The Best Casual Dresses For Women

Whether you're sinking back into a relaxing afternoon or choosing your threads for a night on the town, with the right casual dresses, you'll always have a suitable outfit on hand. These flexible and airy one-pieces come in a wide range of shapes and styles, so we've taken extra care to round up a cross-section of what's available on the market. No matter if you're after maxi or midi cuts, monochrome or patterns galore, we're sure you'll find something that tickles your fancy below.

What to Look For

Although shopping for casualwear can often seem like a breeze, the plethora of options available online could well leave you feeling overwhelmed. When comfort is your priority, it’s worth taking note of the fabric composition, particularly if you won’t get a chance to try it before you buy it. Closure options are also worth considering, as you might have a preference for waist ties or free-hanging fabric depending on your figure. If you’re looking for an airy and flexible dress to relax in, the jersey swing dress from Amazon Essentials is our top pick. Jersey fabric is silky smooth, but if you’re want to treat yourself to the decadent softness of natural linen check out the sleeveless dress we’ve highlighted, which is also offered by Amazon Essentials.

Amazon Essentials Short-Sleeve Scoopneck Swing Dress

Short and sweet

This airy scoopneck is sure to leave you feeling free and flexible.
Best Overall

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When it’s time to kick back and unwind, you’ll want a flexible outfit that will flow as freely as your spirits. This airy, short-sleeve frock from Amazon Essentials ticks all the boxes for a cozy casual costume. It features a loose and breathable form that won’t hold you back whether you’re planning to party or chill. The subtle scoopneck offers a delicate framing for your collarbones and lays a neutral foundation for all manner of necklaces and accessories. With this versatile dress in your wardrobe, you’ll be well-prepared when it’s time to relax in style.

Pros:

  • The soft jersey material offers snugness galore so you don’t have to compromise on comfort.
  • The flowing A-line cut makes this dress light and breathable. It could be an ideal option to pack for holidays in warmer climes.
  • The jersey fabric is hardy and resilient, meaning you’re less likely to find creases after washing.

Cons:

  • Because of the thin fabric, the light color options can leave darker underwear exposed.

Merokeety Summer Striped T Shirt Dress

White stripes

Classic pinstripes are a certified figure enhancer, and we love this waist-tied look.
Runner Up

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We all know that stripes can do wonders to articulate natural curves, and what better way to rock the classic dual-tone style than with this super chic midi dress from Merkeety? This hip-hugging tie-waist design makes for a snug fit that won’t get lost to the wind, and it means you won’t need a helping hand to reach for faraway zippers or the like. The soft and airy rayon fabric is a natural choice for beachwear or warmer seasons, keeping you feeling fresh and energized for whatever the day may bring.

Pros:

  • Thanks to the adjustable beltline, you can choose the fit to suit your figure.
  • The midi-length cut is a versatile wardrobe solution. It lets you show just enough leg when you’re feeling playful, but it’s also modest enough for formal and professional environments.
  • This option has a dependable sizing consistency between color styles, so you can expand your collection without any surprises once you find a good fit.

Cons:

  • This dress has two pockets, but they’re a little on the small side.

Amoretu Summer Tunic Dress

Heart on your sleeve

Covering your arms doesn't have to signal a conservative look, and this sexy dress proves it.
Best Long Sleeve

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You don’t have to show skin to be comfy, and this tunic dress from Amoretu proves it. It provides light and easy comfort when you don’t feel like leaving your arms exposed to the elements. The 100% dacron fabric is breathable and silky smooth to the touch, giving these full-length sleeves a graceful and flowing look. Meanwhile, the deep V-neckline draws subtle attention to your chest, creating an ideal centerpiece for your favorite necklaces. Whether you’re dressing up or dressing down, you’re sure to look fine in this neutral design.

Pros:

  • We love the dazzling range of distinct styles that are offered. This includes bold monotones, floral designs, and a variety of classic patterns and prints.
  • The dacron fabric is machine-washable for easy cleaning.
  • The extra skin coverage of this dress could keep your arms from catching a chill during an evening soiree.

Cons:

  • Check the sizing chart if you don’t like to show too much leg. This dress tends to fall higher above the knees than you might initially expect from the pictures..

Amazon Essentials Sleeveless Relaxed Fit Linen Dress

Lovely linen

Few fabrics match the tactile pleasures of this natural weave.
Best Linen

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If you’ve never treated yourself to the pure linen experience, you need to give this organic fabric a try. Few synthetic alternatives come close to the delicate touch and breathability of natural linen, which explains why it’s relied upon as a staple for casual clothing worldwide. You might be put off from trying the real deal for fear of an exorbitant price tag, but this suave number from Amazon Essentials proves that you don’t have to break the bank in order to treat your skin to the sensual pleasure on offer.

Pros:

  • This sleeveless design comes with a tie-front waist, which makes it easy to put on and take off.
  • A hook on the inside back makes it easy to hang this dress in your wardrobe.
  • Some linen fabrics can smear and lose their color after a few cleans, but this dye is well-set to leave you with the same hue wash after wash.

Cons:

  • These large armholes could expose bras underneath.

Zesica Bohemian Floral Printed Maxi Dress

Florid fancy

Be bold, bright, and beautiful in this vivid wrap maxi dress.
Best Floral Design

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This bright maxi is a feast for your eyes like no other. These vibrant floral designs draw on visual traditions from across the globe for a bold look that signals that you’re ready to party. Plus, if you’re sick and tired of reaching for wayward zippers when climbing into your favorite maxi dresses, this front-wrapped design offers ultimate ease of wear. With an adjustable waist strap, you can tailor the fit to your contours, or even wear it open for a tantalizing beach gown aesthetic.

Pros:

  • Thanks to the thicker-than-average fabric and bold colors, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to see underwear lines beneath.
  • The 100% cotton composition is breathable and delicate on sensitive skin. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to avoid synthetic fabrics for allergy issues.

Cons:

  • A folded design sewn into the bust might not be comfortable for all chest sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out if my dress is safe for machine-washing?

The last thing you want to find after washing your prized new dress for the first time is a shrunken or creased mess of fabric. Most of the dresses we found are machine-washable, but be sure to check the label and follow guidance on spin cycle and temperature to avoid damage. Cotton garments in particular can be vulnerable to shrinkage if they’re washed too hot.

Does dress length vary with waist size?

This can vary between brands, but most of these dresses are cut at slightly different lengths corresponding to the waist size. Most manufacturers provide a detailed sizing chart for your reference, so you can avoid any undue surprises.

About the Author

Living in the fashion-forward city of London, Jack is always keen to absorb the latest looks. He typically prefers classic styles, like corduroy pants and Italian coats, but anything is fair game. He believes we all deserve to look our best. But so many choices in the world of fashion, Jack wants to help people find the coolest looks at the best prices.

Why Trust Us

Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.