COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - AUGUST 08: A guest wears black sunglasses, silver earrings, white scrunchie, light green puffy sleeve midi dress, silver metallic bag, white socks, silver sneaker shoes, outside Marimekko, during the Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024-2025 on August 8, 2024 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images).
I have a simple philosophy when it comes to putting together mysummer outfits: less is more. So, I often turn to smockedsummer dresses on mornings when I don't know what to wear. They’re easy to throw on, look chic without much styling, and, above all, they're supremely comfortable.
The dresses, known for their stretchy fabric and (often) zipper-free design, have gained a cult following inclusive of fashion’s savviest shoppers and celebrities alike over the years. For reference,Taylor Swift loves options from Dôen. Marie Claire’s senior fashion and beauty news editor,Halie LeSavage, finds the style to be as “comfortable as pajamas but nice enough to wear on video calls or out on quick errands.” One of her favorites is Dôen's Ischia style, which also happens to be on my "Italian Girl Summer" fashion wishlist.
Ahead, I found a few options atNordstrom that work for just about any situation. Some of the picks on this list make for theperfect summer work dress, while others would be more suitable for a wedding. You can’t go wrong, so why not pick up a few? Many of my finds go for under $200, with some retailing for half that price.
DÔEN
Ischia Convertible Organic Cotton Maxi Dress
This is the simple dress that every well-dressed fashion editor owns.
Madewell
Smocked Cotton Poplin Maxi Dress
It doesn't get easier than this Madewell style.
Free People
Desert Dazed Sleeveless Dress
How dreamy is this pick from Free People?
ASTR the Label
Floral Print A-Line Dress
I would wear this pick to a wedding.
Reformation
Leannah Smocked Stretch Organic Cotton Minidress
Reformation makes some of the sweetest white dresses on the market.
BP.
Smocked Cotton Sundress
You won't find a nicer-looking dress for under $100.
Avec Les Filles
Smocked Sleeveless Fit & Flare Maxi Dress
Gingham is one of summer's sweetest (and trendiest) prints.
Cinq à Sept
Maggio Puff Sleeve Stretch Poplin Midi Dress
Cinq à Sept is the brand fashion girls have secretly been wearing for years.
Damson Madder
Becca Organic Cotton Bubble Minidress
If you're unfamiliar with Damon Madder's offerings, this mini dress is good place to start.
Reformation
Kira Check Print Midi Dress
This is another Reformation find I'm loving.
Damson Madder
Smocked Drop Waist Stretch Organic Cotton Midi Dress
I own this bright orange dress and it makes me want to go on vacation.
Madewell
Smocked Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
The puffed sleeves on this number give me serious rich Euro vacation energy.
MANGO
Maya Shirred Sleeveless Flare Midi Dress
I feel like It-girls in Copenhagen would love this style.
Open Edit
Shirred Minidress
I would wear this on a night out with friends.
AllSaints
Faelyn Sleeveless Silk Dress
AllSaints is another brand I can't stop wearing.
MANGO
Belted Asymmetric Minidress
Clearly I'm on a real red dress kick—but can you blame me?
Solid & Striped
The Meira Halter Neck Cotton Sundress
Pack this black number with you on vacation.
DÔEN
Leslie Gingham Pleated Maxi Dress
Here's another Dôen dress for you to become obsessed with.
