Summer Love

Posted by Kerstin

This year I am determined to conquer the very thing I attempt each time the weather starts to heat up.

Find that one dress that is stylish, classic, and won't wrinkle or wilt in the sweltering city heat.

It's a tall order, finding one garment that can go from the office (add cardigan) to a dinner out (add dangly earrings), to the beach (add flip-flops), or wear errand-running around town (add shopping bags).

So every time Memorial Day hits, I scour catalogs, web sites, and newly-stocked stores hoping it will be there saying, "Look, over here."

Unfortunately, every Labor Day, I discover the same thing. I have bought way too many throwaway dresses that fit no more than one of the above requirements. And most I never want to see again.

This year, I have come up with a few candidates. Tell me what you think.
And be sure to tell me of any you think could be "the one."

Candidate 1:

Candidate 2:

Candidate 3:

Late Entry: Candidate 4 (I forgot about this one)

Comments

[Dallas Shaw]

Number 4- you can belt it, layer it, over-a-turtleneck it. Everyone needs number 4. Oh,and I own it in bright red. So you should too.

[Andrea]

LOVE Yellow #4!!! What a refreshing look and color. A classy style with just the right amount of embellishments.

[Kelli]

The black.
You can add a bright or black or white or cream cardi.
You are hemmed in ( no pun intended) by a color scheme. It is both casual but the ruffles let it be dressed up.
Only draw back is it is a bit strong in color if you are the blond in the photo.
But at least it will not be boring.

[ryal]

Honest to God - Number 2 is the same fabric as the Roman Shades in my master bathroom! Go for #4

[Alex in DC]

Number One would be great for the beach (note: NOT the city) or a casual weekend party - I think it's a cotton gauze so it would be perfect in the sticky summer weather ...... if you are 18 years old.

Dresses two and three are hilarious - silk is the crappiest options for summer - it's hot, and sticky and you can't get sweat stains out of it no matter what (so much for pretending women don't sweat!!) Designers continue to try to pass this off as a great summer choice - and any women over the age of 25 who lives in a hot climate knows better than to waste her money.

The final dress is lovely - cotton jersey, loose without being frumpy. At least once choice here is thought out.

[Christine Snyder]

So are you going to tell us where to find these dresses?!?!?

4
4
4
4
4
4
and
3
3
3
3
3

Love Love Love Them oh my goodness!!

[Lise]

#4 definitely.

[Meg Whiteley]

wow, i don't like a single one! Who would wear these, especially with all the other cute possibilities out there!?

[Jennifer from Life In The Cove]

#4! #4! So pretty now and it's destined to be a classic.

[Jennifer from Life In The Cove]

#4! #4! So pretty now and it's destined to be a classic.

[Jennifer from Life In The Cove]

#4! #4! So pretty now and it's destined to be a classic.

[Sam]

As a former 3.1 intern, I would strongly suggest the Phillip Lim dress (#4). Not only are his pieces stunningly chic and unique, but his garments are also extremely well constructed and the fabric is chosen to stand up to a variety of elements. I have no doubt that you will find the dress (#4), which I own in Ivory, both flattering and stylish during nyc's distressingly hot and humid days. It can be dressed up with heels and perhaps a belt for semi-formal affairs, and dressed down and some flashy flats or gladiators for casual wear.

[cake.]

i've been LUSTING after that phillip lim for months now. it's so perfect! so my vote is #4.

[Jonita]

Number 4. You could pair it with a great dark denim jacket for a night/windy day at the beach with some navy wedges/espadrilles(yellow and navy look awesome together!). Depending on the length, wear white skinny jeans or leggings underneath for shopping around town. At night, I'd wear it with strappy silver heels and great earrings. And for the office, a white shirt underneath might be cute...and wouldn't cover up the amazing details at the collar.

[Ashley]

I love number 2! The vertical stripes are slimming, the cut is elegant, and the colors are fun!

[twiceasnice]

4. Hands down.

I'm definitely going to buy it for myself!!!

[sami k]

4 is brilliant.

now i kind of want one too.

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4.

[star]

i like #2 and #4 the best. #1 i can't see working very well for the office category, with all of those layers..i think a cardigan would be too much.

[Nicole]

Number 4!

[Mayree Lowman]

Number 2 or 4!!!!

[kelly]

2 or 4, cute and versatile. #1 is too dressy and too black for the beach and #3 looks too frumpy for dinner and the sleeves don't work for the beach...

[kelly]

God, #4. To DIE for. If you have great legs, then why not? It can be worn with tights, if you need to be more conservative. Just be careful on windy days! ;)

[haus_frau]

Gah, I can't think with numbers. #3 is too precious and #4 is too short.

I've had too much week.

[haus_frau]

I definitely think #2. It is a distinctive, signature piece that would translate well through lots of different contexts. Plus, it isn't a sad sack shape. #1 is just kind of meh, #2 is too precious, and I think #3 is a bit too short for wear in some places.

[andi]

I am one of the few who likes #1. I think it it is very versatile. It would look darling with a belt or a cardigan, with flats or heels, minimal jewelry or some great baubles.
Definitely #1.