I love casual dresses for summer.
In fact Miss Almost-20 and I have coined our own term for what we think is a summer staple: the everywhere dress.
What is an Everywhere Dress?
An everywhere dress is a casual summer dress that you can just chuck on, without having to think about it.
In addition to being quick and easy, it is usually something:
- light, cool and comfortable;
- that doesn’t need ironing or handwashing;
- that does not require a strapless bra or other annoying underwear;
- in a print, so it doesn’t show dirt or spills easily (or am I the only messy one?!);
- easily dressed up with accessories, but looks just as good without – because let’s face it, it’s too hot to want a lot of fuss;
- that can go anywhere – shopping, after school pickup, a barbecue, to the movies, out to lunch, running errands … everywhere, in fact!
(You can see some of my past everywhere dress favourites here and here. It’s also embarrassing amusing to see how my style – of dressing, and blogging – has changed over time!)
My Pick of Summer Casual Dresses for 2016/17
It can be tricky to find such a gem, so I’ve done the hard work for you and researched some of the possibilities for this season.
I love this floaty dress from Vivid International* (RRP $79.95) – it has a soft, almost t-shirt fabric lining which makes it cool and comfy to wear. It’s patterned, and doesn’t show sweat under the arms – trust me, I know, because I wore it to meet with a potential (now new!) client last week. It’s colourful and the print makes it perfect to style it up or down, all with the change of a necklace or pair of shoes.
Sun Dress
Nothing is as cool as a strappy dress in summer – and this stylish print (Katies, $79.95), has the added advantage that you could probably still wear a regular bra underneath. The side splits also allow for ease of movement and comfort.
Maxi Dress
Or if you’re on the hunt for a bargain, how about this striped maxi dress (Katies, was $59.95 now $29)?
Cold Shoulder Dressing
You can’t get fresher than a print in blue and white, and you’ll find plenty of casual summer dresses this season featuring this colourway.
Here it is in a cold shoulder design from Millers (the website says it’s purple but I think they must be colour blind). Unlike its cousin, off-the-shoulder, the cold shoulder can also still be worn with a regular bra, and is much more practical for everyday wear. And, it’s been reduced from $30 to $20!
What colours or styles have you embraced for summer casual dresses this year?
I think your thinking and your style. I’ve continued to hold the extra weight thanks to the thyroid meds and last year’s summer go to dresses and entire wardrobe ain’t going to cut it this year. I’m desperately trying to find a couple of pieces to get me through. Will be heading to Katies first. Failing that, perhaps back into hibernation mode for summer.
Raych I’m not on thyroid meds but have much the same problem … need new clothes that fit! Luckily I still look okay in some of my summer casual dresses, but I had to buy new shorts etc … sigh …
Oh I like that Millers one? I must go and try it on. I like a bit of a sleeve on my arms and also a below the knee look… I do need some summer clothes to wear all over the place and some plain coloured tops. But I hate shopping!!
You could try online? The thing with places like Millers is once you’ve got something from there, you have a good idea of what their other stuff will look like on you and how it will fit.
Love your post Janet! Thanks for the support! xx
Love your style! x