One of my style goals this year is to add more tomato red to my wardrobe because the colour makes me very happy. I’ve added three items so far, and the latest one is this cocoon-shaped shirtdress from COS. I bought it while on holiday in London recently, but it almost didn’t follow me home! 

I tried on the dress when shopping with sister-in-law Keri, and we loved it. It was the perfect casual dress: colourful, woven, had sleeves and a high neckline, and just enough length. But I didn’t get it right away because I don’t wear breezy dresses all that frequently. I said to Keri that I would go back for it if it stayed on my mind. 

I was still thinking about it a few days later when I was shopping with Fabbers at the London gathering. Sadly, the COS on Regent street had already sold out of my size. Oh, well. On to the next fab dress. Then we headed out to Covent Garden for a drink and a Fabber suggested that I check a nearby COS store just in case. There was only one left and it was in my size. It was meant to be. 

Thanks to our glorious hot and sunny Summer, I’ve worn my new red frock multiple times. I love the combination of strict shirt dress detailing and playful cocoon volume. The volume does not overwhelm my slight frame, thanks to the tailored shoulders and sleeves, tapered hem, and above the knee length. The dress is made of a refined crinkle cotton that feels wet to the touch because it’s extra crisp and cool. The best part about the dress after the colour is the pockets. There is something about skirts and dresses with side entry pockets that makes them more fun to wear.

The casual dress needs a casual support act, which means flat shoes all the way. The shorter length of the dress lengthens the leg line when worn with flats. I’ve worn the dress most frequently with breezy white perforated oxfords and last season’s white upscale backpack.

The Sporty Luxe concept of the outfit is similar to the denim shirt dress and flag dress outfits I wore last year — just a little less Sporty. I prefer these perforated loafers to last year’s white sneakers because they’re a tad dressier. I wear them all the time because they’re very comfortable and versatile, just like a pair of fashionable white sneakers should be. I’ve also worn the dress with gold Franco Sarto Holts and light blue satchel or gold clutch, which dresses up the look a little more. But I prefer the dress dressed down like it is here. More fashionable and interesting. 

I had prescription lenses put into my new Ray-Ban sunglasses as soon as we returned from London. As much as I like the look of other styles of sunnies, I’m a Ray-Ban gal at heart. Their narrower frames fit my face and the Retro aesthetic is comforting. Silver watch and wedding ring to match the hardware on the bag and shoes are all I need in the jewelley department. 

Wearing a casual dress with flats on a hot Seattle Summer’s day is almost as good as it gets. The comfort and ease of this outfit combination is relaxing and therapeutic. As was the venue for this photo shoot at Shilshole Marina, where our friends Shyam and Thanuja moor their sailing boat. Best Summer EVER in Seattle.