10 Summer Party Dresses to Take You From Brunch to BBQ

Summer is all about socializing in the sun with friends – which also means the search for the perfect summer party dress is officially on. From brunches to BBQs, garden parties to kids’ parties; find your go-to summer party dress to take you to every event in your planner. There’s a style to suit everyone and every occasion.

1. The Cool & Comfy Maxi

Shop the look: Rosewood Gauze Tiered Midi Dress

Everyone needs a floaty maxi dress in their closet. This dusty pink number is made with a super-soft cotton blend, in a tiered, loose-fitting style that will keep you cool and comfortable, even during a heatwave (fingers crossed). We love the ultra-feminine flutter sleeve detail, too. It’s what summer dress dreams are made of.

2. The Matching Mommy & Me Midi

Shop the look: Jade Bell Sleeve Floral Maxi Dress

From birthday parties to family functions, match your summer party dress with your mini me this season with a super-cute ‘mommy and me’ style. You’ll both love to dress up in this fresh floral midi. Bright, bold and oh-so-pretty, the turquoise blue shade will look great with a pair of tan sandals and metallic accessories. Don’t forget to take a snap of you both; it’ll definitely be one for the photo album.

3. The Trending Print Midi

Shop the look: Navy Tiered Gingham Midi Dress

Tick off two summer trends in one with a stylish gingham midi dress. Touted as the print of the season, gingham is our new-go to, while puff sleeves are another fashion-favorite trend of the moment. Wear with a pair of strappy sandals to dress it up, or fresh white sneakers and a classic denim jacket for laid-back summer party style.

4. The Denim Overall Dress

Shop the look: Distressed Classic Denim Overall Dress

A denim overall gives you a casual party style for those chilled summer days. Ideal for wearing to kids’ parties in the garden when you’re running around, or cozy family get-togethers at home, pair with a classic white tee and matching sneakers for a simple look that oozes effortless cool. Just throw on and go.

5. The Going Glam Lace Maxi

 

For more formal outdoor occasions, like summer wedding receptions or celebratory christenings, opt for a sleek silhouette with pretty design details, like embroidery, beadwork or textured fabrics to ‘zhuzh’ things up. We love the bright rust orange shade of this dress for summer, with a lace overlay that’s glam without feeling too formal. We’d wear this with a pair of wedges (the comfiest heels ever) and a cute clutch bag to finish the look.

6. The Boho-Inspired Midi

Shop the look: White Square Neck Embroidered Midi Dress

Whether you’re vacationing in Idaho or Ibiza, this boho-inspired midi has sunshine woven in, bringing island style to your closet. Slip on this summer party dress, featuring bright embroidery, frill hem detail and flattering fluted sleeves; ready for lounging in the garden with friends and family. No beach necessary.

7. The Casual Vibes T-Shirt Dress

Shop the look: Black Striped T-Shirt Midi Dress

We don’t know what we did before this t-shirt dress. It ticks all the boxes for casual style: cool, comfy, easy to wear and effortlessly stylish, in a lightweight cotton-jersey blend that won’t feel hot and heavy on warm weather days. Ideal for family BBQs and running around after the kids, it’s the ultimate throw-on summer dress.

8. The Chic Shoulder Pad Midi

Shop the look: Mauve Shoulder Pad Sleeveless Maxi Dress

The summer party dress to go for when you want to get a little dressy. Don’t be put off by the shoulder pads; we’re seeing a comeback for this former fashion trend that’s here to stay (in a slightly smaller capacity, you’ll be glad to know). Dresses and tees with a small shoulder pad are all over Instagram right now, adding interest to simple silhouettes. This party-ready style will look great with a big pair of earrings and block sandals.

9. The ‘Wear Anywhere’ Classic Linen Dress

Shop the look: Taupe Linen Button Detail Midi Dress

For those days when you really can’t decide what to wear, reach for this floaty linen summer party dress. Whether heading to brunch, a BBQ or birthday party, this style will work for every occasion. Made of 100% cotton linen, its breathable fabric feels cool and comfortable, so you won’t overheat while basking in the sun. Meanwhile, the cute frill hem, button-up detail and V-neckline make this a flattering silhouette to suit everyone, plus the neutral shade goes with everything.

10. The Pretty Puff Sleeve Midi

Shop the look: Navy Square Neck Midi Dress

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: puff sleeves are the summer trend you need to try. Big and bold, they’re more flattering than you think, and give any outfit a new season lift. We love the square neckline on this dress, giving a subtle nod to nineties style. Made of 100% cotton, the lightweight, breathable fabric is perfect for staying cool, whether you’re chilling in the sunshine or pretending to help out with the BBQ.

Need some outfit inspiration for summer weddings? Discover How to Be the Best Dressed Guest This Wedding Season.