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12 insanely comfy throw-on-and-go dresses that aren't frumpy, on sale from $20

The only thing better than an airy, lightweight frock for summer is one at a deep discount — take a peek at our fave maxis, minis, midis and more.

three different dresses — olive green tiered midi dress, black t-shirt dress, and patterned tiered midi dress
Looks that tell the world you're conquering summer in style at prices that say you're doing it with smarts. (Amazon)

With hot summer weather here for the duration, we're revamping our wardrobes with some fresh, fashionable looks — and truly, nothing is better on a torrid summer day than a light, breezy sundress. We're constantly searching for the best seasonal styles, and we've found a dozen lovely options at retailers including Amazon, J.Crew and Nordstrom Rack that deserve a spot in our — and your — closet. The best part? Almost all of them are under $40.

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Here are our picks for the best dresses at the best prices, but don't stop there: We've also rounded up Amazon's most flattering one-piece swimsuits. (Even better? They're under $40 too.)

Designed for all-day comfort, the dress has an A-line silhouette that fits loosely over the body and hits just above the knees. The best part? It has pockets! Choose from 35 colors and prints.

"I have three of the same style dress with different patterns, because I loved the first so much!" said a devotee. "It's soft, comfortable and twirly, while also being attractive and useful. The dress has pockets big enough for a cell phone without ruining the line of the dress."

$20 at Amazon

This is the definition of comfy, casual and chic, with a flattering sheath design and a tie waist that gives you definition in the midsection. Wear it to work, wear it to the beach, wear it in the backyard — the world is your stylish oyster.

"These dresses are so comfortable and I'm loving the color!" a customer raved. "The style is classic and I would wear them every day if I could. The weight of the fabric is top quality as there is no transparency. The cut and fit of the dress make it flow with you as you move. The pockets are so convenient! Amazing value for the money."

Save $24 with Prime
$24 at Amazon

This wear-anywhere wardrobe workhorse is just begging to be paired with sandals and a sun hat. We love the knotted bottom, which adds interest and helps keep the fabric clear from waves during long walks on the beach. Prices vary by color and print, but 20 options are available — and all have pockets (we love pockets).

"The material is so soft and it's a little heavier material," a five-star fan said. "And it's definitely not see-through. I washed it three times and so far so good. I always get compliments when I wear it. The dress does run big so I would suggest going down a size. Definitely will be buying another one."

Save $2 with coupon
$29 at Amazon

Ideal for throwing on over your bathing suit or wearing to Sunday brunch, this swishy number has a high front cut, spaghetti straps and a side slit for maximum airiness (and just the right amount of sexiness).

One shopper describes it as "flowy and soft, with room to hide the least-favorite body areas without being a tent. ... I like that it is a maxi-ish length, but doesn't drag the ground. I can be barefoot in this without it sweeping the floor. I washed it up and it went through the wash great. I hung it wet to dry on a hanger and it's good to go."

Save $3 with coupon
$30 at Amazon

A Yahoo reader favorite, this top-selling maxi dress is 65% off. Wear this pocketed number for an elegant look at night or as a cover-up for the beach or pool — it's a versatile choice for summer vacations, when packing space is limited. Its flowy silhouette just skims the body. Choose from 11 colors.

"What a fantastic dress!" a shopper wrote. "You can dress it up or down. I purchased it because I am going on a cruise and I want to wear it for one of the evening dinners. I will be wearing this with a nude, high wedge espadrille sandal and gold accessories to give it that nautical look/vibe. ... I love, love, love the pockets. The gauze fabric is light and airy."

$30 at Nordstrom Rack

For only $31, why not get one, two or even three of these easy dresses for your warm-weather wardrobe? This maxi dress is light, soft and flowy, with a nice amount of stretch and thickness to prevent undergarments from showing through. The high waistline creates a forgiving silhouette, and the tiered design adds a little visual flair.

"This just might be the favorite dress I have ever bought and believe me, at my age, I've bought a lot of dresses!" a reviewer said. "I now have it in two colors and if I could even begin to justify it, I would get it in a couple more colors. Only wish it came in a few attractive prints as well as solid colors. It is comfortable. It is flattering, It is comfortable. It can go just about anywhere depending upon accessories. It is comfortable. It was not expensive. Did I mention that it is comfortable?"

Save $12 with Prime
$31 at Amazon

Looking for something a little more dressy that'll still help you keep your cool? Ideal for everything from brunches to baby showers, this swingy style is a little bit boho, which will make you feel effortlessly stylish even in a heat wave. 

Over 7,500 Amazon reviewers have given this versatile dress a glowing five-star rating. Right now you can snag it in 46 (yes, 46) different colors and prints for nearly 50% off with the on-page coupon.

"As someone with a larger stomach, dress shopping can be challenging!" said a happy shopper. "I absolutely love how flowy this dress is — it takes the focus off my midsection. Gorgeous, and a snap at the top so it doesn't flop open!"

Save $29 with Prime
$32 at Amazon

If summer was a dress, it would be this magical number that gives major Greek goddess vibes. The lightweight, swingy maxi comes in 21 warm-weather-worthy colors and patterns. With the gathered tie-waist, this dress creates a flattering silhouette and can be dressed up or down.

"The elastic waist hits at the perfect spot, the true tie shoulders make it easy to make this dress truly for your body, and it's not see-through at all," a fan gushed. "I lived in these dresses last summer when I was 40 pounds heavier, and still love them on my body today."

Save $34 with Prime + coupon
$33 at Amazon

Another option with pockets! Statement sleeves are all the rage this summer, so we're particularly enamored with these fluttery cap sleeves, which are just right for keeping shoulders sheltered from the sun's rays. This dress is available in 27 colors, including neutrals like black, white and khaki; pastels like mint and sky blue; and bold brights like peacock and rose.

The waistline is well-positioned to hide any belly bulges, while the shirred top makes for a slimming silhouette. And reviewers praise the fabric for being breathable and nonclingy.

"I bought this for a baby shower and was pleasantly surprised how comfortable it was. The material is breathable and thin without being sheer," said a buyer. "It is a very flattering shape. It is long enough that it isn't a mini-dress but not too long to be a maxi dress. ... This is a repeat wear for me!"

Save $34 with Prime + coupon
$33 at Amazon

Prints, prints and more prints — 24 options in total, with an additional 10 solid choices in pastel and neutral hues. From bold geometrics to romantic florals, this splashy stunner hits on all the right notes for a stylish, sunny-season wardrobe update. The fabric is soft, breathable and stretchy without being see-through.

"I'm pear-shaped. I carry my weight in my butt, belly and thighs," explained one shopper. "I have an apron belly from having babies. I'm very self-conscious about it. I have a very hard time finding things that fit my lower body and aren't huge on my upper body. This dress was wide enough for my bottom, but didn't drown my upper half."

Save $27 with Prime
$34 at Amazon

This cute, comfy maxi dress has it all: a shape-skimming design, an alluring slit and handy pockets. Plus, its roomy fit won't cling to your body, allowing for some welcome airflow.

Said one of more than 6,000 five-star fans: "Bought this for a vacation and was very glad I did. It is fun, funky and definitely really cute. Purchased in the XL and found that it was very flattering even on a larger person. The fabric was quite nice, it was airy, not too heavy and soft to the touch. This dress is very comfortable and the arms were not tight at all. The slits on the side added a nice touch to the dress."

$35 at Amazon

Got a bit more to spend? You'll still get about 50% off this pretty piece — but you'll look like a million bucks thanks to the versatile style and luxe crepe de chine construction, which feels incredibly soft, smooth and lightweight. The brown print offers the best savings you'll get right now, but the dress is also on sale in yellow, black and blue.

"Beautiful print and drape of fabric," said a shopper. "I purchased this for semi-formal events I have this summer. It feels so nice against the skin during the warmer summer nights. Another classic for my closet. I love the beaded tie belt and adjustable shoulder straps."

$85 at J.Crew

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.