Popsugar Fashion Summer Fashion Best Smocked Dresses For Summer We'll Be Living Out High Summer Exclusively in Smocked Dresses 28 July 2021 by Hannah Weil McKinley Image Source: shop.mango.com As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work. Keeping the summer dress code cool when sweltering temps set in is as essential as an afternoon ice cream (hey, we don't make the rules). So if you can't get away with wearing your bikini on the regular, smocked dresses are the next best thing. Last summer's obsession with the nap dress was just the beginning; now the market is flooded with smocked styles that are at once easy and elevated — the answer to one-and-done dressing when it's too hot to even think about putting on clothes. Here, we zeroed in on our favourite styles — the kinds that come with statement-making prints so you need little else in the way of outfit details, as well as neutrals, and stripes that feel quintessentially summer. Shop our edit of the best, then glean some inspiration to style yours with snaps from influencers who've mastered the look. ASOS Curve Shirred Bustier Maxi Dress Image Source: asos.com We love the classic summer feel of this ASOS Curve Shirred Bustier Maxi Dress ($50). ASOS Curve Shirred Bustier Maxi Dress $50 from asos.com Buy Now Summersalt Smocked Nautical Stripe Maxi Dress Image Source: summersalt.com Tie-shoulder details give this Summersalt Smocked Nautical Stripe Maxi Dress ($135) a feminine finish. Summersalt Smocked Nautical Stripe Maxi Dress $135 from summersalt.com Buy Now Amanda Uprichard Lillet Maxi Dress Image Source: shopbop.com Give 'em some main-character energy in this rainbow-hued Amanda Uprichard Lillet Maxi Dress ($312). Amanda Uprichard Lillet Maxi Dress $312 from shopbop.com Buy Now BB Dakota Lust For Life Dress Image Source: shopbop.com This cute little BB Dakota Lust For Life Dress ($79) could double as a beach cover-up. BB Dakota Lust For Life Dress $79 from shopbop.com Buy Now Tory Burch Smocked Midi Dress Image Source: shopbop.com This Tory Burch Smocked Midi Dress ($448) is endlessly versatile — just switch up your footwear, layers, and jewellery, and you've got a fresh look to come back to again and again. Tory Burch Smocked Midi Dress $448 from shopbop.com Buy Now Mango Vichy Checked Dress Image Source: shop.mango.com This Mango Vichy Checked Dress ($60, originally $80) is equal parts classic and ethereal. Mango Vichy Checked Dress $60 from shop.mango.com Buy Now Wray Alice Dress Image Source: wray.nyc For quintessential summer style, start with this Wray Alice Dress ($244). Wray Alice Dress $244 from wray.nyc Buy Now La Ligne Smock Bodice Cap Sleeve Cotton Dress Image Source: nordstrom.com What's easier than throwing on this La Ligne Smock Bodice Cap Sleeve Cotton Dress ($295)? La Ligne Smock Bodice Cap Sleeve Cotton Dress $295 from nordstrom.com Buy Now Eloquii Smocked Bodice Ruffle Dress Image Source: eloquii.com The Eloquii Smocked Bodice Ruffle Dress ($120) could easily become a wardrobe staple. Eloquii Smocked Bodice Ruffle Dress $120 from eloquii.com Buy Now Madewell Smocked Tie Strap Dress Image Source: shopbop.com The easy length and go-with-everything blue make this Madewell Smocked Tie Strap Dress ($118) a must have. Madewell Smocked Tie Strap Dress $118 from shopbop.com Buy Now Nasty Gal Plus Size Check Smock Midi Dress Image Source: nastygal.com We are here for the print of this Nasty Gal Plus Size Check Smock Midi Dress ($22, originally $54). Nasty Gal Plus Size Check Smock Midi Dress $22 from nastygal.com Buy Now & Other Stories Floral Print Puff Sleeve Mini Dress Image Source: stories.com From the sleeves to the print, this & Other Stories Floral Print Puff Sleeve Mini Dress ($89) is perfectly romantic. & Other Stories Floral Print Puff Sleeve Mini Dress $89 from stories.com Buy Now Zara Printed Poplin Dress Image Source: zara.com With a gorgeous print like this, no one will believe you scored this Zara Printed Poplin Dress ($30, originally $70) for under $40. Zara Printed Poplin Dress $30 from zara.com Buy Now Ganni Seersucker Check Dress Image Source: shopbop.com Layer a cardigan on top or a white tee underneath, and you'll have a fresh way to wear this Ganni Seersucker Check Dress ($285) every time you slip it on. Ganni Seersucker Check Dress $285 from shopbop.com Buy Now H&M Smocked-Bodice Dress Image Source: www2.hm.com The good news? This H&M Smocked-Bodice Dress ($20) comes in three colorways. Even better? It also has detachable straps. H&M Smocked-Bodice Dress $20 from www2.hm.com Buy Now Hillhouse Home Ellie Nap Dress Image Source: hillhousehome.com The Hillhouse Home Ellie Nap Dress ($125) has become a favourite for good reason — and yes, it's so comfortable, you'll actually want to nap in it, when you're not busy showing it off. Hillhouse Home Ellie Nap Dress $125 from hillhousehome.com Buy Now Staud Ida Dress Image Source: shopbop.com The pretty lemony hue of this Staud Ida Dress ($295) screams summer. Staud Ida Dress $295 from shopbop.com Buy Now How to Style It View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mecca James-Williams (@meccajw) In an understated black, the smocked dress is easy to dress up or down. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Katie Sturino (@katiesturino) Choose a standout print, and summer dressing has never been easier. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Imani Randolph, not Rudolph 🙃 (@champagnemani) Keep it simple and opt for a creamy neutral, then add on some subtle jewels. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chrissy Rutherford (@chrissyford) Opt for a smocked dress in a vibrant colour, and you need little else to complete your outfit. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alicia Lund (@aliciamlund) Make the summer staple work for chilly nights and transitional weather when you throw a blazer over your shoulders. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zeena Shah 💗 Colour Lover (@heartzeena) Even in a bold print, a smocked dress exudes carefree vibes. Summer FashionFashion TrendsFashion ShoppingDressesSummerH&M