The Casual Summer Tee Dress

The summer tee dress is comfy, casual, and easy to style. Just add sneakers, sandals, or flip flops and you’re ready to go. Ready to buy one? Here are some styles that are trending now. If you’re not sure which style works for you, I’ve also included some tips on which styles tend to work with which body types…

The Straight Tee Dress

The straight tee dress is your favorite boxy t-shirt with some extra length. It’s loose and comfortable and suits most body types.

When buying online, check the length, as some of these dresses can be quite short. You don’t want to look like you just forgot to wear pants!? If there are no measurements, ask their customer service department. Sometimes you can tell how a dress will fit you by looking at the model, but it makes much more sense to know your own measurements and check them against the fit details of the dress.

If you like the look of an oversized t-shirt, then try Madewell’s Tomboy Pocket Tee Dress in 100% organic cotton. This dress is 35 1/2″ from the high point shoulder, which is where the neck opening meets the shoulder. To make sure this works for you, take a tape measure, hold it at the side of the neck opening, and drop it straight down. Face a mirror, so that you can see where 35 1/2″ lands on your body.

For a longer length that can be dressed up a little, take a look at Everlane’s Luxe Cotton Side Slit Tee Dress.

Both of these styles are loose, comfortable, and low maintenance (machine washable.)

The Fitted Tee Dress

A fitted dress follows the curves of your body but doesn’t necessarily hug you as a body-con dress would. I think this style fits best on a straight, athletic, or slightly curvy body types.

I’m wearing the adidas Culture Pack Dress in a size small. It’s fitted without being too clingy, and the seams on the side give it a figure-flattering shape. It’s a little short for me to wear around town, but I would wear it by the pool with some Comfort Flip Flops. For reference, I am just under 5’4″, around 123 lbs and pear or triangle shaped.

I love this bright coral color and the lightweight fabric which includes 47% recycled polyester. (For more details about adidas’s sustainability efforts, take a look here.)

You can also find similar adidas dresses on Amazon:

For a looser style that works for most body types, take a look at the adidas’s Allover Print Tee Dress with a drawstring waist. Cinch it in for a fitted look or keep it loose to look like an oversized t-shirt. (You can read more about why I love a drawstring waist dress, take a look at this post.)

The Flirty Tee Dress

The flirty tee dress is fitted on top with an a-line or full skirt. I think this style suits most body types and is easy to dress up or down.

For a mini short-sleeved style, take a look at Everlane “Party of One” Tee Dress. This would look cute with ballet flats or block heels for a casual night out.

I also like Pact’s organic cotton, strappy Fit And Flare Midi Dress, and Everlane’s Luxe Cotton Seamed Dress. Both are midi length.

There are also some cute maxi dresses online, but I find that maxi tees can be heavy and look a little frumpy if you’re not tall and model-thin. (If you find one you love, let me know in the comments below!)

Will you be wearing a tee dress this summer?