13 Summer Dresses (With Sleeves!)
Project 365, Day 164/365
You know what’s super frustrating? Going to every store’s website that you can think of, narrowing down the selection by “short sleeve” and being left with limited options. Basically, every dress categorized as a “summer” dress is sleeveless. But guess what? I HATE SLEEVELESS DRESSES. I’ve had a long-held battle with my arms. I know it’s silly. My arms are my arms are my arms, and it shouldn’t matter. But I’ve never felt super comfortable exposing my biceps and upper flab. ::shrug::
Secondly, while I’m rather petite (about 5’3″), short dresses always hit me at an awkward spot on me knee, so I tend to prefer midi or maxi dresses instead. Also, on hot days when I don’t want thigh chafe, it’s helpful to have a little length to hide any Spanx-like shorties I wear under my dresses. Since discovering Megababe’s Thigh Rescue (a life-saving hero, FYI), the shorts thing has been less of a concern, but I still take it into consideration when purchasing.
So, I got to work uncovering some short- and long-sleeve summer dresses in cotton or linen (no thanks, polyester) that seem like something easy-breezy you can literally just throw on, and move on with your life in the warmer months. Some fancy sandals or wedges dress them up; sneakers or casual sandals keep them casual. I’m all about the versatile, comfortable staples.
Something you may notice right off the bat is that I have a pretty distinct style when it comes to my summer dresses. I break it down like this:
- If it looks like something that could blend in with a picnic blanket I’m sitting on while picnicking, I’ll love it.
- If it looks like something my grandma wore on a hot summer day in Puerto Rico (every day is a hot summer day in Puerto Rico), I’ll love it.
- If it looks like a T-shirt…just longer, I’ll love it.
Got it? Good, let’s see what I found.
100% Linen Dress at Mango, $70: Mango pisses me off (their sizes only go up to a 10, and then it’s considered Plus and they don’t have the same pieces available), but I do love this dress. It’s flowy, wide…I can feel the warm breeze rushing up it in my head.
A New Day Rib Knit T-Shirt Dress at Target, $20: You can’t really tell in this photo, but this dress has a subtle ribbing which elevates it from just a standard cotton T-shirt dress. It’s available in a handful of colors. Reviews say it’s a bit form-fitting. Not sure what’s happening with the shoes here, but I’d wear this with a pair of Converse, slip-on sneakers or my Nisolo Huaraches.
Dobby-Stripe Tie-Belt Shirt Dress for Women at Old Navy, $50: I love a blue-and-white-stripe situation as it goes with basically everything and is timeless. This one seems like a great outdoor barbecue or weekend breakfast/brunch outfit.
Embroidered Eyelet Bubble-Sleeve Button-Front Midi Dress at Madewell, $80: Half my closet is this terra-cotta color these days because it looks wonderful on most skin shades (particularly if you’re on the more tan side like myself). Eyelet is classic for summer, and the bubble-sleeve makes it feel a bit more “now” as that’s on trend.
Embroidered-Sleeve Popover Midi Dress at Madewell, $138: Any dress with the descriptor “popover” in its name is one I’ll be taking a serious look at. All I ever want to do on hot, disgusting summer days is pop something light and airy on. Saying “pop on” feels so much happier than sweating your way through sliding on jeans or any kind of pant. The sleeve is very “Puerto Rican grandma” so that checks that box for me. Not sure how see-through this is as it’s white, but it better be fully opaque for the price.
Linen-Blend Button-Wrap Midi Dress at Madewell, $138: I’m very drawn to the button pattern here. Plus, linen feels SO good on the skin when it’s warm. This dress is linen-blend, which I actually prefer because it tends to wrinkle and stretch out far less than 100% linen.
Linen-Blend Clara Midi Dress in Plaid at Madewell, $118: This is sitting in my cart right now I love it so much. Madewell currently has a 30% off sale right now, so that’s even more enticing. The reviews mention it’s a very generous fit and to size down, so I may grab a Medium here instead of my standard Large. I love it with the clog-like sandals shown on the model, or even strappy nude sandals like these (which I own in black and love).
Somerset Maxi Dress at Anthropologie, $168: A sweet little pattern in a dress that can be dressed up or down. What’s not to love? It’s a bit pricey, but I’ve always been impressed with the quality of most of Anthro’s stuff. I have dresses from their that lasted 10+ years, so it’s always worth it to me.
The Luxe Cotton Tie-Front Tee Dress at Everlane, $78: I don’t know why I’m so drawn to this dress but I am. It just looks like it would feel like wearing pajamas, but look comfy yet polish…a.k.a. acceptable everyday wear-outside-the-house PJs. It might not be great on a petite frame according to the reviews, but if you’re tall, give it a look.
Waist-Defined Slub-Knit Midi Dress at Old Navy, $30: Heather gray cotton anything is universally flattering and casual. I’d probably be found wearing this every weekend. True story.
Whit Two Gingham Tiered Midi Dress at Anthropologie, $228: This one satisfies my “get lost in a picnic blanket” criteria just perfectly! It seems to come in a bit under the bust which is nice if you want a little shape. Again, pricey, but a gingham pattern will forever be a summer staple.
Women’s Balloon Long Sleeve Tiered Dress at Target, $30: I linked this dress in Friday’s 5 Quick Things. It’s what I consider a “sack of potatoes” dress, which is something I’d never allow myself to wear even a few years ago. Once you hit your mid-30s, you kind of stop caring if something is “flattering.” If you enjoy wearing it, that’s all that should matter. Yes, this also applies to my arm-showing phobia, I understand, but we all don’t change overnight.
Wrap Skirt Dress at Eloquii, $100: Eloquii is fabulous if you’ve never heard of it. Their sizing starts at 12 and goes up to about a 28 I believe. Normally, with larger sizes, the styles, prints and silhouettes are very dated or aging, but Eloquii keeps things young and stylish. This dress looks pretty dressed up with the heels, but it’s just cotton, so I think I’d consider it a “slip on and go” style. The waist belt gives you some shape if you prefer that.
And that’s that. Anything here you’re into? What’s your preferred summer outfit staple?
See you tomorrow, FOAS.