Summer Styles & Dresses

Happy officially summer friends!  We started our first day of summer by watching out for Tropical Storm Cindy, but thankfully, all we got was some rain and nothing eventful! We are still expecting rain all weekend, so it will probably be a low key one with playdates at home.
For today’s In the Dressing Room post, I tried on what felt like a million things for you because there was just too much summer goodness!  I’m crazy for some of these tops that are versatile for work, weekend and date night. It’s hard to narrow down, but this top is my fave! The bottom half of the post features several dresses (my #1 pick) that will be perfect for summer events and parties.  Finally, check out this pair and this pair of great quality lace-up sandals.
For size reference, I’m 5’1, 105, 34D.


Tie Front Top XSP | Boyfriend Jeans 0P | Sandals | Link Bracelet | Coil Ring
I was dubious about this one when I saw it one the hanger, but when I put it on I really loved it! It’s hard to tell from the picture but it’s got a lot of stretch in it so it’s easy to move around in. Although it has a tie front, it still covers your tummy and is a little longer in the back. I think the tie is darling and doesn’t look childish, rather charming. This top will also look great with white jeans or jean shorts.

Cold Shoulder Top XSP | Shorts 0P | Necklace | WatchGold Bangle | Ring
Loft continues to confuse me with their sizing, I’m usually on the lowest of the low, but some tops I can go with a regular XS.  This cold shoulder top is soft and I like how the shoulder part had a bit of elastic and flutter to it.  The shorts are adorable and a great color combo, without pockets so there is no bunching.
Cold Shoulder Top XSP | Jeans 0P| Sandals | NecklaceWatch | Gold BangleRing
That cold shoulder top looked super cute with the jeans I wore into the store too.  Definitely a keeper!

Blue Off The Shoulder Top XS
I’m still into the off-shoulder and cold shoulder trend and pairing stripes and pom poms is a cute touch! This top is short, just hitting my waist, so if you prefer your tops longer, skip this one.
Embroidered Babydoll Top XSP
Here’s a top I wore the same day I got it!  I was dying for it in the blue/white combo, but it was sold out, then just came back again so I scooped it up too!  I love the boho look and it’s nice and stretchy with sleeves to the elbow.
Off The Shoulder Tie Sleeve Top XSP
I thought this top might be a good option for those of you that want to try the cold shoulder look, but still have the support of a shoulder strap.  Unfortunately, the shoulder strap on this top is too long on me and still wouldn’t hide my bra strap, so you’d still need to wear a strapless bra (I recommend this one).  If I decide to keep this top, I’ll just cut the straps off because I like the 3/4 sleeve length and the sweet tie at the sleeve.


White Scallop Tank XSP

This tank is a great basic piece that with a fun scallop detail.  Sometimes I prefer a high neckline and this one provides that with some interest.  It’s really soft too.
Striped Top XSP, need XS
I’m a hug fan of a 3/4 sleeve boatneck top.  I waited forever for this to arrive, only to realize I need a regular XS! This one is just a little too small. 🙁


Paisley Top XSP, need XS
I loved the print on this top and the silky feel, but had to order regular XS because the XSP was too small.  You could wear this to work and then happy hour and fit right in.


Zip Skinny Pants 00 | Tank XS
I loved this soft, easy-to-wear tank so much I got it in black too.  I wish I had a better pictures of these skinny cargo pants.  They feel great on with a good bit of stretch and are a great alternative to jeans.  They remind me of this pair of skinny cargo pants that I’m crazy about (0P), but these I’m wearing here have a zippered ankle and come in other colors.

Fiesta Off The Shoulder Top XS
I wasn’t sure how an ‘elastic across the chest’ top would look on me, because I thought it would be too busty, but I’m glad I tried this one because it is seriously darling!  It’s comfortable and the embroidered sleeve detail is ready to party.  I’m also glad it’s not too short, but just the right length!


Halter Peplum Top XS | Boyfriend Jeans 0P | Similar Sandals | Necklace Link Bracelet |  Coil Ring
I’m always on the hunt for cute casual wear, especially tank tops because it’s so brutally hot in Houston in the summer! I love the style of this tank and how it can be dressed up or down. I’m wearing an XS and it’s a little loose in the middle (even though it’s supposed to be relaxed fitting) so I wish it came in petite. *Update: I machine washed and dried it and it shrank a little, but actually fits me a little better now. 

Black Swing Top XXSP (but need XS) | Necklace | Watch | Gold Bangle | Ring
This tank drew me in with the great v-neck and wide shoulder straps with cute pom pom details. Unfortunately, I needed a bigger size because the chest was squishing me, otherwise this is a very flattering top.

I immediately loved this striped off the shoulder top as as soon as I put it on! The three-quarter length sleeves are darling and it’s a relaxed fit that looks super cute with skinny jeans.

These jeans are a great dark wash with a lot of stretch. I’m wearing size 24 and they’re tight but I think they will loosen up with wear, but I’d say they run TTS and my normal size 25 would probably fit and be more comfortable. The length is 29 inches so I cuffed the bottom to fit my 5’1 frame. They’re under $70!

How fun is this white blouse?? Even though I’m super short I didn’t feel like the bell sleeves overwhelmed my figure. The crocheted arm detail is gorgeous and not too tight on your arms. There’s also some elastic across the chest that makes it easy to move in and a darling triangle cutout in the back. The white cotton material is crisp and clean looking. The jeans are a great budget brand under $70! I’m wearing my favorite strapless bra with it.

This eyelet peplum tank is super fresh for summer time! This brand runs big so size down. Because the eyelet holes are large I’m wearing a white tank underneath. I’m definitely keeping this top and will wear this outfit on a date night. This top will also be cute with shorts on the weekends!

Eyelet Tank XSP | Jagger Skinny Jeans 24 | White Tank | Nude Strappy Heels  | Watch | Bracelet | Gold Bangle | Coil Ring
USA Graphic Tee XS
I already have 4th of July on my mind and this USA tee is a fun nod to our great country.  The XS was a tad tight across the chest, but not uncomfortable.

Cape Blazer XS
What do y’all think of this cape blazer?  It kept catching my eye online and got so many positive reviews that I decided to give it a try for myself.  I have to say it does look chic and the white is very polished.  The cape arm part is surprisingly easy to wear, and it fit well.  I think it would look better with slacks because I think with my short legs and skinny jeans, the proportions are off.

Keeper! I’m really digging white eyelet right now and this dress is great because it’s lined. The little white tassels are flirty and fun, don’t you think?!  Someone needs to throw a party so I can show up in this dress! It has bell sleeves but they’re on the petite side, so not too large.

Oh my gosh, this halter dress is amazing! It’s the perfect out-to-lunch or day party dress. The halter style shows off your shoulders and it has the cutest tie in the back. The floral print against the pale blue is understated enough to make this junior dress feel classy.  And it’s under $50!

 

I would’ve keep this tank mini dress if it were shorter.  I didn’t want to have to go to the trouble of getting it altered, but it is the perfect summer dress for running around in with flat sandals.  It’s hard to tell from the picture, but the top is cotton and the bottom is silky.  You will love how this feels on!
I was drawn to the stripes and playful pale pink and blue colors in this dress, but the black stripes keep if from being too sugary sweet. The skirt part of the dress is lined, so there’s no see through. What I didn’t care for was how it fit me because the proportions felt awkward. If the top was a little more fitted I think it would be more flattering. It’s comfortable and would be a cute work dress if it fit you better!
I’m smitten with the blue print on this cold shoulder dress! It’s kind of like a cross between a leopard print and and an inkblot painting, but it’s really pretty in person. It’s light and flowy on with great movement and the 2P fit me like a charm. The high neckline makes you feel covered but it’s still short enough to show a little leg and is also fully lined.
If only I could move my arms in this dress! Other than it being tight across the back when I move my arms forward, this dress would have been a keeper! I’m not sure why it’s pulling across the back because there’s plenty of room in the front. It’s a bummer because I really love the navy and pink print on this dress and the style. Maybe I should just walk around all day with my arms down at my side. ?
My first one shoulder dress and I love it! I feel like I need to go dancing in this one with the asymmetric hem. It’s super comfortable and light-weight, just a flirty fun dress for summer!
Somebody with a smaller chest (I’m a 34D) please buy this dress! Unfortunately for me I couldn’t zip it up in the back past my waist. It’s a stunning print and the quality is amazing and would look good at so many events this summer!  You will love it!

Chiffon Maxi Dress 0P | Nude Strappy Heels  | Watch | Coil Ring
This dress is a stunner! The color is vibrant and beautiful and the cut of this dress is super classy. I couldn’t help but feel like I want to swoosh around it it, so I think it would be perfect for a wedding or party with lots of dancing! It’s fully lined and slightly longer in the back.
Crochet Overlay Dress 2P | Nude Strappy Heels | Watch | Coil Ring
I love this dress for a bridal or baby shower or another afternoon event. I don’t know if the color is coming through, but it’s the most gorgeous pale blue. Inside it’s lined with a nude bandeau slip. I think the 0P would fit me better in the waist and hips but I needed a 2P for the chest. If I decide to keep thi,s I will get it taken in at the waist. It’s very beautiful and feminine in person and I felt like a real lady in it!
This is a great value maxi dress at under $40! I have it in a print, but couldn’t resist picking up this one while they were on sale. I have XS in both, but there is some inconsistency in the length. I’ll have to get a couple of inches trimmed off this one and the other one I didn’t have to alter after washing. I’ve already washed and dried this one, but it’s still a little long even with heels. The shoulder straps are adjustable, which I appreciate because I am able to pull the top up to fit me perfectly.
Chiffon Dress 2P
For a party or fancy dinner out, this dress is a perfect choice.  My hair is kind of covering the shoulder strap, but it’s there and the ruffle didn’t add too much volume to my chest.  If they had 0P, I would have bought it.

White Denim Shorts (need 24)
I’ve recommended these shorts before, but I had the opportunity to try them on and can say they run big.  I tried on the 25 and they were too big, but a great weight and feel and nice length.  Not to mention they are only $39!


I found two great, running-around in lace-up sandals below and already wore the red pair the first day I got them! Sam Edelman shoes never disappoint and they last forever! They also fit TTS.


Sam Edelman Gemma Lace-Up Sandal
I like the comfort and quality of this sandal, but I think the black looks kind of severe so I’m going to exchange this pair for the gold or caramel.  Both of those colors look stunning!


Sam Edelman Gianni Sandal | Jean Shorts

I hope I’ve given you lots of wardrobe inspiration this week!  I know it’s a lot, but I like to give you options and serious information about fit and quality!  There’s nothing more frustrating about reading a fashion review that only says, “I love it, fits great!” without knowing about the size of the person reviewing and what size she ordered. 😉

Have a great weekend, friends!

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Meet Megan

Hi! I’m Megan, mom to a thoughtful teenager and spunky young girl. We call Houston home and recently moved into our dream home. I traded my lawyer hat to become a full-time blogger in 2010. I love sharing my passion for affordable fashion, home decor, organization, & fitness to help inspire you to take care of you!

0 Comments

  1. I love everything, seriously is hard to decide what is the best infact I have a lot of favorites like: cape blazer, maxi chiffon dress, Fit&flare dress, the front tie top, white tank, blue off the shoulder topstriped top and scalled top..but to be honest I love every single item:D

    1. Thanks so much Kellyann! 🙂 It’s difficult, but I somehow always manage to narrow it down. There’s so much cute summer stuff out right now!!

  2. Lots of super cute ideas. And agree, Loft’s sizing can be frustrating at times. It’s not always consistent even within the same style. I ordered the same style shorts in a couple colors because they didn’t have them in the store. One fit exactly the same as a pair I had and the other was like two sizes smaller. Always try things on there, that’s for sure.

  3. Love these posts! It’s great to see some of the items I’ve been eyeing online & get your opinion on fit, quality, & sizing. These are all great summer picks. The eyelet tank, scallop tank, paisley top, & fit/flare dress are all on my wishlist.

    Amy
    http://thehautehydrangea.com/

  4. Well as I said before, I am not a dress girl but you sure give me a lot inspiration to give them a try. They all look great on you!

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