It’s time for May’s Signature Style with Cindy. This month we are talking about dresses. I am sharing the dresses I wear over and over and my favorite casual chic dress brands. Cindy is doing wedding dressing ideas and looks. We both are doing posts readers have requested!
You know how I feel about buying less and better? Well this post is all about those dresses that are the workhorses of your closet. You should have some great go-to dresses for the warmer months that are easy to throw on, feel great and give you a polished look with little effort.
The dresses that I reach for over and over again, are nicer pieces that last for years. These are dresses I can fancy up or dress down and that can work for days, nights and holidays away.
Some of my favorite dress brands:
Jenni Kayne
A So Cal based brand, Jenni has simple, classics that embody the easy California lifestyle. The Leopard T-Shirt Dress is a top seller and a bit pricey, but I have had mine for almost three years and still adore it and it has many years to go! It’s made of a viscose that skims the body and feels great on. I wear it with jackets in colder months and slides and my hair up in summer.
Five ways I have worn this dress..
This leopard fabric also comes in a slip dress that can be layered with a sweater or jacket. Their new linen T-Shirt dress in black, is another classic that will be great for travel and they also have jersey version.
All the great dresses at Jenni Kayne here.
Rails
I love Rails, a California company and have followed them as they have expanded. I love visiting them at the new Palo Alto and also SF Hayes Valley branch. They also can be found in many department stores. I have four of their dresses- all which are very easy and I wore a ton last summer. The cotton ones usually have a built-in bottom slip that makes them a breeze to just throw on and go. The dresses are normal lengths and sizing despite online pics of super short dresses ( so annoying, I mean why?)
The Tara is an easy dress for everyday and a lovely go-to on hot summer days with a pair of flip flops and a straw bag! I bought the black as I thought it could work for travel and dinners out too..
I also love the Jasmine, which I have in white.. Now comes in a lot of pretty options and this is a good one for evenings and the transition seasons. This floral version left is on my want list.. (Notice the difference in lengths vs. the online pics?) I am 5’4 and these models must be 5’11.
I also have the Zana dress in the ditzy floral.. I loved the striped Inez dress which I tried on, but didn’t buy.. These dresses are light and easy to wear.
My most worn dress of theirs is probably the Angelina Dress. This was my summer number one.. So light and easy and casual.. Last time I wore it at Filoli with a white denim jacket. (If you need a white denim jacket a cute one here and here.)
I take medium in all their dresses. Similar styles in a longer lengths are the Amelia, the Constantine Dress, and the Kiki Dress.
I also like new Nadia dress a flattering tie front look that in come in a blue stripe poplin, white and this pretty flax gauze…More of their new season here.
Frank & Eileen
Named for the founder’s Irish grandparents, Frank & Eileen began in 2009 in an effort to create beautiful shirts for women. It has remained a 100% ethical and sustainable brand as it has grown- with clothes being manufactured in California and Italy. All of the fabric is sourced down to the orgins and the company is also 100% women owned and run.
They make a small collection, but what they have is lovely. The shirt dresses have a cult following and I have the Mary Dress in distressed vintage wash, but it comes in eleven more shades and washes! I wear this dress so much in spring and summer with a pair of slides and a straw bag. It isn’t tight, but it also isn’t frumpy and is on the shorter side. This dress has little folds that give it lived-in look, doesn’t wrinkle and is a packing dream. ( My little bag here.)
They have the same style in a long Rory dress which I would love to own. They have denim, linen and voile versions and many solids and fun prints.. SO cute worn with pants too..
They also have the Nicole dress in jersey cotton or a fleece that would be perfect for casual days, beach trips and just about anything..
Faherty
Faherty is another American brand that I adore. The fabrics and quality are excellent.
I have this Gemina stripe dress and love it. They have a version of mine here and it also comes in a floral and a pretty blue. This dress is flattering. Here I dressed it up with some pearls on a cord and a sandals for a summer day in Santa Cruz.. ( Similar pearl necklace here.)
Their Isha Dress has been a perennial number one best seller for them and is a summer classic..and I want one! Maybe this summer. ….This dress also comes in a midi length now too.. Their new Dream Dress , on right, is also a beauty and would be so right for California in summertime!
Tory Burch
Another with well made dresses is Tory Burch. I love her T-shirt dresses and bought this one a few years ago. I see they brought it back in a darker color. I always get compliments on this. I think her clothes are made to flatter and are under the radar gems.
All Tory Burch T-shirt dresses here. There are some very cool ones right now…more online.
I hope this got you thinking more about what sort of dresses might be great addition to your closet and that you can wear for years and make getting dressed easier! Please share below if you have favorite dress brands that you rely on. I’d love to know.
If you missed April’s Signature Style, it was about resort dressing, and what you need for a getaway or vacation trip! I shared cute dresses, outfit ideas and packing tips.
Now stop by Cindy’s blog to see what she is sharing. This month she has wedding dressing and tips and ideas. I am sure many of you have events coming up this summer…
Thanks for being here!
Kim
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