I’ve enjoyed wearing dresses this spring and summer more than anything. Not only are they cool and easy, but I’m finding them to be surprisingly versatile. Every dress in my closet can be worn for different types of settings and occasions. Let me share with you a few tips to help you create multiple outfits from a single dress this summer.
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A dress is a beautiful option in the summer because it’s cool and comfortable, but also because it’s so simple. And isn’t that part of what makes summer so special, that it’s easier and slower, more laid back? We want to keep our clothing options simple, too, but still create great outfits that help us show up looking our best. I’ve filled my closet with dresses this summer and I’m enjoying creating very different looks with each of them depending on the day ahead of me.
Choose dresses with some versatility.
The first key is to only bring dresses into your closet that look like they could be worn for multiple occasions, settings and activities.
Even a full length dress like this Lyndsie Midi Dress (c/o) can look and feel appropriate for a variety of outings with a simple change of shoes and accessories. My dress fits true to size (wearing a medium), has a lined skirt and is constructed in 100% linen. Take a look at the dresses in your closet. Could you wear them in other ways than you’ve been doing so far? It might be fun to try.
Don’t save your dresses just for “dressy” occasions.
Sometimes all we need is a mindset shift. Some of us are used to only reaching for a dress when it’s necessary – maybe for church or a wedding. But a dress can be super comfortable and fun to wear on any given day. It looks decidedly feminine, feels fresh and cool and looks beautiful. Why not opt for a dress one or two days each week?
Know the 3 pairs of shoes you can wear with your dresses.
You can easily change the vibe of most any dress by swapping in and out different shoes. For dressier occasions I like to wear a strappy sandal in a flesh tone or metallic, like my pretty Margaux Dylan sandal (c/o). And here’s another shoe I’m loving that is similar and very comfortable (for a heel). But I can also wear more casual sandals and even sneakers with this dress for a more casual vibe.
Carry a bag that compliments your dress and desired vibe.
Make sure you have a few summer handbags that work for different occasions, too. For a wedding or other special event, a clutch or small crossbody is a beautiful option. But for church or a lunch, this beautiful tote bag (below) from Pat Mashburn works nicely. It’s decidedly summery and fresh, but still elevated and polished. And the larger market tote above makes this dress feel even more casual for everyday.
Use jewelry to add light to your dress.
You’ll see a brief video of me tomorrow in our YouTube video in which I’m not wearing any jewelry. It’s amazing how much difference a pretty necklace (or more) and earrings can make to an outfit. Jewelry is like the icing on a yummy cake: it draws you in, dazzles a little and sweetens the effect. And wearing different jewelry is a great way to create multiple outfits from a single dress this summer.
Wear a belt, sash or nothing at your waist.
Above you’ve seen me wear this Lyndsie Midi Dress as it came, with nothing at my waist. I also have dresses that came with self fabric belts or sashes. Those give you a little detail at your waist, but still create a more blank canvas for an uninterrupted line.
But you can also add a leather, chain or metallic belt at the waist of most dresses for a completely different vibe. Having a good belt or two in your wardrobe is key for helping you to create multiple outfits from a single dress this summer.
This Brochu Walker belt is a little pricey, but I saw it as a good investment. I wear belts frequently and this one is a little unique in that you can cinch it to the exact spot that works for you. It doesn’t have a prong or holes; you just loop it into the frame and then slide the frame over a little to secure it.
I’m not wearing a dress today because I’ll be spending some time in the dentist’s chair. But I’m wearing them frequently these days. And I love that I can create multiple outfits from a single dress, making it look and feel a little different each time I wear it.
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Thanks so much for dropping in for a little style inspiration. I’d love to hear about the different ways you’re wearing dresses this summer in the comments section. Have a blessed and beautiful day!
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Blessed for My Day
Are you going anywhere fun this summer? A vacation or getaway is always a nice diversion. And I love traveling to new places and seeing parts of the world I’d only heard about or seen in pictures. And of course, if you travel long at all, you know the joy or returning home. There’s no place like home!
But there is in fact a place even better than the most exquisite vacation spot or home, and that is in the presence of the Lord. Yes, as we get older and traverse this world for long, we begin to long for heaven when we will be in the presence of the Lord forever. But even now you can enjoy God presence through the indwelling Holy Spirit. How? By acknowledging Him throughout your day, walking in obedience to His still and quiet voice and taking time to worship Him.
Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked. ~ Psalm 84:10
Kay, I have been enjoying all of your posts and your selections. Have a blessed day and enjoy your visit with your parents.
Thank you so much. I really appreciate that. 😊
I’m thinking, yellow for the win, that’s another great color for you. I love the idea of making a dress more versatile. I’m the kind of gal that only pulls them out for the “occasion”, like work or church or a special night out, not as a choice for everyday life. Not sure I’ve ever worn a dress with sneakers, either. Hm, may be time to broaden my horizons…
I love to wear dresses, especially in the summer. I will often wear one to go shopping b/c it’s cool and dressier than shorts. I have never worn sneakers with a dress and probably never will. They are much too warm to wear in the summer.
I wear dresses often. I’m always surprised when people think they’re hard to wear. I find them the easiest of all clothing choices. Have fun with your folks.
Such a pretty dress. I love all your styling ideas. I need to wear dresses more often.
That is a beautiful dress! I bought two dresses this year (well, three if I count the full-length gown I “had” to buy for a formal wedding…but it’s not something I could wear with sneakers to the supermarket later!), and that is a record for me – prior to this year I hadn’t bought a dress in ten years! I hope you have a very safe and happy trip and visit with your parents – you are so blessed to have them here on earth right now!
Kay looks like you’ve got a little bunion starting or at least angle of pics suggest. How do these Margaux Dylan sandals run on you? Strap hit bunion? Coupon code? Love the heel height but don’t want to return another pair of shoes;-) Thanks
Hmm. No, I don’t have a bunion. The shoes fit nicely true to size but they’re not exceptionally comfortable.
Thanks. I already have shoes that aren’t comfortable:-)