While we may have already started talking about fall here at Who What Wear, I’m certainly in no rush to cast aside summer. I’m still enjoying the long weekend days by the pool and reveling in the warm summer evenings—Aperol spritz in hand.
Luckily here in L.A., we’ve got plenty more months of warm weather ahead. With a couple of summer weekend getaways booked and a number of events in the Google Cal, I’ve been craving a handful of chic dresses to get me through this season and into the next.
So this week, I headed to some of my favorite retailers IRL—Reformation, Zara, and H&M (all known for their chic selections of dresses)—to seek out cool frocks that will see me through laid-back summer weekends, an upcoming vacation, and a bridal shower, which are all taking place in the next few months. I also sought out dresses that will take me easily into fall with the addition of layers.
I tried on a plethora of dresses (21 to be exact), but these 11 made the final cut, from little white dresses to sleek slip dresses. Scroll below if you’re looking for inspiration.
This stunning shade of blue immediately caught my eye when I went into Ref this week. I was also drawn to the simplicity of the silhouette—easy to style with flats and heels alike and perfect for day or night. Plus, how chic would it look against the backdrop of the white and blue rooftops in Santorini? Just saying.
Easy linen dresses are my absolute favorite for the sweltering heat. This eye-catching pink mini is one of my new favorites. I love the fact that it’s nonrestrictive and extremely comfortable—perfect for casual weekends. Moreover, it’s under $100, which is music to my ears.
It’s been a while since I invested in a new LWD, and this Ref one is perfection. It’s a lovely quality (not see-through at all) and has such a pretty silhouette, subtle puff sleeves, and ruching details. I can see myself wearing this on repeat this season.
Slip dresses are having a major moment this season and are set to be a big trend come fall, so I’ve been looking for one I can wear easily this season and into the next. This brown silk-and-lace number fit the bill perfectly. It feels luxe, fits beautifully, and is easy to wear day or night. I’ll be styling it with sandals in summer and boots and a bomber jacket come fall.
This is one of my favorite dresses at Zara right now. I’ve been on the hunt for a lightweight column maxi dress for a while, and finally, I’ve found the one. It’s comfortable and chic, and the back is gorgeous too. Not bad for $50.
I have a penchant for blue-and-white printed dresses, and this breezy, bold frock is one of my new favorites. I plan to wear it with plenty of gold jewelry and flat sandals. It would also be perfect as a chic cover-up over a swimsuit.
Zara has a lot of chic slip dresses right now, and this floral frock with the addition of alluring lace at the neckline will work just as well with black Birkenstocks for a casual brunch as it would with heels and statement jewelry for an outdoor summer wedding.
This dress screams fun, and if you have a special party or occasion coming up—a birthday, bridal shower, summer soirée, or fun vacation—this is a chic and playful option that leans into the trending Y2K vibes. The photo doesn’t do it justice, but the metallic detailing is gorgeous.
Sometimes, the simplest silhouettes can be the most striking. This LBD is incredibly versatile, and the spaghetti straps and square neckline give it a minimalist-chic touch. I like the fact it’s not too tight throughout the body, which gives it a more casual vibe. Oh, and did I mention it’s $15?
Another chic black dress for the win! This laid-back yet elegant black satin slip is incredibly comfortable and easy to wear. Great for day or night, it looks much more expensive than its price tag.
Cute and charming, this lightweight ribbed-knit minidress with delicate lace trim is ideal for lounging or a beach day. I love the pretty blue.
