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I love dressing casually in the summertime. No need to wear a bunch of layers, no need to ever change your flip-flops. So when the "Summer Occasion" rears its ugly head, we're thrown into a tailspin: "Oh no, what am I going to wear?!"

 

One of my favorite fall-back positions is a maxi dress (and you can check out my ode to this wardrobe essential in one of my recent blogs). Especially if it's a solid color, I can go casual with flip-flops or wear heels and big jewelry to look more important. But unfortunately, the maxi dress won't work for everything. So, I thought we'd take a moment to talk through my interpretations of some popular dress codes:

 

"Business Casual" is one of the most common and most difficult, as different companies have different dress codes. If I'm going to a "Business Casual" affair, I try to look like I'm not leading with my neckline (if you know what I mean). Dressing credibly, but in a more relaxed way. Ask yourself these questions: Would a man find this distracting? Would a woman find this intimidating? If the answer to both is no, you're probably fine.

 

"Dressy Casual"…hmmmmmmm. I tend to try to mix a little of both in this instance. A little dressy and a little casual. Maybe a great top that's a little dressier with a pair of jeans, for example. (It's so great that jeans go every which way now, as it makes the "Dressy Casual" category much easier!) You can add a little sparkle on your top and balance with a little denim on the bottom. Or, you could wear a skirt with sparkle, but be sure to go with a simple tank on top and more understated footwear. This "code" is a balancing act all the way.

 

"Resort Attire" gives you permission to pretend you're on vacation! Wear something tropical, fun, summery, and definitely colorful! Think a great maxi dress in a fun print or a fun tropical shirt with shorts or a skirt. I think this code gives you a little more room to play and go all out. Stuffy affairs don't have "Resort Attire" on the invitation.

 

"Cocktail" or "Semi-formal" to me means, in most cases, a cocktail dress. You can go with a sparkly top with dark jeans and high heels if it's more of a party, or maybe a simple, tailored sheath dress with stepped up jewelry, accessories, and hair. But something about what you're wearing should be special. If you're too simple or plain, it will look like you didn't try, and that might be slightly disappointing to your host. If you go overboard and dress too formally, then you'll stand out as the person trying too hard. And that's never comfortable.

 

"Black Tie" or "Formal" means at least a cocktail dress with everything else really "kicked up." Or, preferably a tea length or long dress. Summertime "Black Tie" tends to be a little more casual than winter, but this is one time where you have permission to be as glamorous as you want to be. That means head to toe, from your hair style to your shoes and evening bag, pay attention to the details.

 

A few thoughts for the summer wedding season. If you're going to a wedding, pay very close attention to what you wear. These are the most special and personal days for the bride and groom, and therefore you want to let them know that you respect them and appreciate being part of their day by dressing appropriately. Try to find out if the wedding or reception will be outside, and what kind of surface you'll be walking (or dancing) on. Stilettos will sink into grass, so wedges might be a better idea.  Always bring a lightweight wrap or something to throw on your shoulders if it gets a little chilly. Being cold makes it hard to enjoy yourself. Carry breath mints—you will be close to people. And PLEASE turn off the ringer on your cell phone before you go into the ceremony!

 

I hope that helps us all start thinking about what events we have to go to this summer. (Hopefully it's a lot of good ones!) If you'd like more ideas for summer dressing, tune in to this Friday's Lisa Robertson Show. We have two looks that show some ideas for "Dressy Casual" and "Resort Attire." Both looks are using the same top from KZ by Karen Zambos, so you can see some examples of changing a look, but not your whole wardrobe.

 

 

 

So where are you headed this summer? And is there a dress code? I’d love to know where you are going, and what you're planning on wearing!

 

The Lisa Robertson Show starts Friday at 10pm ET. Friday Night Beauty follows, as usual, and Chaz Dean is bringing us his new seasonal scent! Gabrielle Kerr has an update for all you "PMS'ers" out there in her weekly blog. Don't forget...PM Style starts at 7pm ET on Monday.

 

See you soon.