Yesterday, I was cleaning out a drawer when I found my 2020 Goals and Plans list. I laughed loudly reading it through. None of those things, not one, is happening this year. Thanks, Pandemic Ripple Effect.
Like many of you, my primary goal for the next six months is survival, literally and figuratively. And when I assess what helps my mental health, I come up with the same answers — relentless productivity, bites of normalcy, things to look forward to.
Getting dressed every day is a challenge. Clothing can be a source of comfort, but I need it to help me channel the normalcy I crave. And nothing is more ‘normal’ for my summer wardrobe than a fleet of jersey dresses. They’re easy, comfortable, inexpensive, and they look like you made an effort (when you really didn’t).
Daily Ritual Lived-In V-neck and Lived-In Maxi. These dresses are my go to, my first choice, my daily drivers. I would say that I own too many of them, but there’s no such thing. All the Daily Ritual dresses are nice, but these Lived-In ones are made with better material and feel more expensive than they are.
The short v-neck dress is perfect for hot days and also makes a great cover-up at the pool. I recommend sizing for the largest part of you. I’m a small top, medium bottom, so I’m in a medium dress. And while the dresses are machine washable, they’re 100% cotton, so don’t put them in the dryer.
The side-slit maxi dress is my everything. It is a nightgown masquerading as an out-of-the-house dress. Add cute sandals and a necklace, you’re good to go for errands or lunch. Add slippers and a cardigan, you can sit in your chilly office all day. The side slits also keep it breezy. Plus-size? Old Navy has a side-slit tank dress on offer.
LOFT Beach Short Sleeve Jersey Dress. I am sad to report that the size selection for this LOFT dress is minimal, but it is a fabulously comfortable and impossibly stylish summer dress. The cinched waist and flowing sleeve give it a wonderfully relaxed vibe that’s also glamorous.
If you’re looking for something similar, this Rachel Pally kaftan dress and BCBG printed dress are close. Plus-size? This Lane Bryant dress, in a bold flame color, has a very similar look.
H&M Cotton Blend Tank. The perfect summer staple, this maxi-length striped tank can be layered or worn solo for all of your weather needs. It’s an easy dress to toss on when you don’t have time to think about it. I recommend having a white or navy denim jacket and an olive field jacket around for easy layering.
COS A-Line V-Neck Dress. Some of you asked for more a-line styles in a recent post, and this COS dress is the most gorgeous a-line that I have seen in years. The cut of the dress is very modern, but still incredibly flattering. And it has pockets for your mask, a card case, and your hand sanitizer. Because this is the world we live in now.
COS is H&M’s cooler, older sister. Their dress selection is always on point if you like simplicity and style. This red and white striped dress and simple tank dress with a cool neck detail both caught my eye as well.
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I bought the Loft dress from your earlier recommendation and it is super flattering and comfortable. Excellent recommendation!
“(Wo)man plans, God laughs.” as they say. Honestly, I’m giving NEXT years plans the side-eye at this point.
Am I the only person who feels like they’re drowning in fabric in a maxi dress? I’ve settled on Athleta joggers and Skulptek denim when the weather is mild enough, and then sweatshorts when it’s too hot. Luckily that’s my comfort zone since I agree, need a security blanket of sorts these days.
I have had some luck with Loft re-stocking as people return items, so may be worth keeping an eye out if they are out of your size. I love the Lou and Grey twist dress you recommended from there, and managed to grab the black (originally bought the navy) when it was re-stocked.
I recently bought this dress and it is INSANELY comfortable and flattering. True to size, I am considering buying another one! Yidarton Women’s Casual Short… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0817FJW8S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
That COS dress is beautiful, I just wish it was closer to H&M’s pricing. Pockets!