K/R: Casual summer dress party - YouLookFab Forum

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K/R: Casual summer dress party

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Lisa P's post inspired me to try on some of my recent casual summer dress purchases.

As background, our family is moving from Minneapolis to Phoenix in June. Anticipating the wardrobe changes that such a dramatic climate change would create, I've been picking up casual summer dresses on sale -- so many sales right now!

If I kept it, the striped LOFT dress needs a light shoulder pad (I love my shoulder pads - 80s girl!) because the waist is a tad too long, and the green AT dress would be worn with white leggings because I'm not comfortable with this length.

Which ones would you keep?

1&2 - Madewell red tiered boho dress (Angie's pick)
3&4 - LOFT olive satiny dress
5, 6 & 7 - 1901 dress (another Angie pick!)
8, 9 &10 - LOFT striped dress
11 & 12 - Ann Taylor dress (tunic)

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Madewell Tie Sleeve Tiered Swiss Dot Midi Dress

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10

Smocked Flutter Midi Dress

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2

1901 Cinched Waist Long Sleeve Shirtdress

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6

Striped Puff Sleeve Pocket Shirtdress

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2

Petite Pleated Shift Dress

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4

Hue Women's Wide Waistband Blackout Cotton Capri Leggings, Assorted

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3

Ecco Soft 7 Sneaker

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10

Shopping

28 replies

Latest reply was from Momo

kellygirl

Veteran

Wow! That red Madewell is a slam dunk! Seems like the perfect blend of cool loose fitting and good coverage for Phoenix. I love the olive with the flutter sleeves and the 1901 is a great color and style on you! I don't think I've ever seen you in a shirt dress? The last green one is a beaut too--reminds me of the sack dresses you used to sport for MOTG! The only one that gives me pause is the one that needs shoulder pads--the waist looks like it droops. If you could correct that with shoulder pads and are inclined to do so, I'd probably really like it on you. Seems breezy and cool. You are looking fab!!

delurked

Veteran

My faves are the first two. I’m especially a fan of the Madewell color on you. Looks great, and like your sound strategy of summer dresses for the Phoenix heat.

slim cat

Veteran

I like Loft dresses - striped and olive with defined waist the best on you.
However the red dress is great for easy days and looks fab with blue sneakers.
The green AT dress/tunic is lovely in color but the neckline is too high to my eye ( v-neck or scoop neck looks more flattering ).
1901 dress is nice but I wonder how comfy it is when you walk or sit ( good potential anyway ). Honestly all the dresses look great on you!

Sal

Veteran

I love the first two - stunning on you. Both definite keepers to my eye.

I have hesitations about the next three
- the second looks very hot - maybe with the sleeves rolled? I quite like it though.

I am not wowed by 4 - but it is a good shape. I live the colour of 5 but unsure on neckline. But it is a cool breezy summer dress.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Out of sight the second dress, the Loft olive one, to my eye. Then the red Madewell one.
The 1901 dress looks too hot for Arizona and I am sorry but to me the striped Loft dress washes you out.
I think you look stunning in the olive one.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for taking a look! I appreciate the thoughts.

@kellygirl, you're right - shirtdresses aren't normally my silhouette! You have a great memory about the sack dresses too. MOTG - those were the days! Because Angie said this shirtdress would work for petites, I gave it a whirl and surprised myself by liking it. The dress feels very airy thanks to the poplin fabric, and I thought I might appreciate the coverage of the long sleeves and collar in the sun.

@delurked, thanks for the confirmation on the red Madewell. It's a winner for sure!

@slim cat, I like the striped dress too and will take it to the tailor - she's a miracle worker and will figure it out if anyone can!

@Sal, looking at the photo of #5 again, I wonder if the dress is a bit big and that's why the neckline is off. Hmmmm. Thanks for the thought.

abby

In a hot, dry climate, wear light colors. They reflect the light, keeping much of it from becoming heat and infrared radiation on your clothes. It is why clothing in many warm, dry climates is generally light in color. This feels even more true outdoors.

When the sun hits the western horizon, the temperature drops FAST. Keep your sweaters and jackets!

Minneapolis to Phoenix in June? Yes, Phoenix is hot then but as you already know, Minneapolis in the summer is just as tropical as many places a lot further South. You will notice much more of a climate difference in November than you do in June. And that is a good thing. Magnificent, actually.

Anonymous

Number 1 is very pretty, and I like the fit, number 11 as a tunic might be a little big but that's my second favorite.

I would start with those two before buying more because colors can look so different in different parts of the country.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

@Jenni NZ, good point about the beige stripes. Beige isn't a color I normally wear. The buttons pick up my hair color though so that helps.

@abby, it sounds like you're familiar with both places. And yes indeed, I'm looking forward to noticing the climate difference in November!

@Phoebe, good point about colors looking different in different parts of the country. The quality of the light has a big effect on colors, that's true!

Preppy Pear

Veteran

I’m biased because I have and love the red Madewell dress (in blue), and it does look fantastic on you.
BUT the olive satiny dress from LOFT is my very favorite here, at least from the photos. It looks made for you.

unfrumped

Veteran

All could be keepers if you alter the fit of the beige Loft dress--though I agree it is pale for your coloring, it may seem different in the western sun.They are are different to my eye, due to formality/informality of style and fabrications.

I'm not an AZ expert but "I been to Arizona" at different times of year recently, so, there ARE seasonal changes and cooler vs. hotter weather so you won't wear the exact same things all the time. The green tunic is short for a dress but maybe you are wearing it over something or for casual. The shirtdress of course is a little more formal due to tailoring but I agree, due to seasons, air conditioning, if the fabric is comfortable you can wear it. So, for example, if the olive dress is a synthetic fabric it might not be as comfortable in the hottest weather even though short-sleeved. But it might work great with a cardigan for cooler days and evenings.
I'd do the usual "do I love it" test including fit and comfort; also feel free to take all that you really still enjoy and sort out the climate and your activities after you get there--might take an entire "climate year" for that, especially if it helps you have things to wear and take your time picking out things for your new situation.

Bonnie

Veteran

Take them all and make sure you have sandal options because they work well for that climate almost year round. You will be spending most of your time in air-conditioning, so sleeveless or short sleeves will need some kind of topper.

anne

Veteran

I like the olive dress and the 1901 dress the best. Otherwise, I think the beige one isn't hitting the mark in terms of colour but all the rest are good

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

The only one that I don't like is the light one (#8-10), just because the color is not vibrant enough for you. The rest would come down to how you feel in them - they all look great!

Bijou

Veteran

I would keep the first three, all which look fantastic on you. I don't like the fit of #4, it looks too big and the fabric is crushed. Leggings in hot weather is also something I would never entertain. I think you can do better than #5 even though it is a gorgeous colour on you.

It is great that the shirt dress fabric is light and airy, because if it was thick material, it may not be useful in hot weather. However, in a harsh climate, sleeves on summer dresses are useful. Rolling the sleeves to expose the wrists, helps in the heat.

Jjsloane

Veteran

I LOVE the Madewell (so sad it sold out before I could snag it). YES
I also like the 1901 plaid.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

WONDERFUL to see our legendary and FIRST Queen Dress post, my friend.

*happy dance*

Missed you!

*waving at my sneaker twin, and at Sommer*

Quite the climate change, and you're navigating it with style! Of course you are…you sassy lass....

LOVE the Madewell Tiers, Loft Olive, 1901 Stripe! KILLER x3. I’m wowed! You look absolutely FABULOUS, Laura. Soooo fun!

I vote return the other two. They do not do such royalty as yourself justice

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Your input is hugely appreciated, ladies! Thank you all very much. I'm glad the Madewell is a clear winner because the big floaty skirt is fun to wear (and Preppy Pear, I found your post featuring the dress and love you in the blue version!). That dress is my favorite of the bunch, but I have to tell you, the shirtdress was a real surprise. Completely out of the norm for me, and I love it. I'm glad the olive was a winner too, as it's my favorite earth tone.

Angie, you were right. Light blue sneakers go with EVERYTHING. And Sommer says (woofs) hello back at you and Sam.

Debbie

Veteran

Laura-you look amazing. I absolutely love the Madewell dress wish I had bought it. You’ll love the Shirtdress especially in the evenings.
Good luck on the move.

Helena

Veteran

Another first place vote for the Madewell! Honestly, I couldn't pick one to return ... especially going to such a hot climate, I feel like they would all work so well.

Kyle

Veteran

I love them all, and your short hair is the icing on the cake, but that gorgeous green really speaks to me. Please message me if I can help you in any way navigate your move to Phoenix! I’ve lived here for 36 years and can probably answer any questions you may have. I’m excited to welcome a YLF friend to Arizona.

Christina F.

Veteran

Another Madewell dress twin! High five! I am partial to that one, since I have it too, but these all look good. You are planning a stylish transition to a new climate, for sure!

taylor

Veteran

I’m going to defer to Angie , because I love you in dresses! Your hair looks adorable !
Best of luck with your move ...it’s a beautiful place . We seriously considered moving there !

Laura

(website)

Veteran

@Debbie, you are sweet! Thank you for the kind words! I could see you in the Madewell dress. Keep your eyes open, because this is a repeat style. I bought a long-sleeved version in last fall.

@torontogirl, thanks for the thoughts - taking photos of the dresses helped a lot. Before I posted, my thoughts on what to keep were muddled but YLF always provides clarity.

@Kyle, I will message you! We're excited about Arizona and can't wait to get there. It would be so nice to have a YLF outing together one day!

@ChristinaF, it's a fun dress to wear! Would love to see yours too. I'm going to keep an eye out for similar styles from Madewell as the season continues.

@taylor, thanks for the kind words on the hair. It has slowly morphed out of a pixie and into its former style, only shaggier. Can you imagine what hairdressers are going through these days ... my word!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Also loving the natural wave in your hair, my friend. Looking swish!

Anonymous

My favs are the first too as well. I think the Loft pale stripe doesn't suit your colouring as well as it could. That first Madewell dress is GORGEOUS on you !

lyn67

Veteran

All great looking (if you need them all) but for different purposes (the green looks a bit shortish, so for an extra casual). Then I love the chinched plaid shirt dress (the mpost trendy for my eyes) and the beige stripes(even if a bit retro and color is a bit pale, looks great on you with the snakers). Red maxi is a slam dunk, of course. YLF and great to see you!

Momo

Veteran

I like 1 and 3 best! 2 also is pretty.
I think your smile says it all. Look how happy you look in 3!