When it’s sweltering out, the only thing more appealing than blasting the AC is slipping into an ultra-lightweight dress that barely skims the body. Whether it’s a floaty cotton dress that breathes easily, a poplin midi with cut-outs for added airflow, or a linen maxi made for getaways, these summer-ready silhouettes are what we’ll be living in from now through Labor Day.
This edit includes the most breathable summer dresses we could find — many with open backs, strategic slits, or draped shapes that won’t cling, bunch, or stick to sweaty skin. We’ve got all the trends covered, too: shift dresses that go from desk to drinks, tiered and flowy dresses made for triple-digit temps, picnic-ready gingham, bubble hems that bring volume without weight, and standout hues like butter yellow and poppy. Consider this your guide to surviving the heat in style — whether your summer plans include a sardine-girl stroll through the city, a fisherman-coded coastal escape, or a destination wedding abroad (hello, European aesthetic).