Cool Down With A Hot Summer Dress

Although the worst is over, the memory of last week's heat wave has us clinging to our shorts, flip-flops, and ice-cold bottles of water. On days when it would be most comfortable to forgo clothing altogether, what is the first item you reach for before heading into the sauna? For many women, that item is the sundress.

Long a staple of every woman's wardrobe, sundresses are the ultimate in comfort on a hot, sticky day. I'm convinced that the worst thing about being a man is that it is socially unacceptable to don one, although I wouldn't judge a fellow for wearing one when the temps soar above 90.



Unlike stifling pants, shorts that ride up and skirts that cling to the hips, sundresses are easy to throw on and require little in the way of accessorizing. If you are planning on eventually heading into an air-conditioned climate, a light sweater might be helpful, but nothing more is necessary. Any kind of footwear is appropriate to wear with a casual dress, from flip flops to flats. Best of all, there are tons of different styles at shops that cater to any budget.

This year there have been a few interesting dress trends. Most notably, the maxi dress has made a huge splash and I’ve seen women of all shapes and sizes pull this look off effortlessly. You would think only tall, slender women could manage this silhouette, but as long as the dress has a good fit, the maxi can flatter all body types. Since maxis were floating around last spring and summer, checking Main Street consignment shops like Greene Street and The Attic would be a good place to start if you’re on the fence about a maxi.

Another adventurous style for summer is the cutout dress. Catch a breeze on your back or sides with a frock that exposes a little skin in a subtle way. Beware of tan lines, though - I wouldn’t recommend wearing one of these without generous amounts of sunscreen. But worn casually, the cutout dress keeps bodies cool and a little flirty - a great look for a first date.

When in doubt, the tried and true easy summer sundress is a no-fail choice for almost any event. Throw a blazer over a dress for work, add a fun vest to a concert outfit, or a pair of sparkly earrings and heels for a night out. Sundresses cannot be given enough praise. They are flattering, versatile, and most importantly, comfortable during these sweltering summer weeks. Next time you’re tempted to wear a bikini to work, try the next best thing.

Article By Erin Brodbeck


Photo: Dottie-3 colors by Leslie Evers from Avenue Verde