** This post is sponsored by Gap Factory and Collective Voice. All selections, styling, and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this site!
I’m always getting requests for summer shorts alternatives, and Gap Factory has some really nice options right now. Plus, they’re all 50% Off + Extra 10% Off during their Friends & Family Event. (Use code GFFRIEND at checkout. Exclusions apply.)
Pocket T-Shirt Dress (S) // Icon Denim Jacket (S)
Casual Dresses
A t-shirt dress is always my go-to when I need a casual alternative to shorts, and this stripe version hits all the right notes. It has some nice details, with the folded cuffs on the short sleeves, a patch pocket at the chest, and a seam detail up the back.
The fabric is a cool and comfortable slub jersey knit, and it has a straight silhouette with an easy fit that’s designed to hit just above the knee. I paired it with white leather sneakers to keep the look casual and sporty.
This dress also comes in a black stripe as well as some solid colors; and most are available in regular, petite, and tall sizes. I’m wearing the regular size small, for reference.
If it gets chilly, the Gap Factory Icon Denim Jacket is the perfect topper for a casual t-shirt dress. It has a straight and easy fit, and it’s made of 100% cotton, so there isn’t a lot of give to it, but it does soften up with wear. I have the medium wash in a size small.
When you want to level it up a bit, this Sleeveless Splitneck Mini Dress is a great option. I actually have this from last summer, and I was thrilled to see they brought it back. I wore it a couple of times in Italy for dinner out.
Sleeveless Splitneck Mini Dress (S)
I love the feminine tiers and split neck with ruffle detail. This dress also comes in a few prints, and it’s available in regular, petite, and tall sizes. I’m wearing the regular size small.
White Denim
White jeans are another good alternative to shorts on milder summer days. Here in Philadelphia, we get quite a few of those.
These Mid Rise Girlfriend Jeans are made of a soft white low-stretch denim (99% Cotton, 1% Elastane). They have a mid rise and an easy fit through the hip and thigh, with a slightly tapered leg, but they still read as a straight leg style. They’re true to size; I’m in the 29.
Relaxed Gauze Popover Top (S) // Mid Rise Girlfriend Jeans (29)
I topped them off with this pretty gauze popover top in Light Peony Pink. The boxy fit and split neck with relaxed collar is right on trend, and it’s cool and comfortable to wear when the weather is anything but. It also comes in white and black and a pretty sage green.
Linen Pants
Finally, linen pants are lightweight and breathable and exude a breezy summer vibe. This pair has on-trend cargo pockets and a drawstring waist. These pants have a mid rise and a 29″ inseam, and they come in four colors. Some are also available in petite and tall sizes.
Linen Blend Wide Leg Cargo Pull-On Pants (S) // Ribbed Crewneck T-Shirt (M)
I chose the Laurel Wreath Green, and I paired them with this black ribbed crewneck t-shirt. This is such a good basic; I also have it in the white and the navy white stripe. I sized up to a medium for a little extra wiggle room, since it has a body-con fit.
I like to pair wide leg pants with a more fitted top, so I don’t lose my waistline in all of the fabric. I did a front tuck and pulled the sides out a bit to avoid creating a horizontal line across my midsection.
Light neutral sandals and a light colored neutral bag keep the look light and summery, despite the darker colors in the pants and top.
Shop these and more of my Gap Factory favorites below, and don’t forget to use code GFFRIEND at checkout for an additional 10% off!
My Favorite Summer Styles from Gap Factory
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15 Responses
These are definitely my go to if I don’t want to wear shorts! I also tend to wear the athletic look too( skort of dress)!for comfort and ease when I don’t want to be overly dressed but still cool and comfortable!
When should you wear a lighter denim jacket as opposed to a medium wash?
It’s just a matter of personal preference, either would work with this dress. I like how the darker blue denim sort of “matches” the navy stripes in the dress, but the light wash would give it an extra casual vibe, and it’s a little more of a trendy look.
Love these casual comfy styles, especially the split neck dress. Unfortunately due to menopause (ugh) I find I cannot wear any synthetic fabrics in the summer, I end up a sweaty mess. Do you know of anything similar that comes in cotton or a knit fabric that help my body breathe?
Cute looks. Still waiting for the 5” mid rise light wash shorts to come. I ordered them when you first shared them. Gap factory shipping is alittle slow.
Thanks for this GAP update. I ordered the Split Neck Sleeveless Dress Midi in the red and 2 of the high neck tank tops. I’m going to Palm Springs at the end of July first of August and I know it will be so hot and I have 3 events where I think a call for a little of an elevated look will be more to my liking. Of course, there will be people dressed all sorts of ways. Thanks again, for all you do.
Am I the only one that any of the linen pants photos do not load?
Would love a ‘splurge’ of the first dress you show.
Thanks!
Not loading for me either 🤷🏻♀️
I think I know what happened… try it now.
all good! Thank you 🙂
Can you add, to your extensive list of post topics, dressy shorts? I don’t always like skirts or dresses because you have to make sure nothing is creeping up. I feel like shorts are cooler and not as dressy as…a dress. I’ve looked for them and they seem hard to find. I personally don’t like them very long, no more than 5 inches.
Aritzia has some very nice ones! I plan to pick up a pair next week when I’m traveling 🙂 Multiple lengths too!
I have both of those dresses in basically all the colors and prints they come in… they are a total go to for me. The linen pants too – just so comfy. I love your blog and style!
I love the split neck dress (olive floral), white jeans, and the linen pants, though I can’t do wide leg. All are nice options when shorts aren’t desirable or appropriate. Thanks!
I cannot believe I am NOT ordering anything! 😂 I have 2 of these cute/fun/casual pocket t-shirt dresses from last year. A white with black stripe, and a nice olive green. I also have the sleeveless tiered dress in black, and a pretty blue print. I have the white girlfriend jeans, and the black ribbed tee. Also the navy and white striped. 🙈 I’m excited to wear these soon as they are all compatible with The Boot lol. I received the pink shorts and black eyelet top earlier this week and my daughter immediately put them on! I guess when I shop for myself, I shop for her too, now! She’s 10, so this won’t last long. I’ll enjoy it while I can! ❤️
Well, I just placed an order with GAP Factory that consists of the light pink gauze top, the tshirt dress in a solid, linen pull on 6” shorts, and the linen cargo pants. I also ordered the long sleeve button up linen shirt to coordinate with the cargo pants. Thanks for sharing such great items with us!