I was just saying to a friend that this spring is the first one that actually feels “back to normal” after a certain pandemic turned our world upside down back in March of 2020. We were starting to get there last spring, but life was still fairly casual, and social gatherings were just starting to ramp up. This year, though, everyone seems to be going somewhere and we are finally dressing up again!
I’ve had lots of requests for dresses, in particular, so I did an extensive roundup for you today. Whether you need casual travel dresses, a wedding guest dress, an Easter dress, or something for the office, I’ve gotcha covered in this post!
Casual Dresses
Splendid dress in Navy (S) (more sizes) // denim jacket (S) // braided sandals (8) // earrings // necklace
I usually think of knit and cotton for casual dresses, but I love this lightweight sleeveless shift with the feathery frayed hem. It’s made of 72% viscose, 28% lyocel, so it’s very cool and comfortable. I’ll definitely be packing this one for Italy this summer! I also have a bunch of other styles for you below. I’ve tried a few, and others are on order.
Date Night & Wedding Guest Dresses
LOFT jumpsuit (S) (petite sizes) // Marc Fisher heels (7.5) // YSL bag (similar for less) // earrings // similar necklace // bracelet (similar for less) // watch (similar for less)
When it’s time to dress up for a wedding, date night, or other semi-formal occasion, don’t forget jumpsuits as an option. The LOFT one above is so soft and comfortable in an easy jersey knit, but you can dress it up with shoes and accessories, if you desire. But I also rounded up a bunch more options below. I’ll be shooting a few of these in Florida this week!
Spring Dresses for Church or the Office
similar dress (8) // Sam Edelman sandals (8) // Coach bag // earrings // bracelet
This group of dresses is everything in between casual and semi-formal, with a focus on more conservative styles for church or work. Some of these are certainly wedding appropriate, as well.
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photos: Alison Cornell
10 Responses
Hello
Could you please show some dresses with either 3/4 sleeve or long sleeve for a Sept. Wedding. I would prefer not to wear a shawl or sweater or Jacket.
Thanks
Maribeth
What a fun post– especially since it’s raining and cold in Delaware today. The time for summer dresses is coming! I am intrigued by the shift-style floral dresses like the Emmerson Fry Isla on Evereve. (I can’t figure out how to add the link) Have you tried any of them, Jo-Lynne? This style is completely different than the sheath that I’ve always worn, which is why I think I’m drawn to it. Shifts have less shape, which is what appeals to me. They look cool and dare I say, freeing? I like the shorter length and the fact that it’s not as close-fitting as the casual tank dresses I usually wear. It seems like they would be perfect for a day outside in August– a festival, al fresco dining, a concert. They are shorter than I wear, but I see no reason why I can’t do what my thirty-year-old daughter does– wear a thin pair of “bike shorts” under it in case it gets windy!
Yeah, that’s a lot of dress for me, but I would be willing to try. I do think it’s cute.
Thank you for assembling this post. We know dresses are not among your favorite things but you assembled a nice collection of beautiful dresses for us anyway. I appreciate your generosity.
I must be learning from you. I already have several of these dresses or similar. They are among my favorites. I wore the exact Maggy London Illusion Yoke Dress to a January wedding in warmer California. It is a wonderful piece that needs little accessorizing. Had a great time dancing the night away in a gorgeous dress.
Cool dresses with appropriate undergarments to avoid “rub” are necessary in Italy. That’s all Italian women wear. I ended up buying 3 dresses while there & not wearing shorts. Your post is perfect timing. Have a large light scarf in bag to throw over shoulders when entering churches or tie around waist to cover more leg. And good shoes…cobblestones everywhere!
I wondered if you’d be meeting Cyndi. She said she was headed to Florida this week. 🙂 Have a great time. I’m sure it will be fun trip. I hope you gave yourselves some extra days to just relax and not work so hard. Glad you are feeling good about getting travel plan help. I think there was some really good ideas from this community of woman.
We traveled to Italy late last August. Wear loose fitting clothes that can dry from being sweat-soaked. Loved it. An overload of art and history.
Florence was our favorite. You can also book wine tasting tours to Tuscany from there, and Pisa isn’t too far. Comfortable shoes/flat walking sandals are a must! Cobblestone hikes and stairs will work out those stabilizer muscles in your calves that may not be used that often.
Check out Rick Steve’s’ books and audio tour info – his museum guides are wonderful! Food recommendations are perfect.
Rome is over the top. Vatican (skip the line tours), Pantheon, Forum, Coliseum, Trevi Fountain, Borghese Museum.
You can use Rome as your base to travel to Amalfi Coast and Pompeii(looks sketchy from the outside, but once you pass through the gates, it’s amazing!).
If you have time, Cinque Terre and Lake Como are awesome.
Food and wine are all good. Eat lots of gelato.
Book places in advance. Toughest place to book admission – daVinci’s Last Supper in Milan.
Train travel is great way to go.
Have fun. Contact me if you want more detailed information,
Such great advice, thanks!!
Thank you for this! I know you don’t care to wear dresses too much, and I really appreciate your time and effort! I’m looking for a dress for our senior’s band banquet, Easter, and of course his graduation. Not quite sure what I’m looking for, just hoping I know it when I see it, I guess. ❤️
I also need something for Easter and graduation! I may wear white jeans for Easter, as it’s often chilly here, but I definitely want a dress for my son’s college graduation. Maybe even that Splendid Joella, if it’s a hot day.