Finding dresses that transition smoothly from work to weekend can save you time and make dressing up more enjoyable. By choosing versatile styles like shirt dresses, wrap dresses, A-line dresses, shift dresses, and midi dresses, you can create a wardrobe that works for any occasion. Remember to accessorize smartly and play with different layers to adapt your look to different settings. This summer, embrace the ease and versatility of these dresses for a stylish and seamless transition from office hours to weekend fun.
25 Work-Appropriate Summer Dresses That You’ll Want to Wear on the Weekend, Too
Outfit prep has never been easier.
20TH CENTURY STUDIOS
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
When you think of workwear, what comes to mind? I’ll take a guess: frumpy blouses, dull colors, and most likely something you can’t wait to rip off as soon you get home. But shopping for the office doesn’t have to be so dreadful; it can be, dare I say, fun. With so many seasonal trends to play with, it’s time to start rethinking your weekday uniform and adding in a few summer work dresses.
Enter Olympia Gayot, creative director of J. Crew and the mastermind behind the brand’s chic revitalization. Few know workwear better than Gayot, so I caught up with her to bring you tips and tricks for spicing up 9-to-5 looks. “When it comes to summer at the office, dresses are great and can be super chic when accessorized with personal items: a great bag, a few pieces of special jewelry, and a bright lip,” she says.
And Gayot’s secret weapon? Prints. “Another nice way to address workwear in a summery way is to add simple prints into the mix,” she suggests. Remember, you can add a classy blazer to work-ify almost anything. But in the end, it’s all about what inspires you and your own sense of style. “My personal style is just that—personal.”
So, gone are the days of reducing work outfits to drab silhouettes and boring colors. Keep scrolling for my curation of the 25 best summer dresses to wear to work.
J.Crew Philomena Dress
A lacy white midi is the epitome of warm weather attire, and this pick is Gayot’s current favorite. She suggests a tailored linen blazer tossed over the shoulders for the perfect office look.
Sizes: XXS-XXXL
Colors: White, Black
Material: Cotton
Rodarte Off-White Silk Crepe Dress
You might have seen this stunning Rodarte dress on Kendall Jenner last month and wondered where you could get one for yourself. The combination of the puffy sleeves and oversized bows is equal parts stylish and feminine.
Sizes: 0-16
Colors: White
Material: Silk
Ganni Leopard Cotton Poplin V-Neck Maxi Dress
Prints, prints, prints! I can’t get enough of them. I love this leopard option from Ganni because it’s quite possibly the easiest outfit to grab and go. Minimal effort, maximum style.
Sizes: 0-22
Colors: Leopard, Blue, Black, Purple, Pink
Material: Cotton
Reformation Kendi Denim Midi Dress
This isn’t your average denim dress. Made with super-stretch denim, this Reformation pick moves with you instead of against you, making for easy commutes, coffee runs, and beyond.
Sizes: 0-14
Colors: White, Blue, Black
Material: Organic cotton, polyester, eco lycra
Lisa Says Gah Grace Dress
Yes, that is shrimp, cantaloupe, and a bowl of olives on my dress. This print is summer in a nutshell.
Sizes: XS-XXXL
Colors: Tapas Ivory, Black, Buon Appetito Ivory
Material: Cotton
Sandy Liang Opa Dress
What’s lacy, and flowy, and red all over? This gorgeous dress by Sandy Liang, for one. I love that the oversized collar covers most of the shoulder and décolletage, making it a stylish yet appropriate pick for the office.
Sizes: 0-12
Colors: Red, Black, White
Material: Cotton
Elie Saab Cotton Embroidered Midi Dress
This Elie Saab style brings fashion to your fingertips. A scalloped hemline and appliqué flowers gives this pick a touch of added fun when compared to typical workwear pieces.
Sizes: 4-10
Colors: Multi
Material: Cotton, polyester
It seems like every brand is doing a drop-waist these days, but Samant Chauhan is doing it better than most. With a delicately pleated bodice and lightweight skirt, this dress will be in your rotation all summer long.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: White
Material: Rayon, cotton
Rails Solana Dress
This dress can easily take you from day to night, so it’s perfect for an after-hours event.
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Colors: Blue, White
Material: Rayon, viscose
Adriana Degreas Carre Dress
At the intersection of bold and polished, you’ll find this Adriana Degreas dress. I love the exaggerated shoulder ties and contrast in color. Who said corporate attire can’t be playful?
Sizes: S-L
Colors: White/gold
Faithfull The Brand La Canella Midi Dress
Throw a cinched waist on anything, and I’m sold. This dress gives you a little shape without being revealing, which makes it perfect for the office.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Beige, White, Black
Material: Linen
Staud Michelle Dress
Here’s a twist on a classic workwear look: the striped button-down.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: Seaweed, Azure
Material: Cotton, elastane
Significant Other Saria Ruched Knit-Jersey Midi Dress
Made from a figure-hugging jersey knit, this dress is sure to flatter any body type, no matter the shape and size.
Sizes: 2-12
Colors: Black
Material: Nylon, elastane
Theory Shift Dress
Sometimes, less is more. This simple, clean-cut Theory dress is an excellent addition to any wardrobe.
Sizes: 00-18
Colors: Pink, Black, White
Material: Triacetate, polyester
Rumored Market Maxi Dress
You don’t have to compromise on comfort or style because this simple maxi is the perfect mix of both.
Sizes: XS-L
Colors: White, Pink, Blue
Material: Viscose, rayon
Aje Nova Pleated Midi Dress
Between the flouncy A-line skirt and baby pink color, you’ll feel like a real princess in this dress.
Sizes: 4-16
Colors: Pink
Material: Polyester
Tory Burch Printed Cotton Poplin Dress
This Tory Burch frock is bright, effortless, and feminine. What more could you want in a summer dress?
Sizes: 00-14
Colors: Green/white, Purple, Green/purple
Material: Cotton
Aritzia Luxe Lounge Disposition Dress
Ultra soft, stretchy, and lovable, this tee dress is perfect for days when you need to throw something on and go.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: Grey, White, Black
Material: Modal, elastane
Ralph Lauren Cotton Mesh Polo Dress
If you’re the “buy it in every color type,” this dress is calling your name.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: 14 options
Materials: Cotton
Hill House Cosima Nap Dress
I saw a girl wearing this dress on my commute to the office recently, and it immediately caught my eye. She looked so effortlessly put together, I had to track the dress down myself. And here it is!
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Colors: Blue, Black, Brown, White
Material: Cotton
Oscar de la Renta Marbled Tulip Shift Dress
Versatility is essential, especially when it comes to dresses. Elevate this with heels for a cocktail hour, or dress it down with flats for a comfortable office look. Either way, you’ll look stunning.
Sizes: 0-12
Colors: White
Materials: Wool, elastane, polyamide
Brochu Walker Newport Midi Dress
Brochu Walker is known for its best-selling dresses, and this my favorite of the bunch. I love the thick belt because it gives the waistline a bit of shape.
Sizes: XS-L
Colors: Blue, White
Material: Polyester, cotton
Yioaga Tweed Jackie Dress
This dress is racking up five-star reviews. The people have spoken—it’s a must-have.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 16 options
Material: Polyester
Why Trust ELLE
Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
