Dresses for When It’s Too Hot for Clothes

The news says it's going to be hotter than usual across most of the United States. Here in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., it's like hot soup outside; humid and muggy and hot. It's the kind of weather where it's too hot for clothes, but we need to leave our houses and we don't want to be arrested for indecent exposure.

So what do you wear when it's too hot for clothes? Dresses that barely touch the body. Depending on your comfort level, underneath can be nothing to a breathable bra and pair of chafe-preventing slipshorts. I thought of the dress I wear all summer long, but the orange one I have is years old (and can rarely be found on resale sites, I know I've tried). So I was inspired to find worthy alternatives.

Below, I found dresses in breathable fabrics that are cute but also cool and comfortable in the summer heat. From weekend to work to weddings, I hope there is a dress that will help you feel more breezy this season!

Top row, from left to right: brown graphic cotton (4-18) | colorful linen (XXS-XL) | orange linen (2-14) | yellow linen/rayon blend (XXS – XXL & petite) | green linen (XXS – XXL & tall)
Bottom row, from left to right: one shoulder viscose (XS-3X) | green linen/rayon blend (00-40) | print cotton (XS-XL) | yellow cotton (XXS-3X & petite) | orange linen (XXS-XXL & tall)

What to do about spaghetti strap dresses? In 2025, you can do a pretty bralette and let it show/be part of the look, you can find a bra with skinny simple straps in a same/similar color, you can go commando, use tape, or you can go strapless. With dresses this loose, no need for a lot of hardware; a bandeau or thinner straps that hoist you up less can getthe ob done and be far more comfortable. Some bras I love for dresses like this:

Top row, from left to right: poplin v-neck (0-20/22) | black and blue cotton (XS-4X) | royal blue silk (S-3X) | stripe seersucker (XXS-XXXL) | cerulean cotton (10/12-38/40)
Bottom row, from left to right: linen caftan (00-40) | striped cotton (XS-4X & petite/tall) | cupro/viscose slip (XS-XL) | sapphire linen/cotton blend (XXS-XXL) | printed cotton voile (XS-XL)

Especially for us grown-ass women, we've been taught that loose, shapeless dresses make our bodies look larger. And if loose dresses make you feel uncomfortable or insecure, steer clear. But if you're looking longingly at these breezy frocks, know that you have earned the right to wear whatever the hell you want to.

Top row, from left to right: teal cotton (XS-4X & petite/tall) | floral cotton (XXS-4X) | tie-dye gauze (XS-2X) | rainbow cotton (XS-XL | pink print cotton (XS-4X)
Bottom row, from left to right: lavender floral cotton (2-16) | ivory & blue cotton (XXS-XL) | red pattern cotton (XXS-XL) | blue print cotton (XXS-3X) | green print cotton (0-14)

When you pair such dresses with interesting earrings or necklaces, a beautiful bag, oversized sunglasses, stylish sandals or sneakers, or other accessories, the effect is quite chic. Volume is trendy in 2025, it's stylish to take up the space you deserve in this world.

Top row, from left to right: pink cotton w/ flowers (XS-3X) | one-shoulder floral cotton (XXS-L) | keyhole linen (XS-XXL) | orange linen (XS-XL) | floral voile (XXS-XL & petite)
Bottom row, from left to right: peach gauze (XS-XL) | pink linen (S-XXL & petite) | stripe cotton (1X-3X) | red cotton (XS-3X) | plaid cotton (XXS-4X)

Linen is meant to look wrinkled, and linen is a BIG tend this summer. Don't be afraid of some creasing, it shows you're living life. However, if you want to reduce wrinkles, look for linen blends that incorporate a bit of cotton, Tencel, lyocell, and/or spandex.

Top row, from left to right: black eyelet (S-M) | ivory print cotton/linen blend (0-14) | black print cotton (XXS-4X) | floral linen (0-18) | brown linen (XS-4X & petite/tall)
Bottom row, from left to right: checkered cotton (XXS-4X) | black silk crepe (XS-XL) | zebra lyocell (0-14) | black linen (00-18) | printed cotton (XXS-XL)

Full dresses are grounded by chunkier shoes. Birkenstocks and similarly designed sandals with thicker soles, platform soles, sneakers, block heels, and wedges are not only more comfortable but look more stylish with loose dresses like these.

Top row, from left to right: purple gauze (XXS-3X & petite) | print cotton (XS-3X) | red silk (XXS-XXL) | yellow linen (XXS-XXL) | madras cotton (XS-XXL)
Bottom row, from left to right: print viscose (XS-L) | red (XS-XL) | short cotton (XS-5X) | orange linen (XXS-XXL) | green linen (XS-XXL)

You deserve to be comfortable, and this summer, comfort is the ultimate in chic style. Natural fibers, breezy silhouettes, and dresses that float from the body and keep you cool are not only comfortable but fashionable. I hope this collection has provided you with inspiration and the confidence to focus on comfort and joy this summer and all year long!