We like to say that FabList does the legwork for you, and for this write-up, Jo and Chrissie survived trying on 75 different dresses (Jo did most of the legwork!) to bring you those that actually look good in real life—not just on a screen!
Many of the summer dresses on the market are short and sleeveless, but we know your wardrobe needs variety, and not everyone likes above-the-knee or sleeveless styles. Jo won’t do sleeveless while Chrissie looks great in sleeveless! If you’re a Jo, remember that you can still buy the sleeveless dress and wear it with a jacket, cardigan, or scarf. We have some great coverage options for you below.
We tested a mix of everything—from sleeveless styles to dresses with upper-arm coverage, knee-length styles, and those with midi and maxi hemlines. Whatever your style preference, we found a winning option for you.
Note: Models in photos are usually tall, making dresses look shorter than they actually are. To find your true fit, look at the “Length from Shoulder to Hem” listed in the product details. You can measure this same distance on your own body to instantly know exactly where the dress will land on you, and if it will work or not!
Casual Dresses:
Rails Saba Dress: I (Jo) would buy this if I lived somewhere really hot or was traveling to a hot destination. The light gauzy material is featherweight, the length is just long enough, and the elastic waist gives it some shape.
Banana Republic Linen Eyelet Dress: I (Jo) would choose this if I needed a black or white linen dress. The material is a blend of silky TENCEL™ lyocell and linen that looks (and feels) really good on. It’s embroidered (click through to see the detail) to make it a little special, and it has a relaxed fit that’s spot-on for summer. It’s a perfect running-around dress that can also work for a lunch out with friends.
Frank & Eileen Mary Shirtdress: This casual classic shirtdress comes in many solid and striped options, as well as a delicate multicolor floral version.
PerfectWhiteTee Laurie Dress: I (Jo) tried on this T-shirt dress and wanted to wear it out of the store. PerfectWhiteTee makes Chrissie’s favorite tee (the Harley), and the same great cotton is used in this “throw-on-and-go” dress.
Henly Short Sleeve Polo Dress: Another “throw-on-and-go” dress (under $70), this one has a sort of terry-cloth lining that makes it an everyday dress that’s as comfy as a bathing-suit cover-up! I (Chrissie) liked that it wasn’t too clingy, which many T-shirt dresses tend to be, and that it fell nicely.
Banana Republic Button-Up Dress: I (Jo) think this is a great everyday dress. Made from super-lightweight linen, with a button-front and an oversized silhouette, it is a little fitted up top with an A-line skirt. Available in 4 colors, this is a winner for summer.
Farm Rio Porcelain Print Birds Dress: If you are in the market for a loose, flowy dress that’s made from great material and hangs well, try this Farm Rio option. I (Chrissie) tried it on, and it felt great. It’s definitely loose, but it doesn’t look as “tent-like” in real life as on the model.
Pilcro Denim Shirtdress: I (Jo) love a denim dress and really liked the ruching on this one because it gave me a little more shape than a typical denim dress. The stretchy material made it really comfortable while moving around and sitting.
Quince Linen Dresses: Quince makes great-quality 100% European linen products that are lightweight and breathable.
- Long Sleeve Popover Maxi Dress: This crisp-looking dress comes in 5 color options, including the white choice shown in the first photo above.
- Short Sleeve Popover Mini Dress: I (Jo) have this dress, in the second photo above, which has short sleeves and a shorter length, and LOVE it!!
- Quince European Linen Tank Dress: In the last photo above, available in solids or gingham, this throw-on dress is great for hot days.
Evereve Lynette Wrap Dress: I (Jo) tried on this shorter dress, thinking it wouldn’t work, and ended up loving it! The elastic waist and wrap-front skirt, coupled with the fun striped pattern, made this a favorite.
Melissa Nepton Theo Shift Dress: We love the pattern and sleeve design of this dress.
Emerson Fry Isla Dress: This is an easy-to-throw-on-and-go, lightweight dress in a beautiful organic cotton floral fabric.
Out to Lunch or Cocktails or Dinner:
Rails Roxanne Dress: This one looked great on Jo. The cut of the straps and the V-neck are really flattering, and the cut-outs on the hem add extra interest.
J.Crew Ruched Midi Dress in Poplin: A little cinching goes a long way! Jo tried on this one, and it’s very flattering for those who like a straight-line silhouette. Cute, small gingham-check stretch poplin material.
Sezane Raquel Dress: With a wide belt and great front pockets, this polished denim dress looked great on Jo when she tried it on.
Tuckernuck Linen Dress: This beautiful linen dress with Greek design comes in white or black. Love it—sleek but with added detail and interest.
Brochu Walker Havana Dress: Chrissie has this popular dress and loves it. It comes in 25 color options! The cotton is so soft, and the dress hangs really well. This is a great one to have on hand to throw on for any occasion, or for no special occasion at all!
Banana Republic Linen Maxi: Jo tried this on and loved it. The wide sleeves, high slits, and added touch of the back pockets make it a great option.
Jenni Kayne Jayne Dress: I (Jo) had a great try-on session at Jenni Kayne and LOVED this dress. I topped it with the Jenni Kayne Mira Cardigan (size down for a snug fit) and felt pulled together and ready to go!
Tuckernuck Floral Dress: If you are a fan of florals, this pull-on cotton dress is a great everyday option.
Tommy Bahama Linen-Blend Bias-Cut Dress: Chrissie has this one (in black) and loves it—the bias cut is flattering, and the V-neck, combined with the way the straps are cut, is also flattering. The length is good, and the little fringe at the bottom is a nice added touch. It comes in 6 good color options. Highly recommend!
Anthropologie Tobie Shirtdress by Exquise: This is the “new” shirtdress—one without a belt but with pleats at the waist for a fitted look. Whether you choose a solid or striped option, this dress is very flattering and can be worn endlessly. And if you like this style, it comes in a shorter length, sleeveless, eyelet, and many more versions.
Eileen Fisher Woven Plisse Round Neck Dress: This is a great travel dress because it is made of lightweight, sort of crinkly, non-wrinkle fabric and it’s not at all clingy! It hangs well without grabbing you where you don’t want to be grabbed. It’s super versatile—you can wear it with tennis shoes or sandals, or dress it up for a night out. Throw on a scarf, a cardigan, or top it with a jean jacket. I (Chrissie) loved it. It also comes in this V-neck version with short sleeves, but that wasn’t in store, so I didn’t get a chance to try it on, unfortunately (but it’s the same great fabric).
Faherty Coastal Poplin Bondi Dress: Jo tried it on for research, thinking it wasn’t for her, and ended up really liking it! We love the great pockets and the flow of this dress. It has a deep V and is on the longer side. Great for taller women (or have it hemmed if too long).
Evereve Perry Midi Dress: Jo liked this versatile self-tie belted option, which also comes in chocolate. This classic style can be worn for years.
Theory Maxi Dress: This dress looks much better on than in the photo—trust us! It’s a dress you can pull out to wear anywhere, with flip-flops around town or with jewelry and dress sandals to a graduation or a luncheon. Chrissie has had a similar Theory navy dress for years, and it never goes out of style.
Onella Maxi Dress: Zip it up for a more conservative look, or unzip it for a more casual one.
La DoubleJ Dresses: We love La DoubleJ’s bold prints, luxe materials, and flattering designs. Jo has a few of their dresses and wears them on repeat, with a lower cost per wear than other dresses in her closet. The Choux dress (short) and the Long & Sassy (long) are the go-to items.
Apiece Apart Wrap Dress: This lovely dress could be worn for seasons to come.
Cardigans, Jackets, and Scarves:
Cardigans:
If you’re looking for something to wear over a sleeveless dress, a cardigan is a great choice. Flowy dresses pair best with a fitted cardigan to define your waist. Slim-fit dresses pair better with a looser, relaxed cardigan. You can keep the cardigan buttoned up or unbuttoned, which is a good choice if you’re wearing a patterned dress so you can see the design underneath.
Banana Republic Crinkle-Knit Cropped Cardigan: I (Jo) tried it and loved it. Size down so it is a snug fit over flowy dresses. Available in 4 colors.
Jenni Kayne Finley Cardigan: My (Jo) favorite is this one from Jenni Kayne. It is cropped, made from the softest cashmere, and fits perfectly over sleeveless dresses.
Jenni Kayne Mira Cardigan: I (Jo) loved this merino wool cardigan too—the fit was a little looser, so I sized down, and it pairs super well with the Merino Tank for a sweater set. The fabric is so thin and luxurious. Perfect.
Quince Cotton Cashmere Cardigan: We both have this one in Heather Oatmeal and love it. It’s a great weight and length to wear over dresses (it is made from cotton and viscose, not thin merino wool as the Jenni Kayne above). Given how lightweight it is, it can be worn over the shoulders without being too bulky. You can also wear it solo as a “shirt”.
Jackets:
A short, cropped jacket is also a good option to wear over a sleeveless dress.
Veronica Beard Denim Jacket: This can be worn as a little jacket over a dress or as a shirt on its own. I (Jo) tried it on over a sleeveless dress and loved it! It is a thin, soft denim, so it’s not stiff or bulky.
Veronica Beard Gala Jacket: I (Jo) also loved this little jacket! A riff on a utility jacket, it’s cut from khaki stretch cotton and has a cropped, collarless silhouette with double oversized flap pockets. We love the rolled, striped cuff that gives it a little pizazz!
Scarves & Wraps:
Quince Linen Wrap: This lightweight wrap is only $32 and comes in 10 color options. Great to cover arms on a summer night.
Quince Featherweight Cashmere Silk Frayed Edge Wrap: If you prefer a super-lightweight cashmere-silk, this is a beautiful choice, available in 7 colors.
Chan Luu Cashmere Silk Scarves: Chan Luu makes lovely silk scarves that come in so many solids and prints. They are beautiful and will be a favorite for years to come, thrown around your shoulders or wrapped around your neck. For more warmth, they also sell a beautiful wool-cashmere knit cape.
And Sandals to Finish the Outfit:
If you’re looking for sandals to complete your outfit, check out our recs here.
