The Perfect Summer Dress – Why You Need The Picnic Dress

Fashion Details

Summer is finally here in Chicago and the warm temps have me craving fun summer dresses.  Last week I shared how a few years back I never wore shorts (see the full post here) and lived mainly in summer dresses.  I’ve slowly moved back to shorts, but one dress in particular brings my love of summer dresses back.

The dress that brings my love of dresses back to life is the Picnic Dress.  While you can wear it to a picnic, it’s the best dress to wear anywhere this summer.  I lived in this dress last summer and was so excited that Everlane brought it back this year.  These photos were actually taken on our weekend getaway to Lake Geneva Wisconsin. Part of the draw of the town is the gorgeous lake and all the mansions along its shores. It has such a coastal feel it made me want to book a trip to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket ASAP.  Those are both on the travel bucket list currently.  

What all of those places make me think of is blue and white stripes.  Especially a blue and white stripe dress.  You know that total east coast preppy vibe.   Complete with white sandy beaches, bare feet along the boardwalk and fresh mint cocktails. 

Everlane Picnic Dress

Today I’m going to share all the reasons why I’m obsessed with the Everlane Picnic Dress.  Yes I love the fit, the tie waist, the midi length and the adjustable straps, but the price is unbeatable.  This dress is only $88!  That is a complete steal.  I am very conscious on the amount I spend on a piece of clothing, especially a casual piece.  I spend most of money on work clothes, however times have changed and I’m at home a lot more.  This dress is perfect for hanging around the house, cocktails on the patio and fun summer days.  AKA it’s work the price.

In terms of sizing it runs true to size.  I’m wearing a 10, however I should have gotten it in an 8, which is my true size.  My suggesting is to use the hip measurement to select your size, it’s usually spot for measurements.  And one other point, the dress is made of 100% cotton, so it’s not completely wrinkle resistant, but the wrinkles do fall out of it nicely on a warm summer day.

Keep reading to see all the other features I love about this dress.

 

Faux Button Front

The front of the dress appears to look as if if needs to be buttoned up.  However they are faux buttons! I love this feature on the dress. There is no chance that these buttons split or stretch apart, as they are faux. The dress actually has a side zipper which allows it to be more fitted.  It’s much easier to get into a zipper dress then it is to close up buttons.  

 

Adjustable Straps

The dress has two strap lengths so no alterations are needed.  We are not all made the same and the same size fits differently on different people.  The adjustable straps have two lengths and are fastened by buttons. The shorter length is the perfect fit for me.  

 

Midi Length

The midi length dress doesn’t get as much attention as it should.  Last year I purchased a beautiful floral midi dress  and couldn’t get enough of it.  So when I saw this summer midi dress I knew I would love it. I’m 5’9 for reference so longer things tend to look good on me because I have the height for it.  

 

However a midi length dress can be worn at any height.  If you are on the shorter side, I would pair the dress with a heel or wedge vs. flat sandals.  This will elongate your legs and make you appear taller.  

 

A midi length dress is also a more conservative dress, but just as fashion-forward as a shorter dress.  There is a dress for every occasion and this one is perfect for the beach or a picnic. The extra length means you can bend over and not show the whole world everything 🙂

Perfect Summer Print

Nothing screams summer like a mini seersucker print.  The dress is actually described as a black and white mini stripes.  I tend to think it looks like white and blue from a distance. I would have loved either color combination, but actually like that I see blue and white.

 

The print is light, aired and the ideal summer print.  Nothing screams outdoor BBQ or sunset stroll like a mini seersucker print.  It’s ultra preppy and fresh for summer months.  

 

Tie Waist

Anytime you can create a defined waist on any piece of clothing it’s going to be a winner.  You can use the tie waist or wear the dress without it. I prefer the dress with the tie waist.  Who doesn’t love a girly bow on a dress?

 

Placing the bow to the side creates a sophisticated look and draws attention to your side waist.  However, you can wear the bow directly in the center of the dress and it looks just as cute.  Wearing the bow this way also camouflages your tummy, which is something I need these days. 

 

Are you obsessed yet?  I told you so!  The best part is the Everlane Picnic dress comes in navy too!