Neutrals, naturally: more summer dress outfit ideas
For those who love one-and-done ease, dresses can be a great summer wardrobe option. And they are often cooler in the heat. I’ve been keeping my eyes open for dresses that aren’t too frilly or flouncy, and can be styled multiple ways. Today I’m sharing some neutral outfit ideas, and a few more dresses you might like…
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Light & breezy summer dresses
What I like about this cotton dress is that a) it has sleeves and pockets, and b) it can be worn multiple ways. Though it’s styled relatively casually here, I think you could dial it up with a strappy, low-heeled sandal, and dressier accessories (and swap out the tie belt for a leather, chain, or raffia one).
This look is for you Adventurers! A linen dress with short sleeves should be a comfortable option in the heat, and yes, this one has pockets too! And it’s available in black or white for those with cool palettes, in Regular, Tall, and Petite sizes.
Both of these looks will work for Autumns and (most) Springs. (Springs, you may want to add some light gold or ivory shoes and bags.) For cool palette outfit ideas with dresses, see my post, “summer occasion outfits with dresses…”
More breezy summer dresses (with sleeves)
I’ve been keeping my eyes open for summer dresses that aren’t too frilly or flouncy. So here are a few I’ve spotted recently:
A breezy linen shirt dress, with pockets! It’s available in Misses size XS-4X (some colors), Petite and Tall sizes. This orange is great for Springs and some Autumns, the green for Blue Springs, and maybe some Summers. The Cornflower Blue is for Summers. And the Citron looks close to Winter’s Acid Yellow to me.
Here’s another one that I think could easily be dressed up for a wedding or other special occasion with the right accessories. This 100% cotton dress is available in Misses, Petite and Plus sizes. This blue is a good one for you Winters.
I did promise you neutrals, so I’m showing this dress in the “pampas” color, but it’s also available in sea green and a light chambray blue. (Both good for Summers, I think.) And I like that little bit of shaping at the waist. Sizes XS-XXXL.
Is it still considered a faux pas to wear white to a wedding if you’re not the bride? If so, no worries; I could see this dress working for lots of other occasions. The simple design helps rein in the twee factor of the eyelet, and keeps the whole think looking fresh and modern. Sizes 2-14.
This linen fit-and-flare shirt dress is available in two colors, both great for Autumns. I think this Red Sunstone color could dress up nicely with the right accessories. Sizes 2-18 (some color/size combos not available).
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What a pretty dress! Nice that they give 15% off I’ll go back and check and see if they give a discount for seeing it on your site.
Hi Susan, this was an interesting post. I’ve revisited the style types article and then looked up photos of celebrities in the various types. It is a little fun to think, am I more Julia Roberts, Princess Kate, or Jennifer Anniston? LOL.
I noticed a lot of neutrals in their wardrobes. This has led me to think — do you have a ratio of how many neutrals v. colors you wear? Do you consider your wardrobe mostly a capsule? Or several capsules together?
I am also very interested to know how many shoes/bags you have. This sounds nosy and personal, I don’t mean it to be too invasive. I notice you carry nice looking bags and wear more special shoes. I tend to go utilitarian and basic. I notice that the celebrities almost always have a good looking bag or shoe too.
I don’t want to be a celebrity follower, but it was eye opening to see how very neutral Anniston’s casual wardrobe is. Of course she has a great figure to support it.
Susan! Perfect timing, as I’ve been scouring the internet for summer wedding guest dresses. I hadn’t heard of Bella Tu, so thanks for that lead. Do you have any other favorite brands that aren’t obvious?
Thank you from a long time subscriber, AS
The answer to your question is yes….wearing white to a wedding is still frowned upon. My niece’s future mother in law sailed into the wedding wearing a floor length white lace dress and jaws dropped, so judging by the reactions to that I’d say it’s still a faux pas!
Thank you for the great selection. I just wanted to comment on the blue Talbot’s dress. I bought this last weekend and it is not a royal blue, which I know is a great color for Winters. The color is called poolside blue and I think it would be flattering for almost any season(if that’s possible?). The sleeves and neckline are really pretty, also. It would make a gorgeous dress for a wedding guest, but I will also wear it to work. Highly recommend!