Summer has officially arrived (squee!) and with it comes the promise of patio weather, pretty dresses and a perpetual influx of party invites. For the past several years, a lot of our friends got married which meant that nearly all of our summer weekends were booked up with showers, stagettes and weddings. And yet somehow, my summer calendar is looking remarkably white as all of my friends are either happily single or knee-deep in diapers. As much as I’ve been wishing for a laid-back, plan-free summer, part of me wishes I could crash a wedding or two, if only so I could get my hair did and my drink on.
For those of you with a stacked summer social calendar, read on for some party perfect looks - from casual cocktails to chic soirées, ShopMyClothes has got you fashionably covered. And for bella donnas on a budget like me, this site is a total must.
1. Vintage Anna Sui Dress, $75 ;2. Zara Chambray Blazer, $30 ; 3. Urban Outfitters Oxford Flats, $20
This vintage Anna Sui dress is TO-DIE and with its simple silhouette and intricate white lace, is completely on-trend. I love the idea of pairing of an ultra-feminine dress with a super casual chambray blazer and flat masculine brogues a la Alexa Chung. Want to make this dress work for evening? Try edging up the lace by adding strappy black platforms and a killer black clutch.
1. 3.1 Phillip Lim Lace Gold Skirt, $125; 2. Club Monaco Tank, $15 ; 3. Nina Ricci Vintage Sunglasses, $15 ; 4. Zigi Platform Sandals, $80
A beach wedding is guaranteed to draw a crowd full of floral and linen dresses. Do the unexpected by mixing a shimmery metallic skirt with a simple white tank and beaded platforms. The look is super neutral so don’t be afraid to rock a bright coral or hot pink pedi. Worried about walking on the sand in sky-high heels? Stow a pair of flat gold sandals in your clutch for walking on the beach. Mojito, anyone?
1. BCBG Maxazria Strapless Dress, $120 ; 2. H&M Beaded Earrings, $10 ; 3. John Galliano Snakeskin Pumps, $200
While there may always be a place in your heart for your tried-and-true LBD, there’s something much more festive about a colourful dress. This pretty pleated number would look amazing with these leg-lengthening John Galliano sandals. And, while I don’t normally condone matchy-matchiness, the pretty beaded earrings would look stunning with this frock’s strapless silhouette.
1. BCBG Maxazria Maxi Dress, $120 2. Cenit Black Vest, $20 ; 3. Coach Leather Wristlet, $30 ; 4. Loris Azzaro Sunglasses, $45 ; 5. Paul Smith Platform Sandals, $120
For an art show or fashion party, opt for a floor-sweeping maxi-dress topped with a little vest. When you go for all black, always remember to mix up textures and add in a hint of glint. These ‘70’s-inspired silver and black Paul Smith shoes look like they belong on Marc Jacobs’ Spring runway and the vintage sunglasses are perfectly Prada-esque.
1. Robert Rodriguez Shift Dress, $100; 2. Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony Bag, $120; 3. Steve Madden Neutral Pumps, $25
Look like a fruity, festive cocktail in this hot pink shift dress. I would it pair it with a neutral pair of pumps (even more on-trend this summer than strappy sandals) and a cute little printed bag to carry your cards, cell phone and lipgloss in style.
Here’s to staying chic on a budget this summer. Happy Partying! (Oh, and if you’re looking for a plus one, I make a super fun date. Hee! No, honestly, I do.)