https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:56:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress/page/2#post-2121192 Sun, 17 May 2020 03:14:38 +0000 Jaime 2121192@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I popping! I find dresses need a try on. Will they billow out or drape back? Do they hit at the right point on my legs? Are the armholes to big, or do the sleeves hit me at the worst point on my arms? Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress/page/2#post-2121176 Sun, 17 May 2020 01:22:40 +0000 kellygirl 2121176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like the woven Gap dress for you that Flyingtigress posted (first link.)&nbsp; I think the Lands End one looks really easy to wear too. I'm not a fan of maxis for summer either unless they are high low--the maxi length can get so hot. Gap had a raglan woven rayon dress similar to the one that Bijou posted. It was midi length--I think that style would look fab on you too! Looking forward to seeing what you choose! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress/page/2#post-2121171 Sun, 17 May 2020 00:51:38 +0000 rachylou 2121171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Peanut Gallery here: Ok... I was trying to find you something like what kkards posted... but I’m not so bright, I went to Lilly Pulitzer... I don’t know why I thought they’d have anything in black... lolol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress/page/2#post-2121167 Sun, 17 May 2020 00:40:43 +0000 Anonymous 2121167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually, kkards, this is as close to perfect as I can imagine! &nbsp;I have no experience with Lands End but their fit charts look pretty comprehensive. &nbsp;I really like this dress ! &nbsp;Thank you &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress/page/2#post-2121122 Sat, 16 May 2020 20:53:17 +0000 kkards 2121122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah the quest for the elusive perfect something, when you have a vague idea of what you want, but a solid list of what you don’t...<br />I don’t know why, but for some reason this quest made me think of lands end, (cant use finds as iPad&nbsp;<br />i)<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-cotton-blend-sleeveless-midi-shirt-dress/id_345702?attributes=8063,43307,43324,44256">https://www.landsend.com/produ.....2?attribut</a></p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress/page/2#post-2121116 Sat, 16 May 2020 20:42:56 +0000 Anonymous 2121116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Kerry - what a great piece - but far, far too short for me . I’d wear something like this over jeans ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress/page/2#post-2121113 Sat, 16 May 2020 20:25:44 +0000 kerry 2121113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know you want something longer but I think with your legs it’d be flattering to stay shorter - maybe this is too short. In its defence it’s not nearly so short on me, who is an inch shorter than you.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>It’s expensive - but fits nicely. I’m much heavier than you (maybe two sizes bigger and have the large chest issue as well. I find the neck is just open enough without being sloppy and sleeves add interest (not bulk as it may look) to an otherwise plain black dress. It’s cotton poplin so couldn’t be cooler.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.simons.ca/en/women-designer/see-by-chloe/poplin-t-shirt-dress--13500-29820111?colourId=1">https://www.simons.ca/en/women.....colourId=1</a><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress/page/2#post-2121111 Sat, 16 May 2020 20:12:56 +0000 fathenry 2121111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Runcarla those dresses are stunning! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress/page/2#post-2121110 Sat, 16 May 2020 20:11:10 +0000 fathenry 2121110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Looking forward to hearing about the dresses you decide on! I will be wfh for the foreseeable future and share your interest in finding a couple of ultra casual wash and go everyday dresses. And then a comfy topper to go with it. Keep us posted </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress/page/2#post-2121070 Sat, 16 May 2020 17:20:56 +0000 Flytigress 2121070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay, so pleased I could help!&nbsp; I hope they work out for you, LisaP. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress/page/2#post-2121038 Sat, 16 May 2020 15:06:59 +0000 Carla 2121038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@LisaP - I’m not a fan of maxi dresses. &nbsp;Actually, I have a bit of a ‘poison eye’ for them. &nbsp;However, if you are bound and determined to have one, and given your ‘brief’ for wear scenarios and body description, I would suggest a halter style dress with some draping or a subtle keyhole opening to manage the bust and accentuate good shoulders. &nbsp;To elongate your line, go for high/low hem vs a ground skimming. &nbsp;Look for a light cotton, linen, or synthetic that has a bit of structure and floats away from your body (vs hugging like a jersey). &nbsp;It will be cooler and skim the body vs cling.</p> <p>You might find a solid, however my examples are patterned.</p> <p>Edited to add solid (from Hudson’s Bay!)</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress/page/2#post-2121036 Sat, 16 May 2020 14:52:39 +0000 Anonymous 2121036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Flytigress ! &nbsp;Thank you &nbsp;Have these in a shopping cart now thanks to you !</p> <p>I really like some of the other suggestions - linens, shark bite hems, the BR modal belted one, etc ) and will keep the design features of those in mind for any shopping that might happen. I prefer direct click-and-buy recommendations to trolling the internet for ideas. &nbsp;</p> <p>Bijou - I love Ulla Johnson's designs, but they are SO pricey in Cdn $. &nbsp;Way out of my comfort zone. &nbsp;But I follow the brand &nbsp;on Instagram just to torture myself . &nbsp;That dress of yours is stunning. &nbsp;</p> <p>Jenn . Angie, LaP - Garnet Hill, Artful Home , etc - great ideas , thank you. &nbsp;Not want I want to spend on a dress that will be washed and worn frequently. &nbsp;But thank you - these are lovely dresses. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress/page/2#post-2121035 Sat, 16 May 2020 14:44:31 +0000 Anonymous 2121035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you very much, everyone , for contributing thoughts and suggestions here. Man I'm such a whiner. &nbsp;I've got two Gap dresses in a shopping cart for consideration - thanks (ah- they are on the first page and I'll lose my notes here if I flip back to see who suggested them - hang on ) . &nbsp;Going to see if the waist-definition /tie belt styling is the solution ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress/page/2#post-2121027 Sat, 16 May 2020 14:28:25 +0000 Roxanna 2121027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Flytigress, thank you for the second link! I ordered that linen cotton midi from the gap - on sale for $44 today! Looks lovely and I love that it’s a linen ave cotton mix. I ordered a petite to accommodate my short waist. Will report back. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress/page/2#post-2120993 Sat, 16 May 2020 12:40:43 +0000 Preppy Pear 2120993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa, FWIW, if I had your legs, I’d show them off all the time! I’m remembering your black EF skirt.<br /> That’s not to say that you can’t wear maxi and midi lengths (or anything you want) and look great, but I’m wondering if you want to look at just below the knee lengths, too, just to widen the options.<br /> My own figure flattering priorities include covering my legs because I’m not overly fond of their shape, and highlighting my waist (though sometimes I do this by surrendering the waist). I also have a smaller bust for my size so v necks and scoop tops often don’t fit me very well.<br /> I’m really interested to hear more about what necklines and waist styles you like best! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress/page/2#post-2120972 Sat, 16 May 2020 10:20:20 +0000 The Cat 2120972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The most casual summer dress I can think of is the style of a looong tank top. Choose one with a high percent natural fibres. If you want to, you can belt it. Anyway, try styling it with breezy long woven shirts, worn open. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress/page/2#post-2120970 Sat, 16 May 2020 10:07:33 +0000 Star (Lise) 2120970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As I don't have much of a defined waist I prefer my dresses a bit more fluid over the tummy area and definitely no empire waists starting from under the boobs because then I veer into the area of looking like I could be in an early pregnancy stage.&nbsp; I also prefer my dresses not with too full-skirts as my legs are my best feature and then they are hidden away under too much skirt and as my waist is not too defined I start looking blobby.&nbsp; I don't have very big boobs so no tips there, although I have found higher round crew neck make my boobs look bigger and not in a flattering way.&nbsp; I am more classic/edgy with an occasional element of boho but even then don't overdue it with tiers or ruffles.&nbsp; I also find midi's are not my most flattering so I go for just above the knee or just below.&nbsp; One of my favourite dresses is a very straight and long midi bordering on maxi but not sheath or bodycon.&nbsp; I always prefer a straight cut anything. &nbsp; very blurry photos from laptop attached for an idea of my fave dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress/page/2#post-2120952 Sat, 16 May 2020 04:51:25 +0000 Bijou 2120952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lisa this is a favourite hot summers day dress I own by Ulla Johnson bought 5 years ago. It was expensive but the quality of the cotton is fantastic, light and easy to wear but not sheer, so no slip required. it washes up perfectly each and every time. The self tie belt means I can belt it where I want and the tassel neckline gives options around whether to wear as a V neck or scoop. It has some slits at the side, making it cool and breezy and shows off the legs, but just in a very slight way. I don’t normally wear boho, but this is a polished boho dress that provide sun protection on hot summers days.</p> <p>I think a dress like this would suit a variety of figures and is a relatively simple construction, so something that a good sewer could make themselves. No zips or button details, makes it a throw on and simple dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress#post-2120951 Sat, 16 May 2020 03:27:31 +0000 Flytigress 2120951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gap has some casual midi dresses now.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Maybe something like</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=595533022&amp;pcid=999&amp;vid=1&amp;searchText=midi+dress#pdp-page-content">https://www.gap.com/browse/pro.....ge-content</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>or</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=583064002&amp;pcid=999&amp;vid=1&amp;searchText=women+dress#pdp-page-content">https://www.gap.com/browse/pro.....ge-content</a></p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress#post-2120950 Sat, 16 May 2020 03:14:46 +0000 Ginger 2120950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a long shot, but for linen, how about Etsy?</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.etsy.com/search/handmade/clothing/womens-clothing/dresses?q=linen+dress&amp;locationQuery=6251999&amp;explicit=1"></a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.etsy.com/search/clothing/womens-clothing/dresses?q=linen+dress+-kaftan+-ukrainian&amp;locationQuery=6251999&amp;explicit=1"></a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.etsy.com/search/clothing/womens-clothing?q=linen+dress+-kaftan+-ukrainian&amp;locationQuery=6251999&amp;explicit=1">https://www.etsy.com/search/cl.....explicit=1</a></p> <p>That link is a search for "linen dress" in women's clothing only, further limited to stores shipping to Canada. (I also excluded keywords "kaftan" and "Ukrainian" because there were too many of those styles in later pages.) Still over 500 hits. There are other search refinements available, though that may exclude listings that didn't select those options.<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/737574347/semi-fit-sleeveless-linen-wrap-dress?ref=shop_home_active_10"> This</a> and <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/553936277/cap-sleeve-linen-shift-dress-handmade?ref=shop_home_active_18&amp;crt=1">this</a> from the first page look interesting. Often small stores will do custom things like changing the length or a neckline. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress#post-2120946 Sat, 16 May 2020 02:24:06 +0000 Jenn 2120946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(Thanks, <b>Angie</b>!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress#post-2120942 Sat, 16 May 2020 01:54:19 +0000 Christina F. 2120942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it may help to look for an asymmetric hem, so even a looser style feels like it has some shape and structure. (I see Donna and I may have a similar Max Studio dress!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress#post-2120936 Sat, 16 May 2020 01:32:42 +0000 slim cat 2120936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was looking at Rack, Nordstrom, GAP and other websites - it's not an abundance of simple summer dresses. It could the slimmer pickings this spring/summer seasons because of coronavirus and all the problems it brought to retail business.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress#post-2120935 Sat, 16 May 2020 01:28:47 +0000 Sheryl 2120935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I, too, am overweight, with larger breasts (36DD), broad shoulders, a short waist, and I am about your height, and I live in an area with hot summers.<br />I have and love these dresses from Naadam:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://naadam.co/products/tank-dress-with-side-slit-toffee-brown?variant=31774317477984">https://naadam.co/products/tan.....4317477984</a></p> <p>They are soooo soft, light, and breathe well.&nbsp; They skim the body rather than being bodycon.&nbsp; Yes, you can see my hips, but I'm OK with that - they feel soooo good on.&nbsp; I have gotten compliments when wearing them.&nbsp; Remember, you see your "flaws" a lot more than others do. So, why not wear the long tank style dresses that you really want to?<br />Everlane has a few dresses that may work.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress#post-2120926 Sat, 16 May 2020 00:52:59 +0000 anne 2120926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also have very hot summers, and body flattery takes second place to comfort. I live in loose, sleeveless cotton dresses for casual. Even maxis are too hot above a certain temperature. So no real recommdatioms here.<br /> Empathy on looking bigger on side view.<br /> Me too, mostly on the bottom half. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress#post-2120924 Sat, 16 May 2020 00:42:58 +0000 L'Abeille 2120924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a different shape, taller and small bust, but also too much tummy. Knits and bias cuts don't work, they cling and emphasize the bulges.<br />My FFB is a sleeveless straight cut linen maxi with side slits, bought at Reitman's eons ago, still haven't found one better. It has a tie belt that I never wear it with; either wear it as a shift or use a braided leather belt for more boho. That silhouette (and lack of cling) might work well for you too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress#post-2120920 Sat, 16 May 2020 00:00:49 +0000 DonnaF 2120920@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm short, so pretend the first two models have their feet above their ankles. Hence, these dresses aren't nearly so short on me. I find handkerchief hems more flattering than those that cut straight across. I usually layer the sleeveless dress over the sleeved one. Their floatiness makes them comfortable.</p> <p>I also included my black t-shirt dress. It looks bodycon, but the black color and ruching makes it flattering and hides an absolute multitude of sins. I think that's why it's an Angie Pick.</p> <p>But I see you in a perfectly cut linen dress maybe by EF. . .</p> <p>My personal preference in hot weather is linen bottoms (with some type of top of course).</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress#post-2120916 Fri, 15 May 2020 23:32:39 +0000 Angie 2120916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And something like this, from the artful home, M&amp;S and COS:&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress#post-2120911 Fri, 15 May 2020 23:26:43 +0000 Angie 2120911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(Use Chrome as the best browser for Finds).&nbsp;</p> <p>I'll be back with dress suggestions! I think you're after fluid and architectural, with a bit if structure.&nbsp;</p> <p>Here are <b>Jenn's</b> Finds, which I like:&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-everyone-else-how-to-pick-a-casual-summer-dress#post-2120907 Fri, 15 May 2020 23:21:45 +0000 Anonymous 2120907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jenn</b>, thank you for taking the time to do this. Finds are rarely working for me either and I didn't consider it might be the browser. &nbsp;I do like the BR one and will see if its on the Canada site! &nbsp;I love the Garnet Hill dress - but have trouble with that long loose look even though it's exactly what I want. &nbsp;The Athleta dresses are what my ideal would be, but they don't work without a lot of spanx-ing and slips etc, which is not what I want on a hot day at home. &nbsp;</p> <p>I guess I want someone to tell me what will work for my body type &nbsp;- perhaps a personal shopper? &nbsp;Lol.</p> <p><b>Gretchen</b> - yes, 20 lbs heavier or pregnant is me too. &nbsp;Those are both cute, but again, I'm trying to see if I can't find a long /midi dress and the two above are more what I'd wear for work in the summer. Maybe it's me who is barking up the wrong tree with wanting a midi/maxi ?</p> <p><b>Roxanna</b> - I love linen and agree as to it's suitability here . Still wondering what flattery and style tips I can use for picking out something .....ugh :(</p> <p> </p>