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.
I clicked on the zebra sundress with trepidation, especially when I realized it was headed to Net-A-Porter, but it’s under $200! Yay. I am very, very tempted. I LOVE that Rachel Comey one (I’ve rarely met a cocoon dress I didn’t like), but alas that will have to wait for a very steep discount. And I’d probably buy that Xirena dress immediately if it came in black. It looks a lot like a DvF dress I bought on mega final sale at Barney’s in 2008 that I wore endlessly until the elastic completely gave out.
Also, Kim, I’m with you on not wearing a new outfit to big events. I’ve realized that I like the comfort of familiar things, and I don’t like being surprised by things that are much more sheer than I thought, things that ride up, weird itchiness, etc. Life is hard enough as it is.
How I wish that gorgeous pink dress came in navy or black!
Wow, the Veronica Beard is fantastic! It’s hard to find an eyelet dress that isn’t white.
Love the Norma Kamali and the Sezanne in particular.
Ditto, also the Xirena. Any many others too. Fun post!
Love the simplicity of most of these choices, Kim. I’ve got a big event coming up soon and nothing (in my price range) has sparked joy. It seems that the fashion world is still drowning in prairie dresses – ugh.
LOVE the AllSaints! Very flashy in a good way. And it covers ones arms! And it looks comfy!
Wow – this is one of your best dress compilations ever! Thanks so much!
Love the Norma Kamali (if only I had smaller breasts) and the Sezanne!