5 Dress Styles I Absolutely Love for Spring and Summer

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing Summer maxi black dress outfit, straw tote bag, belted dress, ruffle dress, sleeveless dress, Spring Summer casual dress outfit.

Dress season is upon us! It's that time of the year when sleeveless dresses, linen dresses, maxi dresses, flowy dresses, shirt dresses, and more all come into focus. I love a dress year-round, but especially during the warmer seasons because there are so many options to play with. Here are five dress styles that I absolutely love for Spring and Summer.

1. A Linen Shirtdress

Okay, let me disclose right away that I'm a total sucker for a good shirtdress! I have a good number of them, and am always on the lookout for the next one to add to my collection. I am partial to midi and maxi shirtdresses because I find them versatile and easy to wear as part of casual weekend outfits, or work outfits. On the material front, I have seen shirtdresses in just about every type of fabric, the light ones and the more substantial ones; however in the Spring and Summer, my preference is a linen shirtdress.

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing Summer linen shirtdress outfit, Calvin Klein maxi dress, Coach leather sneakers, Amazon belt, Banana Republic Vida tote, Spring Summer casual dress outfit.

This light beige linen shirtdress is as breezy as it looks! And it checks a lot of my style preference boxes: cap sleeves, long length, quality material, assorted sash belt (even if I typically replace those with a leather belt!). One way to style this shirtdress is to pair it with sneakers, a wide leather belt, and a large leather tote for an easy weekend outfit.

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing jeans and dress outfit, Target blue jeans, Calvin Klein linen shirtdress, Sam Edelman heels, belted look, Spring Summer elevated casual style.

Another look that works well with this Calvin Klein shirtdress is to pair it with jeans. Shirtdresses are a great way to give blue jeans a flowy and sophisticated vibe.

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing colorful linen shirtdress outfit, belted dress, orange dress, Valentino gold bag, gold accessories, Spring Summer elevated casual style, wedding guest dress, Summer work dress.

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing colorful linen shirtdress outfit, belted dress, orange dress, Valentino gold bag, gold accessories, Schutz Ully sandals, Spring Summer elevated casual style, wedding guest dress, Summer work dress.

Spring and Summer are the perfect time to incorporate bold color in your wardrobe and this colorful orange midi shirtdress is an effortless way to do so. I love the convenient popover design, the functional side slits, and the safari-style pockets. Those give the dress a stylish utilitarian vibe! For this look, I went for a bold monochromatic palette by pairing the dress with a matching leather belt and matching leather strappy mules. To add a luxe touch, I added a metallic gold handbag and chunky gold earrings. This elevated casual dress outfit can be worn as a daytime event dress outfit or a work dress outfit (with a work tote). A shirtdress like this can also be worn with sneakers and a tote as a weekend outfit, or worn as a colorful cover-up on your beach vacation.

2. A (Maxi) Full Dress

Dress season is also twirl season! And twirling is best achieved with a full dress. Full dresses typically have a fitted bodice and a full, flowy skirt that allows for easy movement. For the Spring and Summer, I prefer a sleeveless full dress in a lightweight breathable fabric such as cotton or linen. When it comes to styling, full dresses are a great choice for effortless casual outfits.

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing casual black dress outfit, belted dress, raffia belt, raffia bag, straw bag, Franco Sarto raffia sandals, ruffle dress, Summer maxi dress, Spring Summer casual dress look, weekend dress outfit.

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing casual black dress outfit, belted dress, raffia belt, raffia bag, straw bag, Franco Sarto raffia sandals, full dress, Summer maxi dress, Spring Summer casual dress look, weekend dress outfit.

Dress: via Macy's | Sandals: Franco Sarto | Straw bag: Target | Belt: old (similar here)

One easy way to style a full dress is to pair it with a wide belt, flat sandals, and a large bag. Straw tote bags are my go-to during this time of the year. A black full maxi dress is a true multitasker and can be worn casually as part of a weekend dress outfit, a picnic dress outfit, or even a vacation dress.

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing black maxi dress outfit, black waist belt, Coach strappy sandals, Valentino gold stud bag, belted dress, ruffle dress, party dress, wedding guest dress, Spring Summer dress style.

Dress: via Macy's | Sandals: Coach (similar here) | Bag: via Gilt | Sunglasses: via Amazon

If you want to elevate your full dress to wedding-guest-outfit level or cocktail-party-dress-outfit level, I suggest pairing it with a streamlined leather waist belt and dressy pumps or strappy sandals.

This black maxi dress is versatile and a perfect choice for Spring and Summer thanks to its soft cotton material, the ruffled sleeve details, and the lower-cut round neckline. I also love just how full it is! Perfect for twirling if that's your thing 😃 And whether you go for a casual brunch outfit, or a dressy special occasion look, adding a belt to a full dress is a stylish way to accentuate the fit-and-flare silhouette. This dress fits true to size and is definitely tall-girl friendly. I am wearing a size 8.

3. A Ruffle Dress

It doesn't get more feminine than a dress with some ruffle details. Ruffles add a delightful touch to Spring and Summer dresses. Whether they cascade down the neckline, trim the hem, or embellish sleeves, ruffles evoke a sense of romance and playfulness. Ruffles also create visual interest and add movement to an outfit. Different dress styles come with different types of ruffles. Some dresses have minimal ruffle detail, others have statement-making, voluminous ruffles. All are a go, depending on the occasion. For daytime and casual wear, I like the smaller ruffles. For special occasions, I'd say big ruffles are the way to go.

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing colorful green midi ruffled dress outfit, strappy sandals, off-shoulder dress, asymmetrical dress outfit, Macy's Summer dress, Wedding party dress, Garden party dress style, Summer casual dress, metallic leather bag.

Dress: via Macy's (similar here or here) | Strappy Sandals: Nine West | Earrings: via Etsy | Sunglasses: Chloe

This green ruffle dress caught my attention thanks to its minimal yet distinctive ruffle details, its vibrant Kelly green color, and its playful asymmetrical neckline. I also love that it comes with an assorted sash belt and is made of cotton which makes it super comfy in hot weather. A colorful ruffle dress such as this one is a great choice for Summer daytime parties, weddings, and even Sunday brunch. For this daytime party look, I styled it simply with matching green strappy sandals and gold accessories. Ruffles alone are like an accessory to a garment so best to not overwhelm the look with too much jewelry or extras.

4. An Eyelet Dress

The way I see it, an eyelet piece is a must-have for the warmer seasons, especially for Summer. Eyelet is typically made of cotton and is characterized by small patterns and open work. The appeal of eyelet during the warm season is primarily its breathability. Who wants to smolder themselves in heavy, synthetic fabrics when it's hot? Not me! Eyelet is usually seen in tops and dresses. In this post, I talked about how to pair an eyelet top with jeans. When it comes to dresses, eyelet is a good choice for effortless Summer style.

Farotelle Minneapolis Fashion and Style Blogger wearing white Off-The-Shoulder Eyelet Maxi Dress with a khaki belt and sandal and straw tote handbag

Dress: via Macy's (similar here) | Sandals: Franco Sarto | Straw bag: Target | Belt: old (similar here)

This eyelet dress is simple without being too plain, just like I like it! I think eyelet clothing should be simple as packing too much detail on eyelet fabric can result in a frumpy piece. This tiered maxi dress has an off-shoulder neckline and pockets. Those are a big deal for me when it comes to purchasing dresses. My hands need a place to rest from time to time! As always, I'm gonna judge a dress by how tall-girl friendly it is, and this one definitely hits the mark. It's a casual and feminine dress that looks best when styled casually with raffia straw flat sandals, a straw Summer tote, and a belt. An eyelet dress like this one is definitely vacation-dress-outfit appropriate and great for casual weekend outings.

5. A Pleated Dress

I am sure we can all agree that pleated skirts are a year-round wardrobe staple. But what about pleated dresses? In my opinion, those also deserve the staple status. Pleats are an effortless and classic way to add texture to an otherwise simple dress silhouette. Pleated dresses typically have a dressier, more polished vibe that makes them a great pick for Spring Summer workwear and special event outfits. Pleated dresses also feature lightweight fabrics that are comfortable to wear on hot days.

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing pleated blue dress Summer outfit, color-blocked look, colorful dress, Sergio Hudson belt, belted dress, Tomoli bucket bag, party dress, maxi dress, Spring Summer casual style.

Fashion blogger Farotelle wearing pleated blue dress Summer outfit, color-blocked look, colorful dress, Sergio Hudson belt, Nine West strappy sandals, Tomoli bucket bag, party dress, maxi dress, Spring Summer casual style.

This blue pleated dress has been a great addition to my Spring and Summer dress collection. I love the simple blouson silhouette, the tall-girl friendly maxi length and the always-on-trend navy blue color. Another selling point of the dress for me was the lightweight pleats and the matching slip dress. For this look, I went for some playful color-blocking action by adding a green leather belt and green strappy sandals. Blue and green make a striking combo that is appropriate to wear casually and even as a more formal work outfit.

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Polka Dots Are Trending Again – And These Outfits Prove They Deserve The Spotlight

Spring and Summer polka dot outfit ideas, how to style a polka dot slip skirt, black and white outfits, Dissh waistcoat top, Talbots wide leather belt, Minneapolis top fashion influencer, Twin Cities fashion, fashion over 40, classic style, slow fashion

Florals have long dominated the Summer signature print scorecard but this year, it's safe to say that they have been taken over by polka dots. Polka dots are as classic as it gets when it comes to prints. Even though they've been around for almost two centuries, polka dots haven't lost their cool and continue to enjoy a strong hold in the fashion space. Coco Chanel began incorporating the motif in her collections as soon as the 1920's, and more recently, we've seen Kate Spade take polka dots from clothing into leatherwork, creating accessories that oozed both playfulness and timeless chic. Over time, polka dots have evolved from the classic black and white palette to bold hues and exxagerated patterns that have been made into everything, from skirts and pants, to blouses and jackets. I love a classic pattern, be it stripes, plaid, or polka dots so am excited to see this motif take center stage again on the fashion scene and in stores! Here are some outfit ideas that will inspire you to join in the polka dot craze if you haven't already:

Polka Dot Skirt With A Cropped Sweater

You don't need to be a print person to fall for a polka dot slip skirt! For an effortless and chic work outfit, I paired a beige and black polka dot slip skirt with a yellow open stitch sweater (similar here and here). This combination works because a bold color against a black-and-white palette (or in this case, beige and black) makes both sides stand out. Also, mixing texture and prints adds dimension and a rich aura to a look. For finishing touches that blended with the color palette, I went for black heeled sandals and a yellow leather bag.

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Polka Dot Skirt With A Black Waistcoat

For a super classic take on polka dots, wear a polka dot midi skirt with with a matching longline waistcoat. I went for the same skirt as the previous outfit because I love the midi length and the bold dot pattern!

For a work-appropriate version, I wore pointed slingback pumps and a green bag for a pop of color.

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For an elevated casual spin, I wore red flatform thong sandals with a structured red leather tote. This makes a standout look for weekend brunch on the patio, coffee meetups, and even running errands.

Both the workwear and casual looks give a super polished vibe thanks to the wide leather belt and chunky gold necklace.

Polka Dot Blouse With Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans are in again! So pairing them with a polka dot top this Summer is sure to create a trendy look grounded in classic allure. For this elevated casual fit, I paired black skinny jeans with a polka dot ruffle blouse and loafers. This outfit is comfy, feminine, and ultra chic!

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Polka Dot Skirt With A Denim Jacket

Denim goes with everything and that's why I love it so much! An oversized cropped denim jacket (other option here) with a midi polka dot skirt makes for balanced proportions and a cool vibe. For a French-chic touch and to create a bit of a print mix action, I wore a leopard print scarf. A silk scarf is an easy trick to elevate a denim jacket. I was going for a casual look so wore bold strappy sandals and a small colorful blue bag to amp up the blue denim.

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Check out these other polka dot pieces to level up your 'dotted' game this Summer:

Modern Citizen Elodia lightweight tie-waist polka dot skirt

Ann Taylor polka dot satin maxi dress

ASOS DESIGN racer neck maxi dress with godets in navy polka dots

Milano Skirt in Polka Dots by Sonya Moda

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If you're into shoes like I am, then you love your boot season, sandal season, and especially loafer season because unlike boots and sandals, loafers are always in season! This shoe style has survived endless cycles of fashion trends, reinvented itself many times over, and continues to be one of the most versatile and timeless pieces one can have in their wardrobe. I love a good pair of loafers and love wearing them in the Winter and Fall, as well as in the Summer. Here is some outfit inspo that will make you appreciate even more just how versatile this style is during the hot season:

Maxi Denim Skirt With A Sleeveless Trench

Whether you're into dressing up or going casual, a pair of loafers will always do the trick. Loafers effortlessly pair with dressy trousers and a blazer for an androgynous vibe, but they also play well with more feminine pieces such as maxi skirts. For an easy downtown look perfect for a coffee break, try a maxi denim skirt with a sleeveless trench jacket and loafers. This combo is truly effortless and even better with neutrals for a safari touch. These brown suede loafers are super comfy, chic, and mind you, they are from the men's department! Make sure you size down for a clean fit.

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Denim on Denim With Barrel Jeans

Loafers and jeans go together like bread and butter! For a casual weekend look, I went for a denim on denim outfit with an oversized denim shirt (other option here) and barrel jeans, and added my brown suede loafers. I love when a pair of loafers is unemcumbered by long bottoms so I cuffed my jeans a little! This is a cool modern look that is simple, modest, and very appropriate for Summer daytime feats such as errands, coffee, brunch, or just walking around town. Speaking of walking around town, I love strolling the streets of downtown Saint-Paul during the Spring and Summer!

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Skinny Jeans With A Ruffle Blouse

Skinny jeans are back y'all! And I think they look great with loafers. Skinny jeans can be worn in so many different ways, from business professional to athleisure core. For an elevated casual spin on skinny jeans, I like to go for a feminine and dressy blouse that I contrast with classic loafers. This creates tension and gives the look a little more of an edgy, unexpected flair.

More looks are on the way so make sure you bookmark this post and check back soon! In the meantime, let me know in the comments how you like to style loafers or if you'd like specific styling ideas!