We've reached the very happy point in the year where I'm slowly bringing out my summer dresses. This usually happens one by one and then all at once, and I love to watch the process of my closest transitioning over. I must admit something, though—not every item I bring out of storage ends up being a winner.
I have a hard time letting go of things, especially when I have memories attached to them, so you might find some outdated dresses in the collection. I've rounded up the things I am currently adding to the donation pile. On the other hand, there's one dress trend I think is seriously worth investing in right now: the cotton poplin dress. It's lightweight and elegant and comes in so many iterations you'll never grow tired of it. Also, the best part is it will never end up in a donation bin. Scroll down to find your summer uniform.
Donating: Cowl-Neck Slip Dresses
Buying: Classic White Cotton Poplin Dresses
I guarantee that a white cotton poplin dress is in every fashion person's closet. It's a piece that manages to be timeless while also being very right now. You'll feel just as elegant and poised as they do when you wear yours.
Shop:
How good is this little white dress?
You'd be shocked at how comfortable something that looks as elegant as this can be.
Easy, chic, and well within my budget—I'm sold.
You'll wear it again and again.
Invite me to a rooftop party this summer—I dare you.
The way I would find an excuse to wear this every day.
I'm in love.
Donating: Embroidered Dresses
Buying: Cutout Cotton Poplin Dresses
Cutouts are going to be everything this summer. The trend has really reached its peak. You're in good hands with cotton poplin. It is demure and sophisticated, making for an interesting contrast from the sharp cutouts.
Shop:
Adding this dress to my wish list.
Wearing the color purple helps you manifest a glow-up.
I would mistake this J.Crew dress for something designer.
Tove is such a vibe.
This cobalt blue is everything.
Donating: Knee-Length Dresses
Buying: Colorful Cotton Poplin Dresses
If I could pick only one color to wear this summer, it would be pink. All of my Y2K dreams come true whenever I wear it.
Shop:
Another under-$100 option I'm scooping up ASAP.
Hello, yellow.
Can I have this in every color?
This dress reminds me of a designer style I've had my eyes on.
Donating: Bandana-Print Dresses
Buying: Puff-Sleeve Cotton Poplin Dresses
The puff sleeve isn't going anywhere anytime soon. While certain prints are starting to feel outdated, puff-sleeve dresses that I bought years ago still look just as good. You can invest without fear in this trend.
Shop:
An office-to-happy-hour dress.
Puff sleeves galore.
This feels so elevated.
Another dress I've been eyeing for quite some time.
Donating: Polka-Dot Dresses
Buying: Floral-Print Cotton Poplin Dresses
This is the most Bridgerton-esque and cottagecore-centric section of this story, so you might want to scroll slowly so you don't miss something good. These dresses will have you glowing.
Shop:
Cara Cara knows how to make a good dress.
One of my new favorite picks.
This one simply won't fail you.
The print is my favorite part.
It's the color for me.
Donating: Lace-Up Dresses
Buying: Cotton Poplin Shirtdresses
Last but not least, the most effortless staple of all happens to be the shirtdress. With it being such an easy way to get dressed, you can count on it to make your summer style easy.
Shop:
I'm currently in disbelief over the fact this dress is on sale.
I'm in love.
The definition of effortless.
This color is divine.
A cool-girl take on cotton poplin.
This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated. Up Next: 31 Accessible Things People in NYC Will Most Definitely Be Wearing This Summer
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For These 2 Pieces When I Don't Know What to WearReady in 10 minutes or less.
-
The Only 9 Jackets You Need for Spring, According to Fashion PeopleThere's something for everyone.
-
30 Reformation Dresses and Shoes That Are Sure to Go Viral by SummerGet them before they're sold out.
-
And Now, 5 Elevated Ways to Wear Your Jeans in 2024Denim devotees, unite.
-
After 5 Days in Aspen, I'm Officially Hooked on Western Pieces—5 I'm Loving RNFrom cowboy hats to fringe accents.
-
I Asked Over 2000 Women Where to Buy the Best White Shirts—They Love These 23Your definitive guide.
-
Here's How French Women Are Styling Their Jeans Right NowTake note.
-
French Women Always Wear This Jeans-and-Flats Outfit FormulaEasy as un, deux, trois.
