Think for a moment: what is one of the best things about summer? Is it perhaps the prospect of a perfect sunny day? Or the idea of venturing to an idyllic destination? While both of those things are undoubtedly great, there's nothing better, in my humble opinion, than what happens to our wardrobes once the warm weather encroaches. Specifically, our ability to wear a specific staple repeatedly: summer dresses. After all, what else is more synonymous with summer than a dress? Nothing, really. Frankly, there is no other item more suited to any situation that might come up on your calendar. Whether you're dressing for a heatwave, a work day or a wedding, wearing a dress will always be a foolproof choice. Therefore, it is imperative to find versions of this must-have that meet our needs for the season, whether that means finding options that fit our financial budget, our clothing preferences, or our daily lifestyle.
While everyone's approach to dress shopping may differ, it's likely that most, if not all, shoppers want their dresses to meet three main criteria: the first is that the item should be easy to wear on a daily basis. The second requirement is that it should be stylish. And the third is that it shouldn't break the bank. All of these requirements may seem simple on the surface, but finding options that meet all of them is harder than you might think. Luckily, there's one retailer that manages to do it all: Free People. It may come as a surprise, but secretly, some of the best summer dresses come from this underrated brand. In fact, it's become a favorite among fashion fans and even our own editors. Don't believe me? Ahead, I've curated a roundup of the 25 best Free People dresses for summer, along with examples of how fashionistas are styling them. Fair warning: These Free People dresses will likely become some of your favorite pieces of summer.
Free-est
Liza Drop Waist Midi Dress
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Iyla smocked short dress
Upgrade your little black dress.
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All for Sun long dress
Trust me, this dress looks amazing in person.
Free-est
Siren Nights long dress
The bodice of this dress is so beautiful.
Free people
Paradise ribbed long dress
The ribbed detail adds a level of chic to this otherwise simple white dress.
Free-est
Kinney Midi Dress
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Easy to make long dress
Nothing is more timeless than a tank dress.
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Midi Linen Buckets
The lightweight material of this dress is designed for mild summer days.
FP One
Lausanne nightie dress
Can someone come pick my jaw up off the floor, thanks.
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Aelia low-rise mid-length skirt
While I'm biased about the island-inspired blue hue of this dress, it also comes in black, red, green, and brown.
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Asia convertible mini dress
You can wear it as a mini bustier or a low-waisted skirt.
They had me with an off the shoulder neckline.
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Chateau Low Back Midi Dress
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Onda low-rise tube midi dress
Hurry, this low waist dress is selling out quickly!
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Julietta linen off-the-shoulder maxi
Imagine wearing this while sipping piña coladas.
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Short dress that made me smile
Its name is aptly named, because I actually smiled at the first sight of this dress.
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Meet in a Maui mini dress
The way this dress just told me to book a trip to Paris.
Free-est
Essentially the best cotton and linen mini dress
You can pair it with flip flops for a day by the pool or with wedges for a night out dancing.
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Maxi Coastal Core
Just wait until you see the back of this dress.
Stop scrolling for a second to admire the pretty little bows on this piece.
Free-est
Something Special Low-Waisted Midi Dress
Maybe you're not the star of The Bridgerton Chroniclebut this darling dress will make you feel like a main character.
Free-est
Long dress take side
Warning: choosing which of the sixteen colors of this dress you want to purchase will be a challenge.
Free-est
Sorella Low Waist Midi Dress
Ideal for a casual office dress code.
I would wear this knit halter dress to the beach on a beautiful starry night.
Free people
Close to Heart mini dress
If this cute mini can't convince you that Free People has the best dresses, then nothing will.
