How to Pick a Good Summer Dress

[written on 5/17/22]

As most everybody knows, I am an absolute whore for summer dresses. 

(I love them! So, so much!)

I love them because they’re quick and easy; I love them because they’re cute; and I love them because they absolutely mask the pervading stench of “I didn’t put effort into my outfit today!” with their cute fabricated patterns and glorious sweetheart necklines. 

Now, I’ve amassed quite the collection of summer dresses over my 18 or so years of living, and though I don’t wear all of them now, I feel that I have an extraordinarily good grasp on how to find good summer dresses. (You know, the ones that accentuate your body in all the right ways, and don’t make you feel insecure or incomplete in all the wrong ones.) I’ve also learned my lesson from buying bad summer dresses, so here are my takes. 

First of all, know your body. This is true for all types of clothing, but especially for dresses: how two pieces of clothing (eg: a shirt and jeans) alter your appearance is vastly different from how one piece of fabric will affect it.

This is what I take into account: I have small boobs and nice collarbones, I have regular-sized shoulders, I bloat when I eat, and I like showing off my legs. Because of my body structure, I usually opt for dresses with shorter straps (no full sleeves, but ruffles/detailing on the straps is always nice), low necklines (low enough so my collarbones are emphasized), high waist (to give the appearance of longer legs LOL), and a forgivable midsection (so I’m not overly conscious of what I’m eating). I generally also opt for dresses that hit a bit above the knee, but length isn’t as big of a factor, since long midi summer dresses are also very flattering. 

My one tip for length, though, is to never pick a dress that hits right at the knee. Either go a bit/way above, or below. Dresses that end at the knee are at an awkward length: they aren’t quite cute, short, flirty summer dresses, but they also aren’t sweet, prim and proper midi dresses. It’s an awkward mix.

This leads right into my second tip, which would be to FULLY COMMIT to a style of dress. 

Now, here’s what I mean by that: when you’re looking to buy a dress, decide what style you want. Are you going for cute and flirty and casual? (Eg: first date.) Are you going for hot/sexy? (Eg: some type of dance.) Or are you going for nice and neutral? (Eg: meeting someone’s parents for the first time).

Now that you’ve decided that, make sure that EVERY ASPECT OF THE DRESS YOU’RE CONSIDERING FITS PERFECTLY INTO YOUR SELECTED STYLE. 

Here is where I’ll go back to the above idea of length: a dress that hits just at the knee is slightly (but not fully) cute/flirty/casual, and also slightly (but not fully) nice/prim/formal. Avoid dresses that mix categories; the vibe won’t be as spot-on. (And I hate to repeatedly use that word—“the vibe”—but it really does perfectly encapsulate the idea I’m trying to get across here). 

For example, I would avoid a midi dress with leopard print: the length suggests prim/formal, but the print suggests hot/sexy. Make sure everything that the dress suggests fits into the same category! 

If you’re looking for a dress that’s cute and flirty and casual, commit to a shorter length (definitely above the knee), a nice “cutesy” pattern (florals that don’t look like your grandmother’s wallpaper work REALLY nicely here), short/thinner straps, a decently-low neckline, and and a flared out waist. Be intentional with the color you choose: the more casual vibe works really well with a range of lighter colors, and I especially love pastels here. 

On the other hand, I would avoid animal print (which usually fits the “hot girl” vibe better), older-style prints (which may come across a bit too formal), dresses that are wholly black or red (which are usually “sexier” colors), and bodycon dresses. Of course, break these “rules” when you want to; they’re just general guidelines.

Now, if you’re looking for a dress to give off the “hot girl” vibe, I would do the exact opposite of what I told you above: go for tighter dresses (especially tight around your torso—you REALLY want to accentuate your chest and waistline here), dresses that are in bolder, darker colors (black and red work very well!), and dresses that are short. Here is where small boobs are an asset: regardless of chest size, a dress that is tight around the chest area is VERY flattering here. I also love sequins, satin, and leg slits, and would avoid any pattern besides animal print. Solid colors shine here! 

For any type of dress (and especially for dresses that fall under the category of hot/sexy): DO NOT PICK A DRESS THAT YOU HAVE TO KEEP PULLING DOWN. (AKA a dress that is too short.) 

For one, you WILL look like a clown (just speaking from experience), and you will also be uncomfortable. Don’t do that to yourself. (On a more subconscious level, continually pulling your dress down makes you come across as less poised and more insecure, ruining the “hot girl energy.”) 

Now, for the last category—the “I’m meeting your parents for the first time” vibe—I like dresses that are longer (definitely below the knee) and more flowy, with a vintage type of pattern. (Think older florals or lace.) Sleeve length here can also be an asset; I usually prefer dresses with straps/shorter sleeves, but longer sleeves here can really emphasize your maturity. 

The most important tip, though, is to work with what makes you confident. As cliche as it is, confidence is what will make your dress—and, really, any outfit—shine, and no dress will look nice if you don’t have it. Happy summer dress hunting, and I hope you find something great!