There’s nothing that I love more than finding a dress for under $100 that can be worn for in & out of the office, like this eyelet green beauty from J. Crew. A tailored-top, full-skirt, fit-and-flare dress is a signature-summer look for me, so this will be on repeat all summer.
It comes in navy and white, too. Unfortunately it is sold out in green – butttt they have been constantly restocking it {at J. Crew & Nordstrom}, so keep a lookout. Turns out that I’m the only person embracing color this season ?
When it comes for dressing up at work, I think all you 9-to-5 gals know the struggle of finding outfits that can easily transition from a day at the office to a happy hour that-lasts-a-couple-hours-too-long kind of night. You want to look professional for the first eight hours of the day, but you don’t necessarily want to keep up the just-left-the-office appearance going after 5. During the summer months, this is a bit easier to do than in the winter when your look might be a bit drabber and include a lot more layers.
My office is business casual, but it is a little more lax in the summer, which means that cotton dresses are totally ok – which is basically my entire summer wardrobe. Dresses are the easiest way to look put together, while also putting minimal effort into your outfit – throw on one thing and you’re ready to go #LazyGalsRejoice ??
I’m eyeing these nine dresses that are perfect for working & playing this summer. A few of these are from the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale, so don’t miss out – they are on super sale! I also included dresses from the spring/summer collections at some of my tried-and-true favorite stores, and a local-Chicago boutique in Wicker Park that I’m currently obsessing over.
Shop:
Leith stretch knit midi dress | J. Crew eyelet shirtdress | belted ruffle dress – Who What Wear
sleeveless button-up shirt dress – Who What Wear | walk the line dress {you might need to cover up at the office – I styled it with a jean jacket!} | isla midi dress
WAYF blouson midi dress | Gap denim dooby sleeveless dress | Pleione ruffled high/low shift dress
So, do you want a few ways to turn your office dress into a night-out-on-the-town dress? Try one of these styling tips to get a little extra out of your summer wardrobe:
- If you love a dress, but it’s a little too revealing for the office {spaghetti strap, open back, etc.} wear a blazer or a duster cardigan to the office, and take it off for after-hours fun
- If you usually wear flats or more conservative heels during the day, bring a cute pair of wedges to the office and do a quick shoe swap before heading out
- I love to pair a simple top knot with a pair of bold statement earrings. Throw your hair up in a bun, and replace your dainty earrings with a statement stud or drop earring
And viola – you’re ready for where ever the night takes you ??
Happy {almost} summer, & happy shopping!
xAlex
Outfit details:
Dress: J. Crew
Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff
Bag: Coach Outlet {old – similar}
Rings: Allison Mooney Design | Glamrocks
Watch: Michael Kors {old – similar}