Dressy Summer Outfits

In my last post I gave some casual summer outfit ideas, which gave me the idea to also do summer outfits for more special occasions, where you need to dress more formally. With these types of occasions, it’s always a good idea to put your best foot forward, put in more of an effort when picking out what your going to wear, so you can look great, feel comfortable, and enjoy being there. When it comes to dressing up, some people don’t always have a clear understanding of what is acceptable, or needed for each type of situation. I hope this guide can be of some help.

Work

Dress: Zalando Earrings: Shaun Leane Orange Bracelet: Kendra Scott Watch: Timex Shoes: Maiden Lane Scarf: Necklush Bracelet: Accessorize Bag: Tory Burch

Depending on how strict your work attire rules are at work, there is some leeway into which colors and trends can, or can’t be worn at your work place. If wearing colors out of the neutral or subtle category are out of the question, or you prefer to wear those colors, change up your look with accessories instead. The look itself is professional, with some detailing at the top of the dress, while the bracelets, earrings, and scarf add the personality.

Garden Party/ Wedding

 

Dress: Mandco Earrings: Kendra Scott Bracelet: Kate Spade Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Watch: Kate Spade Bag: Chanel

Occasions such as these, allow you to dress more colorfully, and trendy as long as you dress appropriately. An elegant length, that is just above, or just below the knee, unless you opt for a longer dress. So long as the dress isn’t shorter than just above the knee, you should put your mind at ease. If you love to wear color, florals, bows, detail, and embellishments, then these events are great places to wear them. However, since these events are often daytime events, don't wear too much sparkle, and evening wear shine on your garment, or accessories.

Dinner

 

Dress: Miss Selfridge Necklace: Black Five Bracelet: Blue Nile Bag: Chanel Earrings: David Yurman Watch: Forever New Ring: House of Harlow Shoes: Ted Baker

Whether your going to a work event, a dinner, or even a date, an outfit like this is fun with the different bright colors, and accessories, yet the dress is modestly cut. White is the perfect summer dress for many occasions, and a flattering, elegant white dress is even more versatile. Dress accordingly to how professional the dinner is. If it’s a date with an acquaintance dressing more conservative is never a bad idea.

Cocktails

 

Dress: Bevello Necklace: Jules Smith Bracelet: Les Néréides Wallet: Louis Vuitton Shoes: MaxMara Earrings: Fresh Trends Black Bracelet: DANNIJO Watch: Chanel 

With cocktails you can dress more freely in terms of styles and colors, but it's important to still dress well. At one of these, wearing a lower neckline cocktail dress, your freedom of jewelry that can sparkle is appropriate unlike many work professional events. While a red dress may not be everyone’s preference to wear, a wrap dress is flattering on every body type and every size.

Black Tie

 

Dress: Matthew Williamson Earrings: Stephen Webster Watch: Calvin Klein Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Bracelet: Scully & Scully Clutch: Swarovski

Wearing a long dress is a must here, so pick a light breathable fabric, such as chiffon, or silk if possible. The fact that this dress is flowy, and loose from the body, with some cut outs means air will help keep you from sweating if the temperature is quite warm. Add a little sparkle with your accessories, including shoes and clutches if you so choose as this is a perfect occasion to bring them out.

The summer months aren't always casual. There may be times, whether you like it or not, that dressing up is a requirement of the function, and the people you will be socializing with. So my advice is, embrace it, see it an opportunity to put in the extra effort, not for others, for yourself. For your own self confidence and enjoy yourself.

What is your favorite formal event to attend in the summer? Cocktails? A wedding? A nice dinner? Or would you rather keep it casual all summer long?