Because I want you to be in the know, today I’m sharing the no-fail summer date outfit formula. I’ve noticed dozens and dozens of chic women wearing this style formula at brunch, dinner al fresco, summer concerts on the lawn, summer date nights and girls’ nights out. And they always look pulled together, radiant and oh so smart. The best news? You can put this formula together easily with great finds from Kohl’s. (Psst! When you shop Kohl’s today you can redeem your Kohl’s cash, and you can use code TAKE20 to get an extra 20% off your order now through Sunday, June 25th. )
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I’ve been seeing women wear this summer date outfit formula for several years now. When James and I were on vacation, we had Sunday brunch al fresco at a lovely garden restaurant on the coast of Lake Ontario. No fewer than five women dined amongst us wearing this exact formula. I kid you not. And they all looked lovely.
The no-fail summer date outfit formula is…simple black dress + pretty sandals + classic denim jacket. How easy is that??? But it looks great every time. Today I’ve worked the formula with three great black dresses and accessories from Kohl’s. Mine are all midi-length dresses, and I wish I’d ordered one or two in a shorter length. Live and learn! But I’ve rounded up LOTS of great summer dresses in all styles for you in the shopping widget at the bottom of the post. So keep reading!
This first dress is probably my favorite of the three, especially for a date outfit. It’s soft, flowy and features feminine ruffles at the neck and shoulder. It’s also available in three pretty, feminine prints and runs true to size.
I paired the dress with sweet, strappy nude sandals. These have been a favorite pair this spring and summer. They’re not substantial enough for long-distance walking, but they’ll definitely get you through your date, looking so pretty on your feet.
I accessorized with pretty gold filigree earrings and the sweetest pearl necklace. I’m all for keeping my jewelry simple during the summer. But these pieces look perfect for special outings.
With or without that denim jacket, this dress looks softly elegant for a special dinner out. Next, I wore a button-front black dress with a softly tiered skirt.
This shirtdress has a same-fabric, optional tie and is sleeveless. It’s a little sheer, but nothing a simple slip doesn’t fix. The dress is also available in six pretty prints. I wore it with pretty gold and textured slides.
I think the texture on the dress is so pretty. And the tiered skirt is so feminine. Remember, I have some lovely shorter dresses available in the shopping widget below! I’m 5’8″, to give you a reference for how these dresses fit.
I carried a saddle-colored faux leather crossbody with me. A small crossbody is perfect for your summer outings because it keeps your hands free for holding your love’s hand…or an ice cream!
I accessorized this look with those same gold filigree earrings, but this time I wore a more substantial two-strand gold necklace.
But let’s not forget the denim jacket! Both of the denim jackets I’m showing are Levi’s. I’ve had the darker one (shown with the dress below) for over 30 years, and the lighter one above is a new purchase this year. I don’t think they’ve changed a thing. The jackets fit true to size.
And finally I have a black linen blend shirtdress, perfect for Saturday breakfast out followed by a trip to the farmer’s market. Definitely a little more casual than the other two dresses, this dress hits just below the knee on me and has short sleeves. It would also be a great casual Friday dress for the office.
Kohl’s has so many great shoe brands that you know and trust for comfort and style. In fact, I ordered these Cole Haan leather slingback sandals for this post, but they came in one day too late for the photo shoot. They are amazingly comfortable and so nice looking on my feet. Definite keepers! You’ll see me wear them in Friday’s How I Really Dressed for My Day post for sure.
When I was looking through the Kohl’s website, I noticed that my Sonoma Goods for Life sneakers are still available this year. These are so sharp for wearing with dresses because they are soft and minimal. They come in some great neutrals and fit true to size.
If you need to take sneakers along on your outing for strolling through botanical garden or farmer’s market, these are good ones to carry and wear.
What about you? Will you wear this simple but oh so effective summer date outfit formula?
Don’t forget to check below for so many additional black dress options. They all come in colors and prints, too. You’ll also find everything I’ve shared above in the shopping widget. And when you shop Kohl’s today you can redeem your Kohl’s cash, and you can use code TAKE20 to get an extra 20% off your order now through Sunday, June 25th.
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Blessed for My Day
Have you been praying for a long time about a specific matter? I know that the temptation is to believe that God does not hear or care. Or maybe you just fear that He doesn’t really love you enough to do anything about your request.
But the truth is God does hear. And He certainly loves you and cares. God is at work and, in the right time, He will answer. Do not stop praying. But as you pray also lean into Him, seeking Him even more than you seek that for which you pray.
Now He was telling ten a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart. ~ Luke 18:1
I don’t see the Blessed for my Day post. Am I missing it? Perhaps you are too busy today:)
Hi Karin. No, never too busy for that. I wrote it but it must not have saved for some reason. Thanks for letting me know. It’s up now.
Thanks for the reminder to throw my denim jacket (classic blue or white!) over my black sleeveless dress! I love your affordable black dress choices.
You bet. Such a great combo.
I have the 2nd dress in black and a print from last year. I love to wear them but had not thought of my jacket over the black one. Thank you for all your time and work!
That’s great. Yes, a denim jacket looks so smart with black.
Well I am back from seeing my Dad for Fathers Day Kay! I had an amazing time when I was there (Cincy)! I you know I went shopping! There’s a great consignment store my younger sister and I always go to, Snooty Fox and I found some great deals. I also went shopping at Kohls and bought the cutest skirt by Draper James…..it was a little more than I would like to spend but it was one I HAD TO HAVE! Great material with just a little swing to it.
Blessings,
Hi Kay, you look wonderful as usual! Just wanted to say that I love your hairstyle. Looks so pretty
Congratulations Kay! I rejoice with you in this wonderful news! It’s the best to be a Mimi or Nana or whatever they call you!! So happy you have help with your blog because you are going to want time with your family and that baby!! Many blessings over Abigail, Andrew, James and YOU!!
Thank you. We are all so excited and blessed.