Dress Picks for Summer (2018)

Happy day, dear reader!

If you have been reading for any time now, you know that I Love Me a Dress! Some people are not dress people and would not be caught dead in one! I especially love them in the spring and summer. They are a great way to stay cool, and they transition well to fall when you live in a warm climate like I do.

I thought I’d share some casual dress finds and for whom I love them! Think of these as day dresses, nothing fancy, just comfortable and easy to wear. I chose Lands’ End for today’s illustrations because they stock many of their dresses not only in Misses, but ALSO in Petites, Talls, and Plus Sizes, so options abound!

Note: This is not a sponsored post, nor have I received any compensation or gift from Lands’ End. I do have a little Badger bias going on, though!

Fit and Flare

I have owned at least three dresses similar to this one from Lands’ End over the years, in a variety of colors. If this one is anything like her older sisters, she will wash and wear like a dream! She’s great for X shaped ladies, and even works on some 8’s, depending on torso length. The FnF silhouette can be great for A’s as well, but take extra care to check the shoulder fit. V shapes looking to create a more classically feminine silhouette can do the Fit and Flare, too! Just make sure the waistband sits at your narrowest point (below the bust, but above the waist). As for length, I’m a short-legged 5’3″ on a good day (I always order Petites.) and past versions of this dress hit the top of the knee on me. The straps are wide enough to cover bra straps, and the neckline is not scandalously low (unless you have a very short decollete!). This shape is perfect for those of us who still want a twirly dress! It’s also great for chasing small children, and sitting on the ground cross-legged, as the skirt is wide enough to cover knees. (Classroom tested, this one is!)

PS: Dear Lands’ End, you used to make this one with elbow-length sleeves, and it was amazing! Please bring it back…

Sheath

This sheath is great for 8 shapes, especially belted! And it’s fab for anyone who doesn’t want to draw attention to her mid-section. Yes, H’s I’m talking to you! The all over lace print is a nice distractor, and isn’t so print-y that it wears the wearer. Added bonus: it has pockets, although these are often best left sewn shut, and removed if you are hip and thigh conscious. Lands’ End has been making this sheath for years, and adapting it from season to season… Some adaptations have not been so popular, but it is worth a try. If it doesn’t work and you have a Sears nearby, you can always return it there.

This classic shape is an easy choice to Dress-Up-or-Down and Style 3 Ways. Although not as playground friendly as the fit and flare, you can certainly take this one almost anywhere… (I’m starting to imagine this one hanging in my closet!)

Flounced Sheath

Another sheath, but this time with an added flounce! This simple dress with the detail at the neckline and flounce is great for H’s and O’s who want to distract from the middle, and want a more feminine look than the classic sheath. The short sleeve is an added blessing for those uncomfortable with baring their upper arms.

Cap Sleeved Maxi

I am not a Maxi-Dress fan, and that puts me in the minority, I know. They are fabulous on others, but don’t work well for my personal style. I admit to loving this cap-sleeved maxi though! The wide neckline and cap sleeves are great to balance an A shape’s hip. If you are a very busty A this version, may not be your choice, but they have more than one sleeveless V-neck Maxi for you!  As for the length, please make sure it doesn’t drag on the ground when you wear it… It should hover at the top of your ankle bone!

Chambray Shirt Dress

I would love this dress if I were an I shape! Belt it and blouse it, and va-voom. Curves! The breast pocket, and sleeves that end around bust peak add curves up top, and the seaming on the pockets do the same for the hips! This little number shouts “summer vacay” and beach cover-up! Open and unbelted, it would also be a great duster style topper for an O shaped woman, with the front placket creating great vertical lines.

How about you? Are you a dress wearer? Or wouldn’t be caught dead in one? Do any of these tickle your fashion fancy? Let’s start a conversation in the comments below! I love to hear from you…

Stylishly yours,

Many thanks to Catherine at Not Dressed as Lamb for the Link-Up!