Three Brands To Uncomplicate Your Summer Dresses

Do you ever feel discouraged when shopping for dresses? Or maybe, just opening your closet, and feeling lik you just don’t know what matches with the dresses you have?

Perhaps you can’t complete the Look - finding the right shoes or cardigan. When you feel you’re fiddling with a dress and it’s turned into a riddle… it could mean you’ve overcomplicated things.

Sometimes we feel like we need to find something so unique that it ends up only complicating wardrobe life. (Not to say we should not have unique pieces, but it doesn’t have to be every piece!)

While I’ve been taking after-lunch strolls here in Bordeaux, I have enjoyed seeing the timeless, well-made, simple yet figure flattering dresses that some of the older women wear. While the younger folk are definitely trendy, I’m more struck by these elegant ladies, who know how to pull off a great, classic dress. Dresses that, if one saw it dress on the rack, you would almost think, “boring,” “no personality,” or “where’s the oomph?”

But, with the right accessories - a good shoe, a nice pair of sunglasses, the perfect jewelry… you can play a dress off as chic, humble elegance. 

These, what one might say, ‘boring dresses,’ are like a slice of baguette with the meal. It’s nothing fancy, it’s basic, but it delivers every time (and my goodness don’t you need it)!  

I’ve packed dresses like this, and could scarcely believe it myself (stylist’s intuition, perhaps?). But I have learned how such dresses transform into marvelous travel pieces. 

Not only do they work with numerous footwear options, it allows the dress to shift into all sorts of ocasssions, from casual to dressy, with just the change of accessories. 

Here are three brands – that are easily available at stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom and TJ Maxx – that I’d like to share with you now. They’re priced really well, so you don’t have to stress out about that either! Before you see them and feel underwhelmed - take advantage of Macy’s easy return policy and just give one (or a couple) a shot! What do you have to lose?!

Here are 3 brands that offer you classic, chic and flattering dresses:

1.Maggy London

This Maggy London dress is a classic silhouette and color palette you’ll see from them. While it might be thought of as “just a plain pink dress”, the ruffle detail adds a little ‘oomph’ without it being too memorable. This dress is perfect for the day with a cute white sneaker, yet you can even jazz it up for an occasion like a wedding with a nude heel and statement necklace.

2.Calvin Klein

This dress does have a little bigger ‘pop’, but you’ll find this classic silhouette a theme of the CK dresses. This is perfect to wear to work with a loafer and off to a summer evening dinner by slipping on an espadrille wedge!

3.Tommy Hilfiger

Does the color navy with gold buttons ever go un-chic?! This classic fit and flare is a common silhouette for Tommy Hilfiger and is SO flattering on numerous body types. This dress can be layered with a blazer or worn more casually with mule. Even in the winter you can wear it with tights and boots!

To access other chic dresses that will bring you from casual days in to evening soirées just click here!

Question: What is YOUR favorite brand for a great classic dress?