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Top 10 Designer Dresses

It’s The Season Of Daytime Dresses—Here Are The Styles To Invest In

It’s The Season Of Daytime Dresses—Here Are The Styles To Invest In

Our Top 10 Lists help shoppers quickly and easily find what they need. Using an intense review and approval process (which you can learn more about here), we break down the best styles according to what consumers most commonly search for and want.

Summer is the season of dresses, and for good reason. When the temperatures start blazing, the easy-to-wear silhouettes provide a fail-safe one-and-done outfit option. That sentiment alone makes them investment-worthy, but when you add in the fact that they're ideal for everyday wear, weddings, and workdays alike, treating yourself to a few high-end options simply makes sense.

Luckily, designers brought a ton of chic and wearable options to the runway this season—think everything from elevated shirt dresses to billowy, tiered silhouettes. So whether you're looking to invest in a new piece for your office wardrobe or a few solid options for the plethora of parties on your calendar, we're bringing you 10 fashion girl-approved finds that are sure to fit the bill.

Our Method For Finding The Best Designer Daytime Dresses

From summer weddings to first days back at the office, a wear-everywhere designer dress is a must. To make sure that you find exactly what you're looking for, we used our handy algorithm to source the absolute best options. Factoring in rave reviews, best-seller lists, editor recommendations, and more, this handy tool dug through the inventories of several retailers to narrow the results down to the Top 10. From Xirena's signature boho prints to rainbow-inspired options from Staud, keep scrolling to shop our algorithm-approved edit of the best designer dresses.

Next up, check out the 10 Best Designer Denim ShortsOpening image: the-sleeper.com

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June 15, 2021

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Poupette St Barth Clara Mini Dress
Rank & Style Approved

nordstrom.com

Poupette St Barth Clara Mini Dress

THE DRAWSTRING DRESS

WHERE TO WEAR: Featuring a mix of fun and practical details like pull-on styling, a muted floral print, and eye-catching pom-pom trim, this dress is a shoo-in for easy outings like brunch and happy hour.

STYLE WITH: Top off the look with espadrilles and a trendy handbag.


Xirena Joni Dress

THE BOHO DRESS

LOVED FOR: Complete with Xirena's signature boho-inspired prints and a lightweight blend of cotton and silk, this dress is equal parts elevated and effortless.

STYLE WITH: Let this dress shine and wear it with low-key nude sandals.


Jonathon Sinkhai Standard Quincy Puff Combo Poplin Midi Dress

THE TIE-WAIST DRESS

WHY YOU NEED IT: A white dress is a fail-safe investment come summer, and you can't go wrong with this one. Made with mid-weight, non-stretch poplin and sweet details like tiers and puff sleeves, it's the perfect blend of classic and on-trend.

STYLE WITH: The crew neckline makes this dress ideal for a few layered necklaces.


Rebecca Minkoff Elle Dress

THE LACE DRESS

WHY YOU NEED IT: Crocheted trim, peek-a-boo lace, and a button-down bodice give this simple white dress a cool, vintage-like feel. Appropriate for work, casual lunches, garden parties, and beyond, don't be surprised when you catch yourself wearing it on repeat.

THINGS TO KNOW: This dress is made with an adjustable tie waist to ensure a comfortable, flattering fit with every wear.


Xirena Kynsley Dress

THE DRESS WITH POCKETS

WHERE TO WEAR: Equal parts cool and comfortable, this breezy dress will serve as a great go-to option when temps begin to teeter into the 90s. Since it's made with an airy, shapeless silhouette and easy slip-on design, it's ideal for casual errands and lounge days alike.

THINGS TO KNOW: It also has pockets. Enough said.


Staud Cleo Tiered Poplin Midi Dress

THE SPAGHETTI-STRAP DRESS

WHY YOU NEED IT: Vibrant, rainbow-inspired piping gives this otherwise simple midi dress such a fun appeal. Complete with a flattering empire waist and floor-grazing tiers, it'll work for a number of occasions on your calendar this season.

STYLE WITH: Top off the look with a few stacked bracelets.


Joie Carlo Tiered Poplin Dress

THE MOCK NECK DRESS

WHERE TO WEAR: Equal parts flattering, simple, and modest, this fail-safe investment piece will be perfect for steamy workdays. It's made with pure cotton poplin, so it has a lightweight feel that will carry you through summer's hottest days easily.

USER REVIEW: "Very flattering dress silhouette that's comfortable, too!"


Vince Wrap Front Long Sleeve Shirtdress

THE WRAP-FRONT DRESS

WHERE TO WEAR: Boasting the perfect balance of ease and sophistication, you can wear this gorgeous Vince number to the office and the beach.

WHY YOU NEED IT: Vince's take on the classic shirt dress features elevated updates like a spread collar, button cuffs, and a flattering wrap closure. Since it's so easy to wear, you'll get a ton of chances to rock this dress. 


Ganni Seersucker Check Dress

THE RUFFLED DRESS

STYLE WITH: Featuring flirty elements like smocking, ruffles, and textured shoulder straps, you can amp up this dress with heeled sandals or dress it down with white sneakers.

THINGS TO KNOW: Come fall, you can style this dress underneath jackets or over t-shirts.


Sleeper Atlanta Linen Dress

THE CULT-FAVORITE DRESS

WHY YOU NEED IT: This celeb-favorite dress will serve as a catch-all solution when you find yourself in a summer wardrobe rut. Designed with super-soft linen and an on-trend silhouette, it just always works.

WHERE TO WEAR: You can wear this barefoot on your porch with a glass of wine or pair it with barely-there heels and take it out to dinner—either is totally acceptable.

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