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These flowy, flattering dresses are made for summer — they start at just $20

The only thing better than an airy, lightweight frock? An airy, lightweight frock at a discount.

Three different summertime dresses.
Sunny days and flowy frocks, we're ready for summer. (Amazon)

With hot summer weather rolling in, we're revamping our wardrobes with fresh, flowy frocks — and nothing is better on a sunny day than a light, lovely sundress. We're constantly on the lookout for the best seasonal styles, and we've found 12 lovely summer dresses on sale at retailers including Amazon, J. Crew and Nordstrom Rack that deserve a spot in our closets.

Quick overview
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Here are our picks for the best dresses at the best prices.

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

$35 at Amazon

Meet your year-round wardrobe workhorse. This flowy wear-anywhere dress makes for a perfect summer pairing with sandals and a sun hat. And we love this look with a knotted bottom, to keep it clear from waves during long walks on the beach. Prices vary by color and print — 19 options are available ... and all have pockets (we love pockets).

$31 at Amazon

Ideal for throwing on over your bathing suit or wearing to Sunday brunch, this swishy sundress has a high front cut, spaghetti straps and a side slit for maximum airiness. 

As one shopper describes it, "flowy and soft, with room to hide the least favorite body areas without being a tent."

Save $3 with coupon
$30 at Amazon

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! Available in 35 colors and prints.

Save $12 with Prime
$20 at Amazon

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

Save $14 with coupon
$34 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 7,400 Amazon reviewers have given this versatile dress a glowing five-star rating. Right now you can snag it in 40 (yes, 40) colors and prints for over 20% off. 

$48 at Amazon

Loose and flowy, you can't beat the breeziness of this beach cover-up. It's made with a light and gauzy polyester that makes you want to sashay from the hotel to the pool to the beach to lunch without stopping to change — you're not going to find a cover-up that's more comfortable. 

$40 at Amazon

For only $36, why not get one, two or even three for your warm-weather wardrobe? This tiered 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 flattering silhouette for a variety of shapes, and the tiered design adds a little visual flair.

$36 at Amazon

Another option with pockets! And this one is 50% off. 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 28 different colors, including neutrals like black, white and khaki; pastels like mint green 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 non-clinging and very breathable

Save $35 with coupon
$32 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. 

Save $5 with coupon
$43 at Amazon

If summer was a dress, it would be this magical number. The lightweight, swingy frock 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.

$50 at Amazon

A Yahoo reader favorite, this top-selling maxi dress is currently on sale for up to 77% off. Wear this pocketed number as an elegant maxi at night or as a cover-up for the beach or pool — making it a versatile choice for summer vacations, when packing space is limited. Its flowy silhouette just skims the body, so it's incredibly flattering. Choose from 11 colors.

$30 at Nordstrom Rack

This linen-cotton stunner is airy, lightweight and seriously sexy. The linen-cotton blend keeps you cool and the flattering V-neck and leg slit keeps it edgy. Available in solid black or white — or preppy pinstripe that seems destined for beach walking in the Hamptons. 

$75 at J. Crew

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)

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