I love a good white Dress (or nine); there's nothing I like to wear more in summer. A little (or not-so-little) white dress has the same timeless, chic appeal as a little black dress, but it feels a little brighter and more optimistic. Plus, white looks better with a tan. After a recent closet clean-out, I've already bought two new white dresses so far this year, and because I just can't help myself, I have eight more saved in various shopping carts. Best part? They're all under $200. But first, let's talk about my newest one.
About 8–10 years ago when I worked at Banana Republic's headquarters, the company was in constant spin about getting back to its high-quality roots. After some false starts and valiant efforts, this finally appears to have happened. Seriously, if you haven't been in a Banana Republic store lately, go. It feels like Brunello Cucinelli at mall prices, and I am here for it. They've gotten rid of their crappy synthetic blends, and instead everything is linen, silk, cotton, or wool, with a hint of eco-friendly Tencel here and there. This is not a sponsored post at all, by the way; I gave this company three years of my life, I'm happy that they're making good clothes again, and I don't want to see them fail! Anyway, I first saw this dress when I was in Hawaii but opted not to buy it because I was afraid it wouldn't fit in my suitcase, however I ordered it as soon as I got home. It feels a little Isabel Marant-y to me, which I'm not at all mad at. The cotton is really soft and light, and the embroidery and lace trim is beautiful. It runs a bit big; I'm wearing a small and probably could have gone down to an XS, hence why I keep putting my hand on my waist to give it some shape. I've already worn it to wine country once so far this year, and I have a feeling it's going to be one of my favorite dresses of the season.
OUTFIT DETAILS: Banana Republic Selene dress (on major sale) | Fe Noel x Target bag | Sarah Flint perfect riding boots (use this link for $60 off) | Sole Society hat (similar here)
And now, on to everything else in my shopping cart...
1. This dress has strong LoveShackFancy vibes, and while it's definitely on the more basic side, you can't beat the price for a super-feminine ruffly dress—which, to me, is a summer essential.
Steve Madden Jayda ruffle eyelet cotton dress $99
2. Gap just laid off 1800 people, which makes me sad (I know many of them personally, having worked there for years), especially since Banana Republic is finally getting its act together. I mean, just look at this sexy yet understated dress.
Banana Republic Lina linen cutout Midi Dress $190
3. Crocheted dresses tend to be really intricate and expensive or very basic and cheap; this falls somewhere in the middle. I like that it's on the sexier side, but not in a trying-too-hard way.
Aqua x Kristopher Brock cotton crochet midi dress $128
4. This one looks like a slip dress but has more shape in the waist (plus pockets!) and it's linen. It's a dupe of a Reformation style, and it's less than half the cost.
Quince 100% European linen scoop neck midi dress $69.90 (use this link for $20 off)
5. I saw this dress in person a few weeks ago and almost bought it (it was 40% off); it's minimal yet cut really well, and the cotton gauze fabric is super soft. J.Crew has been all over the place for awhile, but this one is a winner.
J.Crew V-neck shirtdress in soft gauze $118
6. This dress is giving Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct, and I'm here for it. The knit fabric looks super-comfy, and while I've never bought a dress from Spanx before, this might just be my first.
Spanx Air Essentials mock neck dress $128
7. This dress is another LoveShackFancy dupe, and it's so good, Gap brought it back for the second year in a row. The fact that it's not currently discounted at 50% is a testament to how quality it's got to be.
Gap Lace Button-Up Midi Dress $118
8. No one does eyelet like Anthropologie. This is most likely meant to be a swim cover-up, but I would totally throw on a slip and wear it as a dress (it would even look amazing over the Quince linen dress above).
Anthropologie floral eyelet kaftan $160
