Economy of Style
A notebook on evolving trends, fashion sense and cents

The Best Summer Dress Trends To Wear Now

Post-vaccination vacay. Outdoor festival. Day trip to a winery. Summer is almost here, and we might actually have reason to put on our pretty frocks this year. So, what should we wear? Today, I’m rounding up 3 top summer dress trends for 2021.

Saturated Shades

Saturated colors are coming in hot this year, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Bold hues look especially dashing on dresses. So, skip the black and neutral dresses, and reach for your brightest frock. Need some inspiration? I found this poplin mid dress at Zara for under $50.

summer dress trends

What I’m Wearing:

Zara dress | Telfar bag | Birkenstock sandals | Fendi sunglasses (shop options for less here)

Sizing: I’m wearing a medium, but a small or even extra small would be a better fit. The top of this dress is very stretchy and the bottom is voluminous.

Color aside, I also love this dress because it offers some cool styling possibilities. The straps could be worn up or draped on the shoulders for a subtly sexy vibe. I’m sure I could get away with tucking them for a strapless look as well. And, of course, with bold color numbers like this one, colorblocking with contrasting colors always offers fresh styling options.

Pastel Palettes

If bolder hues are a bit much for you, but you want to embrace color this summer, this next trend has your name all over it. Pastels hues pack their own power. Pale shades of blue are especially popular this year. So, this tiered dress from Zara was a must for me. It also has puff sleeves. Nuff said, right?

summer dress trends

What I’m Wearing:

Zara dress | Zara denim jacket (similar) | Teva sandals (also here) | Jacquemus bag

Fendi sunglasses (shop options for less here) | MaskC face mask

summer dress trends

Sizing: I’m wearing a medium in this dress. While it’s oversized, the buttons across the chest and the cuffs on the sleeves fit snug, so I’m glad I took the Zara size recommendation and sized up to a medium.

Fresh Florals

Thought you were over florals for summer? Wait a minute. You must see the amazing collection of pieces featuring this fresh floral print at H&M. There’s something so irresistible about the hand-painted, wild flowers print. I opted for the bandeau dress because showing shoulders is kinda my thing. The print is available on several pieces at H&M though.

summer dress trends

What I’m Wearing:

H&M dress ($19.99) | Birkenstock sandals | Jacquemus bag

summer dress trends

Sizing: This dress runs large, so size down. I sized down to an extra small.

Shop summer dress trends:

The Denim Jumpsuits Your Summer Style Needs

The denim jumpsuit trend just won’t go away. And, you know what, I’m so here for it. What’s not to love about a one piece wonder? You throw ’em on and done! And, denim jumpsuits add a little je-ne-sais-quois to my one piece wonder collection. And, the options at the end of this post might do the same for yours.

denim jumpsuits

What I’m wearing:

Denim jumpsuit (size M) (similar for less) | Sandals | Denim head wrap

Cloth mask (not for sale, explore brand here)  | Saint Laurent Sunglasses (60% off)

Gold hoops (want this set)) | Michele watch (40% off) | Anklet (option)

denim jumpsuits

My jumpsuit is from Zara (check out a similar style for less from H&M here). I was immediately drawn to it because of its details, from its cuffed sleeves to its utility vibe to the pockets. It reminded me of a romper I regret getting rid of (see that 2015 oldie here).

denim jumpsuits

Denim jumpsuits like this one make getting dressed so easy. More importantly, they make looking chic and sharp a breeze. I didn’t even have to try here. Ha. I tossed on some sandals, a head wrap (haven’t had a haircut in over 2 months), a mask (because safety first), and I was ready.

Shop denim jumpsuits:

Saying Yes To The Tiered Dress Trend

The tiered dress is expected to dominate spring and summer 2020. Who doesn’t love a pretty frock? I’m so excited that these dresses will be popular because we’re going to have tons of affordable options. Today’s featured off-the-shoulder, tiered dress, for example, retails for under $35!

tiered dress trend

What I’m wearing:

Dress (under $35) | Belt bag | Boots (similar, similar)

Kendra Scott earrings | YSL sunglasses | Pat McGrath ‘Elson’ lipstick

tiered dress trend

My dress is a stunning, off-the-shoulder style. Don’t like to show your shoulders? No worries, the dress can be worn on the shoulders as well because the top is elasticized.

tiered dress trend

This dress is all about volume! It has 3/4 length balloon sleeve, an oversized silhouette, and a ruffled tier at the bottom. The fit is huge. So, I sized down to an extra small (usually a size small at this retailer).

tiered dress trend

To tone down some of the volume and add a little flavor, I wore my Gucci super mini with the dress. It cinched the look together.

Since this is an off-the-shoulder style, I wanted to let the top of the dress shine on its own. So, I’m wearing earrings only. This fabulous drop style is by Kendra Scott.

You know how much I love to juxtapose different styles. The combination, then, of an edgy combat boot with a pretty dress excites my style sensibilities. This pairing is a popular choice, and I’m so here for it.

Want to see more ways to rock the tiered dress trend? Check out this post for fall/winter inspiration and this post for a summery look.

Cut It Out: The Coolest 2020 Swim Trend

One-piece swimsuits have come to prove that they can be just as sexy and more interesting that bikinis this year. Enter, the cut-out swimsuit! Since it’s never too early to get ready for swim season, I’m checking in with several affordable options in the coolest swim trend of 2020. Psst…my suit is from Target. I kid you not.

cut out swim trend

What I’m wearing:

Cut-out swimsuit | Kate Design cover-up | Dale Kelley hat | Sunglasses

Earrings | Anklet | Lip: Mac “Ruby Woo”

It’s totally still winter in St. Louis, but I’m working with the St. Louis Boat & Sportshow this weekend. I had a ton of fun of exploring the largest yacht at the convention. Of course, I had to style the moment.

Dale Kelley Hat

My black one-piece is $39.99 at Target. For size reference, I’m wearing a small. I was immediately drawn to this beauty because of its striking silhouette with front and back cutouts. It also offers a great deal of coverage for a swimsuit with so many openings. The bottom is high-waisted, and the leg cut can be adjusted to your personal taste.

cut out swim trend

My cover-up is actually a robe by Kate Design St. Kitts. I’ve always found it too adorable to just wear at home. And, my magnificent hat (did you peep the details on the top?) is by Dale Kelley of Dale Original Art & Style in St. Kitts.

cut out swim trend

Et voila! I had the perfect yacht day style.

Going on vacay? Check out some fly vacation style options here.

Location: St. Louis Boat & Sportshow

Shop the cut-out swim trend:

This New Lilly Pulitzer Print Is Fabulous

What can I say? I’m a Lilly Pulitzer fan. As an island gal, the brand’s resort lifestyle is familiar. I love the brand so much that I even put my mom on to it (see her Lilly style here). In general, I favor Lilly Pulitzer styles in solids (see past favorites here and here). When the new Lilly Pulitzer gingham print dropped, though, I knew I had to have it.

Gingham is undoubtedly an IT print of summer this year. I’ve been taking full advantage of that (see evidence here, here, and here). If you’re looking for a fresh spin on the classic print, the new hand-painted gingham print by Lilly Pulitzer has your name on it. I’m rocking the print dress (shop it here), but you must see all the styles it’s available on at the end of this post.

Lilly Pulitzer Gingham Print

What I’m wearing:

Dress c/o Lilly Pulitzer | Sandals (option, option) | Sunglasses c/o Warby Parker

Naturally, I couldn’t resist a halter dress. Lilly Pulitzer pieces like this dress are go-tos for summer because they’re so versatile. You can wear the dress with sandals like I did above. You can dress it down even further with a more casual sandal, even flip-flops. And, if you need to dress it up, you can do that too.

Wondering about fit? I’m wearing a size small, but I believe I could achieve a better fit with an XS. So, I recommend sizing down in this style.

What I’m wearing:

Dress c/o Lilly Pulitzer | Shoes (option, option) | Sunglasses | Clutch (in different colors here)

Location: Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis

Shop this  fabulous Lilly Pulitzer gingham print: