With Spring in full effect and Summer trailing close behind, it’s never too soon to start curating that perfect summer wardrobe. And what’s more quintessentially summer than that perfect summer dress? And with so many choices these days as to where to shop for dresses, the search can feel like anything but a summer’s day! That’s why we’ve created a list of the Top 15 Summer Dress Brands for 2020, so you can get ahead of the curve and on top of your game!
1) Hemant & Nandita
If you’re looking for summer dresses that combine sophistication with timelessness, and that are both comfortable and elegant, then Hemant & Nandita is the brand you’ve been waiting for. Based in New Delhi, India the free-spirit designs are created thoughtfully by the brand’s designers Hemant Lalwani and Nandita Raipurani, along with a team of talented designers. Sunny colors and bohemian shapes abound here, so you’ll never be at a loss for cute summer outfits. With a color palette perfect for Easter, no need to wait until summer to slip on looks like the Tiana Mini Dress, made from 100% cotton, boasting a plunging V-neck and beautiful back-tie closure. But don’t worry, the designer duo Hemant & Nandita also plays with pants, and we are obsessed with the Esme Pant in blue and white.
2) Sun Becomes Her
Absolutely stunning is the best way to describe the summer dresses coming from the new and highly coveted SoCal brand, Sun Becomes Her. Founded by its two designers Ling and Githa who met while working for Planet Blue, they bring their love for sun culture and the simplicity of nature to their gorgeous designs. And when one half of your designer team is from Hawaii (Ling-Su Chinn) and the other is from Cape Town (Githa Duncker) you’ve pretty much been preparing for this moment all your sun-drenched life. Searching for casual dresses that scream I am a sun goddess?! Well, prepare to be wowed! The Dahlia Midi Dress with its eye-popping Rose Garden Botanical print, underwire cups, and adjustable shoulder straps will get you as ready as you’ll ever be for all your upcoming fun-in-the-sun events with Sun Becomes Her.
3) MISA Los Angeles
If you’re looking to capture the vibe of a romantic heart, bohemian spirit, and wanderlust eye, then look no further, MISA Los Angeles is here! Launched in 2016 by late founder Shadi Askari-Farhat, the effortlessly feminine summer clothes from the very L.A brand (and we mean that as a compliment), is going to be your best bet for cute summer dresses. With looks that are equal parts flirty, flowy, girly, and bright, you’ll come back for more, season after season. Just check out the Delila Dress in Turquoise, with its fun ruffled detail and cute off-the-shoulder vibe. Every designer has her own special inspiration, and it seems that Shadi Askari-Farhat is no exception. The combination of her daughter’s names, Milla and Sayeh, is where the brand’s name MISA comes from. We love a sweet inspo story almost as much as we love the inspired looks themselves!
4) Auguste the Label
If you think California designers have a corner on the sundress market, think again! Designers from the land down under have their own rich sun culture and infuse their own unique inspiration into their sexy sundresses! Just ask designer Ebony Eagles about women’s summer dresses coming from her hit fashion label Auguste! Hailing from sunny Byron Bay, the vibe here is free-spirited, bohemian, and romantic. The Chloe Mini Dress in the sweetest shade of Lilac is the baby doll dress dream you’ve been craving. A ruched back, elastic sleeves, and ruffled detailing are the icing on the cake. The best part? Ebony Eagles clearly cares about the environment too, because Auguste is a proud member of the 1% For The Planet movement.
5) Saloni
If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd with women’s summer dresses that are synonymous with the nomadic lifestyle, then London based Saloni is about to become your new best friend. Color, cut, and imagination are what sets this European label with an Indian flare apart. Raised in Mumbai, the label’s namesake designer Saloni Lodha relies on her Indian heritage to influence her gorgeous summer dresses for women, like the Brooke Dress in a black and red Batik Dot print. But if color is more your thing, oh my, you are in for a treat! Designer Saloni Lodha takes your sun dress game to colorful new heights with her Lea Long Dress, with it’s water color stripe rainbow print motif and silk charmeuse fabric. And with a look so pretty and timeless, you’ll wear this piece for years to come.
6) LoveShackFancy
Sometimes you just need a little vintage inspiration in your sundress style, and LoveShackFancy will not disappoint! Creative Director Rebecca Hessel Cohen created LoveShackFancy in order to offer whimsical hand-dyed fabrics, flattering silhouettes, intricate lace, and flora prints that bring to mind days of the past. I mean, does it get any cuter than the Lucinda Dress, with it’s picnic-ready checkered print, tiered skirt, and front bow detail? Looking for a perfect white summer dress? Then check out the summer-ready Margaret Dress in crisp white ruffles and and an eyelet trim. Complete the look with a neutral-colored heel, a touch of bronzer, and call it a (summer) day! Rebecca Hessel Cohen knows just how to embrace femininity and strength, so it’s no wonder her sun dresses are at the top of our summer list this year!
7) IORANE
Sexy sundresses just got a whole lot more sizzling with cult Brazilian brand Iorane. Though the brand has been a fan favorite in sultry Brazil for twenty years, its sundresses for women and sexy summer dresses have more recently been making a splash internationally, and now the label even has a store in Miami. Designer Iorane Rabello creates eye-catching looks that are stylish, feminine, and possess that wow factor we all want. The Liberty Mini Dress in blue and white looks like wearable art with its boned bodice, ruffle trim, puff sleeves, and sweetheart neckline. So if you’re a girl looking to make a statement with your sundresses, then Iorane Rabello has what you need.
8) Flynn Skye
If you’re wondering what the best sundress destination is for looks that are easy going, and have a beach meets city vibe, then the sky is the limit – Flynn Skye that is! Designer Amber Farr created her beachy boho brand out of her garage and has since then turned it into an international sensation. Unique and versatile beach dresses like the Lynn Slip Dress in a kaleidoscope of colors makes is super breezy to achieve that SoCal hippy vibe. For a look that’s classic and feminine, slip on the Daisy Mini Dress– a short summer dress in a floral print that is just begging for summer fun! The brand’s designer Amber Farr has a knack for making women feel beautiful and is also committed to sustainability, so there is plenty to celebrate with this beautiful Flynn Skye brand.
9) V.Chapman
Los Angeles based fashion label V. Chapman is garnering quite the reputation for creating vintage-inspired looks that have just the right amount of modern touches. The label’s designer, Victoria Salisbury, a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design, attributes her dreamer sensibility for making looks that are, well, just plain magic! I mean, what else would you call the Maribelle Dress, a long summer dress made from fully lined embroidered mesh fabric and finished with a back lace-up and zipper closure? This dress’s French Blue Floral print gets you party ready in the most feminine way, and transports you right into an English garden, having tea and cake with friends. So, if you’re looking for unique pieces for magical moments, Victoria Salisbury’s brand V. Chapman is right on target.
10) Maaji
Sometimes when it comes to designing the most cutting edge silhouettes and flowy dresses, it really does take two to Tango. Just ask sister designer-duo Manuela and Amalia Sierra about their praise-worthy label Maaji, which is chock-full of cute and casual dresses for women! This brand created for beach lovers everywhere offers swimwear, beachwear, and resort wear to boot. But it tops our list of best labels for beach dresses, cause there’s no denying they have some beautiful choices in the dress department. The Canadian Goldenrod Mini Dress is just as perfect for a resort-romp as it is for a summer gathering. With its black floral print, front button closure, and elasticized belted waist, this flattering and feminine look will wear beautifully for years to come. And with this super cute Convertible Dress that changes from a flowy dress to a flowy skirt, the label’s designers Manuela and Amalia Sierra, prove that two is in fact better than one.
11) Amuse Society
What do the Mai Slip Woven Dress, the Bravado Midi Dress, and the Julieta Dress all have in common? Why, they are all lovely creations coming from designers Mandy Fry and Summer Rapp’s lux label Amuse Society. The designer-duo who were friends before becoming a design team, create looks that embody individuality and a laid-back boho vibe. So if you’re wondering how to dress for summer, the answer is amusing to say the least! Whether you’re searching for long summer dresses, or that perfect white beach dress, you can rely on Amuse Society to set you straight. Drawing inspo from beach lifestyle and a touch of rock n’ roll, designers Mandy Fry and Summer Rapp ensure that you’ll always find great looks when shopping at Amuse Society.
12) Camilla
Another great brand for sundresses, beach dresses, women’s casual summer dresses, and even dressier summer dresses, is Camilla Franks’ namesake brand Camilla. Hailing from Sydney’s Bondi Beach, this awesome brand offers a vibrant and bespoke bohemian esthetic, and there’s no arguing that founder Camilla Franks has created something spectacular. Proving that this effortless brand is here to stay, fan favorite looks like Camilla’s Tie Front Maxi and its gorgeous pink hues let you show up with major style. Made from 100% silk, this crystal embellished dress is a gypsy dream come true. Feeling floral for days? Well, you’re going to want to check out Camilla’s Asymmetric pleated floral-print crepe de chine dress. (Now, say that three times fast!)
13) PatBo
Sun Goddesses in Brazil and beyond agree, Patricia Bonaldi’s label PatBo offers the best when it comes to embroidery and bold prints. But don’t just take our word for it, scope out the label’s stunning One Shoulder Tiered Dress. With is super sunny bright yellow hue, this sexy summer dress is sure to brighten your day wherever you may be. If you’re looking for a sexy sundress perfect for a night out, the Orchid Print Mini Wrap Dress is just the thing you’ll need with its Charmeuse fabric, ruffle detailing, and sultry long sleeves. Offering both swimwear and ready-to-wear collections, the label’s Brazilian native founder, Patricia Bonaldi, always uses the highest of quality materials, so you know your pieces will last season after season.
14) Dodo Bar Or
With a uniquely Middle Eastern influence, Dodo Bar Or tops our list for brands with sun dresses you’ll love. Launched in 2014 in Paris, and created by Actress-turned-fashion designer Dorit ‘Dodo’ Bar Or, this label offers clothes infused with a cool and modern flair. Clashing colors, luxurious fabrics, and an innovative color palette all make up this inventive newcomer in the summer dress space. Dodo Bar Or’s Mor Dress boasts pouf sleeves, an acrylic waist buckle, and a vintage-inspired orange and brown flower print. The versatility of the brand’s printed kaftans and dresses are perfect for sunnier seasons, so you’ll know just how to dress for summer whether you’re in the city, by the beach, or at a festival.
15) Jen’s Pirate Booty
When your designs are found at all the best retailers including Asos, Free People, Nasty Gal, Neiman Marcus, Planet Blue, Revolve, and Shopbop, you know you’re doing something right. And if you ask us, label Jen’s Pirate Booty can do no wrong. Designed and curated by Jen Rossi in her hometown of Malibu, California, this brand is the epitome of free spirited, beachy bohemian gypsetters everywhere. Sundresses, casual dresses, cute summer dresses, and sexy sundresses too, if you’re looking to be noticed this summer, then JPB has you covered! Just slip on looks like the Moonage Mini Dress, or the Haven Mini Dress to get the summer party started.
