves is perfect for the early days of summer when it still cools down after sunset. The floral texture adds a hint of fun but the high waist brings sophistication. Furthermore, the elastic waistband and lining ensure you can stay in this dress for hours at a time and still be comfortable while looking classy.
Dokuritu Beach Crochet Lace Maxi Dress
This maxi might be advertised as a beach dress, but the crochet, lace and spaghetti strap details make this fit a versatile option for other casual affairs. Even better, it can be dressed up: Throw on a pair of wedges with it and call it chic evening wear. The dress is soft and breathable thanks to its polyester blend material, and it comes in nearly two dozen colors from classic white to sprout green and delicate apricot.
The Drop Britt Tiered Maxi Tent Dress
Tiered dresses are definitely underrated – flowy and fabulous, the tiers add a bit of structure to the loose fitting style. This particular tent style is made even more wearable with its incredibly smooth Tencel Lyocell blend fabric. The dress has pockets and the straps feature hidden buttons that allow you to mix up the fit and even criss-cross them, which makes it ideal for traveling since it’s like two dresses in one.
Pink Queen Cutout Sleeveless Tank Bodycon Midi Dress
If you’re looking for a fun ensemble for a more casual night out, look no further than this cut-out midi dress with a flattering side slit. The colorblock style (available in more than 24 hues!) makes a statement, so it’s easy to throw into a weekender bag or add to a suitcase for a night out that doesn’t require any extra bold accessories. The material is mostly viscose with some nylon, so it’s stretchy and stylish all in one.
The Drop April One-shoulder Cutout Tiered Midi Dress
There is so much to love about this dress – where do we start? The 100 percent cotton shell is versatile and durable, the cutouts add a hint of casual to the elegant flow of the dress, and the tiers and one shoulder bubble sleeve add uniqueness. Described as “neither loose nor clingy,” it still gives the body shape — and the classic colors make it ideal as a staple in your summer wardrobe.
Terea Annalise Shawl Collar Maxi Dress
Sometimes color translates to casual, but this is not one of those cases. The shawl collar maxi dress is vibrant with its teardrop pattern in complementary blue and orange, but the slits and fabric elevate this style. “This dress is so nice!” one reviewer wrote. “It’s well made with good material and lays very nicely.” They added that they loved the shawl collar — and that the dress holds up well in the wash.
Trina Turk Ruffled Hem Cocktail Dress
This showstopper from Trina Turk will surely have friends and strangers alike complimenting you all night. The Majorelle Blue and Zelliege Green pattern offers some understated whimsy, and I love how the burnout fabric hugs the body, only to flare out with its ruffled hem at midi length. The straps are adjustable and though it isn’t available in other colors, that’s part of what makes it so unique. Plus, it’s nearly 80 percent off right now.
London Times V-neck Polished Flounce Hem Dress
Every wardrobe needs a classic V-neck dress, and since this pick from London Times is available in 20 colors (many of them shades of primary colors), it’s the perfect one to pick up. The twist waist detail, flounce hem skirt, and crepe material add a little flair to the polished fit, which makes it perfect for both formal summer events and days at the office.
Merokeety One Shoulder Sleeveless Knot Smocked Midi Dress
Lightweight and breathable, this rayon pick is not your average casual dress. The smocked bodice, one shoulder accented with a tie knot, high side split, and tiered ruffled skirt is simply gorgeous. It’s also versatile, as you can throw on a pair of sandals with it for a boho look or add heels and a cute clutch to make it prim enough for a rehearsal dinner or outing with colleagues. “I live for the slit in it. Great value for the money,” one shopper shared.
London Times Petite Spaghetti Strap Faux Wrap Maxi Dress
Another dress that proves patterns can be fun and formal, this style from London Times would make for a great wedding guest dress. Spaghetti straps are accented by a draped ruffle, while the faux-wrap body and high-low maxi skirt add shape to the otherwise free-flowing dress. The slip is 100 percent polyester, while the outer layer is a printed yoryu (light chiffon) that moves beautifully in the wind or simply as you strut your stuff.
Vince Camuto Halter Bow Neck Dress
This sale is a steal for the popular NYC-designed premium fashion brand, Vince Camuto.
A sophisticated look for a shorter cut dress, this shift dress with a halter bow neck comes in 13 different colors, including ivory (perfect for a bachelorette dinner), mustard, and blush. The bolder colors like watermelon, raspberry, and kiwi are seamless ways to add some personality to the refined look.
Cupshe Women’s Maxi Dress Lace Dresses Boho Tassel
Tassels, lace appliques, and flared ruffles make this on-sale maxi dress a cute beach coverup or passable as resort wear for vacation. The straps are adjustable and the majority cotton material makes this delicate-looking pattern durable enough for machine washing. Plus, reviewers ensure it’s not see-through and that it’s extremely lightweight to get you through those extra muggy summer days.
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