5 Sweet-Chic Summer Party Dresses

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Sweet enough to delight grandma, and yet still capable of turning the heads of your most fashion-forward friends. These are the dresses you need for your summer social events.

Bridal showers, brunches, ladies’ lunches, charity events… this is what you want to wear when the dress code calls for a cocktail frock, minus the overt sex appeal.

Marigold silk chiffon is beautifully sunshiny, and full of warm weather playfulness.

Marissa Webb Florence Silk Dress


→ Buy the Marissa Webb Florence Silk Dress, $575.00, at shopbop.com; 3-day shipping and returns are free.


This off-white cotton lace dress has an old world romantic vibe, but doesn’t feel the least bit dowdy.

M.i.h. Jeans Arata Dress


→ Buy the M.i.h. Jeans Arata Dress, $635.00, at shopbop.com; 3-day shipping and returns are free.



For an evening event, black is always appropriate. The plunging neckline on this dress is amazingly well-balanced by a ladylike silhouette and pretty lace construction.

Nicholas Wallpaper Ball Dress


→ Buy the Nicholas Wallpaper Ball Dress, $595.00, at shopbop.com; 3-day shipping and returns are free.


This may look like your average pretty little silk crepe day dress from the front, but a sleek diamond-shaped back cutout creates surprising edginess.

Cynthia Rowley Ornate Wrap Dress


→ Buy the Cynthia Rowley Ornate Wrap Dress, $550.00, at shopbop.com; 3-day shipping and returns are free.


Red lace with a spare white lining makes for a bold statement, and some nice built-in air conditioning. This is perfect for a daytime garden soiree.

Parker Talulah Dress


→ Buy the Parker Talulah Dress, $288.00, at shopbop.com; 3-day shipping and returns are free.