This ensemble was inspired by our gorgeous sunny weather, which puts me into a frock mood. You need a fabulous Summer dress, a pair of current sandals, and the finishing touches. I’ve provided an assortment of simple combinations and moods to get you started but they are by no means exhaustive. I deliberately left off the black Summer dress because we covered that last week.
Here are the components of the outfit:
Dress: Think casual, smart casual or dressy frocks. Think sheaths, shifts, fit-and-flares, shirt dresses, cocoon styles, handkerchief hems, trapeze silhouettes and drapey styles across all sorts of Summery fabrics. Think solids, patterns, neutrals or colours. Think styles with and without sleeves.
Current Sandals: There are plenty of styles to choose from these days. Ankle strap silhouettes, caged heels, sandal booties, mules, gladiators, lace-up looks, espadrilles, chunky flatforms, flat bed sandals, slides, naked strappy numbers, and closed-toe ankle strap flats. I’ve also thrown in a pair of slip-on sneakers because they’re extremely easy to pair with a casual dress.
Topper: If you need a jacket, I vote short and fitted denim. Maxi cardigans look fresh paired with sleeveless dresses. Short jackets look great with dresses, especially when they’re fit-and-flare. Short lightweight motos and cropped tuxedo jackets tend to look fab with dresses too. By all means try an oversized vest with a dress, or a maxi gilet if you dare.
Accessories: Finish off the look with a bag that works with the vibe of the outfit. Add jewellery, scarf, headgear, watch and eyewear as desired.
I’ve been layering a pair of flared cropped or skinny jeans under my shirt dresses because it’s chilly in the mornings here in Seattle. By the time the afternoon rolls around, I can strip off the jeans, and wear my frock with flat oxfords, loafers or sandals.
I’m challenging you ALL to wear dresses and sandals (or closed-toe footwear if that’s more to your taste) throughout August. Summer is here!
