My casual summer dresses have been dwindling in number as I am no longer loving the slightly bodycon nature of my older fitted jersey dresses. I’m not getting rid of them yet, since I think a moderate bit of weight loss (under 10 lbs) would make me more comfortable in them, but I am interested in more forgiving cuts these days.

I found this little number at a local boutique. Thankfully at a very reasonable price point too. The seaside print is perhaps a little more “cute” than I’d normally go for, but I think the simple navy color palette keeps it from veering too cutesy, and it fits our location (it wouldn’t be as appropriate if we lived in the mountains!). Plus, if I want to make it lower contrast I could do a dye job with more blue to make it tone-on-tone (HT Brooklyn!).

The shoulder straps are actually a cord that loops through the fabric in front and back and then ties in the back. The back has a lot of fabric that flops open and exposes the bra band, so my tailor is tightening up the shoulder straps and closing the back for more coverage. The pic was taken in the tailor’s fitting room so it’s been pinned up for the proper fit. We’re also closing the slit in the skirt a little bit so that it begins just under the knee.

It’s not easy to find good dresses this year, so if this is it for me, that will be ok. Just need a couple of east breezy casual pieces for the heat and humidity!