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?