Long Summer Dresses in Cotton

From LoveToKnow Womens-Fashion

When temperatures soar and being outside feels almost unbearable, nothing is as stylish and comfortable as long summer dresses in cotton. A feminine alternative to shorts and tank tops, dresses offer incomparable versatility and a range of flattering cuts to suit all body shapes.

Cotton dresses are summertime staples.

The Versatile Dress

Weather is usually the deciding factor when it comes to choosing an appropriate ensemble for the day. When summer arrives, the season is dictated by little more than sweltering heat and the desire to stay as cool as possible. For the fashionable female, it can prove quite a conundrum finding that perfect outfit – the one that looks as effortlessly chic as possible but is sensible enough to wear in a hot climate.

The solution is often found in a pair of shorts and a light tank top. Unfortunately, this doesn't always present women with the opportunity to show off their fashionable sides. The addition of an accessory or two can work miracles and instantly make just about any outfit look more intriguing, but there's no denying that shorts, tees and tanks aren't fodder for the most creative looks in the world.

Enter the versatile dress. Not only is this garment available in numerous prints, styles, cuts and fabrics, it's the feminine answer to the old shorts-and-tank scenario. It also offers women of all shapes and sizes the opportunity to look their best in the most oppressive temperatures, something that is often of prime concern during the warmer months.

Thanks to its adaptable style, the dress is also appropriate to wear from point A to point B. It can easily be taken from the office to happy hour; from brunch to shopping; from the park to the salon; and so much more. It's only fitting that long summer dresses in cotton enjoy so much popularity. Cotton is a soft, lightweight material that is especially important during summer because it's so breathable and feels so comfortable against the skin. It is also durable; it holds up over time and suits all lifestyles, from sedate to athletic.

Choosing Long Summer Dresses in Cotton

Though there are numerous dress styles available, long cuts afford women the opportunity to look cute and feel cool without being overly conscious of their figures. This is in sharp contrast to a little mini dress, for example, which shows plenty of leg and does not tend to favor all body types. On the other hand, a long dress acclimates much better into the average female's wardrobe and is certainly a more sensible choice for, say, a casual work function that your boss is hosting.

Long summer dresses are a dime a dozen; that's the beauty of shopping for one. You'll find many varieties to choose from, including:

Halter: Long halter dresses have that inherently chic, island-inspired vibe that makes them perfect for summertime wear. Little details, like ruched bodies, jeweled necklines, playful prints and mixed fabric blends, can instantly elevate its potential. Halters are flattering on women with full hips and thighs, as they draw attention upward, and are an option for those who went to call attention to a large bust (be sure to seek out styles that negotiate your curves without binding them – too tight is never sensible).

Maxi: Maxi dresses can be strapless, haltered, tiered, V-necked…you name it. There are many styles available, thanks in great part to the maxi's ever-growing popularity. It can be admittedly challenging for petite women to pull off the voluminous maxi style, but a pair of heels can often help matters. Maxis are otherwise flattering on many body types, but it's important to avoid billowy, "floaty" cuts that pool around the body and make large sizes appear heavier. A banded empire waist adds dimension and curves to a woman's figure.

Sundress: Perhaps nothing is more synonymous with summer than the classic cotton sundress. Light, airy and eternally flattering, the sundress has long been a fashion staple. It typically exposes the arms and shoulders, and may be cut low enough to show off the décolletage gracefully. Long lengths keep the legs covered, but as with all cotton dresses, the style is so relaxed and comfortable that it keeps the wearer cool regardless.

Brands to Keep an Eye On

Just as Chanel is the purveyor of the fabulous little black dress, a few brands seem to have a firm hold on the equally enticing cotton dress. Keep an eye on these labels; they offer hundreds of long cotton styles:

T-Bags specializes in free-flowing dresses etched with brilliant prints or painted in vibrant colors. Either way, the dresses reflect a youthful spirit with a nod to the boho chic movement that has proven so popular over the years.

C&C California may have once been known solely for its ultra-light tops, but today it counts dresses as another of its major successes. Available in everything from one-shoulder to maxi styles, the company's long cotton dresses skim the body beautifully and provide unsurpassed comfort. Some are made with organic cotton, which will appeal to the eco-conscious woman..

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