By request: summer occasion outfits with dresses & more…
Happy Monday! If you’re celebrating the 4th, I hope you’re enjoying a lovely long Independence Day weekend. Several of you have recently asked to see outfits for more dressed up occasions, so today I’m sharing a couple of outfit ideas with summer occasion dresses.
I’m all about being “dressed up, not trussed up.” Nothing fussy or fiddly. I don’t think we should have to sacrifice comfort to look festive. So I’ve picked dresses that shouldn’t require shapewear or a special bra. Both of these summer occasion looks are in cool palettes. Look for more ideas in warm palettes soon, and be sure to check out a wedding guest outfit idea for Autumns here.
Summer occasion Look #1
Floral dresses have been a dominant trend for the last several seasons. But they can tend to skew a little twee if you’re not careful. Here’s one with a classic fit-and-flare shape and a more sophisticated abstract floral. (It’s also on sale!) I’ve styled it here with pearl jewelry and a silver toned bag and sandals.
I think this dress could also work for a more casual look, just swap out the accessories!
Summer occasion Look #2
Many of you have asked for lightweight dresses with sleeves…this one’s 100% cotton! I think the print has a fun Scandi vibe, and would lend itself well to both casual and dressier looks. It’s available in sizes XS-XXXL, and also on sale!
If you don’t attend many events, my advice is to look for dresses (or other styles) that can be dressed up or down, and aren’t too trendy or specific. Having one or two go-to pieces in your wardrobe will save a lot of stress. It’s been challenging to find summer occasion dresses that aren’t flouncy, frilly, overly embellished, or require shapewear. But I’m keeping my eyes open, and will share when I find them. Here are a few more styles I’ve spotted lately:
Best of the July 4th holiday sales…
If you’ve had your eye on anything for your summer wardrobe, it’s a good time to circle back to take advantage of savings…
Fashion
Talbot’s – 40% off entire purchase
Eileen Fisher – 40% off sale items
Johnny Was – 25% off sitewide
J.Crew – extra 60% off sale styles
Vince – up to 75% off
Madewell – up to 60% off
J.Jill – 30% off full-priced tops
Ann Taylor – 40% off + extra 15% off
Beauty
Brian + MW – 40% off everything + additional markdowns on sale items
Colleen Rothschild – 20% off sitewide
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These two dresses are gorgeous! Thank you. I’m almost (almost!) wishing I had weddings this summer, but last summer was packed with four weddings (all out of town!), so I’m relishing NOT having to dress for a wedding this summer!
I really like that these dresses can be dressed up or down. I don’t have too many occasions to need that many dresses. They tend to end up being my wedding and funeral dresses!
I wear dresses all the time. The dresses you selected are lovely and flattering.
Thank you for this wonderful post, Susan. Wishing you and your family a relaxing long weekend.
Thank you so much Susan…ordered both the long sleeved shirt dresses. All cotton, and no puffed sleeves or bulky bottom ruffles! Hope they will be great additions to my closet
These dresses are just beautiful! I tend to wear shorts under dresses because I hate having my thighs touch. That’s my idea of “shapewear.”