The perfect summer dresses

[Anonymous]

I'm 42. My perfect summer dress is:

1. A light, 100% woven cotton, and NOT a knit jersey that get too hot, but mustn't be too see-through. If gauzy, it has to have a cotton lining at certain areas. Linings are often not cotton, so that reduced options.
2. It has cap sleeves or similar to protect my shoulders from the sun.
3. It has a waist because that's my best feature.
4. It goes down below the knee because I don't like my knees but not too long because it gets in the way when I walk the dogs.
5. It's a nice color or pattern.

Which is why I don't have a lot of summer dresses!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is my perfect summer black throw on dress

https://shop.lululemon.com/p/shop-outfits/ClassicFit-CottonBlend-Dress/_/prod10930356?color=0001&locale=en_US&sl=US&sz=20

I also have several linen dress from OffOn Etsy shop. I’ve been buying from her for years and can say they are excellent quality and last beautifully. Most are under $150. Shipping can take a long time though- weeks/months

Jcrews selection has been terrible. No lining, thin material, and then cut in atypical shape so you can’t even wear a bra. I’m ok going braless too- is it isn’t that. But if I can’t wear a bra, at least put some lining in the dress or use a material that isn’t see through

I Love this thread-
I wonder if this is the same. exact. dress - at 2 very different prices (one for people with *taste* and the other for the rest of us -
https://shop.lululemon.com/p/shop-outfits/ClassicFit-CottonBlend-Dress/_/prod10930356?color=0001&locale=en_US&sl=US&sz=20

https://www.target.com/p/women-s-muscle-tank-dress-a-new-day/-/A-84139599?preselect=84139592#lnk=sametab

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know this is more than the requested budget (I'm sorry!), but this is my favorite summer run around dress. I have it in a few colors, and it can be dressed up or down and is very flattering. Looks good with sandals, wedges or white tennis shoes. Great with a cardigan or jean jacket, and lots of styles of jewelry. I wear it to the office and on the weekend.

https://christydawn.com/products/the-dawn-dress-forest-gauze

that is really pretty!

Another pp here. I have seen these advertised a lot so interesting to hear from someone who has it.

My recommendation is over a hundred too… zuri sleeveless. They are always coming out with new and unique prints and I feel good wearing them because they arent made using slave labor. They have pockets that fit my phone and keys and wear like iron. I wore the heck out of my zuris last summer and they still look amazing.

Under a hundred, the florrie dress from Boden. I would order it in a couple sizes and prints since Boden can vary a little even in the same style.

Yesss I love Zuri dresses. So pretty!

This is essentially a muu muu. A pretty printed muu muu

I wear a belt with it silly! Once you add a skinny belt at the waist it looks like a dress and not a mumu.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know this is more than the requested budget (I'm sorry!), but this is my favorite summer run around dress. I have it in a few colors, and it can be dressed up or down and is very flattering. Looks good with sandals, wedges or white tennis shoes. Great with a cardigan or jean jacket, and lots of styles of jewelry. I wear it to the office and on the weekend.

https://christydawn.com/products/the-dawn-dress-forest-gauze

that is really pretty!

Another pp here. I have seen these advertised a lot so interesting to hear from someone who has it.

My recommendation is over a hundred too… zuri sleeveless. They are always coming out with new and unique prints and I feel good wearing them because they arent made using slave labor. They have pockets that fit my phone and keys and wear like iron. I wore the heck out of my zuris last summer and they still look amazing.

Under a hundred, the florrie dress from Boden. I would order it in a couple sizes and prints since Boden can vary a little even in the same style.

I love this grayson one and the christydawn one!! How are they quality wise? I tend to be cheap about my super casual clothes because I rarely find the quality (I'm looking at you boden and draper james) to be better then something I get much cheaper.

I’m the Grayson poster. Quality seems good! I just got it so haven’t worn it a bunch yet. But that’s why I’m a bit nervous about the tissue cotton ones. $200 for a super thin dress that I need to wear a slip for? Meh, doesn’t give me a lot of confidence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pp bully will flame this but I have this in two colors and it’s wildly comfortable, and washes and dries in the machine, never wrinkles etc. I wear it with just slides if I’m casual farmers market type thing, or can dress it up a little with sandals with a heel and a necklace, and can do a wrap, open cardigan or a jean jacket if it’s cold. It’s the perfect travel dress.
https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-cotton-modal-jersey-surplice-fit-and-flare-dress/id_362111?attributes=44967,27697&source=GS¤cy=USD&geo=US&skumv=5799547&promotion-code=NFWHY37&promotion-pin=0&cm_mmc=139971612&SC=pla_non-brand&CMPGN=11383290717&ADGRP=140518349464&KYW=&MT=&DV=m&PID=5799547&TRGT=pla-295613136660&gclid=CjwKCAjw682TBhATEiwA9crl34Vh0j2nnwQKjqt2KaJqhOGRxL4Fk_2M4FjDW5WQxvXQgITbZrB1sxoCLHwQAvD_BwE&gclid=CjwKCAjw682TBhATEiwA9crl34Vh0j2nnwQKjqt2KaJqhOGRxL4Fk_2M4FjDW5WQxvXQgITbZrB1sxoCLHwQAvD_BwE&CH=Google%20AdWords&_cclid=Google_CjwKCAjw682TBhATEiwA9crl34Vh0j2nnwQKjqt2KaJqhOGRxL4Fk_2M4FjDW5WQxvXQgITbZrB1sxoCLHwQAvD_BwE

I have this in black and love how it feels. Soft and slimming and cozy.

I also love this one - (though not the prints, why are Land's End's prints so terrible?) - they seem to come out with new colors every year. Just wish it had pockets!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is my perfect summer black throw on dress

https://shop.lululemon.com/p/shop-outfits/ClassicFit-CottonBlend-Dress/_/prod10930356?color=0001&locale=en_US&sl=US&sz=20

I also have several linen dress from OffOn Etsy shop. I’ve been buying from her for years and can say they are excellent quality and last beautifully. Most are under $150. Shipping can take a long time though- weeks/months

Jcrews selection has been terrible. No lining, thin material, and then cut in atypical shape so you can’t even wear a bra. I’m ok going braless too- is it isn’t that. But if I can’t wear a bra, at least put some lining in the dress or use a material that isn’t see through

I Love this thread-
I wonder if this is the same. exact. dress - at 2 very different prices (one for people with *taste* and the other for the rest of us -
https://shop.lululemon.com/p/shop-outfits/ClassicFit-CottonBlend-Dress/_/prod10930356?color=0001&locale=en_US&sl=US&sz=20

https://www.target.com/p/women-s-muscle-tank-dress-a-new-day/-/A-84139599?preselect=84139592#lnk=sametab

They do look similar but the fabric blend is different.

[Anonymous]

Strictly with OP's criteria in mind (under $100, suited for errands and playground on summer day), I'd recommend this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CZ1HDYS/ref=twister_B0833N1388?_encoding=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

It's light and breathable without being a damn mu mu. I like the midi instead of maxi length. I also wear it with a regular bralette -- you can't tell from pics, but the straps are adjustable (buttons). I wear it on the shortest option so my bra is covered in the back. The straps are also thick, so bra straps covered. I like this dress a lot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is my perfect summer black throw on dress

https://shop.lululemon.com/p/shop-outfits/ClassicFit-CottonBlend-Dress/_/prod10930356?color=0001&locale=en_US&sl=US&sz=20

I also have several linen dress from OffOn Etsy shop. I’ve been buying from her for years and can say they are excellent quality and last beautifully. Most are under $150. Shipping can take a long time though- weeks/months

Jcrews selection has been terrible. No lining, thin material, and then cut in atypical shape so you can’t even wear a bra. I’m ok going braless too- is it isn’t that. But if I can’t wear a bra, at least put some lining in the dress or use a material that isn’t see through

I Love this thread-
I wonder if this is the same. exact. dress - at 2 very different prices (one for people with *taste* and the other for the rest of us -
https://shop.lululemon.com/p/shop-outfits/ClassicFit-CottonBlend-Dress/_/prod10930356?color=0001&locale=en_US&sl=US&sz=20

https://www.target.com/p/women-s-muscle-tank-dress-a-new-day/-/A-84139599?preselect=84139592#lnk=sametab

They do look similar but the fabric blend is different.

The target one is thin and cheap. The lululemon one is a thicker sturdier fabric, but not too thick that it is hot

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For running errands and/or going to playground on the weekend in the summer, I like a simple old t shirt of tank dress. I have this one -- which costs $9.00 (really) -- from Target and it's honestly great for that purpose. I wear it with white sneakers or birks and my lululemon belt bag. If it's a little cool, I wear a lightwash jean jacket. Boring and unoriginal, I know, but that's my suggestion.

https://www.target.com/p/women-s-muscle-tank-dress-a-new-day/-/A-84139599?preselect=84139592#lnk=sametab

If this is boring and unoriginal I'll take it.

I like this too. Does it show the straps on a regular bra?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Strictly with OP's criteria in mind (under $100, suited for errands and playground on summer day), I'd recommend this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CZ1HDYS/ref=twister_B0833N1388?_encoding=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

It's light and breathable without being a damn mu mu. I like the midi instead of maxi length. I also wear it with a regular bralette -- you can't tell from pics, but the straps are adjustable (buttons). I wear it on the shortest option so my bra is covered in the back. The straps are also thick, so bra straps covered. I like this dress a lot.

OP here -- so funny, I actually bought this exact dress in it and LOVE it - totally hits all of my criteria.

I really like that brand -- I just bought this one and its super flattering too https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09P5BCDNR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

[Anonymous]

Because I am middle aged, I love a J. Jill sleeveless linen dress. They're usually right around $100 (maybe a little more for the prints). Not the height of fashion, but they're pretty, easy to wear, and not very wrinkly (I don't iron, ever). They're casual enough for every day, but nice enough to wear to church/work with a lightweight cardigan.

https://www.jjill.com/product/linen-tank-dress?color=4KH

I don't love this year's options, but I have a pretty one I got last year, and my favorite is one I got about 4 years ago. I'm also stalking Poshmark to try and find one from last year that I regret not getting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is (close) to 100 and super cute -

https://wearpact.com/women/apparel/dresses%20&%20skirts/the%20harbour%20midi%20dress/wa1-wbm-svs

I love this! Wondering if it will accentuate or hide a small belly. .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For running errands and/or going to playground on the weekend in the summer, I like a simple old t shirt of tank dress. I have this one -- which costs $9.00 (really) -- from Target and it's honestly great for that purpose. I wear it with white sneakers or birks and my lululemon belt bag. If it's a little cool, I wear a lightwash jean jacket. Boring and unoriginal, I know, but that's my suggestion.

https://www.target.com/p/women-s-muscle-tank-dress-a-new-day/-/A-84139599?preselect=84139592#lnk=sametab

For $9. I wonder why tiny little fingers sewed that together and how many bathroom breaks, if any, they were allowed during the day. Do you think they try to cobble together some school after hours?

[Anonymous]

I have this in a few colors (a spiral tie-dye and a dip dye, both from last season) and love it: https://zsupplyclothing.com/collections/the-reverie-dress

I can wear it to the playground or out, usually with Birkenstock Gizehs in a shiny copper. I’m small-busted and wear it with a strapless bra.

I also love this, which I have in a pretty solid blue and a blue colorblock, also from last year: https://www.marinelayer.com/products/corinne-maxi-dress-black?variant=39549757063242

Also can wear wherever, with the Birks or with a platform sandal.

And this, just over $100: https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=558664002&vid=1#pdp-page-content

I have it in black and a dark grey-blue. Bonus points for pockets. A little fancy for the playground, but great for running errands, a night out, etc.

I’m 5’8 and have broad shoulders, size 8 on the bottom and 10 on the top.

[Anonymous]

^^and this in black! https://wearpact.com/women/apparel/dresses%20&%20skirts/revive%20strappy%20maxi%20dress/wa1-wvx-blk

Just got it, love it. Built in bra for the win!