Summer Casual Dress

It's the season for living easy, so why not make the most of it in a summer casual dress? When temperatures soar, there's nothing more comfortable or practical than a lightweight garment that keep you cool and stylish.

Stay light and cool in a relaxed dress.

Summer attire may best be described as scant. Insufferable heat usually translates to some serious discomfort, so dressing lightly is one of the best ways to counter those effects. Shorts, tank tops, t-shirts and skirts are typical of most women's summer wardrobes. When the goal is to look effortlessly stylish, though, nothing accomplishes it better than a dress.

Even the most casual dresses can exude a pulled together, confident and polished look. The addition of a few accessories can mean the difference between simple and sassy, and often that's all it takes to get dressed for a blazing summer day. Versatile and quick – it's clear that the summer dress is a no-fail choice!

Summer's laid-back dress code allows you the opportunity to really take it easy, yet still enjoy a gorgeous look. While "casual" may intimate a boring appearance, don't be fooled – with minimal effort, you can look just as chic and polished as you do when you're dressed to the nines. Even better, you don't need to blow your budget to achieve a flawless summer look. It's as easy as creatively throwing together a few key pieces. Depending on the type of dress you're wearing, you can easily build a fabulous outfit around it.

• Maxi: Their recent resurgence introduced a whole new style to younger generations. Long, floaty and flirtatious, maxi dresses suggest an effortless, Grecian goddess-like glamour. Despite that, it's an uncomplicated piece – just throw it on, slip into a pair of wedges and enjoy easy, quick beauty. Contrary to popular belief, the maxi dress can flatter tall and short women alike. Just make sure you shop for your body type. Curvy women should avoid prairie-style cuts, which appear voluminous. A simple, restrained cut will flatter the shape. Spaghetti straps are great for women with heavier busts.

• Mini: Ah, the sexy mini dress. It's as relative to summer as a day at the beach! Casual little dresses are ideal for throwing on over a swimsuit, but they're just as appropriate to wear for a fun night out on the town. Style it right and you can maximize the potential of even the most basic looking mini dress!

• Shift: One of the more graceful dress choices for summer, the shift bears a classic, streamlined silhouette that is generally flattering on most body types since there is no defined waistline. A solid shift in a light color is ideal for summer; dress it up with a shawl or light cardigan, jewelry and heels or keep it casual with flip flops or sandals. It also conceals a little belly!

• Shirt: The shirtdress is virtually irreplaceable as a timeless wardrobe essential. Revered for years for its simplicity and grace, it features a slightly fitted cut, a collar and buttons that run either all the way or at least partially down the front. The waistline is often cinched with a belt. This style flatters most body types, but it's imperative to choose the right style. Hourglass figures may wish to wear a contrasting belt to draw attention to a small waistline; three-quarter length sleeves will conceal heavy upper arms.

• Sun: A sundress is probably the most common and universal of all summer dresses. Slight to the touch and in construction, it's light enough to keep you unruffled in even the most stifling heat. Despite this, many sundresses do manage to convey a sense of modesty. Perfect to wear all day long and even during casual evening outings or simply while padding around the house, sundresses are indisputably some of summer's most beloved garments.

If you're in search of the ultimate summer casual dress – that is, one you'll wear constantly for years – you'll find a fantastic selection at the following stores. Keep your eyes open during spring, when lighter fabrics and colors start appearing. Many of spring's staples transition flawlessly into summer!

• JCPenney
• Sears
• Target

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