Do you ever pack a pretty dress for a trip? Sometimes I’ll just throw a bunch of everyday clothes into a suitcase. But when Alison returned from a family trip and showed me this photo, I remembered the joy of a Vacation Dress.
“I packed this dress and reached for it all week,” Alison told me. “The breathable linen was comfortable for everything from long sightseeing walks to dinners in the town square. The fabric didn’t wrinkle in my suitcase, and the brown shade hid the inevitable kid stains.” (Here are similar red shoes, too.)
Inspired, I scouted a few more, perfect for restaurant dinners or just swanning around…
1. Elegant brown. Fun fact: Did you know Magnetic Fields singer Stephin Merritt wears only brown? I once interviewed him for a New York Magazine story, and he said the same thing about stains: “Brown shows absolutely nothing. You’d have to spill some fuchsia paint.” I love Alison’s linen dress and this polka-dot midi — both are on sale.
2. Crisp white. This dress is a splurge, but how beautiful is the eyelet hem? Honestly, it would work well for a casual wedding. Two less spendy options: linen and lace-trimmed.
3. Burst of red. Red looks so striking in the summer, especially against blue water and green trees. This easy silhouette feels like something Marianne would wear in Normal People, don’t you think? I’m also into this midi and cheesecloth.
4. Chic leopard. My friend Frosso reports that everyone is wearing leopard print right now in Paris. Noted! I’d go for this cotton midi or cool shirtdress.
5. Pretty floral. Finally, how sweet is this mini? It feels like a wild garden, and I’d love to wear it with flip flops all summer. Embroidered flowers work, too. xoxo
Thoughts? Which dress would you choose? What else are you wearing on repeat these days?
P.S. The random thing I get the most compliments on, and a verrrry low-key summer checklist.
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