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The Best Dresses for Casual Wear

smiling young woman in a casual dress holding books in her arm and wearing a bright bag on her shoulder
Dean Drobot/Shutterstock

Dresses don’t always have to be saved for special or formal occasions. There are plenty of cute and flattering yet casual options for anyone who wants a dress for everyday wear. Many casual style dresses, though not all, are less form-fitting and often more comfortable than their fancier or more formal counterparts. You can find casual dresses in any skirt or sleeve length you might want. Loose and comfortable doesn’t have to mean frumpy, either. There are plenty of casual dresses in different styles, patterns, and colors, as well as smaller with details like ruffles, ruching, bows, and more. Whether you want simple or detailed, bright or dark, long or short, there is a casual style dress out there for you.

What to Consider in a Casual Dress

If you’re looking for a dress to just wear on a normal day, here’s what you should think about:

  • Style: Like most dresses, casual dresses come in many different styles. Variation can be found in the sleeves, skirts, and waistlines. You can find casual t-shirt dresses, tunic dresses, maxi dresses, and more. If you gravitate toward a particular aesthetic in your clothes, you should still be able to find design and color options that fit in with the rest of your wardrobe.
  • Color and Pattern: You can find a casual style dress in almost any color or pattern that you desire. Some brands might have a greater selection than others, but you should have no trouble finding solid options. You can even find casual dresses that are multicolored or have bodices with one color or pattern and a skirt with another.
  • Length: Like their more formal counterparts, you can find casual dresses of all lengths. The same goes for the sleeve length as well, including sleeveless dresses. You can also find sleeve and skirt lengths in any combination.
  • Extra Details: While there are simple and plain casual dresses out there, you can find options with a bit more flair or even function. From pockets to tied belts, from bows to ruffles, there are plenty of casual dresses that have a little decoration to them if that’s something you’re interested in.

Top Choice: Unbranded Women’s Casual T-Shirt Dress

This is a comfy and relaxed jersey knit tunic t-shirt dress that is lightweight and soft to the touch. The loose silhouette flares gradually and subtly to end a little above the knee and it has a rounded neckline that’s flattering to all body types and hidden side-seam pockets. It pulls on smoothly and easily over your head. The simple but sophisticated design makes it appropriate for almost any occasion, from hanging around the house to running errands, while doubling for a night out when paired with a belt and other accessories. It’s available in 28 different colors and patterns. Hand wash it in cold water and hang it to dry.

Top Choice

HiMONE Women's 2023 Long Sleeve Pocket Casual Loose T-Shirt Dress Black X-Small

A gently flared knit t-shirt dress that is soft, comfortable, and lightweight.

Best Tunic Dress: Amoretu Tunic Dress

Here’s a loose, breezy tunic dress with an above-the-knee skirt that is the perfect blend of casual and stylish. The fabric is soft and stretchy to be more comfortable and accommodating, while the deep v-neck, lantern sleeves, and pleated, tiered skirt provides a touch of flair. Dress it down for a casual day at home or daily wear, or dress it up for the office, a date, or a party. It’s available in 32 different colors and patterns. Buy the long-sleeved version to wear in the cold months with leggings and boots, the short-sleeved version for warm-weather wear, or the sleeveless edition for a hot day at the beach or lake. Machine wash the dress on cold and dry it on low.

Best Tunic Dress

Amoretu Women Summer Casual Swing Ruffle Long Sleeve Tunic Dress Black L

A breezy and loose tunic dress that is fitting for all seasons.

Best Long-Sleeved Dress: DEARCASE Long Sleeved Maxi Dress

Here’s a soft and stretchy, deceptively simple maxi dress. Made of rayon and spandex with an elastic waist, this dress has plenty of give and space while still being flattering. The floor-length skirt and long sleeves give it a classic, timeless silhouette, as does the rounded neckline for a dress that is casual but not boring. Dress it up with a jacket, vest, long necklace, or scarf. It’s available in 35 different colors and patterns, there’s sure to be an option for any taste. It also comes with two hidden side-seam pockets for handy but subtle storage. Hand wash it in cold water and hang or line dry.

Best Midi Dress: MEROKEETY Striped Midi Dress

If you’re a fan of dresses that look like two separate pieces instead of one, this cute yet casual mid-length dress is perfect for you. The top is striped or leopard-printed, almost t-shirt-like, and the skirt is available in 12 different options, either patterned or in one solid color. The tied waist, heathered swing skirt, crew neck, and ruffled sleeves give the whole dress a cute, relaxed fit and look, while the soft, light fabric and elastic waist ensure that it’s comfortable. It pulls on easily over your head and is machine washable on a cold cycle. The two side pockets give you hidden yet accessible and convenient storage for your phone and keys.

Best Midi Dress

MEROKEETY Women's Summer Striped Ruffle Sleeves Tie Waist Crew Neck Casual Swing Midi Dress Green

A cute yet casual midi dress with two different patterns on the top and bottom.

Meghan Herlihy Meghan Herlihy
Meghan Herlihy is a full-time writer for LifeSavvy and How-To Geek and has written across a wide variety of topics, genres, and formats, including radio talk shows, local sports journalism, and creative original fiction. She received her bachelor's degree in communications from Ithaca College and a master's in writing from Johns Hopkins University. When she's not writing, you're most likely to find her reading a book, petting every dog within eyesight, and indulging in her love of travel. Read Full Bio »
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