The Best Summer Dresses To Wear To A BBQ

Photo Credit:@sialuxe_

Some summer invites come with a side of stress—especially when the group chat says “BBQ” but your closet says “what now?” You want to look like you put in effort, but not too much effort. You want to stay cool without freezing in the A/C. You want a dress that feels like summer but still works if you’re sitting on a lawn chair with a paper plate of ribs.

That’s where this list comes in.

These are the dresses you reach for when you want to feel good and look good without overthinking it. The kind you can wear with flat sandals or sneakers. The kind that works for burgers at your cousin’s house and rooftop tacos at 7. Basically, BBQ-approved outfits that feel as good as they look—without the fussy zippers, sticky fabrics, or awkward tugging.

Feel free to bookmark this one for the next invite. Or send it to your group chat with a “found my outfit ” energy.

Planning your fall wardrobe? Don’t miss the Fall Wardrobe Checklist—it’s the go-to list for layering like a pro without overthinking your outfits. Grab the checklist here

Looking for more Summer Outfit Ideas? Read These Articles Next.

• 20 Summer Dresses That Hide a Muffin Top

• Summer Brunch Outfits

• Best Shorts for Every Body Shape

• Everything I Wear to the Pool When I Don’t Feel Comfortable In a Swimsuit

• The Best Swimsuits for Every Body Shape

• I Used to Stress Over My 4th of July Outfit—Now I Stick to These Easy Look

• I Don’t Like Wearing Bikinis- So I Found These Flattering Amazon Swimsuits Instead

For When You Want to Look Effortless (But Still Kinda Hot)

Lulus

Constantly Trendy Blue Striped Crinkle Bodycon Midi Dress

$49

Flows in the breeze and gives that “I just threw this on” energy.

Free People

Mindy Open Back Midi Sweater Dress

$78

Feels like loungewear but looks like you tried.

Lulus

Calabria Periwinkle Blue Crochet Knit Halter Midi Dress

$69

Sara Yellow Striped Smocked Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

EXTRO&VERT

$124

For When You’re Meeting the Boyfriend’s Family (Or Hoping to Be)

Morel Eyelet Sleeveless Maxi Sundress

PAIGE

$299.00

Bronte Smocked Maxi Dress

Petal & Pup

$89

Merima Medium Wash Denim Wrap Mini Dress

Lulus

$59

For Backyard BBQs with Your Loud Aunties and Endless Food

Ioana Heather Grey Short Sleeve Pleated Faux-Wrap Mini Dress

Lulus

$49

Feelin' Confident Heather Grey Cutout Mini Shirt Dress

Lulus

$55

For When You’re Not in the Mood to Try (But Still Want Compliments)

Pacific Tides White Striped Button-Up Swim Cover-Up Top

Lulus

$49

Essentially Sweet Washed Lavender Ribbed Sleeveless Midi Dress

Lulus

$69

Relaxed but Not Least Beige Ribbed Sleeveless Maxi Dress

Lulus

$49

For a BBQ That’s Definitely Turning Into a Party

Elevated Presence Brown Sleeveless Ruched Funnel Neck Midi Dress

Lulus

$49

Ismerida Green and Blue Abstract Mesh One-Shoulder Midi Dress

Lulus

$69