Happy Fourth of July! When I was a kid, the Fourth of July felt like the beginning of summer. Now that I am nearly 50, the 4th feels more like the beginning of the end of summer. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but these days I try and soak up each summer day because I know in the blink of an eye, it’ll be out with the linen dresses and in with the wool sweaters. So today, I am sharing The Perfect White Dress for Summer. So many outfits represent summer, but to me, a simple linen shirtdress is by far the most summery outfit I can imagine.
Today, Kelly shares The Perfect White Dress for Summer
The outfit is shoppable via text and image widgets
Find shoppable outfit inspirations and a collection of white dresses
To me, the perfect summer dress is linen, white, and flows comfortably on my skin. Enter the Linen-Blend Midi Shirtdress from Banana Republic Factory. There are so many details to love about this dress. First, it’s a one-and-done outfit, perfect for all kinds of summer events and activities. The versatility of it being a button-up shirtdress means I can unbutton the bottom few buttons if I like.
Linen-Blend Midi Shirtdress | Polo Pony Sandals, sizes limited, similar styles here, and here | Como Woven Tote | Woven Leather Belt | Dainty Layered Necklace
This dress comes with a self-tie belt, which you can opt to swap out like I have done with this Woven Leather Belt, but also, I can wear this dress without a belt. The sleeve length on this dress is great for keeping the hot sun off my shoulders.
Linen-Blend Midi Shirtdress | Polo Pony Sandals, sizes limited, similar styles here, and here | Como Woven Tote | Woven Leather Belt | Dainty Layered Necklace
The Linen-Blend Midi Shirtdress does not come in petite sizes, so I am wearing a regular size XS. I don’t mind that the length is a bit longer on my frame. I like the length because it has a nice flow.
Linen-Blend Midi Shirtdress | Polo Pony Sandals, sizes limited, similar styles here, and here | Como Woven Tote | Woven Leather Belt | Dainty Layered Necklace
This dress is slightly sheer, but it comes with a fully removable cotton slip. I am wearing the slip in these photos, but in subsequent wears, I went with a shorter, nude slip I have in my closet. The reason is because this dress has some nice volume which gives it flowy movement; while the slip was less voluminous and felt kind of constrictive.
Linen-Blend Midi Shirtdress | Polo Pony Sandals, sizes limited, similar styles here, and here | Como Woven Tote | Woven Leather Belt | Dainty Layered Necklace
For an elevated casual look, go with flat Polo Pony Sandals. Sizes are limited with the Polo sandals, but I found similar styles here, and here. An easy carry-all tote, perfect for summer is an obvious handbag choice with such an easy outfit. The Como Woven Tote from J.Crew is a bag that will last a lifetime and is so essential to a summer accessories collection.
Linen-Blend Midi Shirtdress | Polo Pony Sandals, sizes limited, similar styles here, and here | Como Woven Tote | Woven Leather Belt | Dainty Layered Necklace
I don't often wear jewelry, but this Dainty Layered Necklace from J.Crew is an understated piece of jewelry that adds a little something extra to my casual white dress ensemble.
I plan to wear this dress with lace-up espadrille wedges, or strappy block heel sandals for dressier occasions. Also, changing up your look is easy by simply getting creative with your belt and handbag. Because the dress is white and simple in its design, it’s a perfect blank canvas for any summer outfit combination.
Linen-Blend Midi Shirtdress | Polo Pony Sandals, sizes limited, similar styles here, and here | Como Woven Tote | Woven Leather Belt | Dainty Layered Necklace
Linen-Blend Midi Shirtdress | Kate Ankle Wrap Sandal | Convertible Leather Shoulder Bag | Textured Hinge Cuff Bracelet | Dainty Drop Hoop Earrings | Two Tone Station Necklace
Linen-Blend Midi Shirtdress | Marseille Wedge Sandals | Montauk Raffia Crossbody Bag | Enamel Palette Ring | Palm Springs Stacked Bracelet | Firefly Beaded Earrings
This morning, Beth shared her 4th of July Backyard Barbecue. Make sure to click the title or image below to read the article.
is our 40s+ fashion & food contributor. She posts a Daily Look on Tuesdays, writes about Fashion on Thursdays, joins Beth for Fridays with Oscar and shares a new recipe Sunday evenings.
She’s 47, 5’0, and a petite 0/XS.
Kelly also has a food blog called Djalali Cooks, which you can find by clicking the world icon below.
This dress looks just sweet on you Kelly and very cool and comfortable looking for hot summer days ❤️
Thanks so much, Mary! This dress is wonderfully comfortable for hot summer days. Take care, xo Kelly