Another Southern summer is here and we need all the help we can get to stay cool. We have put together our favorite dresses to keep you looking and feeling cool all summer long. 

Arc’teryx Women’s Contenta Dress 

As a leader in outdoor apparel, Arc’teryx knows how to create comfortable, breathable, and “outdoor chic” dress options like the Contenta. With a dropped waistline and a cinch located inside the pocket, the Contenta is an easy and flattering summer dress! Quick-drying and wrinkle-free, this dress also offers UPF 45 sun protection, making it the perfect dress for summer days filled with swimming, boating, or hiking.

Also check out the Contenta’s sister dress, the Contenta Shift Dress. Same great technical properties that you get from the Contenta, but with a more relaxed a-line style. 

Both options come with pockets — yes, pockets! One pocket also conceals a security zip pocket, a great feature for traveling or going on excursions without a pack or purse. Both dresses are extremely comfortable and perfect for hot days, travel, and even some light day hiking and exploration!

Dylan Coastal Stripe Long Dress

Easy, breezy, and beachy! The Coastal Stripe Tank Dress is our favorite tank dress when we are headed for the beach. Made from 100 percent cotton, this maxi dress is incredibly soft, making it a cozy all-day dress.

Throw it on as a beach cover-up or an effortless lunch dress. As the summer night breeze rolls in, style it with a button-down open and tied at the waist, for a dinner-ready look. Swap your EVA Birkenstocks for your Sorel Ella sandals and you are ready for the evening! 

Toad&Co Funday Sleeveless Tie Dress

This dress earned its name. This is perfect for all of the Sunday fundays, weekend getaways, or backyard hangouts. Made from 100 percent organic cotton, it’s breathable and sustainable. The adorable, classic shirtdress with a vintage flair goes perfectly with our beloved Teva Flatform Universal sandals. 

Neat fact: This dress is thoughtfully engineered with an open weave and thicker yarns to lift the fabric off your skin, working to keep you cool all day long. How delightful is that?

Patagonia Garden Island Dress

Patagonia is more than thick sweaters, coats, and baggies. To be honest, some of our favorite pieces from brands are the hidden gems, like the Garden Island Dress. 

From the coconut buttons down the center back to the gathers at the waist, the detailing is right on point for a summery style. This dress, made from hemp and a Tencel lyocell blend, is soft, flowy, and lightweight. 

This dress is a great option for a more casual outdoor wedding or event, dressed up with your favorite sandal or wedge.

Oh, and, once again, … pockets are a girl’s best friend. 

Carve Swim Sanitas Dress

Our last but not least favorite summer dress pick is a swim dress. On hot and humid days when you seek out opportunities to be near water, take this dress with you to throw over your suit. 

The high neckline and cutout detail on the back give this little number a fun and sporty look. Throw it on as a cover-up. It dries quickly and is cool and suitable for all your outdoor adventures!

Find your perfect summer dress at Alabama Outdoors! Alabama Outdoors wants everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors