Summer can be uncomfortably sweltering, but there's a bright spot through all that heat—it essentially gives you carte blanche to wear as little as possible. And the next best thing to be being au naturel is going for a daring dress. Think cutouts, short hemlines, sheer fabrics, and ultra-thin straps. Although modesty is front row and center in the form of sartorial niches like the "old money" and "quiet luxury," a few of its most prominent figures still know when to pull out a sultry dress. Take model Elsa Hosk, for example. She recently dropped a collection of seductive summer dresses with midriff cutouts and see-through fabric. The gowns border the risqué, and they're all I've been thinking about.
But even if you haven't been able to completely gel with the risqué trends peaking this season, the summer is as good as ever to pull out all the stops. Ranging from minidresses to body-hugging silhouettes, the below dresses do just that. Keep scrolling for 34 pieces guaranteed to make an entrance.
It's the nonchalant sexiness for me.
I cannot get over the price.
Give me all the rosettes this season.
The cascading one-shoulder detail is clearly the star of the show.
There's nothing a little pink lace can't cure.
Hot off the success of Fanci's signature dresses, ruffles are an in-demand detail. This piece embodies romance in a more modest way.
The contrast of black straps with the white lace is so chic.
Everyone loves Reformation—here's why.
An A+ sale find.
There's something so endearing about this.
A dress from Elsa Hosk's recent drop, the juicy shade of orange is enough to command everyone's attention.
I need to be wearing this on a yacht immediately.
Yes, this slip dress is gorgeous (and even looks vintage) and is incredibly easy to travel with.
Whenever I'm looking for occasion dresses, Rotate is one of the first brands I check first.
I actually own this dress in another print, and it's one of my most worn of the season.
If you can get over the array of thigh-baring cutouts, this dress is quite jaw-dropping.
Look as hot as you feel.
House of CB recently dropped its European-inspired collection of summer dresses, and at least one of them should be in your suitcase.
Somehow, Cult Gaia creates exactly what I want to wear.
For fans of bright prints and daring details, Mirae is a brand to know.
Don't be fooled! This is indeed a sneakily constructed dress made to look like a two-piece.
No one does summer fashion quite like Simon Jacquemus, and this dress is no exception.
For those ready to dive headfirst into the sheer trend.
Louisa Ballou prints are next-level.
A dress to hug all the right places.
Who doesn't love a little derrière cutout?
A dress that demands tickets to the South of France.
Meshki is a go-to source for sultry summer dresses.
Sequined crochet has been popping up more and more lately, and now, I think I may be on to something…
Self-Portrait has been on a roll lately.
The way this dress has invaded my mind, adding it to my cart is the only way to go.
The dramatic ruffled neckline is just what I needed.
Simply stunning.
Rodarte turns up the heat with a midriff cutout and bold lace trim.
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