First off…work on your kiddo’s wild-eyes-incredibly-happy-to-see-their-grandmother-smile…you’ll be set for any summer event. Haha. Bless it. This girlie was so glad to see my mom during her visit.
Secondly, if you need some outfit inspo and ideas for outdoor events, we got ya covered.
On Me: Exact Dress | Similar Dress | Wedges | Similar Bag
On My Mom: Similar Blouse | Pants | Espadrilles
Outfit Idea 1: Midi Dress & Wedge Sandals
Exact Dress | Similar Dress | Sunglasses | Bracelets
This cute fitting dress I recently got from LOFT (wearing a 6P,) and it has kinda been in and out of stock a bit. It’s currently fairly well-stocked though (and on sale!)…but what I think is important here is to find a lightweight dress that you feel good in. There are so many dress styles that just do not work on my short-ish, athletic frame, but this is one that does. I look for a cap sleeve, A-line (but not fit and flare), midi-length in a print or color I love. This Reformation Gavin dress is a similar cut, and now I probably need that one in green. (It’s also Shana-approved. Size up.)
It has taken me years to figure out that this is one of a very few styles that makes me feel like myself. It nips me in at the waist where I tend to be straighter, and I like a cap sleeve better than a straight sleeveless cut…they balance out my stronger booty and thighs. It’s honestly a bit tricky to find many dresses in this shape right now, but I’ve managed to hunt down a few below…
Exact Dress | Similar Dress | Bracelets
Usually Anthropologie is a go-to dress option for me, but all the dresses seem to be flowy maxi styles with ruffles, large prints and big sleeves. That just doesn’t cut it on this gal. My other go-to dress style is a racerback or short sleeve bodycon midi, but it’s too hot in summer for the dressier ones I have. Also, some that I have are just too casual for a dressy event. I do want flowy, but my caftan felt too beachy for a dressed-up affair…so fitted on top, slightly flowy in the skirt feels right!
And even though I’m a lover of all black clothing typically, I swoon for an overall lighter print for summer events. Ooh this pretty number from Vince Camuto also creates a similar silhouette and comes in a midi length, too.
Exact Dress | Similar Dress | Similar Bag | Wedge Sandal
More On Those Chic Wedge Sandals
This style wedge sandal has taken me through like eight summers. It’s tougher to find them now for some reason, too, but this pair at Nordstrom Rack is almost exactly like my long sold out Nine West pair. They not only look great with dresses and skirts, but they also look super-chic with pants and jeans, too. And of course if you’re outside at an event on the grass, the wedge sole versus a heel is gonna be much more comfortable to walk in. Oh, and that little bag? SO fun to dress up any look. Mine is older Topshop but you can find a ton on eBay and Poshmark (or if you’re feeling fancy, this Loeffler Randall one.)
Outfit Idea 2: Light Blouse, Printed Pants & Espadrilles
On My Mom: Similar Blouse | Pants | Espadrilles
Gah, how cute are these two? My mom rocks some prints, friends. I love her pairing here of a bold printed pant and light blouse. She adores these pants and says they fit true to size. Her top is older but this one is a gorgeous alternative.
Similar Blouse | Pants | Espadrilles
Platform Sandals That Are Elevated & Comfy
I also love how my mom styles the pants with a platform espadrille sandal. This Vince Camuto pair feels elevated for a dressier look, but it’s still a comfy flat shoe for your feet. There are a bunch of current styles similar to these lovelies. Here are a few favorites:
On Me: Exact Dress | Similar Dress | Wedges | Similar Bag
On My Mom: Similar Blouse | Pants | Espadrilles
These are just a couple of suggestions that made us feel pulled together after a year of casuals and sweatpants. What are you wearing for summer events?
I just discovered my favorite versatile, lightweight black wide-leg pants from Athleta are restocked, too! Those with a pretty black cami and these same wedges would be my alternate outfit idea…the look of a jumpsuit without the inconvenience. I’ll have to cover that soon for y’all, but in the meantime you can see how I styled them, slightly more casually, last summer. I’m stoked they’re back!
Oh, and we got my daughter’s fab gold dress from this great new kids’ resale site called Shop Tomorrows. They’re currently offering a site credit of $20 at checkout to our readers, with the code “TMESS20.” She adores this J.Crew dress and a pair of Native shoes we recently got her, too! You can shop for and sell kids items there, as well as easily search by size, etc., They have some super cute stuff!
Until next time! Enjoy some of those summer events we all missed so dearly last year!
xo,
L
Would love to have you follow all my daily mom musings, more fashion thoughts, donut pics & dance parties over on IG @laurajansenstyle. Coming to you from sunny Portland, OR. 😉
Lovely photos by my pal Posy Quarterman Photography.
