The Best Summer Dresses for Moms, From Mini to Maxi

Treat yourself to a pedicure and start shaving your legs again, ladies… because the time is finally upon us: dress season. It’s hard to argue that dresses aren’t the best piece of clothing for moms to live in all summer long. They’re just so comfortable and easy to throw on. Our trusty old friend that makes us look put-together with very minimal effort—perfect for everything from spending time at the park with the kids to a backyard barbecue to a day of running errands.

These comfy and cute mom-friendly dresses will round out your wardrobe for the summer months. Every woman needs a diversified dress collection: a go-to T-shirt dress, tank dress, and shirt dress. You also need mini, midi, and maxi options to throw on for whatever adventure a sunny summer day might hold.

So, we’ve rounded up the best summer dresses for moms. Prepare your picnic basket and pick out your favorite sandals because you’ll want to add these to your cart immediately.

T-Shirt Dresses

There are few things more appealing than T-shirt dresses. They’re the #1 go-to for a casual yet put-together look. When we’re inevitably running late for those summer activities our kiddos committed to, a T-shirt dress and some mom-approved sneakers save the day each and every time. With options available from all of our favorite retailers, you’re sure to find one (or three) to live in all summer.

H&M

3 colors available
sizes XS – XXL

Gap

5 colors and patterns available
sizes XXS – XXL; 3 lengths

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH

2 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL; 3 lengths

H&M

4 colors and patterns available
sizes XS – XXL

Quince

2 colors available
sizes XS – XL

Nordstrom | Caslon

3 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL

Tank Dresses

On the days when it’s just a little too hot, sometimes even a short sleeve can be too much. Enter: the tank dress. It’s as effortless as the T-shirt dress, but possibly even more versatile. We love how easy it is to dress up tank dresses with a strappy sandal and a cute purse for birthday parties, graduation celebrations, or summer nights in the park. Or, they can just as easily be made into your go-to mom uniform with Birkenstocks and a belt bag.

Old Navy

4 colors and patterns available
sizes XS – 4X; 3 lengths

Madewell

sizes XXS – XXL; comes in plus sizing

Quince

5 colors available
sizes XS – XL

Target | A New Day

5 colors and patterns available
sizes XS – 4X

H&M

2 colors available
sizes XS – 4XL

Gap

3 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL; 3 lengths

Gap

2 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL; 3 lengths

Nordstrom

4 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL

Quince

6 colors available
sizes XS – XL

Old Navy

6 colors and patterns available
sizes XS – 4X; 3 lengths

Old Navy

3 colors available
sizes XS – 4X; 3 lengths

Shirt Dresses

Whether we love it or hate it, every now and then, we have to dress in an outfit that’s a little more elevated. That’s when shirt dresses are an ideal option. They’re just as comfortable as more casual styles, but the buttons and different shape options add an element of sophistication—even if we’ve been watching endless episodes of Ms. Rachel all morning.

Old Navy

4 colors and patterns available
sizes XS – 4X; 3 lengths

Abercrombie & Fitch

3 colors available
sizes XXS – XL; 3 lengths

Old Navy

4 colors and patterns available
sizes XS – 4X; 3 lengths

Target | A New Day

3 colors available
sizes XS – 4X

Madewell

4 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL; comes in plus sizing

H&M

3 colors available
sizes XS – XXL

GAP

3 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL; 3 lengths

Mini Dresses

Mini dresses are what we can reach for when we want to feel just a bit more feminine. They’re a great go-to for Sunday brunch, a friend’s baby shower, or a quick lunch date. Endless styles, colors, shapes, and materials mean there’s something that we can not only feel our best in but be comfortable while doing it.

Gap

4 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL; 3 lengths

Old Navy

7 colors available
sizes XS – 4X

Madewell

3 colors available
sizes 00 – 16

Quince

5 colors available
sizes XS – XL

J.Crew

3 colors and patterns available
sizes XXS – 3X

Target | A New Day

2 colors available
sizes XS – 4X

Gap

5 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL; 3 lengths

Gap

4 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL; 3 lengths

Old Navy

4 colors and patterns available
sizes XS – 4X; 3 lengths

H&M

3 patterns available
sizes XS – XXL

H&M

2 colors available
sizes XS – XXL

Target | Universal Thread

7 colors and patterns available
sizes XS – 4X

Midi & Maxi Dresses

Summer gatherings were made for midi and maxi dresses. They can be paired with sandals, ballet flats, or even those fun cowboy boots you’ve been saving for a special occasion. Perfect for the next event you have to dress up for or a casual afternoon with the family, have a midi or maxi dress on standby, and you won’t regret it.