Think for a moment: what's one of the best things about summer? Is it the prospect of the perfect sunny day, perhaps? Or the idea of venturing off to an idyllic destination? While both of those things are undoubtedly great, there's nothing better, in my humble opinion, than what happens to our wardrobes once warm weather encroaches. More specifically, our ability to wear one specific staple on repeat: sundresses. After all, what else feels more synonymous with summer than a dress? Nothing, really. Frankly, there's no other item more suited for any situation that may come up on your calendar. Whether you're dressing for a heatwave, a work day, or a wedding, wearing a dress will always be a fail-proof choice. Therefore, it's imperative to find versions of this staple that fit our needs for the season—whether that means finding options that fit our fiscal budget, sartorial preferences, or daily lifestyle.
While everyone's approach to shopping for dresses may differ, chances are most, if not all, shoppers want them to meet three main criteria, the first being that the item must be effortless to wear in everyday life. The second requirement is that it should look elegant. And the third is that they shouldn't break the bank. All of these demands might seem straightforward at face value, but finding options that meet them all is more challenging than you'd think. Luckily, one retailer manages to do it all: Free People. It might be surprising, but secretly, some of the best dresses from summer come from this underrated brand. In fact, it's become a fan-favorite among the fashion set and even our very own editors. Don't believe me? Ahead, I've curated a selection of the 25 best free people dresses for summer, along with examples of how the fashion crowd is styling them. Fair warning: these Free People frocks will likely become one of your favorite parts of summer.
Free-est
Liza Drop-Waist Midi Dress
Free-est
Iyla Smocked Mini Dress
Upgrade your little black dress.
Free-est
All for Sun Maxi Dress
Trust me, this dress looks incredible in person.
Free-est
Siren Nights Maxi Dress
The bodice on this dress is so beautiful.
Free People
Pintuck Paradise Maxi Dress
The pintuck detail adds a level of posh to this otherwise simple white dress.
Free-est
Kinney Midi Dress
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Easy Does It Maxi Dress
Nothing is more timeless than a tank dress.
free-est
Emmers Linen Midi
The lightweight material of this dress is made for balmy summer days.
FP One
Lausanne Slip Dress
Someone please come collect my jaw off the floor, thanks.
free-est
Aelia Drop-Waist Midi
Although I'm impartial to the island-inspired blue hue of this dress, it also comes in black, red, green, and brown.
Free-est
Asia Convertible Mini Dress
You can style this as a strapless mini or a drop waist skirt.
They had me at the off-the-shoulder neckline.
Free-est
Chateau Low-Back Midi Dress
Free-est
Onda Drop-Waist Tube Midi Dress
Hurry, this drop waist dress is selling out quickly!
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Julietta Linen Off-The-Shoulder Maxi
Picture wearing this while sipping piña coladas.
Free-est
Made Me Smile Mini Dress
It's adeptly named, because I did in fact smile at the first-sight of this dress.
free-est
Meet Me in Maui Mini Dress
The way this dress just told me to book a trip to Paris.
Free-est
Essentially the Best Cotton-Linen Mini Dress
You can pair this with flip-flops for a day by the pool or wedges for a night out dancing.
free-est
Coastal Core Maxi
Just wait until you see the back of this dress.
Please stop scrolling for a second to admire the pretty little bows on this piece.
Free-est
Something Special Drop-Waist Midi Dress
You may not be the star of Bridgerton, but this darling dress will make you feel like a main character.
Free-est
Taking Sides Maxi Dress
Warning: choosing which of the sixteen colors of this dress you'll want to buy will be a challenge.
Free-est
Sorella Drop-Waist Midi Dress
Ideal for a casual office dress code.
I'd wear this knitted halter dress by the beach on a beautiful starry night.
Free People
Close to Heart Mini Dress
If this cute mini can't convince you that Free People has the best dresses, then nothing will.