These Lightweight Dresses Make Us Excited for Summer—and They’re All Under $40

Whether you’re planning a picnic in the park, a barbecue with your neighbors, or a day on the beach, the warm weather can compel you outdoors. When it does, you deserve to step into the sunshine feeling cool (literally) and confident, not weighed down by heavy fabrics. Donning that breezy sundress or a cute, sleeveless number can be a simple but convenient way to step out looking fabulous. 

Best of all, you don’t have to break the bank to look fashionable. We found Amazon picks all under $40 for the rising temperatures ahead. They include cooling linen fabrics and airy cotton styles that can fill the gaps in your summer wardrobe. Shop them now starting at $18. 

Lightweight Summer Dresses Under $40

• Amazon Essentials Cotton Sateen Empire Waist Midi Ruffle Dress, $29 
• Yanziliu Striped Crewneck T-Shirt Dress, $18 with coupon (was $20)
• Gunest Scoop-Neck Cold Shoulder Dress, $28
• Hotouch Mini Flare Sundress, $25
• Moskill Sleeveless Swing Dress, $20 
• Fensace Floral Wrap Midi Dress, $35 
• Wneedu Sleeveless Swing Button Down Midi Dress, $30  
• Grecerelle Loose Split Long Maxi Vacation Dress, $29  
• Elescat Print Tank Casual Sleeveless Sundress, $18 (was $20)
• Zeagoo V-Neck Swing Dress, $35  

Amazon Essentials Cotton Sateen Empire Waist Midi Ruffle Dress

Embrace the warm weather with this silky-feeling cotton midi dress that is lightweight enough to feel billowy and long enough to give you extra coverage from the sun. The ruffle details, adjustable tie straps, and sweetheart neckline give it a feminine, flowing appearance. It comes in five colors, including an eye-popping yellow and red leafy floral for that summer garden party. This piece is versatile enough to dress up or down, making it perfect for both “for going out or just casual wear,” as one customer noted.

Yanziliu Striped Crewneck T-Shirt Dress

This striped T-shirt dress is sure to become your summer staple. It comes in eight colors, including a “pink color [that] is such an iconic shade of pink that screams Barbie” and generates “multiple compliments,” as one reviewer commented. The soft-to-the-touch polyester fabric has a bit of stretch, and the included bow-tie belt adds a flattering shape to the dress. Plus, it has pockets, making it the perfect casual dress to pair with sandals or sneakers for a day out in the sun.

Gunest Scoop-Neck Cold Shoulder Dress

Both stylish and comfortable, this cold-shoulder dress features an easy pull-on design, letting you look as fashionable as possible. Pair it with a shrug or blazer for the cooler nights, or wear it on its own for a casual sunny day. Opt for the “gorgeous” Gouche pattern option that reminded one reviewer of “a painting she saw once years ago,” perfect for an artistic kickoff to your summer adventures. Most of all, the fabric didn’t make her “overheated” or “stick to [her] skin on those hot days.” 

Hotouch Mini Flare Sundress

This sweet floral mini dress earned a rave review from one shopper who brought it along on her Florida vacation. “I loved it so much I immediately bought another one shortly after,” she added. The A-line skirt flare, fitted bodice, and spaghetti straps make it a delicate but stylish addition to your summer wardrobe. Choose from one of 20 floral pattern selections that can easily be paired with casual summer sandals or heels for a night out on the town.

These aren’t our only picks, though. Read on for more lightweight options, all under $40 on Amazon.

Merokeety Sleeveless Striped T-Shirt Dress

Moskill Sleeveless Swing Dress

Fensace Floral Wrap Midi Dress

Wneedu Sleeveless Swing Button Down Midi Dress 

Grecerelle Loose Split Long Maxi Vacation Dress 

Elescat Print Tank Casual Sleeveless Sundress

Zeagoo V-Neck Swing Dress 

Berydress Midi Bubble Dresses

Dokotoo Ruffle Sleeve Flowy Mini Dress

Herou Sleeveless Midi Tank Dress