Summer's Best Dresses

Dresses are a summertime favorite for me. They're cool, lightweight and so much more feminine than shorts. I feel that every woman should have at least ten great dresses in her closet per season and here are the ones I have in my closet for this summer.

Alison Dress: J. Crew: Soft, feminine but playful and casual. The color is Bright Papaya, a rich, deep reddish orange. The top of the dress features six teensy white buttons and the skirt is full and loose. There is a banded empire waist that makes for very easy wearing. Pair this dress with simple sandals for a casual summer afternoon. This fabulous dress retails for $140.00.

Diamond Weave V-neck Dress: Banana Republic: This is summer's little black dress. Plunging v-neck paired with soft shirring on the sides is feminine and comfortable, while it's also easy to dress up with jewelry and great shoes. This dress retails for $98.00 and is also available in a medium blue color.

Madras Patio Dress: GAP: Summer's perfect sundress! Completely feminine and super comfy, this spaghetti strapped plaid dress is made for relaxing! It's long, flowy and simple, but the pattern makes it more than fun! The dress comes in both yellow and blue madras plaid and retails for $78.00

Ruffle Chiffon Dress: Old Navy: It doesn't get any cuter than this! Short skirt and ruffle detail along the collar and shoulders are too fun for summer. This dress is available in solid black as well as black and white or aqua and white polka dot detail and retails for just $34.50!

Battenberg Beach Dress: Free People: A tiny little linen dress that is perfect for stepping off the beach to grab dinner or even just for spending a hot afternoon in the yard. Delicate, feminine lace details along the front and shoulders make this dress a romantic pick as well! Available in either white or navy, this dress retails for $138.

Ganges Shift: Anthropologie Heavy metal! This gold dress is so much fun, you'll find a billion places to wear it! Gold pattern along with metallic strips across the bodice make this dress both fancy and exciting! Pair with this season's gold sandals for shiny, smashing style! Retails for $228.00

Notch Collar Shirtdress: Ann Taylor: Shirtdresses scream class to me; I just love them! This one is a classic, with a wrap tie waist and capped sleeves, yet it's feminine and pretty too! Available is solid black for $138.00

Summers In Sweden Dress: Hanna Andersson: Typically, I only shop Hanna for my children but now and then I find something for myself in their women's department. This summer I found an adorable, brightly colored flowered sundress, available in either red or blue flower print for $78.00 - only it's on sale now for $42!

Country Floral Dress: H&M: Bright, bold flowered pattern covers this simply cut sundress. An A-line skirt and tank bodice make this dress an easy wear. Available in one pattern: a full color flower print and retailing for $59.50.

Polka Dot Eyelet Dress: Issac Mizrahi for Target: Soft, flirty and full of girly style! The A-line skirt and fitted top make this dress super feminine but it's made of a lightweight fabric that's perfect for hanging around. It's cheap too, only $44.99!!

Dresses aren't just for going out! You can wear a dress in place of shorts for a cool, breezy summer outfit that looks polished and pulled together while offering maximum comfort.