With the warm temps this week, I’m getting ahead of myself thinking about summertime. One of my favorite simple pieces is the tee shirt dress. It’s literally one of the easiest things you can put on and you look SO much more put together than if you wore a tee shirt/tank top and shorts, or jeans. Also, one of the greatest things you can pack on a vacation because you can dress it up or down so easily.
However, I have seen way too many faux pas with this style so pay attention to:
The material! Thin jersey is so unflattering and shows off lines (and anything and everything else you don’t want people to see). Only super toned celebrities can get away with a really thin jersey dress (and they know better than to wear them). Make sure the material is substantial.
The shape! Anything baby doll-ish should have left your closet in junior high. If the tee shirt dress is a loose, shapeless style, belt it. Otherwise go for something with some fit, that will show you have a waist. This doesn’t mean it needs to be tight. In fact, for the warmer months, stay away from tight – it looks like you’re trying too hard. Here is an example – looks very effortless and loose, but not too big and shapeless. This dress is Soft Joie, which makes great, wearable dresses.
What I like about the next dress: Stripes. Always great; really great in the summer. Fitted bottom (because the top is a bit drapey). Even though the top is drapey, its not so loose that you lose your shape. Ruching on bottom=flattering. Looks like a thick material. This dress would be so cute with a leather wrap bracelet
Can’t go wrong with simple black. And this one has potential to be dressed up more. James Perse. Great, flattering cut and neckline.
If you want to be a bit more covered up, try this James Perse style.
I love this simple maxi, also Soft Joie (that, and James Perse are my go-to’s when searching for tee shirt dresses). Great detailing around the hips should make this more flattering than a straight down tee.
Not a tee shirt dress, but same idea (plus, I just love it). DVF teamed up with denim designer Current Elliot to make this chic denim wrap dress that I know I’d have in my closet forever….if it was not sold out in my size already.
In terms of styling, keep it simple. Flip flops, flat sandals or wedges (great for night instead of heels which I would stay away from). Think about adding a more fun belt than the dress may come with, to add color, or a pattern to your outfit. Use jewelry and clutches to quickly change the look. Next time you’re packing for a vacation you won’t regret owning one of these!
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