Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
The One-and-Done Outfit
Madewell Poplin Smocked Maxi Dress
“An easy ruched dress like this option from Madewell will never steer you wrong. It makes an easy, one-second outfit feel like an elevated choice for the day. And for under $150, I’m sold.”—Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor
The Summer Staple
NIA Santal Dress
“NIA’s Santal Dress is a cult favorite that’s perpetually sold out for a reason. Made from a lightweight jersey fabric with a flattering ruched bodice, and yes, pockets, it pays for itself in cost-per-wear alone.”—Claire Stern Milch, digital director
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The Chic Cover-Up
Frame The Bauble Dress
“Preppy chic meets the beach in this polo dress that can easily be worn as a swimsuit cover-up.”—Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce content lead
The Wedding Guest Hero
Lioness Field of Dreams Maxi Dress
If your calendar is filled with weddings this summer, add this pastel number to your wardrobe lineup.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The City Dress
Sea Cassandra Print Ruched Dress
We love a dress that can go the extra mile. This one will stun at any summer festivity and it can be worn to the office for a chic workwear update.
The Vacation Dress
Nia Cabaello Dress
“When I’m last-minute shopping for a trip, I like to look for easy dresses that I can throw on and not think too much about. This one is perfect.”—Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce content lead
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The Carrie Bradshaw Dress
Norma Kamali Diana Gown
Once ELLE editors spotted Sarah Jessica Parker wearing this elegantly draped Norma Kamali Diana Gown while filming season 3 of And Just Like That, it went straight into our Amazon carts.
The Beach Dress
Seven Wonders Calli Mini Dress
“I like to bring a bit of fun with me on beach days. Luckily, this dress comes with a playful print that matches the energy of the summer.”—Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce content lead
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The Comfortable Maxi
Jenni Kayne Cove Dress
Breezy cotton maxi dresses, like this Jenni Kayne number, are the first thing to reach for during a heatwave.
The Party Dress
Arianne Elmy Refresh Good Luck Dress, Refresh
With floral embroidery, this is the dress to wear to all of those special plans on the calendar.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The Accessory Accompaniment
Staud Vincent Dress
The Vacation Dress
Anine Bing Arie Dress
We can’t get enough of Anine Bing’s effortlessly chic styles on Amazon, including this striped knit dress that would look great on vacation.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The Drop-Waist Dress
Simkhai Allana Midi Dress
“Drop-waist dresses are a must-have this summer, and this one comes in an on-trend butter yellow hue.”—Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce content lead
The Summer Work Outfit
Vince Furrow Stripe Wrap Dress
Here’s a striped shirtdress from Vince that has summer office outfit written all over it. But styled with flip-flops and a raffia bag, it would be well-suited for weekend brunch.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The Denim Option
Levi’s Louisa Denim Short Sleeve Dress
There aren’t too many things as timeless as Levi’s denim, especially classic styles like this shirtdress.
The Pretty Pleats
Ulla Johnson Delmara Dress
We love versatility. ELLE editors appreciate this one for its ability to stun during any occasion.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
The Casual Option
Frank & Eileen Perfect Tee Dress
Frank & Eileen’s ultra-versatile T-shirt dress turns a quick grocery store run (or takeout pick-up) into a stylish outing.
The Compliment Earner
Suillty Tie Dye Tank Dress
“I bought this $25 tank dress a few years ago, and it’s been scoring compliments ever since. Seriously, I’ve reached for this on so many occasions where I didn’t know what else to wear—and it’s always a good choice.”—Meg Donohue, associate fashion commerce editor
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Why trust ELLE
Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
Shop More from ELLE Fashion
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Readers Also Read
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below