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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Meghan Markle's Cuyana Sun Hat Is Perfect for the BeachThe Duchess of Sussex's hat is now available in a packable version, ready for summer.
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Kate Can't Trust George, Charlotte, and Louis With Her Tea"As a parent you know..."
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Queen Camilla's Son Thinks He'd "Be Dead" If He Had Trust Fund"It's a good thing not having a trust fund."
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It-Girls Are Obsessing Over These White Summer Dresses at Zara and H&MSay goodbye to prints.
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New York It-Girls’ Go-To Summer Trends for Surviving the Heat WaveScorching temps won’t stop the style set from turning sidewalks into their personal runways.
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Meet the Comfortable Smocked Dresses Everyone Will Be Wearing This Summer22 picks I'm shopping at Nordstrom.
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Meet the Linen Dresses Every It-Girl Will Be Wearing This SummerThe breezy style embodies the phrase, "fashion meets function."
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Reformation's Sale Is a Goldmine of Pretty Summer DressesAct fast—these discounted frocks are going to sell out within days.
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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.
