Expert consulted: Sundress season is finally here, and if you’re finding yourself overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options out there, you’re not alone. Our team of shopping experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute spends all day researching the hottest fashion trends for summer 2026, and we’re here to help you decide which dresses are actually worth investing in.
Amanda Constantine, Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst at the GH Textiles Lab, recommends lightweight materials to beat the summer heat in style—think open-crochet knits, breezy babydoll silhouettes, and white dresses made from breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. We’re also seeing a resurgence in 90s minimalism, so effortless tank dresses are bound to become your everyday wardrobe staple.
Crochet fabrics
Beachy crochet fabrics feel like a no-brainer for hot weather. And while the open-knit is usually reserved for swimsuit cover-ups, we’re seeing plenty of ways to translate the style into streetwear. Try layering this Amazon Essentials find over a bodysuit for some extra coverage, or opt for dresses with built-in lining like this beaded Abercrombie number.
Babydoll silhouettes
Take inspiration from popstars like Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter by adding a babydoll dress to your summer wardrobe. “This style stems from vintage nightgowns in the 50s and 60s, but unlike their vintage counterparts, they tend to be mini,” Constantine adds. These frocks are typically adorned with frilly details, like the bow collar on this Reformation dress and the ruffled hem on this Nordstrom mini.
Minimalist tank dresses
Understated, 90s-esque silhouettes à la Carolyn Bessette Kennedy are still having a moment, so it’s no surprise that tank dresses are getting major attention. “With fashion trends leaning more maximalist, it’s always nice to have a reliable, simple style to fall back on,” Constantine says. She suggests selecting thicker materials for a look that reads as tailored and intentional, rather than flimsy.
Bandana prints
“Western wear is growing more popular with each passing season, and a bandana print dress is this summer’s latest iteration of the trend,” notes Constantine. We’re seeing both sleek interpretations of the style (like this Madewell slip dress) and boho-inspired ones (like this Free People maxi), but both pair exceptionally well with cowboy boots.
The LWD (Little White Dress)
Consider swapping your LBD for an LWD—its light-colored material won’t absorb as much heat, and it feels like a natural choice for daytime settings. Constantine recommends linen and cotton fabrics for more breathability—and all of our picks fit the bill. Peixoto and The Drop’s options are made from 100% cotton, while Abercrombie & Fitch and Reiss feature a cotton-linen blend.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
