Jade Green Twist Waist Sheath Dress

This first dress is a twist waist sheath by Donna Karan, and it’s right on trend with its midi length and sleek column silhouette. I especially like the twist-waist detail, which adds a little visual interest while creating a flattering shape through the midsection. And the shade of green is absolutely gorgeous.

The fabric is soft, stretchy, and comfortable, with plenty of ease for movement. It isn’t lined, but the fabric has enough weight that it lays nicely, and the structured seaming details give it a more polished look. The subtle slit at the hem adds just the right amount of interest and makes it even easier to walk and move comfortably throughout the day or evening.

I paired it with a neutral strappy sandal with a shiny gold ball detail. I love how this color blends with my skin tone for a barely-there look, and the flared heel gives them a modern feel. They’re also very comfortable and easy to walk in.

For accessories, I chose chunky gold hoops and a layered freshwater pearl necklace that complements the jewel neckline and helps break up the expanse of fabric. I also added this fun beaded bracelet set with shades of green that picks up the color of the dress. It’s a bit more casual than I’d typically choose for a special occasion, but I love how it picks up the color of the dress and adds a playful touch.

Finally, the bag is key to making this look feel a bit more festive for a wedding. The gold ball mesh bag with its chunky chain strap adds just the right amount of glamour and makes the outfit event-ready. It also comes with a longer, more delicate crossbody chain, so you have two ways to wear it.

Shop the Look: Donna Karan Twist Waist Sheath Dress (10) // Dolce Vita Mylee Heels in Light Tan Heather (8) // Olga Berg Ball Mesh Bag // Jenny Bird hoops // similar necklace // beaded stretch bracelets

Butter Yellow Faux Wrap Sheath Dress

The second dress I styled is this beautiful butter yellow faux wrap sheath, also by Donna Karan. I love how the draped front panel creates a faux-wrap effect, with pleating at the side that adds interest. The asymmetrical overlay extends slightly below the hemline, giving this classic sheath silhouette a fresh update.

I also love the soft butter yellow. It’s one of the season’s trending colors, but it’s much more versatile than you might expect. This dress is fully lined with nice structure and features a concealed side zipper for a smooth fit.

After some debate about what color shoes and bag to wear with a yellow dress, I decided to go with ivory for a subtle contrast that keeps the look light and polished.

I kept the jewelry the same for this look. I really like how the layered freshwater pearl necklace fills the neckline, and the green beaded bracelet adds an unexpected touch that works surprisingly well with the soft yellow.

Shop the Look: Donna Karan Faux Wrap Sheath Dress (10) // Dolce Vita Mylee Heels in Cream (8.5) // similar east-west shoulder bag // Jenny Bird hoops // similar necklace // beaded stretch bracelets

How to Choose the Right Dress for a Summer Event

If you’re shopping for a wedding, graduation, shower, or other special event this summer, here are a few things I like to keep in mind:

Consider the Dress Code

If the invitation includes a dress code, that makes choosing a dress much easier. If not, the venue and time of day can tell you a lot about how dressy your outfit should be. A garden wedding or graduation party usually calls for something a little more relaxed, while an evening wedding or cocktail event may warrant dressier details, elevated accessories, or a more formal fabric.

Think About Length

Dress length can play a big role in how formal an outfit feels. For most summer events, a midi dress is a safe and versatile choice. It feels polished without being overly formal and works well for everything from graduations and showers to weddings and cocktail parties.

Shorter hemlines can feel appropriate for more casual daytime celebrations, while floor-length dresses tend to be best reserved for more formal evening weddings and events. When in doubt, a midi length is usually the easiest option to dress up or down with your accessories.

Pay Attention to Fabric

The fabric of a dress can have a big impact on how formal it feels. Cotton, linen, and gauzy fabrics are typically better suited to daytime events and more casual celebrations, while fabrics with more structure, drape, or sheen tend to feel dressier.

As I’ve been shopping for a wedding guest dress, I’ve noticed that fabric can sometimes influence the formality of a dress even more than the length. I found myself ruling out several shorter and midi-length dresses because the sequins, beading, or shimmer made them feel too formal for an afternoon wedding.

On the other hand, fabrics with texture and structure—such as lace, jacquard, brocade, or embroidered details—can still feel special and occasion-worthy without looking overly dressy. When you’re deciding between two dresses, paying attention to the fabric can be just as important as considering the silhouette or hemline.

Choose a Flattering Fit

This may sound obvious, but if you don’t do a lot of dress shopping, it can take some trial and error to figure out what works best for you. As you try on dresses, pay attention to the necklines, sleeve styles, lengths, and silhouettes that make you feel your best.

For me, details like draping, ruching, and strategic seaming can make a big difference in both fit and comfort. I’ve also learned that I generally prefer more open necklines, and I tend to stay away from dresses with a lot of volume through the skirt and sleeves.

The more you identify those preferences, the easier it becomes to shop online and narrow down the styles that are most likely to work for you.

Don’t Forget the Accessories

Shoes, jewelry, and your handbag can completely change the feel of an outfit. The right accessories can make a simple dress feel wedding-ready, while more casual accessories can help you get additional wear out of the same piece for other occasions.

The handbag is especially important here. A dressy clutch or special occasion bag can instantly make an outfit feel more polished and festive, even if the dress itself is relatively simple.

More Summer Event Dresses to Consider

If you’re searching for the perfect dress for an upcoming event, here are a few more options that caught my eye. I’ve included a variety of styles, colors, and silhouettes, so hopefully you’ll find something that works for both the occasion and your personal style.