15 Best Summer Dresses on Sale Ahead of Memorial Day—Shop Amazon, J.Crew, Madewell, and More From $20

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, so if you’re a strict follower of fashion rules, pretty soon you can break out the white pants, pretty dresses, and seasonal sandals without judgment. Although the holiday is still a week away, we’re getting a head start by shopping the best early deals across the internet—and we found 15 discounted summer dresses worth snagging before Memorial Day weekend even begins.

Amazon, J.Crew, Madewell, Gap, and more retailers have marked down stylish summer dresses in mini, midi, and maxi styles. Whether you’re shopping for a breathable linen dress or a versatile tennis dress, we’ve found marked-down styles that are perfect for summer vacation. Shop the best deals from $20, ahead. 

Amazon Essentials Striped A-line Midi Dress

Dresses are a no-brainer packing essential, because they create an instantly stylish outfit without requiring any effort. Thanks to the sophisticated, nautical striped print, this midi dress easily stands alone as an elevated outfit. Pair it with laid-back sandals or dress it up with heels for business trips.

J.Crew Cotton Poplin Meadow Dress

Cotton is one of the breeziest fabrics around, known for being comfortable in the summer heat—and this airy J.Crew dress won’t disappoint. With a flowy skirt and puff sleeves, the dress’s crisp fabric won’t cling to you. And, it would look just as good with sandals as it would with heels, so it’s a versatile, all-occasion piece to add to your travel capsule wardrobe. 

Madewell Linen Mini Shift Dress

Linen is one of the most popular summer fabrics, and this Madewell dress is an ideal pick. In addition to the breathable fabric, it features a mod shift silhouette and a bold red color that’s sure to stand out. While it’s a simple silhouette, its small details set it apart, like the keyhole detailing and gentle pleating at the nape of the neck.

Everlane The Dream ‘90s Shift Dress

Everlane’s stretchy “Dream” fabric is designed to, unsurprisingly, “fit like a dream,” according to the brand, and reviewers attest that it lives up to its name. One person raves that this dress is “butter-soft and fits like a glove,” while another writes that it’s “comfortable for walking and sitting.” It’s marked down in black, red, and white, so pick the option that best suits your upcoming destination—or stock up on a few dresses for everyday wear. 

Zesica Square-neck Puff-sleeve Midi Dress 

This “stretchy and lightweight” dress is perfect for “all-day wear,” according to one reviewer. It’s modest yet trendy with its tiered skirt and gingham pattern, and the puff sleeves add a unique touch to an otherwise classic dress. It’s marked down in a variety of summery plaid prints, including pink, blue, and gray options.

Wayf Isabelle Smocked Linen-blend Midi Sundress

This linen-blend midi dress is breezy, comfortable, and stylish. Thanks to the classic, understated design, it can easily be styled so many ways. Pair it with bold accessories, layer a button-down over it, or keep things simple for a beachy look. 

Gap Linen-blend Cap-sleeve Maxi Dress

We love the flattering A-line silhouette and cap sleeves of this maxi dress. The delicate floral pattern is unique and timeless, so you’ll be wearing this dress for years to come. Now, you can score an extra 40 percent off at Gap, discounting it to just $54. Shop fast, because this dress is selling out quickly. 

Abercrombie and Fitch Linen-blend Apron Mini Dress

Abercrombie and Fitch is one of our favorite places to shop for summer dresses, and this linen  mini style is one of the retailer’s best. It’s available in solid brown and a cream botanical print—and both options are marked down to just $45. The high-neck silhouette contrasts with the shorter hemline, making this dress the perfect blend of modest and flirty. 

Banana Republic Georgette Ruched-front Mini Dress

Hoping to invest in a dress you can wear all year long? This ruched mini dress fits the bill. We’d style it with sandals, flats, or espadrilles during summer, and knee-high boots during the colder months. One reviewer even writes that this dress can be worn as a tunic, adding to its impressive versatility. 

Grace Karin Boho Maxi Sundress

Pack this floral maxi dress for your next beach vacation, and we guarantee you’ll reach for it again and again. Just take it from the hundreds of five-star reviewers: It has a “silky” fabric, “flattering and comfortable” fit, and it can “transition easily from day to night.” 

Old Navy Sleeveless Linen-blend Mini Shift Dress

If you think quality linen always comes with a hefty price tag, think again. Old Navy’s linen blend is known for its comfort and breathability, and according to reviewers, the material just gets better over time. This dress has a classic, versatile silhouette, and it’s available in a variety of summer-ready colors and prints. It’s just $18 today, so snag one (or many) for your upcoming vacation.

Aritzia Powersculpt Court Dress

One reviewer calls this dress “perfect for vacation,” and we have to agree. Its spandex construction is ideal for warm weather, since it wicks away sweat and can keep you cool. Whether you’re heading on an outdoor adventure or to brunch, this dress is cute and comfortable enough for any occasion. Plus, it’s marked down in three neutral colors for even greater versatility. 

The Somerset Maxi Shirt Dress

Bold and versatile, this dress will turn heads on the beach, at the office, or on cobblestone streets. It’s made of breathable cotton, and its flowing skirt will keep you comfortable on warm days. The smocked waist gives it a flattering fit, and the structured collar dresses it up, so we’d even pack this style for business trips. 

Athleta Essential Tee Dress

T-shirt dresses are the effortless style we’ve been wearing on repeat for years. This Athleta version is made of a cotton-spandex blend, which is breathable and stretchy for all-day comfort. This subdued olive shade is marked down to just $40 today, and you can snag the red and navy stripe options at a discount, too. 

Melloday Sleeveless Side Ruched Midi Dress

If you’re shopping for a dressy occasion, this midi style is a great option—especially now that it’s half off. It features flattering ruching along the waist and a full skirt with a classic appearance. The smocked back and adjustable straps offer a comfortable, flattering fit. Plus, it has pockets!

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