Looks that tell the world you're heading into summer in style at prices that say you're doing it with smarts. (Amazon)
With hot summer weather here for the duration, we're revamping our wardrobes with some fresh, fashionable frocks — truly, nothing is better on a torrid summer day than a light, lovely sundress. We're constantly on the lookout for the best seasonal styles, and we've found 12 lovely options at retailers including Amazon, J. Crew and Nordstrom Rack that deserve a spot in our — and your — closet.
Here are our picks for the best dresses at the best prices.
You'll never go wrong with the classic look of Hanes, and Yahoo readers and Amazon shoppers alike can't get enough of these supremely comfortable shorts. They're made of a soft cotton-blend material, have an adjustable drawstring waist and, very conveniently, pockets. Reviewers of all ages have been singing their praises, and they've rarely dipped lower than this all year.
Your morning hair routine is about to get a lot easier, thanks to this multitasking tool. It dries and styles all at the same time, meaning you won't have to juggle a brush in one hand and a blow dryer in the other; use it to give yourself a sleek, smooth blowout or wavy curls. At just $40 (70% off), it's far more affordable than the Dyson Airwrap.
Our senior beauty editor said she was so thrilled when she saw this deal, she "could barely type." Why is that? For starters, this serum comes from a well-respected brand and its star ingredient is hyaluronic acid, a hydration agent that can help plump the skin for a smoother appearance.
"Since we lose moisture and elasticity as we age, the humectant hyaluronic acid, an ingredient which binds to water — and can hold a whopping 1,000 times its weight in water — is key to any quality anti-aging skin care regimen," she says. "You'd be hard-pressed to find a better hyaluronic acid serum than this award-winning version." Among the other concerns it targets? Dark circles, fine lines, dark spots ... plus, it's within two bucks of its lowest price ever. Need any more convincing it belongs in your cart?
A Yahoo reader favorite, this top-selling maxi dress is up to 80% off. Wear this pocketed number as an elegant maxi at night or as a cover-up for the beach or pool — making it a versatile choice for summer vacations when packing space is limited. Its flowy silhouette just skims the body, so it's incredibly flattering. Choose from seven colors.
Teachers, nurses and Disney aficionados swear by these light and lovely loafers for all-day wear. They come in 30-plus different colors (prices vary).
This cute, comfy maxi dress has it all: a flattering design, an alluring slit and handy pockets. Plus, its roomy fit won't cling to your body, allowing for some welcome airflow.
It has amassed more than 6,000 five-star fans who offer praise like this: "It did not have a wrinkle! It is soft and comfy. It breathes. It is perfect for the hot Houston weather. Can’t beat it for the price."
Designed for all-day comfort, this casual cutie has an A-line silhouette that fits loosely over the body and hits just above the knees. The best part? It has pockets! Choose from 32 colors and prints.
For only $36, why not get one, two or even three for your warm-weather wardrobe? This tiered maxi dress is light, soft and flowy, with a nice amount of stretch and thickness to prevent undergarments from showing through. The high waistline creates a flattering silhouette for a variety of shapes, and the tiered design adds a little visual flair.
This wear-anywhere wardrobe workhorse makes for a perfect summer pairing with sandals and a sun hat. And we love this look with a knotted bottom, to keep it clear from waves during long walks on the beach. Prices vary by color and print — 18 options are available — and all have pockets (we love pockets).
If summer was a dress, it would be this magical number. The lightweight, swingy maxi comes in 21 warm-weather-worthy colors and patterns. With the gathered tie-waist, this dress creates a flattering silhouette and can be dressed up or down.
Ideal for throwing on over your bathing suit or wearing to Sunday brunch, this swishy number has a high front cut, spaghetti straps and a side slit for maximum airiness.
One shopper describes it as "flowy and soft, with room to hide the least favorite body areas without being a tent."
Prints, prints and more prints — 24 options in total, with an additional 10 solid choices in pastel and neutral hues. From bold geometrics to romantic florals, this splashy stunner hits on all the right notes for a stylish sunny-season wardrobe update. The fabric is soft, breathable and stretchy without being see-through.
This is the definition of comfy, casual and chic, with a flattering sheath design and a tie waist that creates definition in the midsection. Wear it to work, wear it to the beach, wear it in the backyard — the world is your stylish oyster.
Another option with pockets! Statement sleeves are all the rage this summer, so we're particularly enamored with the fluttery cap sleeves on this No. 1 bestseller, which are just right for keeping shoulders sheltered from the sun's rays. This dress is available in 28 different colors, including neutrals like black, white and khaki; pastels like mint and sky blue; and bold brights like peacock and rose.
The waistline is well-positioned to hide any belly bulges, while the shirred top makes for a slim silhouette. And reviewers praise the fabric for being nonclingy and breathable.
Oprah said it: You get a lot of bang for your buck with this canvas tote. "Doesn't it look like a more expensive bag? It's just right for the person in your life who needs to schlep a lot of stuff," she said (with a not-so-subtle nod to her best friend Gayle). Let the bag itself be a gift or use it in place of a gift bag. Both colors — navy or brown — will arrive in two days with Prime.
Looking for something a little more dressy, that'll still help you keep your cool? Ideal for everything from brunches to baby showers, this swingy style is a little bit boho, which will make you feel effortlessly stylish, even in a heat wave.
Over 7,500 Amazon reviewers have given this versatile dress a glowing five-star rating. Right now you can snag it in 39 (yes, 39) different colors and prints for $20 off with the on-page coupon.
Made with gauze-like polyester, this dress has a loose and flattering fit. Choose from 23 colors and prints.
Thanks to an additional 60% off with promo code JULY, you'll save more than $100 on this pretty piece — but you'll look like a million bucks thanks to its versatile style and luxe-feeling crepe de chine construction, which feels incredibly soft, smooth and lightweight. Black is the only on-sale color right now, but the dress is also available in yellow, brown and blue prints.
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