I'm A Curvy Fashion Fan And Found Six Casual Dresses For Summer In Penneys And Tesco – Which Is Your Favourite?

FINDING an outfit for the summer in Ireland can be a difficult task.

When it comes to our weather full of intense sunshine, high temperatures and plenty of rain, finding something suitable to protect yourself form the elements sometimes seems impossible.

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The dress features a funky pattern, button down front and a tie-in waist

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This maxi dress could be dressed up or down for any occasion

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This Penneys dress is perfect for a summer day

But one fashionista has rushed to the rescue with plenty of inspiration after finding six casual dress ideas for the months ahead.

Irish blogger Louise O'Reilly from Style Me Curvy picked up six gorgeous dresses from Penneys, Tesco F&F and Scamp & Dude.

Posing in the gorgeous pieces on her Instagram, she simply said: "Six casual dress ideas for summer. Everything is tagged. Let me know which look you prefer."

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The dress features a funky pattern, button down front and a tie-in waist, which is sure to make it flattering on anyone.

Next, Louise showed off a long bohemian style maxi dress from Penneys.

The fabulous frock has spaghetti straps and a tie string around the neck.

She paired it with some platform gold sandals for a fresh and dressed up look.

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Louise also picked up a short red dress from Penneys with a similar style around the neckline.

The spaghetti straps and tie string around the neck give the colourful dress a stand out look.

From Scamp & Dude, she found a fabulous maxi dress with a gorgeous pin stripe design and flattering shirring detail across the bust.

The elegant dress would be perfect for a sunny day as the multicoloured lurex stripes reflect in the sunlight.

Louise picked up another shirt dress from F&F in the colour navy this time.

She paired it with strappy heels for an outfit that looks perfect for a fancy BBQ or dinner.

Lastly, she found a white dress with sage green patterns from F&F.

The dress boasts a flattering shirred bodice and thick straps over the shoulders. She paired it with some pretty white heels for a timeless look.

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Separately, Penneys fans are set to love their brand new range of summer and festival wear - and there's so many potential looks.

TikTok user @justthefwordvlog shares fashion and lifestyle content to her page.

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The fabulous maxi dress has a gorgeous pin stripe design

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This navy pattern dress can be dressed up or down for any occasion

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The last dress is white with sage green patterns from F&F

Fashion Expert Brings The Latest Summer Trends To The Studio

Fashion expert brings the latest summer trends to the studio

Updated: 12:13 PM EDT Jun 25, 2023

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WELL, SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY. AND IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT OUTFIT, WE HAVE YOU COVERED, FASHION EXPERT LORNA RAY JOINING US WITH THIS YEAR'S LOOKS. GOOD MORNING. HOW ARE YOU? GOOD. I SEE SOME LOOKS OVER HERE, Y'ALL. LOOKS OVER THERE. WAIT TILL Y'ALL SEE THIS. YEAH. I'M SO EXCITED. YOU KNOW, EVERY TIME THERE'S A NEW SEASON, IT'S TIME TO REFRESH OR UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE. SO THAT'S WHY WE'RE HERE. SUMMER IS AROUND THE CORNER. THAT'S RIGHT. MY FAVORITE SEASON. IT'S HERE NOW. IT'S HERE. YEAH. YOU KNOW, IT'S A LITTLE. IT'S A LITTLE BACK AND FORTH, SO I FEEL LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO BREAK. AND I CAN'T WAIT. ALL RIGHT, WELL, TELL US, WHAT'S WHAT'S THE LOOK FOR THIS SUMMER? THERE'S. OKAY, SO I HAVE FOUR MODELS. SO CAN WE BRING THEM ON HERE? OH, ABSOLUTELY. LET'S BRING THEM ON. OKAY, SO THESE ARE FOUR LOOKS. LET'S BRING OUR FIRST MODEL UP. THIS IS CORDELIA. HER OUTFIT IS FROM THE MACY'S IN TOWSON. THIS IS A REALLY CUTE, FLIRTY LOOK. THIS SILHOUETTE IS CALLED A FIT. AND FLARE IS VERY FLATTERING FOR ANY BODY TYPE. AND THE WHITE, OF COURSE, IS PERFECT FOR THE SUMMER. IT REFLECTS THE SUNLIGHT. SO IT'S GOING TO KEEP YOU A LITTLE BIT COOL. VERY NICE, FLIRTY. LOOK, I LOVE THE ABSTRACT PRINT. VERY ARTSY. AND SHE'S GOT FLATS ON, WHICH IS GREAT. THIS MAKES IT A GREAT DAYTIME LOOK. YOU CAN GO TO MAYBE LIKE A BRUNCH, A LITTLE PICNIC, A LITTLE DATES. SO THIS IS A GREAT LOOK FOR SOMETHING LIKE THAT FOR THE SUMMERTIME FIT. AND OBVIOUSLY. EXACTLY. AND YOU LOOK AMAZING. ALL RIGHT. WHO'S NEXT? ALL RIGHT. SO WE HAVE DIANA COMING UP NEXT. THIS IS A REALLY SUPER CUTE, CASUAL CHIC LOOK. NUDE IS A REALLY TRENDING COLOR COMBINATION OR COLOR TONE LATELY. THIS IS A GREAT TWO PIECE SET. NOW, IF YOU SEE, SHE'S WEARING A BUTTON UP SHIRT. SOMETIMES IF WE HAVE A BUTTON UP, WE FEEL LIKE IT'S OUR WORK SHIRT OR IT'S A FALL SHIRT. IF YOU KIND OF ROLL UP THE SLEEVES, PAIR IT WITH SOME SHORTS, IT MAKES IT A GREAT SUMMER VIBE. SO THIS IS A GREAT LOOK. GREAT COLOR COMBINATIONS, VERY TRENDING RIGHT NOW. THE MOOD IS TUCKED IN ON ONE SIDE, SO YOU GET THE FULL LOOK OF THE PANTS. I LOVE A POCKET. WE ALL DO. MAKES IT NICE AND CASUAL AND COOL AND CHIC. IT'S GREAT ON HER. IT LOOKS GREAT ON HER SKIN TONE. LOVE IT. GREAT WAY TO DO YOUR NUDE. SO THANK YOU, DIANA. ALL RIGHT, WE'VE GOT ONE LOOK FOR THE GUYS. TOBY IS COMING UP NOW. YOU KNOW, WE JUST CAME OFF PREAKNESS SEASON AND ONE OF THE TRENDS FOR PREAKNESS WAS FLORALS. AND WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE WITH THAT. SO HE'S WEARING A FLORAL BUTTON UP SHIRT THAT'S FROM CLUB ROOM. I LOVE THIS. NOW, PRINTS ARE GREAT. THEY'RE REALLY TRENDING FOR GUYS. SO THERE'S SO MANY DIFFERENT COLORS AND PATTERNS AND TYPES. SO IT'S ALL ABOUT FINDING THE ONE THAT WORKS FOR YOU. SO THAT'S A GREAT TREND RIGHT NOW FOR GUYS AS PRINTS, PATTERNS, COLORS. HE'S GOT A NICE KHAKI SHORTS AND THE SHOES TO MATCH. SO THIS IS A GREAT CASUAL LOOK. AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE YOU CAN REALLY CHANGE THIS UP FOR A DAYTIME OR NIGHTTIME, ESPECIALLY DEPENDING ON HOW BOLD YOU GO WITH YOUR PATTERN. YEAH, ABSOLUTELY. SO VERY VERSATILE. LOOK, HE LOOKS AMAZING. COLOR MATTERS. I LOVE THAT. THAT BLUE LOOKS GREAT. YEAH, IT LOOKS GREAT ON HIM. ALL RIGHTY. AND WE'VE GOT ANOTHER LOOK. THIS IS FARRON COMING UP. I LOVE A GOOD JUMPSUIT. YES. FIRST OF ALL, I LOVE A GOOD JUMPSUIT. THEY'RE SO VERSATILE. THEY'RE SO CLASSY. CLASSIC. THEY'RE CHIC. THEY'RE NEVER GOING TO GO OUT OF STYLE. IT HAS A LITTLE RUFFLES. ANOTHER TREND IS LIKE THE POP OF COLOR. AND I LOVE HOW THE ORANGE REALLY POPS ON HER SKIN TONE LOOKS REALLY, REALLY GORGEOUS. SO THIS IS GREAT. YOU CAN DRESS THESE ALSO UP OR DOWN. SHE'S GOT THE HEELS ON TODAY, BUT YEAH, THESE ARE VERY VERSATILE. YOU CAN DRESS IT UP OR DOWN. SO I LOVE A GOOD JUMPSUIT. YOU CANNOT GO WRONG. YEAH. THAT NEW SHOE ON THERE LOOKS GREAT. YES. LOOK LONGER? YEAH. AND LIKE YOU SAID, THE CORAL COLORS, THE YELLOWS REALLY POP ON HER SKIN. TONE LOOKS GREAT. ABSOLUTELY. YEAH. SO VERY GORGEOUS. THANK YOU, FARRON. AND SO IF PEOPLE WANT MORE LOOKS FROM YOU OR WANT SOME, I DON'T KNOW IF THEY CAN REACH OUT TO FOR ADVICE, BUT WHERE CAN THEY FOLLOW ME? MY INSTAGRAM IS. IT'S LORNA. IT'S LORNA ROE. SO I'M GOING TO POST THEM BEHIND THE SCENES. I'M ALWAYS DOING SOMETHING NEW. SO MAKE SURE YOU GUYS TUNE IN. FOLLOW ME THERE AND YOU GUYS COME ON DOWN FOR ONE MORE LOOK. WE GOT TO SHOW THESE PEOPLE WHAT YOU ARE WORKING WITH TODAY. AND THANK YOU TO ALICIA AT THE MACY'S IN TOWSON. THAT'S WHERE YOU CAN FIND ALL OF THESE. LOOKS VERY EASY AND READY FOR THE SUMM

Fashion expert brings the latest summer trends to the studio

Updated: 12:13 PM EDT Jun 25, 2023

Fashion expert Lana Rae talks with Jenyne about trendy summer looks that suit any occasion.

Fashion expert Lana Rae talks with Jenyne about trendy summer looks that suit any occasion.

The Complete, Unbeatable, Esquire Guide To Smart Casual Style In 2023

Smart and casual: the yin and yang of putting your clothes on in the morning. On one end of the axis is you dressed in a top hat and tails on your wedding day. At the other, you in jeans and your best jumper, staggering down the hotel stairs to the morning after breakfast.

During those yawning stretches of lockdown, smart casual took on a totally new meaning: a nice shirt/knit on top, to keep up appearances during awkward Zoom calls, and shorts/joggers below, because how were they to know, really? Or maybe you were one of those guys who stretched 'smart casual' to its absolute limits by secretly conducting all of your important business meetings in a pair of boxers? We're not here to judge. You do you, captain.

But now we're back to meeting people in real life, people who can see and formulate a scathing opinion on those fluffy slippers that became a key part of your wardrobe. Now is the time to ditch the loungewear and master the tricky smart-casual dress codes that'll be stamped above most events in the calendar.

Because it is hard, this smart casual business. It must contain elements of both in perfect balance, so that instead of fighting each other, they combine to create an outfit that adds up to more than the sum of its parts.

The trouble is, as brilliant as it is when handled correctly, smart casual remains one of the most misunderstood terms in the menswear lexicon. Removing your tie does not a smart casual look make. Nor does adding a suit jacket to jeans. Smart casual outfits are about balance, but just like a seesaw, getting the distance between each pole right is critical. Super smart with super casual is doable, but get a single detail wrong and you'll lose the equilibrium that makes the outfit work. Equally, if you go only-just-smart and only-just-casual, there's no tension. No fun. No individuality.

Much of the uncertainty stems from just how broad a concept it is. The smart casual dress code leaves a lot of room for interpretation and, by extension, a lot of room for anxiety and mistakes. Not what you need when stepping into that tricky second date, or even trickier second job interview.

The smart casual dress code remains one of the most misunderstood terms in the menswear lexicon.

But it doesn't have to be difficult. With the right guidance and a little styling nous, anyone can make smart-casual work for them. Here we guide you through the pitfalls, offer you pro tips, and address the most common questions surrounding menswear's most common – and yet most loosely defined – dress code.

It'd help by answering the obvious: what exactly is smart casual? It's a query that's left countless men confused, and over (or under) dressed at the next function.

It's likely that the style first cropped up in the Fifties as a toned-down extension of business-casual. Not that a history lesson helps you actually figure out what it entails, but CONTEXT is important. Which is, perhaps, why smart casual is often misinterpreted in a very specific way, according to Joe Ottaway, a stylist that tends to David Gandy, among others.

"There's an ongoing habit of some men to define smart casual as a shirt, tie, blazer, and jeans," he says. "This is one of the biggest pitfalls to avoid. Instead, think of it as a contemporary extension of your classic smart wardrobe. Just invest in a few staple pieces that build on that idea, while offering maximum versatility."

"When's the best time to wear smart casual? For a lot of men the answer is likely to be: most of the time"

The other pitfall is exactly when to wear smart casual, especially since its meaning shifts depending on whether you're at a christening or a works do. But according to Matches Fashion's head of menswear, Simon Chilvers, you just need to remember a couple of simple things.

"When's the best time to wear smart casual? For a lot of men the answer is likely to be: most of the time," he says. "Otherwise, it's always a good idea when you're going into unknown territory, but want to feel relaxed and confident." In other words, think of it as your default setting. A sort of does-it-all uniform that you can bend and shape to fit in with your own personal style. In a sense, that's what it's always been. What's changed over the last couple of decades is which pieces count as smart casual.

"With the suit-and-sneaker combo becoming more and more visible on the red carpet, the goalposts for what can be classed as 'smart' have shifted significantly," says Chris Brown, freelance stylist and the creative force behind many of David Beckham's most noteworthy looks. "Alongside high-end sneakers, the drawstring trouser is another example of how contemporary elements are creeping into the smart casual aesthetic. The key is about incorporating finer-quality clothes that are still casual, but also well fitted and rendered in premium fabrics."

Think of the smart casual dress code as a contemporary extension of your classic smart wardrobe. Just invest in a few staple pieces that build on that idea, but also offer maximum versatility.

At its core, smart casual is all about looking put together, but not like you want people to comment on how put-together you look. It means making an effort, but not turning up in a three-piece suit. And ultimately, it's about balance; a little bit of formal tempered with a touch of off-duty, to create outfits that average out somewhere in the middle. That doesn't mean a tuxedo with trainers, but it does encompass laid-back details in 'smart' pieces, and dressier 'casual' pieces, then fusing them to create a look that blurs the lines between the two.

Six essential smart casual pieces

Your first instinct is to grab the suit jacket. But not so fast, young gun. The rigidity and angularity of one of the most classic menswear pieces immediately puts you in the smarter end of smart casual. And, with a shirt and jeans, it's a little "dad, mum's not coming back" mid-life breakdown.

Of course, that's not to say they're totally out of bounds. Relaxed suits – those with a softer shoulder and a relaxed fit – are well slotted with a white T-shirt, or, if you fancy something a bit more fun, a Cuban collar shirt. The Italians often go for an unlined, shoulder pad-less blazer, and informal details like patch pockets and lighter fabrics can casualise your suit further. "Somewhere between a jacket and shirt, an unstructured blazer looks smart enough, but feels relaxed to wear," explains Oliver Spencer, menswear designer and master of modern smart-casual style. "It's a wonderful thing to have as part of your smart casual wardrobe."

Eleven Eleven Credit: Eleven Eleven Oliver Spencer

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Credit: Oliver Spencer Boglioli Credit: Mr Porter

Which brings us to the question of trainers. Once solely reserved to sports, then teenagers, then weekends, luxury's big embrace of the big sneaker has allowed for a rethink – as has the wider relaxation of dress codes at large. Maybe hang fire on the Gucci Rhytons. Instead, take a sole from menswear's swelling stable of high end, minimalist kicks, like Common Projects, or even an Adidas Stan Smith. "The minimalist sneaker is basically the Derby shoe of the new millennium," says Chilvers. 'It's a discreet, acceptable-to-most piece of footwear that goes with anything and everything."

Keep simplicity front of mind when shopping for these key pieces, says Chilvers. "They should be tonal, without much obvious branding or fussy details. If you were describing this shoe to a friend you'd use the following adjectives: timeless, dependable, comfortable and versatile."

Converse Credit: Converse

The Oxford shirt is the very definition of smart casual. "It's the epitome," says Olie Arnold, style director at Mr Porter. "It's one of the few structured shirts that takes on a clean-cut appearance when tucked in, and an easy-going nature when left untucked. It's the perfect hybrid, and classic whites and blues have long been wardrobe staples."

Thick fabric gives the Oxford shirt a relaxed edge when compared to finer dress shirts, while the collared design keeps things smart. All of this works together to make this one of the most versatile and reliable smart casual pieces in your wardrobe.

More relaxed than leather Oxfords, yet more refined than a sneaker, the suede Derby is a smart casual shoe that sits perfectly between those two extremes. "It's a must-have smart casual item," says Ottaway. "A classic all-rounder, perfect for dressing down a suit or for elevating a pair of jeans or chinos."

As with most footwear, a pair of suede Derbies is an investment piece, and something it's worth splashing out on in the long run, according to Ottaway. "I'm a firm believer that you can create a strong, timeless wardrobe without spending a fortune on clothes. However, when it comes to shoes, it is really important to invest as much as you can in a quality pair."

It's also crucial that you take care of your suede shoes. As a raw material, it's especially susceptible to damage, particularly from water and mud. Invest in a suede brush for smaller jobs, a suede eraser for watermarks and oil, and suede cleaner as a nuclear option if none of that works. It's essentially a shampoo, which you lather up with the help of your trusty suede brush. (Never heat your suede shoes in a bid to dry them quickly). You should also treat them with a waterproof spray, and avoid wearing them in heavy rain.

Saint Laurent Credit: Mr Porter Dr. Martens Credit: Dr Martens

When there's any doubt about whether or not denim is too casual, chinos are the way to go. These preppy stalwarts come in all shapes and sizes, but where smart casual dress codes are concerned, a classic, slim fit is never the wrong choice.

"The beauty of a pair of slim-fit chinos lies in their versatility," explains Daniel Johnson, luxury personal shopper and stylist. "They can be styled any way you wish: cut high on the ankle with a turn up for a modern touch, or with a quarter break for a more traditional style. Colour-wise, beige and navy are the traditional choices, but I'd recommend getting a pair in grey and you'll be making your outfit choices with ease."

You can neatly fold the hems up if the chinos are a little long, but we always recommend heading to a tailor to achieve a perfect fit. (On that note, finding one that you trust is crucial to building a smart casual wardrobe. The better something fits, the smarter it will look.)

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Credit: Arket Incotex Credit: Mr Porter Polo Ralph Lauren Credit: Polo Ralph Lauren

A decade ago, the only job interview at which it was acceptable to wear drawstring-waisted trousers was also one where you had a whistle around your neck. These days, things are different. "Sitting somewhere between track pants and smart trousers, drawstring trousers have seen a surge in popularity of late," says Spencer.

This new breed of laid-back legwear offers all the comfort of a pair of jogging bottoms, but with the sharp cut and smart looks of a pair of tailored pants. Perfect for dressing up everyday pieces like plain T-shirts and minimalist sneakers, this hybrid garment is a true cornerstone of modern smart casual style.

Some of these trousers hide the drawstring on the inside of the waist, behind a more traditional bar and hook or button closure, while others sit on the outside. And just because a belt is practically redundant, doesn't mean you can't opt for one anyway if there are loops.

Marané Credit: Matchesfashion Le 17 Septembre Credit: Liberty Cos

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Credit: Cos Six smart casual style tips

Adding in a smattering of sportswear is a simple but effective way to give your smart casual style a 21st century update. That's not to say you should show up to your next office party wearing an Aston Villa shirt tucked into your suit trousers; instead, mix low-key athletic pieces, like polo shirts, tailored joggers and leather sneakers, with relaxed tailoring staples. This is where that unstructured blazer becomes your sartorial superhero.

It's easy to stick to tried-and-tested standbys when navigating a smart casual dress code, but making it your own is all about letting a bit of personality shine through. Which does not mean carte blanche to wear magic-eye-puzzle pocket squares and novelty cufflinks. To really make an outfit sing, step outside the confines of traditional accessories and allow yourself some creative freedom. Who says you can't wear a fisherman beanie with tailoring? Boring people, that's who.

A lot of men play with silhouette when trying something new with their wardrobe, but unexpected fabrics can be even more impactful. Texture is the secret to advanced style – it gives depth, contrast and all the good stuff that turns an outfit from humdrum to humdinger. Think cable knits, corduroy, suede and mohair, all of which will make staple pieces more interesting and inject some individuality into failsafe smart casual 'fits (it's a lot easier to pull off than colour or pattern, too).

Every bit as pivotal as texture, colour can completely alter the mood of an outfit. If you want to nudge things towards the smarter end of the spectrum, then darker tones are generally dressier, which makes them particularly good for giving off-duty pieces like bombers or jeans an on-duty feel. In the same way, brights pull things more casual. That's not to say you should reach for raspberry chinos, but a mustard shirt will give tailored looks a relaxed air.

The world's best-dressed men are all experts in layering, and it's particularly effective for smart casual looks. Provided it's not the height of summer, think in threes (not including outerwear), which is the the magic number for creating that all-important sense of depth. Case in point: a fine-gauge knit between an Oxford shirt and blazer transforms a default pairing, as will a collarless gilet between a rollneck and overshirt. When it does warm up, an unbuttoned shirt of a tee adds a louche, Fifties feel. Don't be afraid to get creative.