In case you haven’t noticed, it’s hot outside—like, really hot. For days, temperatures across the globe have been skyrocketing, and figuring out what to wear to stay cool has gotten harder and harder as the hours tick by. Cutoff jean shorts and a flimsy tank top will only get you so far, and with another work week starting, it’s important (and timely) to find heatwave-proof dressing options that look polished and chic. The trick fashion girls have relied on summer after summer? Lightweight dresses that don’t cling to sweaty skin, and fortunately for you, I’ve rounded up 30 of them below.
From affordable options from Nordstrom, Zara, J.Crew, and H&M to investment-worthy designer alts by the likes of Calvin Klein, Doën, and Staud, there’s a heatwave-ready summer dress for every shopper in the collection that follows. Mini shift dresses, nightgown-inspired frocks, and silk slips are all included, as are easy linen numbers that will get you through even the hottest and sweatiest of July days. All you have to do is add sunscreen, a raffia bag, and some easy flat sandals to finish off your 100º outfit.
Shop Heatwave Dresses
Not only is this romantic slip perfect for a warm day when you need something to throw on and feel comfortable in no matter where you go, it’s also on sale.
This is the kind of airy, flowy frock that will never leave you sweaty and sticky.
When in doubt, go with a sleepwear-inspired slip. When it gets really hot, no one’s going to tell you that you should wear more clothes.
A stunning and shockingly easy dress to wear again and again this summer.
As seen on Alexa Chung and Olivia Wilde.
This linen mini is a fun alt for classic white summer sundresses.
Every cool girl I follow is wearing this dress this summer. I have it, too, and trust me, it’s perfect.
Yes, you can wear this to the beach, but don’t be scared to wear it with a higher coverage brief and bralette on a hot day, beach or no beach.
This Dôen scarf mini is so cute.
This is arguably the perfect heatwave dress.
For nights out during this brutal heatwave.
Just add a simple, strappy heeled sandal.
This color, though!
$48 for this $480-looking linen dress? Say less.
If your schedule this week calls for a more formal ensemble, try this sleek, Alaïa-esque midi dress from Reformation that will help you combat the heat while still looking fresh and sophisticated.
This dress does it all. Just add leather flip-flops or slide sandals.
An affordable way to get the pretty dress trend It girls like Kaia Gerber love.
The best heatwave dresses barely touch your skin at all.
The perfect drop-waist dress for a heatwave.
If you hate pretty things, keep scrolling.
I can so see Alexandra Leclerc wearing this dress in the F1 paddock.
WWW editors swear by this easy, airy dress for hot days.
She’s gorgeous for a hot, humid date night.
I can’t get over this price.
Need.
I own the top version of this and wear it too often. Now that the dress is on sale, I think I need one of my own.
Pack this on your next tropical vacation.
Is it just me, or does this dress deserve to be taken out to dinner in Miami?
Perfect.
Prepare for countless compliments every time you wear this bandana-print dress.
