I have long been a fan of the dresses offered at Anthropologie. Please don’t ask how many college mornings (erm, late mornings) I spent scrolling Anthro’s website on my laptop from the “comfort” of my extra-long twin bed, Zac Efron staring down dreamily at me from under his hard side bangs (it was a phase), coveting dresses I could not afford.

4 Bright Summer Dresses: An Anthropologie Try-On Sesh

I feel like this year, in particular, we really need some fun fashion, so I found four colorful dresses that caught my eye at Anthropologie to try on. (Spoiler: One is a total dud.) ps. Two dresses are by Farm Rio, so be sure to check out Julieta’s recent roundup of Farm Rio dresses with ALL the Goddess Vibes. Love those, too. (And Julieta, obvs!)

The 2 Dresses I Had to Keep

1. Farm Rio Wrap Maxi Dress

• 

• 

Dress | Heels | Headband | Earrings | Jacket

I am calling this Farm Rio Wrap Maxi Dress (inclusive sizing) my “background actor in Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights” look. Something about this print and ruffle makes wanna dance (note to self: learn how to dance). This dress has better security than Buckingham Palace in the ’80s (The Crown deep-cut for y’all). The Farm Rio Wrap Maxi Dress features a tie-closure, plus a button PLUS a front clasp. Wind nor handsy toddler is exposing you in this maxi dress. The silhouette is timeless and the pattern is refreshing. You can rock it casually or you could add heels and some bright accessories (like this yellow linen headband and earrings that pick up color in the dress) for a cocktail party (I’m just assuming there will be parties again soon, at least outdoors — let me live!). For a casual look or cooler evening, I threw on a light-wash jean jacket I found from Free People (for under $100!).

Fit: I originally ordered this dress in a large, but ended up exchanging it for a medium. Below is the difference between the medium and the large. The medium is more fitted and I think it flatters my figure more than the large. If you’re between sizes, consider sizing down. The jean jacket is TTS (I’m wearing a Large).

• 

• 

large | medium

The left is the large, the right is the medium. You can see that there’s a little too much fabric on the top on the left.

2. Minnie Polka Dot Dress

• 

• 

Dress | Heels | Headband | Earrings

Continuing my foray into “orangey-red,” when I saw this Minnie Polka Dot Maxi Dress (aptly named) it was too “bowtiful” to pass up (if you watch enough Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, you got that reference). Like Ramona Singer declared “Ramona Blue” her color on RHONY, I’m declaring this Meredith Red. I also love how it ties at the neck. Dramatic flairs are kind of my thing. True, it is a bit shapeless, but you could belt it at the waist if you wanted to. The only downside is you definitely need a strapless bra/tape/a wheelbarrow to hoist up your breasts in this dress. That’s truly my only hang-up because I am admittedly lazy when it comes to undergarments.

Fit: I’m usually a large, but like the first dress, that proved to be too overwhelming. I’m wearing a medium and it is a better fit. If between sizes, size down.

---

3. Wrong Shoes, Cute Dress: Farm Rio Marbella Wrap Mini Dress

Dress | Sandals | Sunglasses | Lipstick (#91)

I have long legs, a short torso and broad shoulders, so this Farm Rio Marbella Wrap Mini Dress that creates a waist and shows my gams is ideal. Also, this Farm Rio Mini Dress isn’t “too” short. I was very nervous this dress would inevitably lead to an “early aughts socialite getting out of a car” moment — you know what I mean. I was pleasantly surprised that, while it comes above the knee (it falls 35″), it’s definitely a “Mini Dress for those who, erm, bend over a lot to catch errant Cheerios tossed on the ground by a baby dictator.” Plus, this pattern. I dare you to be in a foul mood wearing this dress.

• 

• 

Let’s talk shoes. I consider myself a writer with fashionista leanings. I’m going to have styling fails. I’m showing you my styling vs. the website. I did a black sandal to pick up the black dots in the dress; they did a black sandal. Where I went off the deep end is my black sandal is heavier than the model’s, and I didn’t use a piece of black jewelry or hair accessory to balance it out. The model also has darker hair than I do and somehow the black in the dress just pops more than it does on me. In a do-over, I would try a pair of wedges like these Steve Madden Wedges or these adorable bow slides. Ya win some, ya lose some, ya share it all with your beloved TME friends.

Fit: The Farm Rio Marbella Wrap Mini Dress is TTS (I’m wearing a large). The BC Footwear Never Ends Fisherman Sandals are TTS (I’m wearing an 8).

---

4. The Dress That Did NONE of the Things: Gathered Maxi Dress

• 

• 

Dress | Slides | Lipstick (#91)

Why does the model in this Gathered Maxi Dress look effervescent and I…just…no. The pattern on this maxi dress is gorgeous, it just does nothing for me. This is a great example of how flowy isn’t always better. I look shorter and it creates nary a waist. I’m trying to remember why I decided to buy it. Oh, right, it has pockets (duh). This would make a great postpartum dress, though. It’s beautiful and easy and comes in a few more colors — just not for me. I do like how these Kimbra Slide Sandals look with the dress though. These slides are just as comfortable as my beloved Arizona Birkenstocks (similar), but nearly half the cost. It’s blowing my mind a bit.

Fit: This Maxi Dress is fairly TTS (I’m wearing a large). It was a smidge big on top (straps felt a little long). The Kimbra Slide Sandals are also TTS (I’m wearing an 8).

---

I think we’re all ready for bright colors once the world reawakens after a winter’s slumber — but even more so this spring — after the year we’ve had. I love comfy loungewear as much as the next harried mom, but even I am ready to brave my razor (OK this situation requires a machete) for a mini dress or a wrap dress with a slit. I’m ready for some vibrancy and color in life and my wardrobe.

x, Meredith