I’m attending a big, splashy 50th birthday party for a good friend this weekend, and it’s a party where I’ll see a lot of people I haven’t seen in a while, and because of this I have been unduly preoccupied with what to wear. I’ve driven myself crazy looking for the perfect dress—something that is as chic as it is comfortable and easy. In the end I decided not to buy anything new and instead plan to wear a Maria Cornejo silk caftan I’ve owned for a while, but I found several good options, starting with this two-piece number from Allsaints, which also comes in this quite good orange.

This lightweight cotton number would be perfect for a summer barbeque.

I’ve included some sleeveless dresses here, which I usually don’t do, because so many good party dresses come that way. Just remember you can always throw on a cardigan or cropped jacket, or just go with a wrap if you’re self-conscious about your arms. This zebra print sundress is pleasingly graphic.

I don’t usually like one-strap dresses, but this is just lovely.

I almost purchased this one and still might: the pinstripes here are unexpected but really good.

This looks like Missoni, but brighter and more fun (and cheaper, while still not cheap).

A slinky ruched dress in a really rich blue; here’s one that’s similar, but striped and slightly more casual.

Just a simple but statement-y pink dress to throw on whenever. I like it styled with gold jewelry and footwear, just like here.

This eyelet dress is the priciest of today’s bunch, but just so feminine and pretty.

A simple white dress with nice Grecian lines.

A cute sundress from Rachel Comey in a cocoon-ish shape.

A bright floral dress with puffy—but not too puffy—shoulders.