Summer Style: Affordable Summer Dresses
Updated: Aug 20, 2021
Summer is in full swing everywhere (except Australia, it seems) and we're all doing our best at keeping cool while being cute. What says cute, cool and ultra-feminine than an easy breezy summer dress. Working from home these past two Spring/Summer seasons has really turned me into a dress person. Pants are mostly my jam for the sake of comfort, but one-piece dressing for around the house really took ahold during the pandemic. It was always a nice change of pace from loungewear and PJs to put on an effortless sundress or shirtdress to work at home. It always makes me feel more focused and put-together for the day. But this year, with more opportunities to get out of the house, my increased appreciation for the ease of a summer dress prompted me to incorporate a few new pieces into my wardrobe; all affordable, of course, and on trend, for the sole purpose of enjoying the season while I'm out and about.
This is what I picked up from SHEIN, Asos and Ebay (all items or similar are linked below).
Flirty Florals
Florals and wildflowers are BIG this Summer. H&M could barely keep their wildflower collection in stock when it dropped. Thankfully, places like SHEIN hopped on the trend with a few versions of their own. I fell hard for this floral sundress when I found it on SHEIN and was not disappointed when it arrived. It works well with a variety of footwear and accessories due to the varied floral colors, but I settled on a pair of pink espadrilles I rarely get the chance to break out because it's a tough shade to match things to, but it compliments this dress perfectly. For a less colorful look, a neutral or white pair of espadrilles would work just as well.
Bag: (similar, $9)
Pink Espadrille wedges: (similar, QVC, $48)
Bold and Vibrant
Bold colors in oranges, marigolds and greens are all the rage. They look great on practically anyone, especially tanned or brown skin. Obsessed with off-the-shoulder styles, I knew instantly that this would be making it into my cart. I imagined this as as a versatile dress I could wear in various capacities; work, brunch, casual weekends or vacation. I could also see it transitioning from Summer to Fall, extending my ability to enjoy it. Can you guess, based on the accessory changes in the photos, below, which ensemble would apply for each occasion?
SHEIN Dress: (similar), $16
SHEIN Tote bag: SHEIN, $22
Just Fab Espadrille wedges: (similar), $30
SHEIN Round Necklace: SHEIN, $2
Leaf Necklace: (similar, $15)
Ebay Basket Bag: similar, $24
Scarf: (Similar, $2.50)
VS Ankle wrap sandals: (similar, David's Bridal, $14.99)
Pastel tinted shades: Similar, $7.99
SHEIN Brown and white bag: SOLD OUT/ Similar N/A
Brown shoes: (similar, $24)
Animal Print and Cut-out Maxi Sundress
Animal print is a staple for any all all seasons, but can be overwhelming when worn in large quantities. This sundress however, is a nice balance of black and white so as to not seem heavy and hot. The black stripes are many and quite busy, but are thin in design. The various cut-outs in the front (tied between the bust) and back also add an element of breeziness. The material is flowy and lightweight and, even with a lining underneath, you will remain nice and cool. I paired it with a cute flamingo print cross-body bag for a tiny bit of contrast and pop of fun tropical color. What says "Summer" more than flamingos? For those who aren't keen on having their arms out or aren't comfortable with the cut-out details or low-cut bustline, I topped the dress with a lightweight cardi to add a touch of modesty. If you're busty, this dress is not for your. The cups are tailored for itty-bitty-titty-committee members. You will most definitely spill out of this if you're working with more than a handful. Even I struggled to get the tie at the breast secured enough to keep my girls from having a wardrobe malfunction. Proceed with caution on this purchase, unless spillage is your goal. 😂 My one other negative is this dress would have been top-notch if it had pockets (inconspicuous, of course). Overall, I'm happy with this purchase. It's perfect for weekend excursions or vacations where you want to taste everything delicious in your path without the worry of a food baby expanding your waistline and making things uncomfortable.
SHEIN Bag: Similar N/A
Cardigan: (similar, $6.99)
SHEIN Round Necklace: SHEIN, $2
VS Ankle wrap sandals: (similar, David's Bridal, $14.99)
Midi Cami Sundress
This sundress is perfect for a beach vacation. So calming, light and airy. Just looking at the print transports me to memories of lounging by the bay. At first, I thought it was a tie-dye print when I glanced it on the website, but then realized they were clouds against a beautiful blue sky. The color of the blue beneath the white really drew me in. Living in city like Miami means this dress is perfect for a weekend staycation and easy for packing on a trip to another warm place or Caribbean climate. This would definitely be the 1st thing in my suitcase. This, too, was styled with a cropped cardi for those who might be self-conscious about having their arms out, or - in the case of living in a tropical climate where it's scorching outside and freezing inside with A/C everywhere you go - might be sensitive to cold indoor temperatures. I'm one of those people you see in Summer carrying a jacket of some kind even when it's hot outside because I know the A/C is freezing when you step inside most establishments trying to cool everyone off. Another alternative was to pair it under a white jean jacket for an edgier, super casual look, if that's your vibe.
SHEIN Dress: (similar, $25)
Tote bag: SHEIN, $22
Necklace: SHEIN, $2
Cardigan: (similar, $6.99)
White jean jacket: (similar, $24)
Pink and Plum
This abstract/geometric printed dress was something I picked up during the transition period of Winter to Spring. It was on sale for nearly 70% off on ASOS, so in the cart it went. The dark fabric appeared to be brown in the photos and since I'm a fan of pink and brown together, I anticipated the dress being a nice feminine item for that time of the year and transitioning from Summer through Fall. When it arrived, however, and I took it into proper light, it was clear the background color was more dark purple/plum in tone. Purple is my favorite color, so that was a plus and nice surprise, but I can't recall ever pairing it with pink. With the darkness of the background color, this could be hard to wear in the heat of Summer, but on a cloudy day when the sun's expected to hide, this could work. To really lighten up the look, I added a baby pink belt to compliment the pink lines and pink espadrilles to sweeten and soften the striking lines. By adding a light and neutral toned tote bag, I think this could work for a Summer look. To really turn up the sweet quotient, a sheer pink cardigan is nice if you prefer a tad more coverage or add an extra layer for those cooler indoor temperatures. I tried to pair it with a blue jean jacket and that made it feel hot and darker. White jackets or cardis were too stark. The pink cardi was the perfect addition even if it might be a tinge over the top in pinkness. This would be a great outfit for church or a garden wedding, in which case you can simply add a pair of strappy pink heels as a substitute for the espadrilles styled below.
Tote bag: SHEIN, $22
Pink Espadrille wedges: (similar, QVC, $48)
SHEIN Necklace: (similar, $4)
Pastel tinted shades: Similar, $7.99
Patchwork/Scarf print dresses
I found myself obsessed with these patchwork/scarf print dresses this season. The chain detail is something I've always been a fan of when it comes to print, the way some people are drawn to animal print. I own a couple of tops in this style, whether on the equestrian side or more nautical, so the transition to dresses was an effortless one. They're fun, easy to wear and come in a variety of lengths. The material can vary, but I'm enjoying these lightweight silky-feeling fabrics; like actual scarves, that makes them bearable in hot weather. At first, I picked up the short version, but found myself drawn to the coloring and print of a longer style and decided to add it to my wardrobe, as well. The many vibrant colors and patterns translates into tons of versatility when styling with accessories. In the photos below, I created a more casual dressy look with a pair of wedges and jazzed it up a bit more for a look that could work for a date night by adding a pair of high heels and a more elaborate, fancy belt. Even though I've not had a chance to style up the longer dress, I'm sure that one will transition into Fall with ease. Visions of boots, short and tall, are coming to mind.
Orange heels: similar, $21.24
Red ruffle faux suede heels, NA; similar found here
SHEIN Red floral belt: also found on Wish. $8.51
SHEIN Orange purse, $9
SHEIN Dress (midi): $20 *haven't styled this one, yet, in my wardrobe*
White Puffy Sleeve Milkmaid Dress
The white dress is a Summer staple and they are everywhere this Summer. Flirty, fun and very feminine, the puffy sleeve and babydoll varieties may not be for everyone. I tried the puffy sleeve version and this is probably as far as I'll dabble into this trend. While I like the look, I'm not 100% sure it's my personal style. Perfect for romantic Sunday picnics in the park, but not much else, in my opinion. Perhaps, it's a look that's too old-fashioned for my liking. I loved Bridgerton, but we can keep the costumes of that era in that era. I tried to modernize the look by adding a belt (the dress was also a smidge too big and the belt helped) and that made it bearable, but I don't see myself holding on to this beyond Summer 2021. The tank/cami midi dress with the crochet lace hem is my favorite. In that crispy cotton fabric that screams "sweet summer day", it's assuredly in fitting with my personal style and easier to transition between looks and occasions. You can dress it up or dress it down. Shoulders out or under a cardi or jacket. I found that one for such an amazing price on Ebay by a vendor I recently stumbled upon and have been having some success with ordering and quality of items. Stay tuned for a post of all the items I've purchased from that vendor in an upcoming post.
To see the white dresses below in motion and for additional links to items, check out this post on Summer Whites - Part 1; video included
White Dress: SHEIN, $16
Belt: SHEIN, $2.50
Shoes: SHEIN, $31
Tote: SHEIN, $21
Scarf: Dollar Tree, $1 (similar, SHEIN. $4)
Necklace: SHEIN, $2
Bracelet: SHEIN, $2.50
Ring: SHEIN, $1.50
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