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

[Tiffany]

#3 or 4 because you can wear them loose for a casual day or belted with some cute heals or dressy sandals if you need to amp it up.

[ariel]

Definitely 2 or 4. If you pick 4, I would put a belt around the waist to make it more shapely and feminine. Great color though!

[ariel]

Definitely 2 or 4. If you pick 4, I would put a belt around the waist to make it more shapely and feminine. Great color though!

[Lowellette]

I think the second one is the best. I love the ruffle on the top. I am not in love with the color for #3 and #4 and #1 looks too dressy for the beach.

[nicole]

4 or 2. Definitely not 1 - okay for a special event but not everyday!

[Ann]

Umm, maybe I just don't have an NYC salary, but $500 for a sundress?!? They're all cute except #2 which is kinda icky like hotel curtains.

[Tina]

None of them! I'm sorry but I don't care for the colors or the style of any of them.

[la]

4
4
4
4

[julie]

#2 or #4 seem to be the most versatile, with #2 having POCKETS, which i think are brilliant.

i liked #3 but even seeing it on the mannequin made me freak out about the sleeves. it would look like you were wearing external shoulder pads!

[Rachel]

#2 or #4. I'm not a fan of candidate #1, although when I clicked on the link I got sucked into the APC website. (Love!)

[Stephanie]

love the black one, but the ruffles seem too busy. No luck finding a sheath in a cotton blend or linen?

[Miss S]

But... all that aside, which one do you desire with all your heart? 'Cos you'll never ever wear it if you don't love it, practical or not...

[Jennifer]

#3 or #4. A dress in a single color is the most versatile, I think, and you can accessorize depending on the occasion. But, I would highly recommend a jersey blend or a modal fabric dress - summer humidity means stickiness, and these fabrics dry the best. My summer dress is actually a long cotton jersey (or maybe it's a modal fabric, not sure) maxi dress I found at the Gap (regretfully not there anymore) - flattering v-neckline that's low enough but not overly revealing (and, most importantly, I can wear a regular bra with it without the straps showing), and the fabric means that even if you get a bit sweaty walking around, it dries quickly. Plus - machine washable! I wear it at least twice a week, if not more often than that.

[lillie]

#4 seems the most versatile. pretty summery color that would match everything. or #2 with those fun bright stripes. the designs look comfy, simple/timeless, not fussy (to me, #1 & #3 are a little too much for a wear-it-everywhere dress). good luck with your summer quest!

[ana conceicao]

Have you looked at the Maggie London dresses? They are really great for travel and do all those things you listed. I took them on a trip to Europe and they fold into about a 5 inch square and come out with no wrinkles. Plus they have great patterns and styles.

[Meg]

I vote for #3. It would look great with flip-flops, a cardigan, and silver OR gold accessories for evening.

[Hardboiledegg]

Hands down Number 2 the stripes say summer the cardigan can be different colors different days mix and match shoes and bag wear hats or a rain coat on wet days HANDS down no. 2 the yellow number well not everyone looks good in that much yellow the detailing says evening i.e. sleeping it looks like a night gown the pink do you have skinny I say skinny arms black black for the summer I know it is NY but it is soo unflattering unless of course you are in mourning

[Ruth Ferguson]

#4!

[Katy.]

3 or 4, leaning towards 4. I can understand the need to find that perfect summer dress, and I actually think I have done it this year! I am in love with the pleated front dress because after a long, exhausting day in the office or out and about, what was comfortably form-fitting in the morning is either uncomfortably tight or stretched out by evening.

I lean towards 4 only because I feel that yellow can leave you free to be more daring and fresh with the color of your accessories than with that shade of pink..

[Melissa McGinley]

LOVE LOVE LOVE the pink one

[betty]

Number 4- it looks effortlessly chic and I can imagine how comfy it is!

[betty]

Number 4- it looks effortlessly chic and I can imagine how comfy it is!

[Regan]

I love # 3--it has sleeves (sort of) so I could comfortably wear it to the office.

[iffy]

The yellow Phillip Lim by far!

[zora]

#4 is my favorite by far. Lovely color, unique details, and it looks like it would be flattering AND versatile.
I want it!! :)