30 Summer Dresses for All Types of Occasions

Today is ALL ABOUT DRESSES, ladies. I’ve got short dresses, long dresses, flirty dresses, modest dresses, spaghetti strapped dresses, dresses with sleeves, dresses for church, dresses for just running around town, dresses for brunch with girlfriends, and dresses for your beach vacations.

I’ve got it all.

Need a dress?

I gotchu. 😉

The first 12 are BRAND NEW dresses that you’ve never seen before on the blog! And the rest are a round up of fabulous dresses that I’ve already shown this year that are still available.

Here’s just a tiny sneak peak of some of the dresses you are going to see today…

But before we get to the dresses, I need to remind you about the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale going on right now. There are so many incredible things on sale, y’all.

Like my ecru jeans, which are one of my very favorite finds all year long.

This particular pair is a perfectly neutral “ecru”, but they come in 3 other color options as well. They are ankle cropped flares with a frayed hem, and I love them so much. They do have the Ab Solution power mesh panels that we all appreciate, and they enable the jeans to be super flattering and super comfy at the same time. I’m wearing my regular size 4.

I’m also in love with this blouse, and it is on SUPER SALE! We’re talking 18% off and then an additional 40% OFF with the code LONGWEEKEND. It has a Peter Pan collar, flirty little ruffle details, perfect puff sleeves (that aren’t too big), and then an elastic band at the waist. It’s a special top! For size reference, I’m wearing a medium, but I would suggest sizing up from your regular size if you have a large chest.

blouse / ecru jeans / turquoise earrings / colorful initial necklace / heart toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / colorful beaded bracelet stack / raffia sandals

The bodice of this gorgeous dress is smocked, it has little flutter sleeves with scallop detailing and eyelet cut-outs, there’s a little pleated ruffle at the waist, and the eyelet detail is carried throughout the skirt. It is 100% cotton and lined. I’m in love with this vibrant hot orange color, but it also comes in plain white and it’s beautiful. The white one screams summer, and it could also be a great choice for a bride for a shower or luncheon. The top is very forgiving because of the smocking, so I was able to size down. I’m wearing a small.

smocked flutter sleeve dress / turquoise earrings / colorful initial necklace / heart toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / colorful beaded bracelet stack / raffia sandals

I love a blue and white pattern, and this one is beautiful. In addition to the gorgeous pattern, the fit is also super cute. With a split neck, tiny little flutter sleeves, and rick rack on the sleeves and tiered from the waist down the skirt, there are so many lovely details. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium.

dress / faux pearl earrings / colorful initial necklace / heart toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / colorful beaded bracelet stack / raffia sandals

I’m 5’4″, and while I think this dress is super cute, I think it’s better suited for somebody a bit taller or somebody who just likes a longer length. Y’all know me, I like my dresses short. 😉  It’s a tiered linen blend with sweet details like a split neck, a tiny pleated and ruffled sleeve, pintucks across the chest, and a tiered skirt. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium, but I’m wondering if I would prefer the fit of a small.

tiered dress / turquoise earrings / colorful initial necklace / heart toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / colorful beaded bracelet stack / raffia sandals

Gosh I love a shirtdress. Sadly, they don’t usually work for me because they often pull across the chest, but not this one! In fact, I would say this one is oversized and you should consider sizing down. I’m wearing a medium here, but I will be exchanging it for a small.

It is quite short, so if you’re over 5’6″, you are probably going to need to pass on this dress.

Wear it with sandals doing errands all over town, but you can also dress it up with wedges!

embroidered cotton mini shirtdress / turquoise earrings / colorful initial necklace / heart toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / colorful beaded bracelet stack / raffia sandals

If you love a throw on and go dress, the Genevieve dress is for you. Y’all know I love a swingy and relaxed fit, and this dress really delivers. It also has puff sleeves that are dramatic, but not too puffy. It has a sweet little block floral print, and I love the colors. For size reference, I’m wearing a small.

Genevieve dress / turquoise earrings / colorful initial necklace / heart toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / colorful beaded bracelet stack / raffia sandals

I’ve got another shirt dress that works on me! The reviews are excellent (almost 250 reviews with the majority being 5 stars), and while it comes in 3 solid colors, I absolutely could not resist these pinstripes. The fabric is lightweight, but it’s not too thin. It’s substantial enough that it doesn’t require a slip. I feel like this is a dress that lots of y’all would love to have in your closets, and right now it’s on sale for right at $20. For size reference, I’m wearing a petite medium.

shirt dress / turquoise earrings / colorful initial necklace / heart toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / colorful beaded bracelet stack / raffia sandals

I love a crisp cotton poplin dress. Always have, always will.

This mini swing dress is DARLING. It’s a navy background with a lilac flower pattern that is both playful and pretty. The dress is actually made to be off the shoulder, but I don’t love wearing dresses off the shoulder because I think that highlights my already broad shoulders. As you can see, you can definitely wear it on the shoulders as well, which is how I will be wearing it. However, when worn on the shoulder, it does make the dress shorter for sure so you will want to keep that in mind.

For size reference, I’m wearing a petite medium. The medium is pretty short on my 5’4″ frame (especially when worn ON the shoulder), and it definitely couldn’t be any shorter. If taller than 5’4″, you should probably get the regular instead of the medium.

mini swing dress / turquoise earrings / colorful initial necklace / heart toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / colorful beaded bracelet stack / raffia sandals

This dress is adorable and looks much more expensive than it is. It is very well made, 100% cotton, and fully lined. It has a pretty square neckline, sleeves that have a tiny bit of flare and length, and a nice relaxed fit. At 5’4″, it’s a bit longer than I typically like a dress, but that’s great news for you taller ladies. I would definitely suggest sizing down in this one. I’m wearing a small, and it’s still plenty roomy through the thighs and hips. If I didn’t need the room in the chest, I might even be able to size down to the xs. I thought this Kelly green was so fresh and fun, but it also comes in white, black, and a red/orange.

dress / turquoise earrings / colorful initial necklace / heart toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / colorful beaded bracelet stack / raffia sandals

Here’s another dress that looks SO MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE than it is. The fabric is substantial with a smocked bodice, adjustable straps, and tiny little pleats that fall from the bodice which creates nice shape. It also has pockets!

I love that this one is super size inclusive ranging from XS to 4X. I’m wearing a medium here, but I definitely need a small. And don’t worry, the small is already on its way to me. It also comes in a lavender and a white with a floral pattern, but I thought the black was very chic.

smocked maxi dress / turquoise earrings / colorful initial necklace / heart toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / colorful beaded bracelet stack / raffia sandals

If you’re packing for a beach vacation, I love how this straw tote looks with it. This is a really great bag for a trip, but it’s also great for everyday use.

This color, y’all. I mean, with a tan, this color is divine.

It’s an empire waist with smocking across the back and sides. The pleated bodice is unique, and the tiny little pleats fall so pretty. It’s a gorgeous dress.

AND YOU SERIOUSLY WON’T BELIEVE THE PRICE. Like it’s ridiculous.

After reading the reviews, I knew to size down, so I’m wearing a small.

pleated maxi dress / straw tote / turquoise earrings / colorful initial necklace / heart toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / colorful beaded bracelet stack / raffia sandals

So here’s another square neck dress with smocking.

#isenseatheme

I don’t love the material as much on this one as I do on the above dresses, but I certainly love the look. And I love how this one has sleeves! The fit and the pattern both work to make this dress incredibly flattering. I would suggest sizing down in this one too. I’m wearing a small. The blue and white one has a different pattern and it was made for a date night at the beach.

square neck dress / turquoise earrings / heart toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / colorful beaded bracelet stack / raffia sandals

This chambray smocked dress is part of the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale! This chambray would be perfect all summer long, but it’s especially appropriate for Memorial Day and July 4th when styled with these accessories. This dress also comes in a couple of different colors and floral patterns.

And you can use code SIMS15 for the flower straw tote.

chambray smocked dress / blue bandana / flower straw tote / sunglasses / star huggie earrings / USA bracelet stack / cognac sandals / lipstick (Ruby Woo)

Here’s another dress that can lean super patriotic when styled a certain way, but it would also be beautiful with other colorful accessories.

Use the code SIMS15 for 15% OFF the dress.

floral dress / blue and white circle handle straw tote / sunglasses / star huggie earrings / USA bracelet stack / Rothy’s sandals / lipstick (Ruby Woo)

AND HOW CUTE IS THIS LOOK.

striped dress / red flag patch hat / blue bandana / white tote / sunglasses / lipstick (Ruby Woo) / star huggie earrings / USA bracelet stack / Rothy’s sandals

This is the same dress as above, just in pink!

Okay, ladies! How do you feel about an absolutely DARLING striped dress that is ONLY $29!?! It’s not fitted, but it’s not boxy either, it’s just the kind of fit I love. I’ll dress it up with wedges, and I’ll dress it down with sneakers. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium. This is the pink stripe, but it comes in 14 colors.

Use the code SIMS15 for 15% OFF for the next 4 dresses.

This white eyelet dress is so just lovely. It’s fully lined with gorgeous lace details, a great split neck, scalloped lace sleeves, and a fabulous layered and scalloped skirt. The fabric belt cinches in the waist and just finishes the look off perfectly. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium.

white eyelet dress / faux pearl earrings / heart toggle necklace / matte gold tone bracelet stack / heeled sandals

I’m completely smitten with this adorable dress. The Bella dress is super feminine, super lightweight, and super soft. Favorite features include the flouncy little hem, the tie waist, and the banded collar with ruffle details. The pink/lilac background color paired with the yellow floral print is summer perfection. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium.

Click HERE if you love the styling, but don’t need a dress. I love that it comes in a top too!

Remember to use the SIMS15 code for the dress and the sandals.

Bella dress / faux pearl earrings / heart toggle necklace / matte gold tone bracelet stack / Mae heeled sandals

The Tamara dress is so incredibly charming. The neutral and green floral pattern is so fresh, and all of the little details make this dress feel special. The tiny little beats across the bust, the puffy sleeves (that aren’t too puffy), the flouncy skirt, and the little fabric tie at the waist… all off it is just lovely. I love it so much and cannot wait to wear it to all different sorts of occasions

I will wear it with heels for a graduation, a shower, or a garden party. It would also be super cute worn casually with flat sandals or super casually with sneakers. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium. The sizing is very generous though, so I would suggest sizing down if in between sizes.

Use the code SIMS15 for 15% OFF the dress.

Tamara dress / faux pearl earrings / heart toggle necklace / Kathryn Robnett bracelet stack / heeled sandals

The pictures don’t do this next dress justice because they don’t do the colors justice.

The colors are vibrant and stunning, and the pattern is perfectly playful and the background is a really pretty powder blue. And y’all know the shift cut of the dress is the one I gravitate towards most often. It has a banded collar with ruffle trim, a great split neck, substantial sleeves that fall just above the elbow, and a tiered skirt with a tiny little ruffle at each tier. It’s super feminine, and I love it. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium.

Use the code SIMS15 for 15% OFF the dress.

Rylee dress / faux pearl earrings / heart toggle necklace / heeled sandals

The Juliette dress is my favorite kind of dress with an A-line silhouette, a split neck, a short hem, some puffy sleeves (that aren’t too puffy), pockets, and A RUFFLE SKIRT. These types of dresses look the best on my body type, and I’ve gottta say, I love a dress without a zipper. I find that most dresses with zippers are often too tight on me (especially across the chest), so these types of dresses you slip over your head really work the best for my body type.

This one is actually an Avara exclusive that you won’t see anywhere else, and I’m in love with the vibrant colors and fun print. This one would also be cute with a denim jacket and sneakers.

For size reference, I’m wearing a medium. It is a bit tight across the chest and the site recommends sizing up, but if you’re not super busty, I don’t think you will necessarily need to. Extended sizes available.

Juliette dress / heart toggle necklace / gold bracelet stack / neutral sandal option

Okay, y’all. I’m going to be honest. I’m kind of flipping out over this super adorable eyelet dress.

It is 100% cotton and fully lined. It’s a little bit longer on me than I typically like, but that’s good news for those of you that are taller (I’m 5’4″).

And get this, it comes in 20 colors. This green is gorgeous, but I love so many of the colors. The black, the white, the hot pink, the blush, and the red are all excellent choices too. I also love the orange, and I never like orange. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium.

eyelet dress / faux pearl earrings / heart toggle necklace / matte gold tone bracelet stack / heeled sandals

boho maxi dress / similar denim jacket / faux pearl earrings / heart toggle necklace / matte gold tone bracelet stack / raffia sandals

This orange eyelet dress has the same vibe and similar fit as Farm Rio dresses, but this one is a fraction of the price.

AND IT’S A FREAKING BARGAIN.

It’s lined, it has pockets, and it also comes in black and white.

eyelet dress / multicolor initial necklace / straw clutch / neutral wedges / aviator sunglasses / turquoise earrings / hammered open cuff / lip gloss

This fabulous dress is UNDER $40. It’s 100% cotton WITH POCKETS, has a great little split neck, subtle puff sleeves, a drawstring waist, an eyelet pattern, and a ruffled skirt. Oh, and it’s fully lined! It’s DARLING. I fell in love with this vibrant “bright red tomato” (a red/orange combo), but it also comes in classic black and white. For size reference, I’m wearing a medium. I needed a medium for the chest, but a small would have been fine otherwise.

dress / turquoise earrings / heart toggle necklace / colorful beaded bracelet stack / wedges

There are limited sizes available in this dress, so you better jump on it if you want it! I’m totally smitten with the colors, the pattern, the fit, and the longer sleeves! But seriously… the colors and pattern! For size reference, I’m wearing a medium, but I think a small would have been better.

dress / faux pearl earrings / heart toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / raffia sandals

This dress caught my eye when browsing Amazon, but I wasn’t sure how it was going to fit and if I was going to like it in person. Well, the fit is so fun (super swingy and relaxed), and I happen to love it! I showed it last week in a neutral colorway and couldn’t resist ordering it in a bolder colorway. It was very wrinkled right out of the package, but I sprayed it with my wrinkle releaser and it pulled the wrinkles out beautifully. For size reference, I’m wearing a small.

dress / turquoise earrings / heart toggle necklace / colorful beaded bracelet stack / wedges

Here’s the neutral option…

dress / turquoise earrings / turquoise necklace / raffia sandals

Everything about this dress is special, but I love the color combo, the square neckline, and the rickrack trim the most. It’s pull-on styling, which is pretty much a requirement for me in a dress. The back on this one is smocked, so the sizing is forgiving, and the dress is comfy. For size reference, I’m wearing a small.

dress / similar denim jacket / turquoise earrings / heart toggle necklace / colorful beaded bracelet stack / wedges

And how cute is this dress! I’m telling you, if you put rickrack on it, I want it. This one is pull-on styling with elastic across the back as well. It also comes in white with a vibrant blue rickrack that is GORGEOUS and totally vacation ready. For size reference, I’m wearing a small.

dress / similar denim jacket / faux pearl earrings / heart toggle necklace / matte gold bracelet stack / wedges

belted shirt dress / multicolor necklace / hammered open cuff / faux pearl earrings / sunburst clutch / raffia sandals

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…

In case you missed Wednesday’s post….

The Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale is live, and the stuff is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD. Click HERE if you want to see my post that I dedicated to the sale.

1) ruffle sleeve tee / 2) Farm Rio romper / 3) classic tee / 4) white peasant blouse / 5) crossbody bag / 6) striped raffia tote / 7) lipstick / 8) halo stud earrings / 9) maxi skirt / 10) sneakers / 11) Electric Picks necklace and bracelet set / 12) Tory Burch bracelet / 13) pave heart bracelet / 14) mixed bead necklace / 15) turquoise bracelet / 16) Kut from the Kloth shorts / 17) Farm Rio tie waist dress / 18) Farm Rio tropical dress / 19) drawstring linen pants / 20) cuffed Wit and Wisdom jeans / 21) ecru Wit and Wisdom jeans / 22) Farm Rio belted dress

*****

So I’m dying to know. Did you find a dress or two that you loved? Or did you find a sale item that you need? 😉 Sound off in the comments!

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