Sponsored By Gap & Collective Voice
I love a fancy, statement-making dress with unexpected dramatic details, but the summer dresses that actually get worn the MOST in my closet are dresses like this one: casual, uncomplicated, comfortable, and super easy to wear.
For those occasions when I want to feel extra special, I do sometimes branch out to dresses with cut-outs, complicated ties, or backless designs (I’ve been eying this tie-back one), but typically those are not my top choices for my day-to-day summer closet.
dress (s) | more colors | bag | similar bag
I wear dresses on repeat for pretty much everything in the summer, and don’t necessarily want (or need) ALL of them to be statement-making. Most days I just need something that’s comfortable and easy to throw on.
Casual, pretty, uncomplicated, and lightweight dresses provide the easiest way for me to look put together during the summer – with basically zero effort. I pull my hair back in a bun, throw on one of these easy dresses with comfortable sandals, add a basket bag, and I’m good to go.
dress (s) | more colors | bag | similar bag
These Gap Sundresses Are Smocked, Tiered & SO Easy To Wear
What constitutes an uncomplicated easy-to-wear dress for me? Well, let’s start with not having to wear a special bra. Truthfully, I actually don’t really mind strapless bras, and I don’t even mind dealing with the weird stick-on cups if the dress is really worth it, but for every day if I can wear a regular bra…that’s definitely a bonus.
Stretchy in the middle to allow for comfortable summer-ice-cream-bloat is always a good thing. No complicated ties or zippers that are difficult to reach on your own? Also good things. If it’s roomy enough that I can comfortably sit crisscross applesauce on a park blanket, that’s a nice feature. And extra EXTRA bonus points if the dress is long enough that I can confidently start my day without feeling pressure to shave my legs before exiting the house. Lucky for us, Gap has these amazing smocked, tiered sundresses in different fabrics and colorways that check all my easy-to-wear boxes.
tan floral | black | bag | similar bag
Version 1. Packable Black Sundress
I’m usually a natural fabric gal, but I was pleasantly surprised with this particular dress. This synthetic fabric is a little hard to describe. It has a really pretty sheen, but still feels casual. It’s wildly lightweight and feels like you’re wearing an airy parachute.
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It has a nice crinkle to it that says to me — “perfect for packing in a suitcase or stuffing into the bottom of a beach bag for a quick and easy change.” The dress is soft to the touch and just sheer enough to feel a bit modern despite the conservative cut. I don’t mind a sheer dress in summer, especially when it’s a maxi. And it has all the easy-to-wear qualities: regular-bra-friendly, stretchy middle, no complicated ties or hard-to-reach zippers, and roomy and long enough to sit comfortably on the ground.
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If you’re not comfortable with a little sheerness or synthetic materials, this isn’t the dress for you and you might want to try this 100% cotton ruffle tiered black dress instead. That said, if you’re looking for an extremely budget-friendly, easy-to-wear black dress and don’t mind wearing synthetics, this dress is pretty darn good!
Version 2. The Linen-Blend Dress
After trying the tiered maxi in three colorways (black, red, and tan floral), the tan floral is my favorite. Ultra summery, light, carefree vibes and my body prefers the breathability of this linen blend over the synthetic.
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I’ve been struggling to find a white summer dress that works with my coloring, but this is IT! The white mixed with the tan/khaki floral gives me the feel of a white summer dress but works better with my skin with the warmer tones being brought in with the pattern.
All the easy-to-wear qualities of the black version as well: no special bra needed, stretchy comfy middle, no complicated ties or hard-to-reach zippers, and roomy and long enough to sit comfortably on the ground.
dress (s) | bag | similar bag
Gap has a great selection of really pretty budget-friendly dresses for summer (in addition to airy hot-weather shirts and comfy lightweight shorts), and their current promotion makes all of these pieces even MORE budget-friendly. Woohoo for Gap promotions — the deals are always SO good.
Gap’s Go All Out Event (5/31-6/6): Up to 50% Off Dresses, Tops, Shorts & More
Also get 40% Off 1, 50% Off 2, 60% Off 3+ Sale Styles
Extra 10% Off Regular Price Styles
Here are some of the other everyday dresses in their collection that caught my eye.
-Linzi
photo credits: Redfield Photography
Thank you so much to Gap & Collective Voice for asking me to take a look at Gap’s early summer collection and share my favorites. Gap is one of my personal favorite places to shop for the best budget-friendly summer dresses, and I always appreciate the opportunity to collaborate. Thank you also to all our TME readers…your time and support are SO appreciated.
