Welcome to The Essentials, our weekly series highlighting a must-have classic, key to building a timeless, pulled-together closet.
I’m dreaming of the day I can stow away my light layers—I love my trench, but I’m craving the carefree dressing of summer. Recently, I’ve been on the hunt for the best dresses out there. I want it all: floral, short, long, flowy, not so flowy—the list goes on. So naturally, my first step was to scour the internet. I found everything I want all in one place (if you can believe it), and that place is Macy’s.
The multi-brand retailer is a fashion-person go-to for key wardrobe-building pieces, and this summer is no exception. I spotted a slew of dress styles from the cotton poplin dress I’m almost 100% sure will be on a weekly rotation in my wardrobe to floral pieces that make a statement. I sifted through to find the best (and affordable!) options out there that I think you would love, too.
When in doubt, opt for a cotton poplin. It will always look expensive no matter what price you paid and will stand the test of time.
A slip dress but make it interesting with bold, colorful florals.
A little black dress for summer.
Smocked-details galore for easy summer dressing.
If your wardrobe doesn’t have this shade of mint yet, this is a great place to start.
Have this on hand for an impromptu garden party that may pop up on your summer agenda.
This eyelet option is a classic and will pair perfectly with this season’s biggest trend: ballet flats.
This option screams “quiet luxury,” especially in a pastel yellow.
The silhouette of this dress is classic, but what makes it interesting is the Kelly green.
I promise you’ll never regret having multiple LBD’s in your wardrobe come summer.
With a pair of strappy sandals, consider your outfit done for that summer wedding you’re attending.
ICYMI, tube dresses are the it-item of the summer.
It's the color combination for me.
Save this for your vacation packing list.
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Sofia Richie Grainge Styles Zebra Pants With Flip-FlopsNext stop on the tour: her elegant wedding venue in the South of France.
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Gigi Hadid Pairs Metallic Track Pants and Mesh FlatsThe controversial shoe trend is most definitely gaining steam.
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Body Language Expert Says Kate Can't "Mask Her Emotions""We also saw William...mirroring the same emotions as Kate."
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Aritizia's Warm-Up Sale Is Filling Every Gap in My Summer WorkwearLinen trousers, maxi skirts, and more for the office and beyond.
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Aritzia, Cos, and Mango Have the Best Summer Dresses—27 Under-$150 Picks That Prove ItAffordable styles for every event on your summer calendar.
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Pucci Prints Are Back—And the Best Ones Are Already in Your Mom’s ClosetThe best ones are already in your mom's closet.
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26 New J.Crew Arrivals I Predict Everyone Will Be Wearing on Their Summer VacationsConsider my dream vacation wardrobe sorted.
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Summer's Gingham Dress Trend Is Selling Out Everywhere—But I Found 31 Cute Styles Still In StockShop the playful print that's on every NYC block.
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Your Summer Wardrobe Needs a Wake-Up Call—Swap in These Unexpected TrendsBench the obvious in favor of these curveball styles.
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Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale Has Every Dress Chic New Yorkers Will Be Wearing This Summer23 frocks for staying cool *and* stylish.
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I've Spent Years Perfecting My Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe—These Are 10 Summer EssentialsFrom office Bermuda shorts to easy-breezy linen pants.
