5 Reasons to Choose a Dress This Summer

NORDSTROM - Shop Spring Styles starting at $34

By Marla Tomazin

Warmer weather is here again and that can only mean one thing: the return of dress season!

After bundling up in bulky winter pieces, it’s finally time to shed those layers and enjoy the effortless beauty of dresses once again. From free-flowing maxi dresses to the perfect party frock, the right dress can make you feel like the very best version of yourself.

Here are 5 Reasons you should embrace dresses and (wear them often!) this spring and summer.

Dresses keep you cool in the heat. Comfort is king when the mercury starts rising, so it’s smart to pick out breathable materials. A lightweight knit, linen, or cotton blend will help you keep your cool during the hot summer months while also keeping you covered up. Choosing a sundress or a loosely draped garment will allow you to still feel the breeze on hot sunny days.

Dresses are easy. It can be burdensome to fuss over matching the right top to the proper skirt, or to find a cohesive look among your shirts and slacks—to say nothing of accessorizing an already confusing outfit! But once you throw on a dress, you are well on your way to a winning look. After adding a smart shoe and the right bracelet, pendant, or chain, you’re all set. Remember to choose a dress the next time you’re in a hurry to get out the door. You’ll end up looking put together and no one will ever guess that you were rushed!

 They’re versatile too! A simple sheath is the workhorse of any wardrobe. Make sure you have at least one dress in a neutral tone (think black, charcoal, or navy). This option will take you from morning to night without sacrificing style. Pair it with a blazer and flats for the workday and add a sleek clutch with statement earrings for dinner. On the weekends throw on a colorful scarf or cardigan and you’ve got a perfect ensemble for brunch or sightseeing. For many of these reasons, dresses are a fantastic choice for traveling as well. Make sure to pack a dress or two on your next business trip for a look that keeps on working as long as you do!

The right dress hides figure flaws and accentuates your beauty. There are many well-made dresses out there, so you’ll never have to settle for one that makes you look and feel less than fabulous. The perfect dress is always one that is not too short or too tight, and is age appropriate. Think about your figure and what style best suits it. For example, if you carry more weight in your hips and legs, but have a small waist, choose a style that features a waistline and a soft, full skirt. But if you carry more weight in your chest and waist and have thinner hips, select a straight sheath with no definition in the waist, and avoid wearing a belt—unless it is monochromatic and blends with your dress.

Dresses are a fun and feminine way to “lighten up”. While being a woman in today’s world can bear its share of stresses, putting on a dress can be a subtle reminder that it’s also really fun to be a girl! A joyful dress can help you connect to your femininity in an effortless and celebratory way.

Remember that your clothing is a reflection of you, and dresses can be a vital part of that self-expression. Choosing a few great dresses to showcase this season will help you shake up a wardrobe that might still be in hibernation. And since dresses are available in varying degrees of well, dressiness—from casual to formal—you’ll always be able to find the perfect garment to suit any occasion. Happy dressing!

*****

MarlaHeadshotMarla Tomazin, Certified Image Consultant, established her image consulting business in 1990 with the goal of helping clients identify an authentic image and develop its effective expression.  Marla utilizes her abilities in evaluating body shape, movement, and coloring as well as synthesizing optimal cuts, lines, colors, and textures. This results in balance and proportion that accentuate attributes and conceal flaws. Her clients include women, men, and corporations seeking external revitalization that mirrors their internal development. Marla has appeared on numerous TV and radio stations and programs.  For more information, please visit www.marlatomazin.com.

Various style experts offers tips for tomatoes. Plus you’ll find our Red Carpet reviews here too with the hits and misses.

Style Tips & Red Carpet Reviews

Various style experts offers tips for tomatoes. Plus you’ll find our Red Carpet reviews here too with the hits and misses.

9 Responses

  1. Sandii Rittenhouse says:

    Article was good, but only one model came even close to being a tomato,..Disappointing that not more of the pictures featured women like us in the clothing. The pictures showed some of the styles, but the Translation was disappointing.

    • Cheryl Benton says:

      Hi Sandii,

      It’s a sad fact that there are very few brands that show “tomatoes” modeling their clothes. But the dresses would certainly look great on a lot of tomatoes.

      Cheers,
      The Three Tomatoes

  2. Great selection! Loved the different styles and would also like to know purchasing details – whose dresses these are, the price point and where to buy.

  3. Kathryn DeHart says:

    Reading this as I am packing for vacation and I just realized how much easier dresses would be to pack! Nothing beats a cute dress and a great pair of sandals. I also just realized (after looking at the pics) that I may need to run out and pick up a few new dresses!

  4. Valerie Eckard says:

    I agree that nothing says Summer like a nice long slip on dress. The versotility of a dress is so easy and fun. A lot of my Summer dresses are breezy slip-overs paired with sandals during the day and heels at night with a splash of red lipstick. Let the confines of winter wither away and let the sundresses shine!!

  5. carla harding says:

    I practically live in dresses during warmer weather. Maxi’s are my very favorite choice for a casual day, but some of these more structured dresses would be perfect for a nicer occasion! And I really love a dress with a beautiful print–it speaks for itself!

  6. Elizabeth C. says:

    Ah, so pretty! So glad summer is here. You’re right: dresses really do make me feel so feminine and I always forget to wear them. I think I’ll pull a few from the back of my closet now. Thanks for the reminder! 🙂

  7. CE Hendren says:

    I agree–dresses are especially good for Summer–they are easy and transition well from one event to another. They’re also really comfortable in the hot Summer weather.

  8. C Hendren says:

    I agree that dresses are perfect for Summer! They go so easily from one event to another and are cool and comfortable on hot Summer days. I always feel like I look just a little better in a dress.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.