Summer dresses: what to consider

Personal Stylist Ana Harris outfit options with dresses

The season of dresses, jumpsuits and rompers has arrived, hooray! To be honest, I have a love and hate relationship with one pieces… I’ll explain why. Although one piece outfits are easy and a no brainer, they often result in the same look. It’s important to be intentional when buying them to make sure you get the most out of your money and your wardrobe. I will walk you through my process on how to pick a one piece that expands your range of styling options.

ana harris personal stylist on beach in summer dress outfit

Before you go shopping, think about which parts of your body you're most comfortable showing. This will help you figure out the best neckline, whether to go sleeveless, the ideal length, and the silhouette that suits you best. For example, I prefer dresses that show off my calves and legs but don't show too much of my arms or cleavage.

Color is another thing to think about. I am a fan of dresses that make me feel like the brightest version of myself and since my color swatch is bright, I easily gravitate towards reds, bright yellows, and bright green dresses. I think of those pieces as a tool on days I’m feeling low energy and don’t want to think about what to wear. When I pull them out of my closet, I know they’ll give me support to go through my day.

personal stylist ana harris in red jumpsuit

Another way to make one-piece outfits more versatile is to think of them as blank canvases. Take a classic neutral like white, for example—there are so many ways you can style a white dress:

  1. Add colorful jewelry

  2. Wear a beautiful, bold belt

  3. Pair with sneakers for a casual look

  4. Dress it up with beautiful sandals

  5. Put on a fun denim or leather jacket

  6. Layer with your favorite sweater

The possibilities are endless!

But remember, it's important to have a balanced wardrobe. Dresses, jumpsuits, and rompers shouldn't take over your closet. Aim to have no more than 30% of one-piece items to make sure you have plenty of outfit options.

I hope these tips help you find your perfect spring and summer one pieces and build a wardrobe that is long term, functional, and supportive- because that’s our goal at the end of the day.

Now, I'd love to hear from you! What's your favorite dress, romper or jumpsuit for the warmer months? Let me know in the comments below!

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Dress Up exhibit: Museum of the Month - MFA