Summer Dress Styles

Summer is the perfect time for dresses; in fact, the wide variety of dress styles and shapes can be a little overwhelming. Here are some brief descriptions of some summer dress styles, and where to wear them.

Sundress

A classic summer fashion staple, the sundress is traditionally crafted from lightweight fabrics like seersucker or cotton. Usually found in light, airy colors, sundresses can be short-sleeved or sleeveless, with loose-fitting skirts. When sundress shopping, make sure to stand backlit for a moment to check for any transparency in the material. Wear sundresses for a family picnic, or for running errands on hot days.

Empire Waist Dress

The empire-waist dress can be found in a variety of lengths and materials, but is always high-waisted, just under the bust. Depending on the kind of material used, such as silk, taffeta, and satin, an empire-waist dress is appropriate for weddings and more formal summer events.

A-Line Dress

A-line dresses usually have more structure than many summer dress fashions. A-line dresses have closely-fitting bodices with full a-line skirts. These dresses flatter most body types and can be worn for casual or formal occasions based on the fabric used. For a summer wedding, company picnic, or evening party, look for a-line dresses in silk, satin, taffeta, or chiffon.

Drop Waist Dress

The drop-waist is usually a casual summer dress style, today often found in jersey or t-shirt materials. This dress style's waist is "dropped" to the hips and may be gathered with a drawstring or an elastic waistband. This style is appropriate for casual outings as a swimsuit cover-up, for a stroll on the boardwalk, or for running errands.

Shirtdress

Like the shift dress, the shirtdress is a structured style that can work in a professional setting. For the workplace, look for dresses that are well-fitting and resemble a woman's button-down shirt in black, navy, or khaki. Outfit a shirtdress with a belt, pumps, and low-key jewelry. Shirtdresses of jersey with polo collars are appropriate for more casual activities, like a golf outing, lunch dates, or running errands.

Maxi Dress

The "maxi" dress style indicates a long skirt, usually reaching to the ankles or the floor, with an empire waist or no waist at all. Maxi dresses can be found in a variety of fabrics, but their unstructured shape makes them appropriate for more casual summer activities. Try maxi dresses on the beach, sight-seeing, or for a coffee date. Wear with flip-flops for an ultra casual look or dress it up with flat gladiator sandals.