If there's one thing I covet more than a stylish Summer dress, it's one that can work double duty. Yes, I'm crazy about smart Summer work dresses [1], affordable wedding guest dresses [2], and playfully printed dresses [3] to wear everywhere from the office to Sunday brunch. But it's those do-it-all silhouettes [4] I seek out the most for Summer, particularly dresses that can double as a swimsuit cover-up.
Whether you're packing a few holiday outfits [5] centreed around Instagrammable dresses [6] or putting together a look for a water-adjacent activity like a beach day, pool party, or sailing adventure, a dress that can function for more than one outfit can really streamline the process. Think about it: when you're trying to save room in your suitcase, ditching single-use items like a swimsuit cover-up makes sense if you can pack two or three dresses that can work over a bikini as well as they do with sandals and a straw bag for sightseeing and dinner. Also, if you're packing a day bag with a change of clothes, it's a heck of a lot easier if the main piece — a chic Summer dress — is already on your body. That way, all you need is a few extra accessories to transition your look between activities. I'm also all about making a swimsuit a part of your outfit [7], and a Summer dress is the easiest way to do so.
Whether you're obsessed with minidresses [8], live for a midi dress like me, or can't get enough of maxis, read on for my edit of chic Summer dresses that can double as a swimsuit cover-up, starting at just $40.
Free People Kika's Printed Midi Dress
Free People Kika's Printed Midi Dress [9] ($168)
POPSUGAR Collection at Kohl's Belted Button-Down Dress
POPSUGAR Collection at Kohl's Belted Button-Down Dress [10] ($45, originally $60)
Madewell Stripe Tiered Linen Midi Dress
Madewell Stripe Tiered Linen Midi Dress [11] ($118)
Lisa Marie Fernandez Peasant Natural Gold Eyelet Dress
Lisa Marie Fernandez Peasant Natural Gold Eyelet Dress [12] ($825)
Plus Size Sonoma Goods For Life Dolman T-Shirt Dress
Plus Size Sonoma Goods For Life Dolman T-Shirt Dress [13] ($40)
See by Chloé Cutout Cotton-Jersey Midi Dress
See by Chloé Cutout Cotton-Jersey Midi Dress [14] ($260)
Mara Hoffman Sala Off-the-Shoulder Striped Voile Dress
Mara Hoffman Sala Off-the-Shoulder Striped Voile Dress [15] ($325)
Petit Bateau Bretella Dress
Petit Bateau Bretella Dress [16] ($86)
Rhode Delilah Pom-Pom Cotton Dress
Rhode Delilah Pom-Pom Cotton Dress [17] ($272)
Sézane Pauline Dress
Sézane Pauline Dress [18] ($170)
Merlette Villandry Dress
Merlette Villandry Dress [19] ($780)
Lou & Grey Linen Midi Dress
Lou & Grey Linen Midi Dress [20] ($98)
Velvet Agnese Dress
Velvet Agnese Dress [21] ($170)
Eleven March11 Arizona Minidress
Eleven March11 Arizona Minidress [22] ($430)
Sleeper Pamukkale Loungewear Dress
Sleeper Pamukkale Loungewear Dress [23] ($250)
Wilfred Misha Embroidered Babydoll Dress
Wilfred Misha Embroidered Babydoll Dress [24] ($148)
Frame Gathered-Waist Dress
Frame Gathered-Waist Dress [25] ($395)
Dodo Bar Or Vyan Floral-Print Cotton Poplin Midi Dress
Dodo Bar Or Vyan Floral-Print Cotton Poplin Midi Dress [26] ($272)
LoveShackFancy Beth Dress
LoveShackFancy Beth Dress [27] ($365)
Sundry Ruffle Midi Dress
Sundry Ruffle Midi Dress [28] ($194)
Xirena Ruby Dress
Xirena Ruby Dress [29] ($264)
All Things Mochi Tila Embroidered Linen Maxi Dress
All Things Mochi Tila Embroidered Linen Maxi Dress [30] ($775)
Apiece Apart Va Bene Ruffled Cotton-Crepon Dress
Apiece Apart Va Bene Ruffled Cotton-Crepon Dress [31] ($295)
Laura Ashley Amelia Toile Poplin Midi Dress
Laura Ashley Amelia Toile Poplin Midi Dress [32] ($99)
L.F. Markey Niles Dress
L.F. Markey Niles Dress [33] ($265)
Saloni Printed Cotton Dress
Saloni Printed Cotton Dress [34] ($409)
Reformation Marabella Linen Dress
Reformation Marabella Linen Dress [35] ($248)
Hatch The Jenna Ruffled Tencel-and-Linen-Blend Midi Dress
Hatch The Jenna Ruffled Tencel-and-Linen-Blend Midi Dress [36] ($280)
Mes Demoiselles Bodega Embellished Embroidered Cotton-Voile Dress
Mes Demoiselles Bodega Embellished Embroidered Cotton-Voile Dress [37] ($235)
Tanya Taylor Rhett Dress
Tanya Taylor Rhett Dress [38] ($495)
La Ligne Lou Dress
La Ligne Lou Dress [39] ($350)
Marysia Aurora Dress
Marysia Aurora Dress [40] ($779)
Urban Outfitters Puff-Sleeve Babydoll Dress
Urban Outfitters Puff-Sleeve Babydoll Dress [41] ($59)
Ozma Painter's Dress
Ozma Painter's Dress [42] ($322)
LemLem Fiesta Ruffled Striped Cotton-Blend Gauze Minidress
LemLem Fiesta Ruffled Striped Cotton-Blend Gauze Minidress [43] ($275)
Kalita Andromeda Silk-and-Cotton-Blend Minidress
Kalita Andromeda Silk-and-Cotton-Blend Minidress [44] ($525)
Sea Leah Party Dress
Sea Leah Party Dress [45] ($475)
POPSUGAR Collection at Kohl's Plus Size A-Line Dress
POPSUGAR Collection at Kohl's Plus Size A-Line Dress [46] ($40, originally $54)
Ocean and Main Gauze Dress With Pockets
Ocean and Main Gauze Dress With Pockets [47] ($225)
Closed Clover Dress
Closed Clover Dress [48] ($270)
Nicholas Garden Button-Front Linen Midi Dress
Nicholas Garden Button-Front Linen Midi Dress [49] ($458)
Cos Gathered A-Line Wrap Dress
Cos Gathered A-Line Wrap Dress [50] ($125)