I’m really enjoying wearing dresses this summer. Are you? I thought it might be fun just to roundup all the dresses that I’m really wearing and loving. Many of them are still available and at discounted prices. But even if you’re not shopping for a new dress, I’ve got something for you. I’m sharing a few tips for how to complete this one-and-done formula so you look your best when wearing a dress this summer.
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The beauty of a dress, besides its feminine allure, is that it is indeed a one and done. You don’t have to really “put it together” with anything else unless you just want to or need to for warmth. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t noteworthy styling tips for dresses. I have a few to share. But I’m also just sharing what I like about each of these dresses that are getting lots of play time in my wardrobe lineup.
L.L.Bean Summer Knit Dress
I actually wore this L.L.Bean Summer Knit Dress again last night to a small outdoor gathering at our church. I had worn it previously just out and about and also to a Shakespeare in the park performance on a cool Friday night. This Summer Knit Dress is just so soft and breathable, and I love the dainty floral print. It’s not available in this print right now, but they have several other pretty ones.
Summer Dress Styling Tip #1 – I generally prefer wearing nude or flesh colored sandals or heels with my dresses. Flesh toned footwear with keep the visual line uninterrupted and elongate your legs without distracting from the dress or your face.
Caslon Shirttail Tank Dress
I just recently purchased this Caslon shirttail tank dress. I just couldn’t resist the soft fabric and the classic navy and white stripes. I tend to wear it mostly around the house so far, but I have run a few errands in it, too. I think this dress would also make a nice swimsuit coverup or a beach to dinner dress.
Here’s an exception to my style tip above, by the way. I just thought these sweet light yellow flip flops added a nice pop of summer color without distracting or being too much. Know what I mean? And they’re yummy comfy!
Summer Dress Styling Tip #2 – Make sure you have the right bra for your summer dress. I’m wearing this Spanx racerback bra with the dress above for a smooth finish under the t-shirt fabric (there’s no hardware on the bra and it has a front closure) and concealed straps.
I added a few other sweet and easy dresses to the shopping widget below.
Jersey Knit Tiered Midi Dress
I shared this Jersey Knit Tiered Midi Dress in this post last week on summer hospitality. Again, comfort wins the day!
Summer Dress Styling Tip #3 – Metallic shoes are always a fun choice with summer dresses, too, especially if the occasion is casual but you want your outfit to look a little more fun. Mine are sold out and the ones I’ve linked to in the shopping widget are almost gone, too. But these strappy gold sandals are marked down 30% and still available in most sizes. And I really like these silver flip flops that are 40% off.
Side Tie Shift Dress
I’ve also enjoyed my red Side Tie Shift Dress from Talbots. This dress is so slenderizing. I do think it runs a tad small and might could have sized up to a large. But with the right shapewear underneath I feel good in it.
Summer Dress Styling Tip #4 – Don’t hesitate to wear sneakers with a casual summer dress, too. They’re perfectly appropriate, especially at this time of year. Just make sure you have a pair of fresh, fashion sneakers at the ready. I prefer white leather for a classic approach to this style choice. I recently bought these platform white leather Converse sneakers in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and love them. (Go a full size down.)
Embroidered Shift Dress
I think I’ve worn my Embroidered Shift Dress to church twice now. It always receives lots of compliments. And this Embroidered Shift Dress is surprisingly very comfortable and cool to wear. It’s fully lined and made of the lightest cotton.
Summer Dress Styling Tip #5 – Don’t forget the sunless tanner! Honestly, I do forget it quite often. And that’s quite okay. There’s nothing wrong with opting to forgo it completely. But I do think a little self tanner can especially help us look our best in a white dress. Of course if you already have dark skin, you know that white dresses look lovely on you! Anyhow, for those of us who need it, I suggest this sunless tanner and this mitt for application. Or you can try it out with this travel size kit.
White Tie Waist Embroidered Dress
My white tie waist dress is no longer available. I’m hoping that many of you picked it up when it went on sale. I hope you’re enjoying it as much as I am. I’ve only worn it once, but I think this pretty dress will stay in my closet for years.
I have really enjoyed wearing white dresses this summer. I featured both of these and a great purchase from Target in my video, How to Wear a White Dress Like a Boss this Summer.
Summer Dress Styling Tip #6 – I love accessorizing my summer dresses with summer jewelry. What do I mean by summer jewelry? Pieces that give a nod to the season, such as sea shells, pearls and sea glass. I love these starfish earrings from Talbots and this conch shell necklace from Rachelyn. (Use code KAYHARMS for 10% off)
Black Knit Wrap Dress
From one extreme to another, let’s go from white to black! I have two black dresses I’ve really enjoyed this summer. The first one is this Knit Wrap Dress from Banana Republic. It is luxuriously comfortable and has a classic fit. It’s still available in limited sizes and two other colors.
Summer Dress Styling Tip #7 – Select the appropriate shapewear or undergarments to wear under your form fitting dress, such as this Knit Wrap Dress. I’m undoubtedly wearing my Spanx High Power Shorts under this dress.
Black Cotton Shirtdress
But I think of all my dresses, this Black Cotton Shirtdress from Everlane has been my absolute favorite. In fact, I’m wearing it today. Yeah, I’m just home editing tomorrow’s video, but this Black Cotton Shirtdress is so comfortable and fun to wear, I just couldn’t pass it up. Honestly, I wear it as frequently as I can!
I like a dress like this for lunch out with friends, a casual church service, a day shopping or just a day at home. It feels special and sweet, but still comfortable and easy to move in, too. I do wear my Commando fitted slip with this dress. If you’re interested, size up. I have the large and it’s still a body fitting but not tight fit.
Blue & White Shirtdress
I wore this dolman sleeve Blue & White Shirtdress for Easter and a couple of times since then. It’s a sweet, lightweight and very feminine dress. It’s still available, but in limited sizes. But the good news is that it’s also significantly marked down.
I think I’m out of tips! Do you have one to add? I’d love to read your style tips for wearing dresses during the summer if you have one. Thanks so much for dropping in today. I hope you’ve gotten a little summer style inspiration! Have a lovely day.
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Blessed for My Day
It takes courage to live a godly life. And I have a feeling it’s about to require even more guts than before. I fear that I won’t stand firm when it’s time, that I won’t stand alone if needed. But I trust that God will give me the grace sufficient to help me do so when the time arrives.
Meanwhile, we can fortify our courage by steeping ourselves in the firm foundation of God’s Word. Spending time systematically reading the Bible each day will help us to have a biblical worldview. And that perspective will not only help us navigate the days ahead, it will also assure us of God’s faithfulness when push comes to shove.
Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. He did right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of his father David and did not turn aside to the right or to the left. For in the eighth year of his reign while he was still a youth, he began to seek the God of his father David; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherim, the carved images and the molten images. ~ 2 Chronicles 34:1-3
I really like wearing dresses in the summer. Just something about a dress makes you feel more feminine even if it’s a plain tank dress.
The white shorter dress is so cute and love the black shirt dress .
Have a great Tuesday Kay!
Blessings,
Love the dresses this summer! Have purchased a couple as I’m back in the office. Question…did you post your what you kept and sent back from your Nordstrom haul? Couldn’t find. Great post.
Hi Vicki. I shared a little of that in the weekend newsletter, but I haven’t done a post yet. I still have things coming in and most of what I ordered is sold out right now. But I’m going to try to get one together before the weekend and I’m hoping some things will be replenished.
I enjoy wearing dresses all year, but summer means they aren’t hiding under a coat! These are great tips, and all of your dresses are ones I’d wear. Your BFMD is exactly how I feel. I never imagined having to take a hard stand or go through persecution, and I’m seeing more and more that it’s likely coming. I hope if/when the time comes, I don’t shrink from what I need to do.
Thank you, Kay, for all of the images and information. I just ordered the black Everlane dress. I read many of the customer comments on their website and will try and style this dress to give me some color around my face. What would be your thoughts on that? Thank you in advance for your time and talents!
Hi Sherry. I think the dress would look great with a turquoise or other colorful, chunky necklace and/or earrings. You could also add a colorful bracelet and carry a colorful bag. I wouldn’t do ALL of those at once, but one or two splashes of color would be great with this black canvas.
Great ideas! I love black and turquoise together!
I’m currently facing a situation where it’s going to take courage to live a godly life and to stand firm on what the Bible teaches. The BFMD is exactly the words of encouragement I need today and going forward. Thank you Kay!
Lori–I’ve prayed for you.–anne
Anne I can’t even begin to tell you how much this means to me. You don’t even know me and yet you took time to pray and then to let me know. Thank you so much! Lori
I love to be able to wear dresses in the summer, our summers are short here in Canada on the prairies. It’s a treat to do a “one and done” and dresses are the best way to do it. All of the dresses featured look absolutely lovely on you Kay ? I could barely choose a favorite. I lean towards the black knit wrap and the white belted dress. I enjoy being able to look feminine and not be apologetic about it. I love your channel ❤. I very much liked the devotion and scripture. I’m going to begin to read the bible again from cover to cover. I feel like my spitit is calling for it. Thank you Kay, blessings
The shift dresses fit you really well! The blue and white shirt dress looks great on you too.
That blue dolman sleeve dress is beautiful on you. It brings out your eye color!
Hi Kay. I have begun to wear dresses more in the past year, I love the Roller Rabbit white embroidered dress you styled. I would have purchased it if Dillards’s had my size. BUMMER! There is a lot of talk about skinny vs straight jeans, etc. Have you thought about a post styling skinny, straight, wide and boot cut styles with side by side pics? We are all shaped differently but it would give us a good point of reference. Also, I am sure you have done this before but suggest the best brand jeans for our different shapes. Example: I have wide hips but a small waist. I cannot finds jeans to fit me in the waist. Curvy pants are a better fit but still are big in the waist. Thanks for all you do. Hav a great day!
Kay, I really like your longer dress choices. The red tank dress with a eyelet detail at the hem, the white shirt dress and the black longer dress. I would wear those! I’m wanting to order your Bible study books. How may I do that?
Hi Natalie. My books are available on Amazon here: https://shopstyle.it/l/bwveQ
I really like the belted blue shirt dress and would love to have it my closet, but belted dresses just don’t camouflage my tummy. I also really like the black shirt dress and wish that I could wear black close to my face. I guess I could always wear a colorful necklace with it. The BFMD is something I needed to read today. I hope that you are having a wonderful day!
Hi Kay, Your style tips are terrific and I find these quite helpful. I especially love the last dress and sweater shown. Also you are spot on about having courage to live a Godly life.
Hi Kay, Your style tips are terrific and I find these quite helpful. I especially love the last dress and sweater shown. Also you are spot on about having courage to live a Godly life.