The Easy Summer Dress
*Updated June 2020
Every cold, rainy spring, I look forward to the ease of summer when we can shed our extra layers and just walk outside to soak up the sunshine. Then summer arrives, and I remember that bare skin and time outside comes with its own “layers” like sunblock, bug spray, hats and sunglasses. Summer also means packing for trips and doing more laundry, and suddenly, it seems just as busy as the rest of the year! So, over the summer, I often look for one-and-done pieces; dresses, jumpsuits and rompers. One of my favorite purchases this year is this easy summer dress…
The Tie-Waist Dress
I bought this DR2 by Daniel Rainn Cap Sleeve Split Neck Dress from Nordstrom Rack, when I was in Chicago a few months ago. This print just sold out, but I’ll list several other easy dress and romper options at the end of this post.) Here’s what to look for when you want an easy summer dress or romper…
- A tie-waist or elastic-waist is great for early pregnancy, post-pregnancy, middle-age weight gain, or just when you’ve had one too many ice-cream cones!
- A mini or knee-length dress will keep you cooler (than a midi or maxi.)
- Find a washable, quick-dry, wrinkle-free fabric like polyester, cotton, or rayon.
- Look for a pull-over-your-head style sop you don’t have to fuss with zippers or buttons.
Now, you may know from my earlier posts that I usually don’t buy fast fashion (cheap, trendy clothing.) In this case though, I knew that it would be a dress that I would wear often, from the summer into early fall, so I made an exception.
Other Easy Summer Dress Options
There are lots of cute tie-waist and elastic waist pull-over dresses online. Here are just a few…
$ This Rincon Dress from Athleta is made with recycled polyester, is machine washable, and is quick to dry.
$ If you like the look of a dress with the comfort of a romper, take a look at Athleta’s Expedition Skort with adjustable waist.
$ Aqua’s Smocked Tiered Mini Dress uses elasticized smocking to create the same nipped in waist as a tie-waist dress.
$ For those hot summer days, try Treasure & Bond’s Sleeveless Tie Waist Dress.
Rompers and Jumpsuits
If you prefer pants, consider a jumpsuit or romper with a tie-waist detail:
$ For your summer workouts, take a look at New Balance’s elastic waist Velocity Performance Romper.
$$ This Bella Dahl Drawstring Utility Romper is cute and casual. It’s made with machine-washable rayon.
What’s Your Favorite Easy Summer Dress?
Drop me a comment or send me an e-mail to let me know what you’re wearing on repeat this summer!
Hi Suzanne! I actually have the same sort of figure as you; short waisted, longer legs, and a waist that has started to lose its definition. Belts and structured waist bands accentuate all those features, so I love that this style gives me the illusion of smaller waist. I will try to find some U.K. brands to link to in future posts. Thanks so much for stopping by! xo Nipa
I love this on you! Oddly I tend to steer clear of anything that ties around the middle like this as I don’t have much waist definition. I think it’s also because I’m fairly short waisted with longer legs than my body. I’m not sure but I just feel self conscious. Shame that anything you recommend I can’t buy 🙁 Wish we had some of these brands in the UK!
OMG how cute!!! Love this!
Thank you Michelle! xo Nipa
What a gorgeous dress! It reminds me of one I picked up in Paris a few years back – I love reliving those memories!
Hi Krystal, I love shopping when I travel for that very reason! xo Nipa
That dress is just gorgeous, Nipa! I love your alternate suggestions, too. That leopard print one is probably my very favorite but I always love Rebecca Taylor’s style, too. V-neck and tie-waist are so flattering and I love the shirtdress hem styling, too.
Ruth
http://www.VogueFauxReal.com
Thank you, Ruth! xo Nipa
Love your dress; love your new site design!
Well done, Nipa!!
Thank you, Susan! That means so much to me. Xo Nipa
DR2 is one of my fave brands year after year at Nordstrom Rack. They offer so many great prints and easy-to-wear pieces.
Hi Chelsea, I’m so glad to hear that! I just discovered them so I only bought one piece to “test” the quality. Xo Nipa
Such a cute dress and versatile! The colors could be worn in any season !
Thank you, Erica. I plan to wear it in the fall too! Xo Nipa
This dress is so pretty! I live in the desert and summertime brings 100 degree temps. Wearing dresses is my favorite option to keep cool.
Thank you Christa! Wow, we usually see 90 degrees, but rarely close to 100. xo Nipa
I love this dress on you. I’m not a huge fan of summer dresses but I really need to try more I think.
Hi Jessica, There are so many cute options in store now. Hope you find something you love! xo Nipa
I just got two wrap dresses from Nordstroms! Love easy summer dresses.
Hi Alix, I love wraps too! They’re so flattering and easy to wear. xo Nipa
Love the dress … but unfortunately it does not fit my body shape – I wish it did. But I love how it looks on you!
Aww, thank you! xo Nipa
I love that this dress can be worn to church or to work.
Hi Amanda, Absolutely! Thanks for stopping by. xo Nipa