Expert picks for max fun in the sun.
A wise person once said that with great weather comes great opportunity — or something like that. Warm weather and sun means it’s time for shorts, sundresses, tanks, sandals, and all of our favorite outfits that channel the summery vibes we’ve been craving since winter. Few things are as satisfying as pulling seasonal favorites out from the depths of our closets (or for you organized folks, those sleek bins that you keep under your bed).
Of course, a new season is also an excuse for some new clothes too, and Bustle has consulted with stylists on the absolute best dresses and outfits on Amazon for warm weather. It’s true — with a few clicks of your mouse or taps on your screen, you can refresh your wardrobe for summer. Read on for the best cover-ups, rompers, dresses, and more, to feel great in all summer long.
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Jackie Condura, personal stylist and fashion blogger, loves this patterned tunic dress. She says, “This is one of my go-to top picks for a great, versatile Spring dress! ...It's got a flowy silhouette and pops of color! It's also a #1 best seller for good reason. It's good quality, true to size, comes in lots of colors and is a great price too. Wear it for Spring with wedges, sandals or heels and it can also take you into Fall with boots and a cardigan!” Among the styles you’ll find solids and patterns, and both short- and long-sleeved options, so the sky’s the limit.
Whether you’re looking to complement breezy summer dresses or you’ve been trying to find for the perfect footwear to complete a casual outfit, these flat strappy sandals will be a mainstay in your shoe wardrobe. They’re available with or without ankle straps, plus the sole has light padding for comfort.
“If you're looking for a great everyday basic, this romper from Amazon's own Daily Ritual brand will do the trick,” Condura says. “It's comfortable and soft, has a relaxed fit with a V-neckline in a nice fabrication and it even has pockets, which everyone loves! It can take you through the day and it also comes in a few different color ways. I love wearing it with tenny's or cute flip flops for a casual look. It's also perfect for wearing as you travel or need to step out for a quick errand.” Reviewers tend to agree that’s it’s a great basic, with lots of praise for its fit and overall comfort.
Along with the drawstring waistband and roomy pockets, this short-sleeved romper also features a keyhole button at the back for a pop of charm. A one-and-done outfit can’t be beat for days when you want to get out in the sun — you can slip this on first thing and be ready for your whole day. What’s more, there are loads of fun solids, stripes, and patterns to choose from.
Looking for a cute summer sundress to wear every day... and that comes in enough prints to do it? Lisa Sanchez, in-house stylist and fashion editor for The Nines gushes, “This dress is perfect because Amazon has 38 options, all in wildly different patterns so it won’t be so easy to spot that you’re wearing the same type of dress!” She’s a fan of this particular number “for its ability to be either dressed up or down. It’s casual enough for a trip to the beach or a walk on the boardwalk with a wonderfully floppy sun hat, but if you find the right belt, shoes, or other accessories, you might even be able to wear this to a wedding or work.”
“Everyone needs at least one dress that comes with pockets,” Sanchez says. She describes this swingy midi dress as “a perfect option because it is flowy yet form-fitting and comes in delightfully summery polka dot and flowery patterns. This dress goes great with sandals or ankle boots, which means you can accessorize it to fit any occasion. It seems like the perfect dress for browsing farmers' markets or even on a date night.”
With a solid top and complimentary patterned skirt, this swing dress gives you instant va-va-voom. Keep it casual for brunch with a jacket and sandals, dress it up with heels and a statement necklace for a wedding, or add a cardigan, belt, and ballet flats for an oh-so-adorable work-friendly look.
Sanchez also notes, “Dresses are great, but sometimes you might want to mix it up. Amazon offers maxi rompers that allow for a free and flowing fit that helps you fit in with the season’s trend. These rompers have a modern twist on the trendy Bohemian look, plus you are much freer to do guiltless cartwheels on the beach!” The front slit and off-the-shoulder sleeves make this airy outfit a perfect summer go-to.
If you aren’t currently planning on hitting any music festivals this summer, be warned that this dress might have you checking nearby lineups. Celebrity stylist and fashion expert Cindy Conroy says, “I’m going gaga over this crochet dress from Amazon. It’s flirty, breezy and puts in work – in all the right places.” Halter and spaghetti strap styles are available too.
In regards to the aforementioned crochet dress, Conroy suggests, “Pair yours with flats and a trendy headscarf to channel max spring vibes while staying effortlessly comfortable.” A favorite of Bustle’s, these low-key ballet flats are super cute and comfortable (and far less expensive than similar name brand styles). Also, they’re stretchy and bendable so you can easily pack them for on-the-go wear.
Not only will these satin headscarves look great with basically any fit under the sun, but you can style them in so many ways that you could literally go weeks without wearing it the same way twice. Each set comes with four different scarves with rich colors you’ll have no trouble coordinating.
“It’s a hot girl spring with this pleated metallic midi skirt,” Conroy says. “[Y]ou’ll give off rich auntie vibes by styling it with a cropped blazer, scooped neck t-shirt, suede gold buckle belt and gold clip on earrings (yes, they’re back!)” Along with those rich auntie vibes, the accordion pleats and comfy elastic waistband are the real chef’s kiss details.
To complete the rich auntie look, tuck a Bustle favorite like this scoop neck tee into your new skirt — or any bottoms of choice, really. This is a super versatile top that’s just as cute underneath overalls as it is with high-waisted pants or shorts. Even better, it’s made with soft jersey that wears so comfortably.
Conroy asks, “Why wear a basic cardigan when you can wear this fabulous pick?” And gotta admit, she has an excellent point with this luxe open cardigan. “Its hand knit details are proof that transitional clothing doesn’t have to be boring.” Buyers also rave about how soft it is, so you will feel and look amazing wearing in it.
Kimberly Mayhew, CEO of personal style consultants House of Colour, informs, “Thrilling dopamine brights will be worn head to toe or as a bold accessory throughout the season. Popular colors include zingy greens, bright reds and turquoise blues.” This red mini dress in particular has details like delicate spaghetti straps, a fitted waist, and a faux wrap skirt with a layer of ruffles to make it a great standalone piece.
This neon green cover-up is another one of Mayhew’s choices that goes big, bold, and bright this summer. It’s loose and airy, with a wide knit that channels the best of lace and the best of macrame in that perfect beachy way. If neon green isn’t your favorite, there are other brights, solids, and stripes to choose from.
For a summer-bright piece that’s also versatile, consider this off-the-shoulder dress — you can dress it way up with heels and bold earrings or dress it down with sandals and a denim jacket or sneakers. Even if you’re not planning a tropical vacation, you’ll feel like you’re on one when you step out in this flouncy, citrusy dress.
“Outfits and accessories that have added texture including fringe, feathers, and crochet will be a trend throughout the everyday summer wardrobe,” Mayhew says. “If you love a bold look than embrace the trend in your partywear.” Embrace it in a big way with this crop top and skirt set, or rock the available one-piece dress — all have just the right amount of fringe. It’s available in electric hues as well as subtle(?) neutrals depending how over-the-top you want to be.
With slim straps, a low back and rounded V-neckline, this chunky ribbed tank top is another Mayhew pick, and can easily go from day to nightwear. According to buyers, it’s super cute and comfy to wear — the knit pattern is slightly open, so pop a bra or bralette on under if you don’t want anything to show. And bonus, it can layer under your cardigan of choice in the spring or fall.
Mayhew adds, “For a delicate look, use a single accessory of hypertexture (fringe, crochet, embroidery) and balance your outfit with structure in other places.” This fringed crossbody bag is the perfect option to lean into her suggestion, and it gives you a ton of options. It can be worn crossbody, over-the-shoulder, and it even comes with a wrist strap so you can use it as a clutch, too.
“The cutout trend is evolving this season!” Mayhew tells Bustle. “Back cutouts were a trend last season, but as we move into summer we will see more shoulder, subversive... and asymmetrical cutouts throughout the wardrobe.” This cutout mini dress is a perfect example. You can opt for tank-style or long-sleeves — both feature a cut-out on the torso, and a low V-neckline. The reviews are full of buyers raving about how hot it makes them feel.
With slim spaghetti straps and a fitted silhouette, this cutout bodycon dress is another great option that Mayhew suggests for keeping up with the trend. The maker offers a variety of styles and colors too, so you’ll have plenty of choices for how to take her advice: “Cutouts draw attention, so find a cutout outfit that works for what you want to showoff!”
If you prefer to rock your cutouts in shirt form, then this long-sleeved front knot shirt might be your next favorite. The drawstring closure in the front front allows you to adjust the size and shape of the cut-out, so you change it up each time (or experiment and find a favorite style to stick with).
You’re not the only one reaching for your favorite bright colors and patterns these days. “The desire to dress up and have fun again drives a vibrant and joyful summer story with maxi silhouettes, vibrant patterns, and plenty of color for the wow factor,” Mayhew tells Bustle. This maxi dress is a great example with a bright color palette, detailed pattern, and classic silhouette updated with a low V-neckline and high slit.
This wrap maxi dress is another great option to add color and shape to your wardrobe. Among the prints and patterns, you’ll find florals, dots, animal prints, and more. Add a denim jacket and sandals for a walk on the boardwalk, or a chunky belt and heels for dinner out.
This crop top and matching slit pant set is the perfect outfit for slipping over your swimsuit and strolling down the beach. When worn together, it looks like a faux cutout jumpsuit — and is another suggestion from Mayhew that delivers on fun this summer. The ruffled hem of the top and the drawstring waist on the pants are cute and comfy icing on the cake.
“Elevated comfort continues to be a trend this season, but is evolving in a more tailored direction bringing in additional structure and texture,” Mayhew advises. “Relaxed suiting will be a key look for summer workwear this season, whilst textured accessories and applique details add a level of sophistication. Elevated comfort includes wide leg pants, relaxed knits, and suit separates.” This wide leg jumpsuit is a prime example of a work-ready outfit that you can put on and feel ready to werk.
What’s better than a sleek new belt with a chic O-ring buckle? Two belts with O-ring buckles. Each set offers two neutral colors (or animal prints, too) that are perfect for those rich auntie vibe outfits, for leveling up jeans or shorts, or for accessorizing your favorite work outfit.
Choosing between these clip-on earrings may feel like choosing between your children or pets or Harry Styles songs. Luckily, with four (or nine, depending on the set you get) you really can’t go wrong. The gold and silver styles go with nearly anything including — yep — those rich auntie outfits.
“I love this 100% cotton dress,” says Kim Hancher, style coach. “It has adjustable straps, and lots of flowy fabric so you can stay cool and look stylish in the heat of summer. The bold colorful pattern is vibrant and fun. Style with simple accessories and your outfit is complete. ... I own this dress and wear it all of the time.”
When it comes to style suggestions, Hancher has plenty: top it with a denim jacket and sneakers in the spring; flip flops and gold hoops in the summer, or flat leather sandals and chandelier earrings for a full boho look. She also cautions that it runs large, so size down.
Hancher recommends these espadrille sandals to go with your new floral dress (though they’d pair with most any number from this article). With a platform just shy of 1.5 inches, you get a subtle, stylish lift that won’t make you feel like you’re walking on stilts. Plus, ankle and toe straps add style and stability. Choose an earthy neutral color that goes with everything, or try a bold choice like mustard or cheetah print.
These oblong hoops come in gold or silver tones, and Hancher recommends them to complete the breezy summery look she’s crafting. Wear them with the above dress and sandals or with a classic tee and shorts for an added pop of shine. Extra features like the latching posts and subtle texture set them apart from other similar styles.
“When I think spring and warm weather, I think wrap dresses and pastel colors,” says Thalita Ferraz, founder and CEO of beauty & styling site Her Bones. “I love Miessial’s wrap dresses, which you can get in a massive variety of different colors that can bring your look from casual coffee date all the way to wedding guests. My favorite is the blush pink, but the black floral is also really good for a more casual look.” Both long- and short-sleeved styles are available.
“I can't recommend a good pair of sunglasses enough. The sun can damage your eyes so much more than you realise, so if you're going out in the sun you need some kind of protection,” Ferraz cautions. “There are some really cool styles in fashion at the moment, like these oversized ‘70s shades - they're very similar to Chloe sunglasses, but a fraction of the price. There are a ton of guides that you can follow to find the perfect shape for your head.”
If you’ve got a closet (dresser?) full of oversize shades, you’ll enjoy mixing things up with these round sunglasses that come in a set or one or two. Among the choices, you’ll find mirrored and classically tinted lenses, and a plethora of frame styles to complement each of your summer fits. Reviewers especially loved that they’re as lightweight as they are stylish.