WIW - a dress and a skirt - YouLookFab Forum

A quick post as I have an unusually sociable weekend and I didn't wear pants haha!

1. Family bbq ... DH insisted I buy this shirtdress on our anniversary get-away; a rare strong opinion from him so I what could I do? I had to get it, for his sake I love it; the little 'cape' is a totally unnecessary detail but it's very kind to my waistline and hides a clever bit of elastic that make this super-comfy. And yes I did pair is with ratty old Crocs because I was running in and out from poolside to serve.

2. DD's recital ... the angle does this no favours but you get the idea ... a black satiny slip skirt with white t and linen shirt ... I ended up sort of criss-crossing the front of the shirt and tucking it, and swapped the Birkies for black slides but was late by then so didn't snap another pick!

As much as I say I'm not a dress or skirt person, I do love the ease in summer. Perhaps it's just a matter of the right piece and I'm pickier about these.

What does easy summer dressing look like for you? Thanks for looking

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11 months ago

RobinF

Veteran

These are great! Love that dress, DH was right. And the black is simple and chic and I can picture it with black slides.

I tend to not wear dresses in the summer, as much as I intend to. We had a graduation party yesterday and it was very hot. I ended up with linen cropped pants and a sleeveless top. I think because I have to wear slipshorts under dresses, they aren't as cool and comfortable as they are for some people.

ChristelJ

Your easy dressing is lovely! The tie-front on the shirtdress makes it special, and I love the warm stripes on you. You can't go wrong with an elegant skirt like that, and I'm a big fan of the open linen button-down as an outer layer.

I love a breezy dress in summer but have very few because I have so many requirements for a dress. Happy anniversary, by the way!

kellygirl

These are perfect and I love the tie detail on the dress! You look fabulous isndresses and skirts and hope that you get to wear them more often! I enjoy them as well but somehow always end up wearing pants so I get it.

Joy

Summer dressing has changed a lot with age and a husband who does not swim due to heavy bones. I cover up more with skirts that are knee length and cropped linen pants. No more heels or sandals. I have switched footwear to espadrilles or sneakers (fabric for coolness although these shoes only last a season. Summer toppers are needed for warmth from air conditioning and evening cool. I use a big straw bag to carry a light topper every day. No more shorts or sandals. I also wear a sun hat all the time outside and have developed a small collection of them.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

KILLER cute casual dress on you, Helena! Hubs has good taste. I see white non-athletic sneakers with it

Your '90s skirt-tank-shirt look works very well! Super cute mega casual! I like the sound of the second way you styled it too.

Star

Love the shirt dress, and black and white is usually always a winner.

Jules

Love the dress! And as a sun-avoider I always appreciate a covered-up but cool & comfortable summer look.

Bijou

You look good in everything! I love both of these, the new dress is fabulous and a 90’s bias cut skirt will always have a special place in my heart.

Dresses and skirts are my uniform in high summer, when it’s too hot for long pants and jeans. I rarely feel fab in shorts.

LJP

I LOVE the striped shirt dress ! The wrap front is a great detail . Nice styling of the skirt / tank/shirt combo too . I’m actually wearing a dress today too ( day off work ) - for absolutely no reason other than it’s flippin hot again and I feel like it ;). Maybe I’ll snap a photo if my bedroom is tidy enough - ugh . I suffer from a lack of storage in this condo and somethings are visible where I wish they weren’t .

Dee

Oh you look adorable in your dress, very figure flattering, and the black slip skirt outfit looks casual yet elegant.

My summer dressing revolves mostly around cropped cotton or linen cargos or culottes, although for super hot temps the shorts come out too. I have a few casual summer dresses that I should start wearing but for some reason I resist, probably just need to put them on and get used to wearing them.

slim cat

Pretty dress and lovely skirt - perfect summer pieces! Sounds like busy but fun weekend with friends and family !
I do skirts in summer time - some more simple and some with extra flare ( separates are my preferred option - especially with graphic tees and sneakers/sandals ).

Suz

Great looks, Helena! I especially love the dress DH insisted you buy!

Firecracker (Sharan)

These are great looks for these summer activities. I agree you had to get that dress--love the style, and it looks super fab on you. I also like how you describe wearing the linen shirt crossed and tucked with the second outfit--still casual and carefree, with a little waist definition. Great idea for how to casualize a satin skirt.

Cardiff girl

Pretty dress,well done hubs!Both outfits look polished but easy just right for the summer time.

BlueJay

Lovely, Helena! I like DH's choice for the shirtdress (it's in your palette!) and the black and white look great too. I enjoy dresses and skirts in the summer as they look like one and done, easy peasy, but it looks like way more effort!

Helena

Sorry I haven't replied my day completely blew up, but thank you all for the kind words and love reading your summer go to's! Xx

Both outfits look great, I like DH's taste, very nice shirtdress, and I agree with Angie's suggestion of wearing it with sneakers.

Jaime

Love both looks and DH was absolutely right to insist ! Easy summer dressing for me basically means some variation of a thin cotton top (silk is definitely too hot) and interesting long shorts. I do wear dresses and skirts, but usually for more occasions (of the sort you describe).

Mirjana

You look fabulous Helena, the dress is fantastic, love that detail. I really love dresses for summer, the easiest way to dress, just put sandals and bag and that's that.

Runcarla

A+ to DH on his dress suggestion. You look fab!

During the dog days of summer, I’ll probably be in shorts and t-shirts/short sleeved button downs, but I’ve been grubbing in the garden for a week and mostly in jeans, long sleeved button downs, and bug dope!

MLee

Member

For me it’s sleeveless tops and palazzo pants usually with a very light cardigan or button down top

Olive Green

Yeah, when your partner insists, its a buy ☺️
That dress is very sleek on you. Love waist definition without pinching, especially if you plan to eat!
I kept hearing that a dress was one and done, but they always felt fussy and extra to me. So it was crops and shorts in cotton, all the way.
Like you, branching out a bit. The single summer skirt I have is going into rotation, and now am looking for excuses to buy simple, flattering dresses in linen or cotton.
Those breathable bike shorts are a game changer for dressing in skirts, for me.

Janet

Love these looks! The dress is sooooo good. Gah, I wish I looked good in above-knee-length dresses. Easy summer dressing includes dresses for me, but it’s really hard to find casual dresses that tick the boxes for me. I end up compromising at least a little on 90% of my dress purchases.

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