I’m going to be so honest: My summer isn’t looking incredibly busy. After I took back-to-back trips to Amsterdam, France, and Tokyo last summer, I’m ready for a season of rest and relaxation. I only have one upcoming wedding, which has given me an excuse to buy a cute dress and heels, and I’m starting my search at NET-A-PORTER‘s occasion edit. I may have gotten a bit carried away because I found two dozen dresses, so I organized them by occasion for you. You’re welcome. Ahead, there are elegant gowns for afternoon soirées, cute dresses for alfresco dinner parties with friends, bright and fun styles for every summer wedding, and casual but chic silhouettes for your day-to-day events.
Dresses for Elegant Summer Soirées
I imagine these dresses were made with a longtime Hamptons resident in mind, who’s gearing up for a summer full of events, appearances, galas, dinners, and more. Scroll to shop silhouettes with expensive-looking draping, polished prints, and exquisite details.
Victoria Beckham
Draped Floral-Print Silk-Satin Midi Dress
Toteme
Cocoon Draped Voile-Paneled Knitted Maxi Dress
Johanna Ortiz
Inspiring Hearts Convertible One-Sleeve Gathered Stretch-Jersey Maxi Dress
Johanna Ortiz
Bengala Strapless Embellished Broderie Anglaise Maxi Dress
Stella Mccartney
Lace-Trimmed Satin Midi Dress
La DoubleJ
Silk-Twill Maxi Dress
Dresses for Alfresco Dinner Parties
It’s officially dinner-party season, and the best look for the occasion is one you can dress up or down depending on the venue and mood. Spoiler alert: The styles below are perfect for just that.
Dôen
Tahlia Belted Polka-Dot Silk-Blend Twill Midi Dress
Agua By Agua Bendita
Barbara Pleated Bead-Embellished Floral-Print Linen Midi Dress
Faithfull
Hedy Strapless Gathered Linen and Voile Maxi Dress
Stella Mccartney
Lace-Trimmed Satin-Crepe Dress
Marta Ferri
Camogli Grosgrain-Trimmed Belted Cotton-Twill Midi Dress
Isabel Marant
Lindy Lace-Trimmed Embroidered Ramie Maxi Dress
Dresses for Summer Weddings
A summer wedding could take you to a stunning New Mexico villa, a seaside city in Greece, or the beaches of Southern California. There are many dress codes, destinations, and vibes to account for, which is why I chose various silhouettes to shop below.
Themis Z
Lydia Printed Jersey Maxi Dress
Alémais
Stellar Sequined Recycled-Tulle Midi Dress
Taller Marmo
Palermo Fringed Crepe Midi Dress
Staud
Cadence Embellished Satin Maxi Dress
Victoria Beckham
Gathered Crepe Midi Dress
Pucci
Printed Jersey Kaftan
Dresses for Daytime Events
Having a collection of breezy dresses for work events, luncheons, or even dates with friends is essential to looking stylish while beating the heat. My go-to brands include Dôen, Staud, and Posse.
Dôen
Emmaretta Tie-Detailed Shirred Cotton-Voile Midi Dress
Themis Z
Leucothea Flocked Cotton-Poplin Halterneck Midi Dress
Staud
Wells Pleated Cotton-Blend Poplin Midi Dress
Toteme
Stretch-Jersey Midi Dress
Staud
Lucca Printed Silk-Crepe Halterneck Midi Dress
Posse
Lori Open-Back Gingham Linen-Seersucker Maxi Dress