Seven Trendy Dresses to Bring You Through the Summer Months in Style

Be prepared for any occasion by stocking your closet with seven basic dresses. Dresses are an easy way to look put together even when the temperature soars. Find these trendy basics online to save time, or be on the lookout for the following styles when you hit the stores this spring. One of each will have you ready for anything that this whirlwind three months will throw at you. Imagine instantly having something ready to wear to a dinner party, shopping or special event.

Striped T-shirt Dress

You will be thankful for a throw-and-go T-shirt dress several times throughout the summer. Horizontal sailor stripes are a trendy look this season. Lands End carries a very classic blue and white striped dress with cap sleeves. Add a pair of red flats, or kicky Keds to complete the look. You can swap out the rope belt for a wide elastic belt and fun gladiator sandals for a completely different look. Pair with white jeans or capri knit leggings for an extra comfortable look.

Easy Knit

Look for a light knit dress with unfussy details. Jersey knit, stretch fabric can transition nicely from day to evening with a few simple changes in accessories. This simple dress from L.L. Bean features surplice styling and a flattering empire waistline to keep you feeling cool while looking classy.

Playful Sheath

The classic sheath can be found in numerous fabrics and patterns. Typically a sheath is a body-hugging style with a hemline right above the knee. Modest and easy to wear, a sheath dress can be your summer favorite. Slip it on for work, or shopping with the girls, or out to dinner with your man. This sheath dress has pique-textured fabric and a little bit of stretch for comfort. Choose from red, gray or black pattern on white. The all-over print is playful and provides a little figure-forgiving camouflage.

Modest Sundress

Sundresses are a summer staple and white dresses are a hot summer trend. You can pull the two together with this classy dot sundress with a pleated skirt and surplice neckline. The tie back polyester cotton can change its look with a few simple additions. Pair with colorful sandals, a cropped jacket and a summer fedora for a fun look, or add simple tan wedges and a lightweight silk scarf for a breezy, elegant look.

Retro Shift

A retro shift is the perfect choice for hosting a party at home. Patterns this season are bold with vibrant colors. This particular dress features easy to wear three-quarter length sleeves and a crew neck. The abstract pattern may be memorable making it an unusual choice for a summer staple, but there is nothing wrong with owning a look. The heavy pattern makes accessorizing a breeze. Little is needed to finish this look. A pair of sandals, a long pendant necklace or a bracelet and you are ready to go out.

Classic Shirtdress

Shirtdresses are a classic look for a reason. Typically designed with a self-tie belt cinches the dress where you need it and can instantly create a flattering shape. Available in several colors and lengths; a shirtdress that can take you from spring to fall with ease.

In fact, you can continue to wear a shirtdress throughout fall with a few tweaks. Layer under and over for numerous variations in the look. For this reason, you can choose a basic neutral color like tan, black or navy. Although this coral color is a great choice for a trendy summer dress that flatters most skin tones. It also features a nifty leopard print liner.

Maxi Dress

Summer is a great time to experiment with new looks. Try a maxi dress on for size like this beautiful tie-dye. A maxi dress is more than just extra fabric. Look for a dress with a flattering necklines and defined waistline, or one with an empire waistline like this rayon/spandex blend from J.C. Penney.

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