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The 11 Best Long-Sleeve Dresses

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by Scarlett James
Bustle / Amazon

Long-sleeved dresses are under-the-radar amazing: Their sleeves balance out shorter hemlines and they make maxi dresses look especially regal. Whichever season you’re shopping for, the best long-sleeve dresses are chic additions to your wardrobe. Some skew casual while others are their own special occasion, but most of the options below were chosen for their ability to play in either direction.

If you’re after a piece you can slip on for easy, everyday wear — no matter where that day will take you — look for styles that combine classic elements with fashion-savvy details. That could look like a sweater dress with a tie waist or a trend-driven piece with an adjustable ruched drawstring skirt. A long-sleeve shirt dress, especially one in soft natural fibers, is one you’ll wear to work or play on a summer day, while a casual A-line T-shirt dress can also be dialed up with a statement shoe... that is, when you’re not wearing it to lounge.

When you need to dress up, a classic wrap dress is a worthy choice that transitions from the office to cocktails with a simple accessory swap. Since formal dresses so often seem to come in strappy or strapless designs, a long-sleeve dress is a style statement in itself. If you’re worried about buying a dress that can only be worn to a limited number of events in a particular season, don’t be: the gorgeous offerings below are so affordable, you’ll find they’re worth taking the leap over. And now’s your chance to play with texture, whether that’s sleeves made from airy mesh or intricate lace.

Now that you’re primed to shop, scroll through these 11 long-sleeve dresses for just about every occasion.

1The Lightweight Sweater Dress With A Cult Following

Closing in on 10,000 ratings, this long-sleeve dress is set to become its own influencer. Fans raved that it’s the perfect length with an adjustable fit, and many praised the cotton-based knit for being warm in the winter yet not too heavy for summer. Its timeless cut skims the body and hits at a wearable mid-thigh length with just enough trend-driven details to feel fresh, from the knot waist to gathered elastic lantern sleeves. Plus, it’s a style that’s easy to dress up or down, with shoppers pairing it with everything from leggings to over-the-knee boots. “I am so happy with this purchase! Such a great price for a well made piece of clothing,” one shopper remarked. “I wore it for a casual wedding and it was so comfy.”

  • Available colors: 31
  • Available sizes: Small — XX-Large

2This Thoroughly Modern Pencil Dress

The pencil dress is sharp and timeless, updated here with 21st-century comfort and tailoring. Its crew-neck bodice is sculpted with princess seams that flow into a slit midi hem, and it’s made from a buttery polyester-spandex blend that’s brushed for added softness, with a matte effect that’s lightweight yet fully opaque and wrinkle-resistant. If you want a more conservative look, you’ll also find options for longer bodycon dresses and mock neck styles with solid hems in the same listing. “This dress is the actually best gift you could give yourself...SO SOFT, so comfy,” a shopper praised. “I literally wash them and put them right on...I could sleep in this dress, it’s so amazing.”

  • Available options: 35
  • Available sizes: Small — 4X-Large Plus

3The Ruched Dress With Drawstring Ties That’s Trending So Hard Right Now

If you want to experiment with the ruched dress trend, this is a stylish long-sleeve dress worth picking up in multiples. The double drawstring on each side lets you adjust the length — you can let it out all the way to your knees, and it even accommodates a baby bump. Shoppers raved about the rayon knit, in particular, and noted the style was perfect for days with multiple events since it adjusts in a snap. “Legit bought this is so many colors,” one shopper confessed. “It’s such a go to simple staple to have in the closet. The material is so nice and the drawstrings actually function.”

  • Available colors: 14
  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large

4A Flowy A-Line T-Shirt Dress With *Pockets*

As comfortable as it is versatile, this is a go-to dress to have in your closet for virtually every occasion. It feels like a nightgown thanks to a super-soft rayon blend while the swingy cut leaves plenty of room for leggings, though it all but floats away from the body on hot summer days. And if you’re not totally sold yet, wait for it: it even comes with pockets. Wear it to run errands with your favorite white sneakers and a denim jacket or dress it up by adding a wide waist belt and statement heels. “This was a great little dress for a nice price,” one reviewer noted. “The fit is as expected, the fabric is soft and not clinging, it has been washed and hung to dry and retained its shape. I'm impressed.” Choose from a classic crew neck (featured) or a cool-weather mock in dozens of colors.

  • Available options: 42
  • Available sizes: Small — 3X-Large

5The Classically Chic Wrap Dress

The long-sleeve wrap dress goes from desktop to bartop in style. The chic Lark & Ro wrap dress is shirred across the front to emphasize its shape, with a crossover hem with a button inside for a secure fit. The matte jersey has a fluid drape and doesn’t wrinkle — ideal for travel and days you need to get out the door fast. “This dress is beautiful. Beyond my expectations for a reasonable priced dress. The material is thick, so it hangs nicely and is not see through,” a fan commented. “I usually wear designer dresses, but got sick of the prices. I promise, this dress is just as good.” The line’s plus-size wrap dress is just as nice, available in sizes up to 4X, with the same pretty lines and wrinkle-free fabric (although it’s only available in solid hues).

  • Available options: 22
  • Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large; 1X — 4X

6A Faux Wrap Maxi Dress With Gorgeous Lace Sleeves

Backed by more than 2,500 Amazon reviews, this long-sleeve maxi is a high-impact formal dress that’s wildly comfortable. The secret? A rayon-spandex blend that’s downy-soft with a fluid drape. It features a faux wrap bodice accented at the waist with a self-tie fabric belt and the goddess-like skirt has a column cut that’s easy to walk in. Bloused sleeves in statement lace are the finishing touch that makes it a solid choice for special events all year long — they’re cool for the summer and look seasonal during colder months. “My new favorite,” a reviewer declared. “This dress is beautiful! The material is super soft and drapes nicely in all the right places...The lace sleeves are really elegant looking and seem to be excellent quality.”

  • Available options: 8
  • Available sizes: X-Small — 3X

7A Prairie-Chic Dress In Vintage Florals

With designer-driven details that aren’t too over-the-top and a muted floral pattern, this long-sleeve dress can carry you through multiple seasons. Ruffle trim at the neckline and shoulder seams, coupled with a self-tie belt, lends structure to the tiered skirt in a soft print. Pair it with espadrilles and a straw tote in the spring, then pull out your motorcycle jacket and ankle booties when the weather turns chillier. Since there’s no stretch to the faux chiffon, several shoppers recommended sizing up if you were in-between. “I absolutely love this dress, and didn't want to take it off at the end of the day. Comfortable, lightweight, easy, and absolutely beautiful,” a reviewer gushed.

  • Available colors: 5
  • Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large

8This Stunning Plus-Size Party Dress With Sheer Sleeves

With its chic interplay of texture and proportion, this long-sleeve party dress serves a high-fashion look with an under-$50 price tag. Sheer blouson sleeves are light and airy against a fitted pencil cut, and you even have options when it comes to embellishment — delicate pearl beads or lush floral applique. The polyester and spandex weave through the body has just enough give to be comfortable all night. “I felt so hot wearing this number to a gala,” a fan raved. “The sleeves are not itchy, which I imagined them to be, and they kept me warm in the outside cool air as well as cool inside a stuffy room...Have fun! You’ll get a million compliments, I promise.”

  • Available options: 10
  • Available sizes: Large Plus — 4X-Large Plus

9This Swingy A-line Mini Dress With The Prettiest Texture

Channeling swinging ‘60s style, this crocheted lace party dress has beautiful lines, with bell sleeves and a breezy shift cut that’s so easy to wear. The nylon lace is intricately patterned, with pom pom trim for festive texture and movement — it even washes well, according to reviews. “Quite possibly the best Amazon clothing purchase I've ever made,” a shopper raved. “Fits close to body but not tight on the body. More of an A-line shape...Very sophisticated.”

  • Available colors: 6
  • Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large

10This Jetset Caftan Dress That’s So Versatile

Meet your new weekend uniform. This long-sleeve lounge dress is breezy in a drapey rayon knit you can wear year-round. It has a wide boat neckline you can tug off one shoulder and a fuller cut through the skirt for peak lounging. Throw it on with flip-flops when you need a poolside cover-up (or Netflix robe) then dress it up with a wedge and a wide-brimmed for brunch. “I loved this so much, I bought one for my sister,” a shopper commented. “The fabric is really comfy, soft, and breathable, but not too thick, so it could be worn in warmer weather or colder weather. It's great for lounging around the house or it can definitely be dressed up for an evening out.” You can also scoop it up in an ultra-wearable short-sleeve version too.

  • Available options: 26
  • Available sizes: X-Small — 3X-Large

11A Linen Shirt Dress For Business & Casual

The shirt dress is a timeless piece that can go almost anywhere. This fashion-forward take combines menswear style with a relaxed contemporary cut and split high-low hem. It’s a bargain for something that’s 100% linen, which helps keep you cool in the summer and only gets softer with time. Pair it with sandals on the weekend, then add a blazer and sculptural block heels when you’re back in the office. It even works as a statement tunic in transitional weather, as one fan noticed. “Nice comfortable linen dress. Wearing it now with ankle jeans. It is going to be nice and cool in the summer. Good quality and true to size.”

  • Available options: 2
  • Available sizes: XX-Small — 3X