How to Wear Summer Dresses: Outfit Ideas
Choosing great summer dresses means that you have lots of styling options when it comes to seasonal looks. A few tips and tricks can help you dress your favorite dress up or down so you can wear it for different occasions all season long. Here's our advice on dressing up (and dressing down) your summer outfit ideas.
The First Step: Choosing Flattering Summer Dresses
There are so many summer dress styles to choose from: A-line, fit and flare, sleeveless styles, shirt dresses, knits looks, jersey dresses, wrap and surplice styles, sheaths, and more. From full-length flowy maxi dresses to simple spaghetti-strap summer sundresses, browsing or trying on a number of different dresses will help you find favorites you can turn to time and time again. A subtle print or solid color is versatile enough to be worn for almost any event. Once you have a few favorites in your closet, you can use style strategies to create fabulous looks.
Dress it Down With Denim
Denim is a dream when it comes to styling; it never fails to help give an outfit that something extra. When it comes to your favorite summer dress, there are a few different ways to use denim to create great casual outfits. Pair a dress with a denim jacket or sleeveless denim vest for a touch of flair that’s ideal for summer evenings. Or, pair a medium length or short dress with denim jeggings or skinny jeans for a look that’s cool and relaxed. Need something quick and simple that pairs your favorite dress with the casual look of shorts? Tuck your dress into denim women's shorts and blouse it out for a style with a breezy, boho-chic vibe.
Dress It Up With Summer Sweaters
A light layer is a great way to add a touch of sophistication to any summer dress. Turn to lightweight women's cardigans with buttons, light open-front cardigans, or flowy summer sweater styles for that little splash of sophistication that takes your dress from every day to date-night ready. For a dressy look for the office or daytime, you can also pair it with a short-sleeved sweater or a light pullover sweater in a complementary color.
Add a Cute Jacket
Cute spring and summer jackets are a great way to transform the look of a summer dress. Try a cute cropped jacket, a casual shirt jacket, or a lightweight motorcycle-inspired jacket for a dressed-down look. To amp it up, try a smart blazer or structured jacket to change the look.
Use Blouses to Get a Great New Style
Have fun with your summer tops and blouses to create a new look with your summer women's dresses. Try wearing a fitted button-up blouse under a looser summer dress for a smart, stylish outfit. Pair a short summer blouse or one with an elastic or blouson waist over the top of a dress for a cute dressy look that can be changed if the weather gets too warm. For a more casual look, try a lightweight summer blouse in an oversized style worn over your summer dress and tied at the waist. A structured light blouse can also be worn over the dress to mimic the look of a jacket for a semi-casual outfit.
Layer It With Tank Tops
Tank tops are a staple you already have in your closet, so why not use them to create great dressy or casual looks? A pretty tank in a dressy fabric or with a lace or embellished edge can be worn under your dress to give it some extra dress flair for a night out. Put on a more casual tank under a summer dress for a sportier look, or try an oversize tank for a breezy, beach-worthy vibe.
Get Creative With Jewelry
Jewelry might seem like a subtle accessory, but it can really take your summer dress to a new level. Try using big, bold, pieces like creative chunky necklaces or bright earrings to get a unique casual style. Use sparkling necklaces and dangling earrings to give it a more upscale feel, or use small pieces like stud earrings and simple bangle bracelets to add a tiny splash that makes it just a little more dressy.
Shoes Seal the Style
Shoes are another accessory that can really direct the style of a summer dress. Even the most casual dress becomes a dressy favorite when worn with elegant high heels and a light summer sweater. Gladiator heels and a worn denim jacket can take that elegant sheath down a notch or two and make it ready for a summer evening picnic. Try different shoe styles, like canvas tennis shoes, embellished flip-flops or flats, fancy espadrilles, or smart slingbacks for a variety of looks all with the same favorite summer dress.
Style Your Favorite Summer Dress Any Way You Want
Your favorite summer dress can get plenty of mileage this season with a little ingenuity, from fit and flare dresses to cotton sundresses. Creative accessorizing and some light layering can go a long way in making styles that fit perfectly with your busy life, whether it’s a relaxed and casual look or a dressier outfit that you need.