20 Dreamy Summer Dresses With Sleeves for Those Who Hate Spaghetti Straps

Summer is unofficially the season of the dress. That’s not a dig at fall, winter, or spring, but rather a celebration of the ease and playfulness that comes with tossing on nothing more than your favorite lightweight frock as you head out on a steamy day. For this reason, we're happy to rotate through our collection of breezy, joyful numbers every day until fall arrives. Still, in addition to all the strappy (and sometimes strapless) options, we often think of as defining the hottest season, it's essential to have a few summer dresses with sleeves on hand, too. 

There are plenty of reasons why you may need or want a dress that keeps your shoulders covered: workplace requirements, arms that get cold easily, the power of a statement sleeve, or because it’s impossible to conceal a bra under a set of thin spaghetti straps. Whatever the case, the following selections leave nothing to be desired. They include colorful prints, fun cut-outs, party-ready styles, and romantic, everyday silhouettes you’ll wear over and over. Ahead, see 20 summer dresses with sleeves to shop now.

Norte Liméns Dress $275

Shop

This airy, linen summer dress has a comfortable fit and billowy sleeves. It’ll become the first thing you want to slip into as soon as you roll out of bed in the morning.

The Line by K Scout Dress Faded Yellow $139

Shop

The T-shirt dress gets a huge upgrade with this calf-length style by The Line by K, which features a mock neck and green contrasting lines over the prettiest pale yellow—imagine the garden party possibilities.

Alex Mill Safari Dress $178

Shop

This classic summer dress with sleeves is always polished, so it can easily go from work to dinner to tucked away into your weekender for your next mini-vacation.

Cider Check Pattern Backless Dress $36

Shop

Go for something a bit sweeter in a yellow gingham print and short, puffed-sleeve silhouette.

Eloquii Mixed Dot Maxi Dress $140

Shop

This summer dress with sleeves makes an extreme case for more-is-more color clashing.

Doreen Mashika Tamu Dress $200

Shop

If you’re a fan of classic A-line silhouettes and a defined waistline, this dress delivers with its beautiful mix of prints, complete with a wide belt that cinches the look together. 

Caes Shirred Lyocell and Cotton-Blend Poplin Maxi Dress $371

Shop

Summer is not complete without a romantic, crisp, white summer dress with sleeves. This shirred bodice design by Caes fills that need perfectly.

Gimaguas Parati Dress $150

Shop

This beachy caftan features big blooms from head to hem. It’s the touch of clashing checkered print, however, that makes the piece look modern and unexpected.

Tove Anna Dress Yellow $900

Shop

Chic and memorable, this vibrant gown makes a statement for your next formal affair.

Christy Dawn The Bianca Dress $218

Shop

If you’re still feeling smitten with all things cottagecore, this dream of a maxi dress will be your new summer go-to.

& Other Stories Linen Wrap Mini Dress $99

Shop

Let the neutral color of this sweet summer wrap dress with sleeves act as a background for accessorizing—complete the look with a statement-making pair of sandals or handbag.

Tanya Taylor Lily Dress $395

Shop

Tanya Taylor’s signature painterly florals feel optimistic and playful in a puffed-sleeve mini dress.

Wray Alyssa Dress $264

Shop

This Wray design feels minimal and simplistic, that is, until you turn to the side to show off the cool cutout.

Staud Topsail Dress $295

Shop

In a pale rainbow of shades, this Staud design is a quirky update to your average cotton summer minidress with sleeves.

BP. Polo Minidress $35

Shop

Mix a dose of prep into your wardrobe with a short-sleeve polo dress in a timeless neutral shade of gray.

Cos A-Line Shirt Dress $115

Shop

A versatile, comfortable, oversize summer dress with sleeves looks chic as is, but it’s also a great layering piece to wear unbuttoned with jeans, shorts, or tossed over a swimsuit.

Fe Noel Champagne One Sleeve Tie Dress $758

Shop

If you’re okay with one shoulder exposed, opt for this silky, cut-out evening dress by Fe Noel.

Almost There Bianca Dress $188

Shop

Meet your new summer LBD. It’s got an elegant square neckline and is made with lightweight cotton and hemp.

Marcia Tchikiboum Dress Floral White $424

Shop

Just because your shoulders are covered doesn’t mean your summer dress with sleeves can’t have a daring silhouette. This Marcia design, featuring peekaboo paneling along both sides, is proof of that. 

Karen Millen Cotton Stripe Ditsy Balloon Sleeve Dress $167

Shop

There’s a lot to love about this design, namely the tiered skirt, full sleeves, and exposed-back detailing.