effortless summer style

When temperatures rise and days grow longer, I find it increasingly easy to fall into a “shorts and a tee” rut. You know the one I’m talking about… that habit of grabbing the first clean tank top and pair of shorts you see in an effort to stay cool. But summer style can (and should!) be so much more than that, and today I’m so excited to partner with Banana Republic to show you how easily it can be achieved!

Banana2smallBanana1Banana5smallBanana3smallBananasmall9Banana14smallbanana20smallbanana17smallBanana12smallBanana4smallBanana7smallbanana16smallbanana18smallDRESS   deep blue boho dress (currently on sale for under $100)   |   SHOES   blue leather sandals   |   CARDIGAN   merino wool cardigan   |   BAG   white tassel crossbody   |   SUNGLASSES   tortoise rimmed sunglasses (old, similar linked)

It can be easy to mentally consign dresses to formal events, while forgetting the polished ease and effortless femininity they readily provide the wearer! When you think about it, a breezy, bright dress provides comfort and fresh style… there’s absolutely no need to sacrifice one for the sake of the other.

This beautiful cobalt blue piece showcases that combination beautifully. The cinched waist and skirted hemline make for a flirty and feminine silhouette, perfectly accented by the beautifully billowy nature of the sleeves and skirt.

What I especially love about this dress is it’s versatility! I threw it on with fun blue sandals for a quick, put-together look perfectly appropriate for a trip to my favorite coffee spot. Lather that evening, however, I merely swapped the cardigan for a leather belt and added wedges for a date night look. A summery, sweet ensemble for Tex-Mex with the cowboy!

Besides their array of darling summer pieces, what I really appreciate about Banana Republic is the plethora of sizes they offer. As I always struggle with dresses running too long on me, I was thrilled to see they offered this style in Petite – a XXS was just the ticket. For those of you with a few more inches on me, they have tall sizes as well!

If you’re looking to add a few other summer dresses to your repertoire, you’ll love this flared dress, this navy striped number, and ruffled aqua frock. Happy spinning! (Because I bet you can’t help it once you get one of these on…)

Love from Texas,

Kate

Photography by Hilary Rattikin

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10 Comments

  1. Aubrey said:

    I love that white purse especially with the blue outfit!

    xx. The Coastal Confidence
    http://the-coastalconfidence.com/

    Published 6.16.16 · Reply
  2. Olivia said:

    This dress is adorable!! I can see the top layer is sheer but is the bottom slip very thick? I live in Florida so the lighter the dress the better. :)

    Published 6.16.16 · Reply
  3. Perfect summer outfit! I need that adorable Kate Spade bag- too cute!
    -Angela & Amy
    http://filetostyle.com/

    Published 6.16.16 · Reply
  4. Sarah W. said:

    You look super pretty in blue! I’m really loving those leather sandals!

    XO, Sarah | The Bella Insider | @sarah_thebella

    Published 6.16.16 · Reply
  5. Sydney S said:

    You just have the cutest style, I love this dress!
    xo, Syd
    anchoredinthesouth.com

    Published 6.16.16 · Reply
  6. Kathryn said:

    What an adorable dress!! I love it! :)

    xx Kathryn
    http://www.chicandshimmer.com

    Published 6.16.16 · Reply
  7. Hannah said:

    This whole outfit is so gorgeous! I am loving simplicity of the blue dress with a white sweater around the waist!! Where is this coffee shop?? I would love to go check it out:)

    http://www.ohwhatasighttosee.com

    Published 6.16.16 · Reply
  8. Sadie Lee said:

    I absolutely love this color!!!

    Always,
    Sadie Lee
    http://www.HeySadieLee.com

    Published 6.16.16 · Reply
  9. I think my favorite part of this dress is the pattern! And I love that you paired matching shoes with it!

    -Morgan
    How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

    Published 6.17.16 · Reply
  10. I was recently in Banana and was obsessing over all of the items that are in this adorable snake print! So cute and fun for the summer!!

    Jordan: The Teacup of Style
    Instagram: @teacupofstyle

    Published 6.19.16 · Reply