Cute Dresses for Summer Events: Weddings, Work Parties, Family Events
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Another summer event...what are you going to wear?!
Summers are full of must-attend events: weddings, work parties, BBQs, and family events. And every season we scour the racks looking for something - anything - that fits, is appropriate for the occasion, and doesn't look like what everyone else is wearing, or what we wore to every event last year. Here are some cute retro-style dresses that will give you the right amount of pretty, sass, and unique.
How do you pick the right outfit for a work or family event?
There are somes DOs and DONTs
It's a fine line to walk: Be cute, but not cutesy. Professional, not stuffy. Sexy, but not nightclub. When your bosses or your grandparents are going to be in attendance, it adds a whole new dimension to picking the right outfit, beyond just what looks good on you.
- YES TO COLOR! Color is great for a wedding or daytime event.
- NO TO TOO SHORT OR TOO MUCH CLEAVAGE. It's probably not a good idea to be showing too much boob or leg if you're trying to be professional, or if your little nieces and nephews are running around.
- YES TO A FRESH LOOK. We're oh so tired of that recycled little black dress we break out for every party.
- COMFORT AND WEARABLE FABRICS. Hour three of standing around the Hors d'ouvres table isn't going to be a lot of fun if you're poked or cinched in or dealing with a scratchy trim.
- STRIKE THE BALANCE BETWEEN CASUAL AND DRESSY. Look polished, but still able to have fun.
- IS IT SEE-THROUGH? One big problem with summer dresses is catching too much leg when the light hits. Might not occur to you in the light of your bedroom, but how is your fabric going to hold up during outdoor sun?
Love vintage style?
But don't like the vintage hassle?
I've always loved vintage-style dresses and spent much of my teenage years combing thrift store racks for the perfect 40s and 50s find. But I was nearly always disappointed because what looked amazing in the store, wasn't so amazing when I actually tried to wear it. First off, vintage sizes are not the same as modern sizes, so it's tough to get the right fit. Secondly, at nearly 6 feet tall and a busty 36D, there wasn't much I could fit into. But even when I found a good fit, there were always other issues to deal with: mothball smell, little holes in the fabric, broken zippers, scratchy fabric and trim...my vintage dresses were always the ones I loved the most until I actually tried to wear them out for the day.Which is why I'm so excited by modern companies like Pinup Couture and Trashy Diva who are revamping those great vintage styles in wearable fabrics. No smells! No holes! No scratchy trim! And in my size!?! In the case of vintage dresses, it really is possible to make a good thing better.
Retro looks with a modern twist!
The perfect blend of flirty, feminine, and fun
Some of my picks for summer events. These outfits answer all the dos and donts, and they do it with style, comfort, and class!
- The Daisy Dress by Pinup Couture
Retro style hits a home-run here! A bold floral print and classic style will have you turning heads in all the right ways at a wedding, garden party, work outing, or lunch date. My favorite thing here is a great vintage pinup girl look but in a comfortable, modern fit and a stretch poplin fabric. This dress would also make a great bridesmaid dress for a casual summer wedding. Inexpensive, and they really, really WILL wear it again!
Available for $72 in pink or blue, sizes Small - 2X from Pinup Couture at pinupgirlclothing.com- The Ashley Dress by Trashy Diva
Stunning! I can't get over this beautiful and timeless red mum print, and on 100% silk! This is one of those dresses you put on and never want to take off. The tailoring on Trashy Diva dresses is just amazing.
$249 in sizes Extra Small - Large from Trashy Diva at Pin Up Girl!- The Belle Dress from Stop Staring!
When it's okay to be a little more daring, this curve-hugging fitted dress in black and pink is a lot of fun!
$84.95 in sizes Small - X-Large by Stop Staring! at daddyos.com- The Rita Dress from Pinup Couture
Another great wearable from Pinup Couture!
Red & White polka dots, $72 in sizes Small - 2X by Pinup Couture at pinupgirlclothing.com- The Netti Dress from Pinup Couture
Another cute choice for a casual summer wedding! This is the perfect sundress but in a comfortable stretch poplin.
In three great prints, $68 in sizes Small - 2X by Pinup Couture at pinupgirlclothing.com- The April/May Canvas Suit by EC Star Clothing
Vintage-inspired canvas jacket and matching skirt! Match it up with a cute little tee or shell and you'll have casual chic at its finest. Love the 60s feel!
Jacket $88 and Skirt $72 from EC Star Clothing.- Bibi Dahl Dress from EC Star Clothing
Fun fun fun! Schoolgirl style dress in a grown-up fit. In a comfy stretch twill, perfect for your garden party.
$108 in sizes X-Small - X-Large from EC Star Clothing at pinupgirlclothing.com- Stella Babydoll Dress from Sailor Jerry
Cute and casual babydoll dress in 100% cotton, with a lovely print of flowers and swallows.
In blue or white, $130 in sizes Small - Large by Sailor Jerry.- Plaid Golf Shorts by Adeline for Steady Clothing
When a dress isn't functional, these adorable retro plaid golf shorts can be dressed up with a fitted top and a great pair of heels.
$59 in junior sizes 1-9 by Adeline for Steady Clothing.- Cherry Print Lucy Dress from Pinup Couture
An exclusive cherry print on awesome, breathable stretch poplin.
Also available in blue!
If you're looking for a dress that screams SUMMER, these retro halter-style dresses are ideal for a picnic, outdoor barbecue, casual work party, or informal, outdoor wedding.
In sizes Small through Plus Size 2X, $68 from Pin Up Girl Clothing.- The Molly Dress by Pinup Couture
The Molly Dress is fitted using a comfortable stretch poplin, and the fabric designs are printed exclusively for Pinup Couture so you won't see these exact prints anywhere else!
In pink retro floral.
In blue retro floral.
In red retro polkadots.
In black and white polkadot.
$64 in sizes Small through Plus Size 2X.- Lucky 13 Dresses - Krazy Kittens Pink Party Dress by Lucky 13 Apparel
Pretty in pink and with a built-in crinoline underskirt, $110 from Lucky 13.- Gingham A-line Halter Dress by Beauty Fiend - Pink Gingham
$72 from Beauty Fiend.
More great retro summer dresses!
Taking your from Memorial Day through Labor Day
...and all the weddings, picnics, and parties in between!
- The Netti Dress in Red Bandanna Print by Pin Up Girl
Absolutely perfect summer BBQ dress for your Labor Day celebrations! In sizes Small - 2X, $68 at Pin Up Girl.
And the SHOES to match!
Cute, retro shoes to match all your summer looks
Mules, heels, wedges, and ballet flats in cute summer styles and prints.
- Polkadot Pinup Mules
Okay, these mules are TOO fun, and only $39!
Also in yellow. Sizes 6-10.- More great heels and mules!
- A couple of great bridesmaid choices here as well!
- Lace Espadrilles
A breathable cotton lace upper on a retro wedge heel. Very wearable!
Also in red lace. Sizes 5.5 - 10 and only $34!- More wedges and espadrilles!
- From fun retro companies like Volatile and Punkrose shoes.
- Huge Selection of Ballet Flats
- Need something cute for a barbecue? Are you cooking and running around? Ballet flats are a great option because they look polished and pretty, but keep you moving. Check this link to see dressy mary janes to casual striped sneakers from Punkrose, Volatile, and TUK.
What kind of summer events are you attending this year?
And what will you wear??
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- LisaJesse LisaJesse Aug 27, 2007 @ 5:39 pm
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- Aug 8, 2007 @ 7:40 am
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- amandaquerque amandaquerque Jul 25, 2007 @ 11:34 pm
- Thank you for being a valuable member of the Vintage Clothing Group
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