Each spring, as temperatures creep up from the 60s to the 70s, the only thing I want to do—other than enjoy every meal alfresco—is shop for breezy summery dresses. Now that New York is almost guaranteed to hit the 80s every day, it's time to press purchase on the dozens of dresses that have been idling in my shopping cart. Well, maybe not every single item. But plenty of excellent summer dresses are available to buy (and wear!) now.
There are plenty of fantastic styles to try this season. From slinky spaghetti straps to billowy kaftans, lightweight linen, and enchanting eyelets, the options would be overwhelming if they weren't that wonderful. Pick out a few fun pieces for upcoming weddings, or if you're a 2024 bride, embrace the opportunity to wear little white dresses for the next three months straight.
After browsing at least 300 product pages from Mango, H&M, and Zara, I've narrowed my selections to the 36 prettiest summer dresses to buy now. They're all new merchandise, with most sizes in stock and ready to ship. But don't let your favorites linger too long; the best ones (particularly the eyelet styles) are flying off shelves quickly—I'm only partially to blame.
Shop Summer Dresses at Zara
If I could buy only one new dress this season, this effortless poplin design with a rosette detail is at the top of my list.
This pretty lemon-hue dress works for the city or the seaside.
This long linen dress will bring a little drama to your summer vacation.
A classic white eyelet shirtdress will never go out of style.
Summer is the perfect time to wear playful prints.
Summer brides, this one's for you.
A chic pick for any wedding guest who prefers neutrals.
This breezy dress is ideal for island hopping.
Lady in red emoji.
We love a midi black dress. It's the ideal throw-it-on-and-go piece with flat sandals for chic summer evenings.
Shop Summer Dresses at H&M
Blue + eyelets = the dreamiest summer dress.
Add to your cart ASAP.
I'll be wearing this as a cover-up at the pool and straight to dinner.
Pointelle knits are so pretty and unusual to see in this longer length.
Wear this tunic as a dress or as part of a set with the matching pants.
A-line dresses get me every time. Simple and chic.
Similar, but with spaghetti straps.
I'm all about tie-front styles this summer.
Bubble hems are back, baby! Embrace the volume.
A simple sheer slip dress made more special with a bit of sparkle.
Shop Summer Dresses at Mango
'Tis the season to show just a sliver of skin.
Buckle straps add an unusual element to this otherwise everyday linen look.
Rickrack trim can be hit or miss, but this detail knocks it out of the park.
This bright dress is giving Palm Springs.
How pretty is this bandana-like print?
Another simple yet versatile option that can be worn with or without the accompanying belt.
Colorful crochet makes for a fun and comfortable statement dress.
The perfect blue dress for a last-minute getaway.
Wear the straps crisscrossed as pictured above or tie it in a halter style for a subtly different look.
Embrace a breezy black dress.
This playful picnic-inspired mixed-print dress is perfect to wear to any daytime event.
Easy breezy in beautiful blue.
The pockets and belt gives this dress a very '90s look.
Love the subtly sporty racer-back detail.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.