The Only Dresses I Want for Summer

Last week, I did a dumb thing. Work was stressful. Sloane was working through a return to normalcy after time with grandma. Avery was unwell. And I did what I always do when I’m stressed and shopped too much. Like mountains of returns piled in the foyer, too much.

The trouble was not just that I shopped, it was that I bought things that weren’t on my list. I have already made a carefully curated and budgeted list of purchases that will get me through summer using pieces I already own. None of what arrived, with the exception of these pants, was on it. But these dresses, breezy, pretty and functional are on it. And they should be on yours too.

You may remember this tie-front shirt dress in an airy gauze from last year.  I own it in black and chocolate brown (which is a retired color).  I wore it constantly — to work, to brunch, to the park — it was comfortable and relaxed but still dressy.  I loved it.  And at <$100, there may not be a better summer dress available right now.

Need a cool pool or beach dress?  This flutter-sleeve vacation dress is it.  Maybe that’s why it’s selling out so fast.

The details on this dress — the ruched sleeve, cinched waist — make it just slightly dressier than the shirt dress above.  You could wear it to work on Friday, church on Sunday, or even a casual wedding.  It’s so comfortable on and looks effortlessly pulled together.  At $79, there isn’t a better dress at Gap or Banana or J.Crew.

Gauze is a great fabric for summer because it’s airy and easy to wear.  I also love how well it washes if it gets stained by a yogurt pouch or a brunch cocktail.  These dresses are all the kind of throw on frock I need to get ready in the morning with ease.  

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