The Trusty T-Shirt Dress Is A Lot More Versatile Than You Think

Looking for a summer dress should keep you totally cool and comfy while streamlining your seasonal wardrobe planning. Shaped like a classic tee, cut like a dress, and designed with wearability in mind, this ultra-simple summer outfit solution looks as awesome as it feels. In all its iterations — and there are quite a few — the versatile t-shirt dress is guaranteed to ease and please. From oversized fits to extra-long lengths (major The Row vibes!) to options featuring those always-desirable pockets or made from 100% organic cotton, there's one for every occasion and style. Toss one over your itty bitty bikini for the beach, pair it with some square-toe sandals when you're out and about, or layer it over trendy bike shorts for an effortlessly fashion-forward look. However you want to wear it, it's an outfit no-brainer no matter how hot the temps climb. Check out our top picks from the best t-shirt dress categories below.

While all t-shirt dresses offer easy-to-wear silhouettes (that's exactly why we love 'em!), an oversized fit takes that easy-breezy appeal to the next level. The ultra-loose shape provides a little extra room while accomplishing a super-slouchy cool-girl look that happens to be on-trend (at least according to Bella Hadid).

Think the good ol' t-shirt dress... plus a few extra inches. The added fabric also adds a touch of subtle glamour to this sleek and simple look. Plus, we love that you don't have to spend big to feel like an honorary Olsen twin. Extra points for a stylishly placed side slit that your limbs will thank you for later.

If all you want for summer is to set those legs free from a year of sweatpant prison, the barely-there t-shirt dress is the best style of them all. You could even take t-shirt that's too long and turn it into a frock that's almost too short and call it a dress. These hems have no rules.

The sleeveless-style T-shirt dress is a summer staple for those who want to keep the underarm airflow a-flowing. Plus, it's an easy way to elevate the comfy dress trend by streamlining its silhouette to something a little more daring and skin-baring. We particularly love this newly launched, 100%-cotton iteration from Uniqlo's elevated loungewear collab with designer Mame Kurogouchi that, as an added bonus, boasts the support of a built-in bra along with a softly plunging V-neckline.

For well-tailored, relaxed basics in extended sizing, brands like Champion and Nordstrom's BP. label get it right. And according to a review on Target.com, the Ava & Viv brand is deserving of five out of five stars: "Great dress, easy to wear, like a big tee shirt but slightly tailored. Perfect for summer. I originally planned to use it as a beach coverup, but it’s actually so comfortable as a casual dress! Great color too."

For a very summer-classic take on the T-shirt dress, opt for 100% cotton with a side of stripes. It's fresh, preppy, and adds a little bit of nautical energy to anything you decide to pair it with — whether that be sandals and bucket hats or heels and statement earrings. Our favorites hail from the cool likes of Kule, COS, and J.Crew.

Pro tip: The best summer t-shirt dresses aren't just about shape and length. You'll also want a breathable fabric that'll up the coolness factor. Anything made from 100% cotton is always a good idea for stickier seasons because the material is naturally soft, lightweight, and capable of soaking up sweat.

A simple silhouette is sometimes the best excuse to play with bold colors. Consider opting for a vibrant shade of summer-inspired colors like Everlane's scarlet and artichoke hues or a neon poppy option from J.Crew.

Get ready to say "Thanks, it has pockets!" Perfect for running out the door with just the essentials, pockets make this already convenient style even better.