There are a lot more sleeveless options that I usually show you here, because when it is this hot out, I do not care about the state of my upper arms, and maybe neither should you. Let’s start out with this pretty (albeit slightly splurgy) sundress.
This dress has an English Garden Party feel that I can really get behind.
A sweet button-front sundress that also looks really cute in the navy and white mini-stripe.
Here’s a good beach-to-street option.
A very graceful tank dress that you could dress way up with the right accessories.
I like that this classic shirtdress has brown stripes—it’s kind of unpredictable.
A very put-together (but still laid-back) shirtdress.
I’m not usually the biggest Tory Burch fan, but I can’t find a lot not to like about this wrap dress.
A really simple jersey dress for kicking around in.
This has a very pretty twist in the back (I’d pair it with this strapless bra).
The swirly print here makes this a good party dress candidate.
The bareness of the shoulders offsets the primness of the neckline here.
This red and white floral is nicely graphic.
A pretty tiered dress that looks less hippie girl in black.
This flattering striped number is so feminine.
A very well-priced tee dress.
This gauze dress just looks so throw-it-on-and-go easy.
A delicate floral with the just-right amount of ruffliness.
A white lace dress that isn’t too prim.
This plaid is kind of lively and fun.
I love wearing dresses and skirts in summer, and not just for the staying cool factor. So many of the looks most of us rely on, like Kim’s uniform of button downs and chinos, are great, but they’re basically masculine. Tailored, mannish styles are usually my jam too, especially in winter. But every so often I like to remember I’m a “girl,” and dress like one without necessarily going all out girly. A word about upper arms: Donna Karan used to say that everyone has pretty shoulders, hence her shoulder-baring cold shoulder styles. I’m not suggesting anyone should go for those weird shoulder cut-outs (yuck) but sleeveless dresses are often more flattering than a cap sleeve that hits in an awkward place or a short sleeve that’s too short and draws the eye to crepey skin.
I agree – it’s nice to feel like a girl once in a while. I definitely fall back on a rather masculine uniform most of the time. Most dresses I try on really don’t seem to flatter me but I’ll keep looking and will keep in mind Donna Karan’s comment! A cap sleeve looks horrible on me! Not a chance.
Beautiful picks! I never, ever wear dresses in the summer – can’t seem to find one that’ll work with my lifestyle and looks good. When it’s ridiculously hot, I’ll reach for shorts. I have a much easier time with shorts and usually land on something denim.
I also never wear sleeveless which takes many a dress out of the equation.
But you’ve given me good for thought with the selection today. I can see the appeal – feminine and easy! And cool, literally.
Thanks for the beautiful dresses as it reaches 100 degrees where I am! We missed you yesterday!
I find the older I get the less I care about my arms (and I have strong arms, but you get to a point where the skin, bless its heart, sags and I’ve reached that point). I LOVE these dresses. Even though I’ve sworn off black that one with the twisty back is perfect. And I do love the first one splurgy though it be…
I love to wear dresses in the summertime and so many of these are farmer’s market worthy. Eagerly anticipating part two…
These are perfect for the summer. I especially love the blue Anthropologie shirtdress. Dresses and skirts have replaced all shorts (except for swim shorts) for me in the past six years. I think shorts look good on others, but I just don’t feel at ease in them. The lengths seem to fall either too young or Golden Girls. Dresses are wonderful and feel so much cooler – air gets to circulate all around the nether regions. 😉
Considering I am boiling, menopausal, global warming-hot in Miami thank you for letting me ok with my upper arms. I see a few of these in my future.
Pretty sure I’m going to grab me the ShopBop tee. (Heading to New Orleans in August…..)
As a proud native of the great state (born in Metairie!), let me recommend an additional way to cool off there: get some ice cream at Creole Creamery. The only ice cream that has ever rivaled Creole Creamery, for me, has been the ice cream at the LSU Dairy Science’s ice cream and dairy shop in Baton Rouge (the cream is sourced from the Ag Dept’s cows on campus, so optimal freshness). However, Creole Creamery has the best range of flavors, no question.
Will do! Thanks.