In the summer, dresses (for those of you that regularly wear them) are an essential outfit staple. There are so many options when it comes to warm-weather frocks, from little white dresses to shirtdresses, to caftans. The easier the on-off, the better for when you want to look cute but not as if you’re trying too hard. Here’s a rundown of some dress styles to try out now that we are officially in the dog days of summer.
Weekends are the best time to experiment with different dress silhouettes in bold colors and patterns. With parties and gatherings gearing up, consider going a bit daring with a mini dress. Many times, when you hear mini, you may picture a tight bodycon type frock. But for summer, the best mini dress is flowy, has some sort of volume, and can come with or without sleeves. A little floral A-line frock with a flutter sleeve provides both coverage and ventilation for a Sunday family lunch. If you have a wedding on the calendar, consider a brightly hued fit n’ flare number with cutouts and bell sleeves. These options may be better suited to the younger crowd. If you’re a bit more mature and feel like you’ve got the gams for it, you can still don a mini, like a striped T-shirt dress or polka-dotted structured shift.
Another weekend dress trend to try is the “Saturday Dress,” known during the pandemic lockdown as the “Nap Dress.” Both names imply an easy, airy, longer frock in a breathable fabric. This dress style is meant for around-the-house wear but can easily work for casual errands or events. A cotton midi-length dress, perhaps with smocking at the bodice and ruffled straps worn with sneakers or sandals for drinks on the deck. Or, on the flip side, for morning coffee on the porch (when it may even be a bit chilly), a relaxed, baby-doll style midi paired with a light cardigan and slippers.
For the weekday grind, especially if you are in an office setting, shirtdresses are a stylish and fairly easy summer daily uniform. The power of the AC will determine the sleeve and hem length of the workwear shirtdress.
For chillier settings, go with long sleeves and below-the-knee, rendered in menswear-inspired fabric, with a collar and cuffs. For a less frigid workplace, a short-sleeved khaki version that may hit above the knee will lend itself to the more casual mode of the summer dress code but still have the structure of a polished look. I also like the idea of a sleeveless shirt dress with a collar that can be worn with a cardigan in the office. Leave the cardigan at work to get some sun on those shoulders when venturing outside. Just be sure to spray on some sunscreen.
An unexpected weekday dress option to consider is the little black dress. Usually reserved for cocktail hours and parties, the right kind of little black dress can also serve you day-to-day. Whether in the form of a poplin shirtdress, linen shift, or cotton tank dress, a LBD comes across a bit more chic than other neutrals in summer and can camouflage perspiration. Black dresses rendered in breathable fabric can work with sneakers and a bandana for a sporty look or sandals and gold jewelry for a more sophisticated ensemble.
You can also wear dresses for outdoor activities this summer. Tennis dresses are just as functional on or off the court. You can sport a tennis dress at the park, a picnic, while watching a sporting event, or for a grocery run. There is the classic version with a pleated skirt or the more modern style tank dress and attached shorts underneath. Or, if you want a bit more functionality and a looser fit, there are hiking dresses for outdoor fun. Hiking dresses often come with roomier pockets and a drawstring waist to adjust the fit.
Another dress for an active summer is the swim dress. Whether at a pool, pond, lake, river, creek, or ocean, it’s just not summer until you can get in the water. Of course, swimsuits aren’t always the most enjoyable. So, skip the hassle and invest in a quality swim dress, which is great for laps as well as for floating along on an innertube.
If you’re looking for a simple romantic look, then check out slip dresses. A silky, slinky number is perfect for date night as well as girls’ night. A mid-length non-silk slip dress can also work for day layered in a button-down and belted or lightweight cropped sweater. Cotton slip dresses can also make convenient coverups.
The last dress to highlight for this summer is the caftan. What I love about caftans is that they can be luxurious while also tacky, bohemian, while also camp, and look great no matter your size, shape, gender, or age. The trick is to find the right caftan for you and the right occasion to show it off. The beach is the most typical location for caftan wear, but that shouldn’t stop you from lounging around the house all summer long, just you and your caftan. Or create the opportunity to bring caftans together, let’s say, for a caftan brunch — sign me up! Really, in my mind, any event can only be made better when wearing a caftan. That being said, a flimsy tropical print coverup style is probably not the best for a wedding, but a satin or silk V-neck caftan with the right jewelry and wedged heel will look great!
Whether you regularly wear dresses or not, consider trying out some of the above styles this summer to look stylish and beat the heat.
