This post will show you the cutest short summer dresses, with everything $70 or less.

Sun’s out, legs out! That’s the motto when it’s scorching hot outside (or at least, my motto).

Nothing beats wearing an easy, breezy short dress on a hot summer day. A mini dress is a “one and done” clothing item that you can put on and instantly look cute and put together. Seriously, think about it: it takes less effort to throw on a dress than it does to find a matching top and bottom!

Not to mention, short dresses are one of the best things you could wear to beat the heat, especially when they are lightweight and flowy.

With that in mind, I’ve scoured the web to find you the cutest short dresses for the summertime, with over 30 mini dresses under $70. You’re sure to find one that suits your style and budget, so read on!

Best Short Summer Dresses & Mini Dresses

Puff-Sleeve Open Back Mini Dress

It doesn’t get more classic than a little white dress in the summertime, or an LWD as we like to say.

This white mini dress features sweet details like puff sleeves, a smocked bust with a tie-front, and an open back with elasticized straps. These details, combined with the white hue, make the dress equal parts fresh and flirty.

Plus, it’s 100% cotton, which is one of the best materials you can wear in the summer since it is so lightweight and breathable.

Orange Satin-Effect Cut-Out Mini Dress

Meet the mini version of the viral Zara dress that took over TikTok earlier this season.

You may be familiar with the satin-effect midi dress with a cut-out back and empire silhouette that was available in pink and green (and completely sold out).

Now, there’s an adorable mini-length version that is perfect for summer, with the same back cut-out, underbust detail, and satiny fabric. Its gorgeous orange hue has a summery feel and its lightweight material is ideal for beating the heat.

Paisley Print Cami Mini Dress

I love this bandana-inspired mini dress featuring a black and white spliced paisley print throughout. The spliced print gives the dress an eye-catching look, along with its square neckline and cami straps. Plus, its A-line silhouette means it’ll flow with you rather than feel constricting (which is crucial when it’s hot out!).

Play up its western vibe by styling this dress with cowboy boots, or go for a street-style look by wearing it with a pair of Vans. And of course, sandals will look fab with it, too.

Crochet Color-Block Mini Dress

Crochet is a major trend this summer, so don’t miss out – get in on the fashion trend with this crochet color-blocked mini dress.

Its halter neck and color-blocking give it a retro vibe that is so cute. This dress would make for a great swim cover-up, thanks to its dropped armholes and open-back design.

One-Shoulder Sporty Dress

When you think of “short dresses,” your first thought may not be of comfort. Well, think again! This short, sporty dress with built-in shorts is sure to become your go-to for hot girl walks, errands, light exercising, and just hanging out.

Available in six different colors, this dress strikes the ultimate balance between stylish and sporty. It has an asymmetrical neckline that can be worn as a one-shoulder design (it also includes a second removable strap), built-in shorts with a cell phone pocket (so clutch), and is made with a lightweight fabric. Pair it with sneakers for a next-level athleisure look.

Ribbed Cut-Out Short Dress

Turn up the heat with this ribbed cut-out dress that comes in hot pink and black. It’s made with a fitted, stretchy, ribbed jersey material and features a bold cut-out at the waist. This dress is sure to turn heads on your next summer night out.

Shirred Floral Mini Dress

This dress is literally named the “Summer Nights” mini dress, so it’s a must-have for the season! (Though you can totally wear this on summer days, as well).

Featuring a sweet floral print, it has a shirred bust, short flounce sleeves, and a low back with cute tie detail. The shirred top contrasts with the looser bottom half for a flattering overall fit.

Linen Tie-Shoulder Mini Dress

This dreamy lilac-colored linen mini dress features a feminine silhouette with a ruched top and self-tie shoulder straps. Dress it up with heels, or keep it daytime casual with flat sandals this summer.

Best of all, it is made from recycled materials from discarded fabrics that would have gone unused, so you can feel good about buying this sustainable style.

Ruffled Halter Mini Dress

How darling is this yellow ruffled mini dress? It has a halter neck and a breezy open back that is perfect for showing off your tan this summer.

It features a subtle abstract stripe pattern, along with tiers of ruffles and a blousy bodice. You can choose from this mustard yellow hue or blue.

Striped Ruffle Mini Dress

Go for a cute, classic look with this blue and white striped mini dress. It has ruffle detailing on the hem and straps, plus an adorable tie-front detail on the chest.

The blue and white striped print is timeless, so you won’t have to worry about this frock going out of style. Also, its woven fabric will help keep you cool on a hot summer day.

Tie-Dye Mini Dress

Tie-dye is always a good idea in the summertime, and this cute frock has a flowy fit that makes it effortless to wear.

The tie-dye print and crochet detailing on the bust give this dress a fun boho feel, whether you opt for the blue/yellow color or the pink/orange option.

Cut-Out Side Mini Dress

It’s all about cut-out detailing this season, so embrace the flirty, skin-baring trend with this pink cut-out side mini dress. Its bubblegum pink hue is adorable, and the O-ring detail adds flair. The sleeveless arms make it a prime choice on a warm summer night.

Woven Slip Dress

Channel a vintage vibe with this V-neck printed woven slip dress. The copper checked pattern is totally giving a ’70s aesthetic that is on-trend right now, along with its halter-style cups and V-shaped front and back. You’ll easily be able to transition this frock into the fall season; just think how cute it will look with loafers and a cardigan sweater.

This dress is available in inclusive sizing, ranging from sizes XS – 4X, and also comes in two other colors.

Cinch Front Slip Mini Dress

Here’s another mini slip dress that is a must-have for the season. Simple yet statement-making, this short slip features a cinch front design that allows you to adjust the neckline, plus it’s made with lightweight georgette fabric and comes in three color options.

I love the idea of styling this dress for a summer night out with heeled sandals and an oversized blazer (as shown above) for a fashion-forward look.

Floral Print Bodycon Dress

Sweet and sexy, this red floral print mini dress has a frill hem, square neckline with a lace-up, and bodycon fit. You can dress it up or down by wearing it with white sneakers during the daytime, or with strappy sandals at night.

Crochet Lace Backless Mini Dress

Turn heads in this beautiful white crochet lace mini dress with an open back. Its crochet lace gives it a textured look that is on-trend and has a summery vibe.

The front of the dress features a high neckline with scalloped lace trim, while the open back features slim spaghetti straps for a lace-up effect.

Deep V-Neck Mini Dress

You’ll be tempted to spin around in this sweet, ruffled mini dress with a deep V-neckline and ultra-flowy fit.

This yellow frock features an empire waist with ruching at the top and an A-line cut at the bottom. Its ruffled hem and tie-front detail make for sweet, girly touches. Choose from this flattering yellow option, or go for the classic white color option.

Gingham Strappy Skater Short Dress

Gingham is a classic summertime print, and this skater dress just screams summer – in the best way possible.

It’s got an open back with strappy ties, along with a square neck, ruching, and a textured gingham print in red and white. The skater-style fit is so fun and flirty!

Mini Polo Dress

Channel your “rich mom energy” with this classic white mini polo dress. This preppy polo collar dress totally fits the rich mom aesthetic that took over TikTok, but without spending a fortune.

You’ll look like you’re headed to the country club in this fresh white mini dress, but its partially open back and bodycon fit keep it youthful. Pair it with sneakers for a sleek, sporty look.

Floral Off-the-Shoulder Mini Dress

Show off your shoulders with this off-the-shoulder mini dress featuring a sweet floral print. This frock features a smocked bodice and off-the-shoulder puff sleeves and is made from a textured, woven fabric that’s super lightweight.

It comes in coral or off-white, both of which are perfect for the summertime.

Ruffled Cut-Out Skater Dress

If you’re into the off-the-shoulder look but looking for something with long sleeves, check out this ruffled skater dress with blouson sleeves that can be worn on or off the shoulder. This charming dress comes in three subdued hues: sage, dusty blue, and ivory.

It has plenty of feminine detailing like a smocked bodice, tiered ruffled skater skirt, midriff cut-out, and lightweight gauze fabric.

Ruched Top Floral Short Dress

The blue color palette of this floral print dress gives it an eye-catching look that is too cute to pass up. It features a ruched top for a girly vibe, along with a smocked back. You could just as easily wear this dress with white low-top sneakers as you could with heeled sandals, making it versatile, too.

Striped Rib-Knit Short Tank Dress

Keep it casual with this navy and white striped rib-knit tank dress. This laid-back dress is ultra-comfortable thanks to its stretchy rib-knit fabric and easy fit. It fits just like your favorite tank top, but with the added length of a short dress, making it a wardrobe essential.

Wear it with sneakers and a baseball hat for an easygoing look, or throw on some slide sandals and sunnies. You’re sure to reach for this tank dress on a hot day!

Knit Space-Dye Mini Dress

I am totally obsessed with this knit mini dress with a pink and yellow space-dye print. It has a retro vibe with its halter neckline, front O-ring detail, and funky print. The silhouette of this short dress is so cool, from its tie-up neck to its cut-out detailing and open back.

Take it the beachy route with some woven sandals, or lean into its retro look by wearing it with platform sandals.

Tie-Detail Ribbed Short Dress

Every girl needs a simple, short black dress in her wardrobe, and this affordable option can be styled in a bunch of different ways. Dress it up with heeled sandals, or add some edge with combat boots. It features a cute tie detail at the bust, short sleeves, a flattering sweetheart neckline, and a slightly flared skirt.

This dress is made from a ribbed, cotton-blend jersey material with some stretch, so you’ll feel comfortable while wearing it, making it a go-to.

Tie-Strap Babydoll Mini Dress

Maybe I’ve been influenced by TikTok’s “Coastal Grandmother” aesthetic, but this light blue babydoll dress is giving me major East Coast summer vibes.

Slightly preppy with subtle plaid stitching, tie-shoulder straps, and embroidered trim, this lightweight woven dress was made for a coastal summer (no matter where you are).

Ruffle-Trim Floral Mini Dress

Can you ever really have enough floral mini dresses for the summertime? I think not! This yellow and white floral print mini dress has ruffle trims, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a waist tie. It’s simple, sweet, and certainly summery.

Ruched One-Shoulder Dress

Go for a sleek look with this one-shoulder mini dress in a radiant yellow hue. With a bodycon fit and ruching down both sides, this dress is going to flatter your physique and make a total statement.

It’s perfect for a summer night out on the town with some strappy sandals, gold jewelry, and a cute clutch bag.

Stretch Denim Mini Dress

Put aside your denim cutoff shorts in favor of a denim mini dress instead! This sleeveless dress comes in classic blue denim, white denim, or black denim with white stitching (as seen above) for a cool contrast. And if a denim dress sounds a bit uncomfortable, it’s not – this one is made from stretchy denim material. Score!

Puff-Sleeve Tie-Back Chambray Swing Dress

Chambray has a similar look and feel to denim, but is even more lightweight, making it ideal for the summer. This soft-woven frock features a darling V-back with a cut-out and bow-tie detail for a feminine touch, along with short puff sleeves.

This dress has a swing silhouette which makes it breezy and has pockets, too – IDK about you, but I love a dress with pockets!

Flared Sleeves Crochet Mini Dress

This blue and white striped crochet mini dress is just begging to be photographed on the beach this summer! Whether you take it on vacation (it’d make for a great swim cover-up) or just wear it locally, it’s one of the trendiest dress styles this season.

The funky print, crochet knit, and long flared sleeves give it the ultimate retro vibe.

Cut-Out Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

If you haven’t been able to tell by now, cut-outs are a huge trend this season and will add major flair to your summer dresses. This puff sleeve mini dress with a fitted, smocked bodice and ruffled tiers features side cut-outs for a hint of skin, giving it a sweet-meets-sexy look.

The dress comes in this mango color, as well as light blue. It’s lightweight, made from woven material, and has a flowy A-line silhouette that is effortless.

What do you think of our short summer dress picks?

Would you wear these dresses? Which dress style is your favorite? Leave a comment and let us know!