Summer Maxi Dresses

Dress, $59 from sheinside.com.  Image from Fashion Salade. 

Nothing like a long holiday weekend with gorgeous weather to kick off my annual hunt for a few easy-breezy chic dresses (I'll coin that a new fashion phrase) that will work for summer weddings, outdoor cocktail parties and drinks on our favorite rooftop in Laguna Beach.  I usually prefer them long and flowy - maybe it's the romance that comes with blooming roses and daylight that lasts until 8:30, but short and tight just doesn't seem right for summer, especially here in California. Whether you're off to casual summer soirées or an evening wedding that calls for something a little more refined, these dresses can do double-duty by changing out your flats for some heels and adding a fabulous necklace or earrings. The only problem is going to be choosing just one.

Long Studio Dress in White, $159, zara.com. 

Zara has seriously stepped up their dress game over the last year and this is one of my favorites in their spring/summer line. With the sheer front panels and the side fringe, all you need is a great tan and some red lipstick to steal the show.

Brooklyn Ombre Dress by Young Fabulous and Broke, $202, shopbop.com. 

I'm a sucker for just about anything ombre and the vibrant colors on this strapless number scream summer. I'd add a big gold cuff, some long earrings and some messy beach waves in my hair. 

Layne Dress by Parker, $264, shopbop.com.

If you follow me on Instagram, you might know I've had a few major black and white moments lately and I haven't tired of this combo yet. Parker consistently makes great dresses and the geometric print on this one is sophisticated, chic and a little edgy all at the same time. 

ASOS Maxi Dress with Deep Plunge, $76.36; Oasis Rope Next Maxi Dress, $115.40, both at asos.com. 

Give me chiffon (or a good impostor) and I'm set. Seriously, who doesn't want to look like an ethereal summer goddess? I loved both of these dresses for their classic silhouettes and sophistication with a bohemian edge. I'll leave you with one last photo to tape to your closet door. 

Image via The Satorialist 

TOTAL. SUMMER. PERFECTION.