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.
The best days are still ahead of us — and if we’re lucky, this summer, they’ll be spent beachside. Whether you’re planning a few weekend trips to the ocean, living by the water, or simply hoping to squeeze a couple of tropical getaways into your summer calendar, we’ve discovered one universal style that can work for it all: a classic beach dress. Beach dresses are one of the most versatile wardrobe essentials because they’re comfortable, easy to throw on in even the warmest temperatures, and pairable with basically anything in your closet — from platform sandals to comfortable sneakers and more. Plus, they double as great beach cover-up dresses, giving you the freedom to lounge around in the sand and then head straight to a resort brunch afterward.
To help simplify your summer shopping antics, we rounded up the best beach dresses for women that range from skin-baring mini styles to breathable knit cover-ups, including a handful of patterned summer beach dresses that will infuse some serious color into your vacation wardrobe. Our personal favorite is a white beach dress from Free People that oozes peak coastal-grandma vibes and has ruffled accents throughout. With this kind of variety, you’re bound to find your new favorite summer clothing essential. Keep reading to shop our selections, which hail from brands like Billabong, ASOS, L*Space, Vitamin A, and Forever 21 and won’t set you back more than $100.
— Additional reporting by India Yaffe