Finding the perfect summer
dress is no easy task. It must be comfortable, chic, and versatile enough to
wear to the beach, a picnic, or even a night out. Luckily with some simple
guidelines you can find your perfect summer frock!

1.       Make sure the dress is comfortable. Check the fabric content. Look for
jersey, cotton and other breathable fabrics. Also check out how sheer the
fabric is. Can you wear proper undergarments or even a bathing suit under it? I
usually avoid white or sheer dresses for this reason.

2.       Next up: is it flattering? The bustline should be appropriate and not too
low if you decide to throw a cardigan over it to go grocery shopping. Are the
straps wide enough to support a bra if necessary, or does it have lining? Also
check where it hits your leg. It should be just a couple of inches above your
knee, and definitely not far past the knee because that’s a recipe for
dowdiness (minus maxi dresses that go to your feet!). The dress should have a flattering
shape and not flare too far out or stick too close to the body.

3.       Now, is the dress versatile? Could it take you from day to night? It will
be hard to find a dress that can be a beach coverup, a work event, and a night
on the town but it’s certainly not impossible. For the best luck in versatility,
choose interesting patterns and colors on your dress combined with classic
silhouettes. Make sure it is appropriate (read: not too skimpy) for a work
picnic and easy to dress up with heels and jewelry for a night out.

Accessorize your summer
dresses with fun bangle bracelets and strappy sandals. Here is an assortment of
dresses and accessories that fit with every budget. With these easy rules, you
should be able to find that one (or more) perfect dress to rock all summer
long!

1.
Brown
Faux-Leather Gladiator Pumps – $29.50 – Old Navy, 2. Tribal
Print Dress – $22.50 – Wet Seal, 3. Gladiator
sandals – $110 – J.Crew, 4. Colourblock
Summer Dress – $98 – Boden, 5. Clementine
Cotton Maxi Dress – $198 – Rugby by Ralph Lauren

6. Eyeleted
Islands Dress – $158 – Anthropologie,
7. Kimchi Blue Halter Dress – $68 – Urban Outfitters, 8. White
Bangle Pack – $40 – Topshop, 9. Rustic
Bangle Pack – $45 – Topshop, 10. O’Neill
Summer Lovin Dress – $49.50 – Swell