These Gorgeous Lightweight Dresses From Free People Are Made for Scorching Temps

With triple-digit temperatures breaking records throughout the country, the idea of wearing clothing with buttons and zippers seems like a big ask. In fact, you’ve probably even shoved your black leggings to the back of your closet (they’ll make their comeback when every inch of your body isn’t sweating out the five glasses of water you just downed). The only solution to beat the heat is to stock up on some lightweight, airy dresses that feel next to naked.

After doing much internet perusing, we found that Free People has the largest collection of no-fuss dresses that give you the most freedom of movement—plus some of the brightest, loudest colors (hello, dopamine dressing). We made sure to include the most breathable fabrics that make dressing up less painful, plus designs that take us back to our favorite vacation spots.

These pieces are meant for you to take on vacation, run errands in the city, linger poolside, or show off at brunch. And when it finally starts to cool down, just throw on some tights and a cardigan to change up each look to suit the season. For more dress styles, check out the rest of Free People’s collection.

I'm Still Obsessed Sleeveless Mini Dress — $60.00

When it’s hot, you need a simple throw-on a dress—a dress you can shimmy into in two seconds flat before heading out the door in pursuit of a beach. This mini from the Free People Beach collection has a modern baby doll design that’s ultra airy and has cute features like a keyhole in the back and dropped armholes. Make sure to machine wash with cold water.

Sizes available: XS-XL

Colors: 7

Material: 97% cotton, 2% polyester, 1% elastane

Rare Feelings Maxi Dress — $148.00

A poppy maxi you can wear over your bikini from morning until late-night drinks with friends? Yes, please. However and whenever you want to wear this dress, the A-line silhouette and tiered pleats give it a little more distinction from your standard “vacation” dress, which means you can dress it up or dress it down. We love the adjustable tie waist and light-as-a-feather material. Hand wash this one to make sure it lasts.

Sizes available: XS-XL

Colors: 9

Material: 100% viscose, 100% cotton lining

Marlow Midi — $98.00

Another classic that’s so comfortable, the Marlow Midi is soft and light, simple enough to pair with sandals or statement jewelry, yet still fun enough to stand out on its own if that’s how you roll. (Those capped sleeves! That sexy V-neck! The flared skirt!) It has side pockets, because of course it does. Machine wash it with cold water.

Sizes available: XS-XL

Colors: 7

Material: 73% cotton, 27% hemp

Delphine Midi — $108.00

We’re not sure what we love more: The romantic square neck? The no-zip, no-button design? The pockets? This perfect-length midi will be your on-the-go summer go-to. Wear it with your sneakers or sandals—you won’t (and can’t) go wrong. Machine wash cold to preserve the material.

Sizes available: XS-XL

Colors: 5

Material: 100% cotton

Cross Of Sunlight Mini — $78.00

If you haven’t noticed, cut-out dresses are all the rage this summer (just make sure to remember to apply SPF to those exposed areas). This mini dress features a criss-cross design at the rib cage that’s got some sweet elastic cut-outs that’ll help keep you feeling cooler, plus a sweetheart neckline and dramatic sleeves for ultra breezy style. It’s another easy pull-on dress, so no buttons or zippers. Machine wash cold.

Sizes available: XS-L (sizes are selling out quickly in other colors)

Colors: 8

Material: 92% cotton, 8% linen

The Voyager Shirtdress — $78.00

You’ll want to wear this low-effort shirt dress when you’re drinking your iced coffee on the patio all summer long. Why? Because you can. But also because it gives you just the right amount of coverage without feeling heavy. If those sleeves feel too cumbersome, you can just roll them right up. Thanks to the cotton fabric, this dress will feel like you’re wearing a cloud—and that’s exactly what we want as the temperatures rise. And when you do rewear this piece in the fall, just throw on some tights, your favorite sneakers, and a leather jacket.

Sizes available: XS-L (sizes are selling out quickly in other colors)

Colors: 9

Material: 100% cotton

Juniper Maxi Dress — $168.00

This show-stopper comes in two patterns and colors, but we’ve gravitated toward this coral, grapefruit pink polka dot and floral design, thanks to the pretty empire waistline and those draped sleeves. It’s the ultimate summer dress that’ll easily garner thousands of heart-eyes, and that dramatic V-neck is just begging for a necklace. It’s on the more delicate side, so make sure to hand wash.

Sizes available: XS-L (XL is completely sold out)

Colors: 2

Material: 100% viscose

Hannah Denim Mini Dress — $128.00

This “I Don’t Even Have To Think About It” dress is why we encourage everyone to have at least one denim button-up dress in their closet. It’s versatile enough to pair with some flip flops on your way to the lake, or easily match with some boots in the cooler months—and it looks extra cute with a cardigan. Features we’re loving include the not-too-puffy puffy sleeves and raw hemlines that make this denim button-down feel more special. Make sure to machine wash cold.

Sizes available: XS-L (XL is completely sold out, other sizes are selling out quickly in other colors)

Colors: 7

Material: 100% cotton

Keanu Dress — $168.00

We secretly hope Keanu Reeves had something to do with this dress, but even if he didn’t, we love it anyway. It’s got “Gift Shop in Hawaii” vibes that makes us want to book a one-way plane ticket to Honolulu, and a simple T-shirt design that has features like side slits and an empire waist. We’ll wear this with our Birkenstocks and Vans all summer long. Machine this one cold (and inside out).

Sizes available: XS-L (XL is completely sold out)

Colors: 1

Material: 100% cotton, 100% rayon lining

Want to see more easy, throw-on styles for any season? Explore all Free People dresses here.

Want to be the first to hear about the latest (and greatest) SHOP product drops, custom collections, discounts, and more? Sign up to have the intel delivered straight to your inbox.