18 Lightweight Summer Dresses To Beat The Heat

Looking to refresh your closet for summer? Here are 18 lightweight summer dresses to add to your summer wardrobe, to beat the heat in style.

Photo: Fernando Gomez. Vogue Arabia, July 2019

Summer is officially underway, and with that comes all the al fresco luncheons and poolside getaways to enjoy the balmy weather. One summer staple that never goes out of style is a classic white dress—if the usuals are too simple you can always elevate the look by opting for pieces in varying silhouettes and fabrics.

The Gaia short petunia dress is a great example with bold embroidered flowers on a shirt dress or the Bougessa Sofia kaftan that elevates a minimal outfit with interesting tailoring and choice of fabric — perfect for summer dinners by the beach. While florals for spring might not be groundbreaking — they are the optimal choice for the maximalist who wants to get into the summer mood. Think bright colors and bold flowers that will garner the attention of all at your summer escapades, and look to Eugenia Fernandez if this sounds like you.

Another fun summer fabric to experiment with is crochet, a summer trend that has remained in fashion for years. Missoni is a great choice for such pieces renowned for its colorful knitwear. If all the summer trends seem too bold, opt for knitwear in black like the Erika Cavallini dress. Lastly, if patterns and knits are not your go-to choice — a bright color goes a long way. Look into Staud, Chloe for great options or Leem, Alaïa, and Christopher Esber for interesting ruching and details.