As each month of sheltering in place ticks by, it feels like we've been reinventing the wheel when it comes to summer outfits [1]. At first, it was loungewear sets [2] and button-down shirts [3], and we were obviously stoked to pull out our swimsuits [4] for chilling outdoors. But what about those beautiful dresses we invested in to wear to this season's events that were sadly canceled? I, for one, don't want to wait a moment longer to wear (or rewear) the wedding guest dresses I've been excited about, or the silk midis that I collected to wear on vacation. And I still plan to wear them again down the line, when our world goes back to normal.
But right now, whether it's just to make yourself feel good and confident [5] or because you're in the mood to play dress-up — an activity that never strikes me as silly, especially at this moment in time when we can use the uplifting [6] — I invite you to dig out the fancy stuff. Ahead, you'll find 25 different ways to accessorize or style your dresses with the addition of sneakers [7], bowling shirts, and belts, so that you feel casual and cool, not over-the-top. Even if you stay at home without stepping outside, nothing is stopping you from taking a selfie — as the stylish women ahead all prove.
Wear a Printed Bowling Shirt Over Your Dress
Add Dark Sunglasses and an Edgy Purse
Cinch Your Waist With a Casual Waist Bag
Try Out Funky Retro Opticals
Opt For Flat Gladiator Sandals And Oversize Sunglasses
Go For a Tough Chainlink Necklace and Flip-Flops
Wear a Splashy Printed Head Scarf
Tie on a Sun Hat For Running Errands
Go Barefoot
Honestly, there's no better stay-home-and-chill look.
Wear Your Nikes
And make sure they're seen!
Think About Your Pose
Sitting cross-legged in a chair will instantly make you seem relaxed.
Wear Your Dress With Socks and Sneakers
Nix a Bag For a Cozy Knit Sweater and Wear Slides
Add Cutesy Shell Earrings and a Pendant Necklace
That way it's not just about the dress.
Find Your Most Playful Pair of Cat-Eye Sunglasses in a Bold Color
Swap Your Clutch For a Plain-and-Simple Shoulder Bag
Take Your Dress on a Bike Ride
Activities? How sporty of you.
Wear a Bunch of Layered Necklaces and Large Hoops
It'll distract from the pouf sleeves and fancy dress details.
Bring Out Those Western Boots
Your slip will become part of a rugged, countryside outfit.
Throw It on as a Beach Cover-Up
Be careful: if you want to preserve your dress, don't take it too far towards the shoreline.
A Belt Breaks Up Free-Flowing Silk
And adds some structure.
Tote Your Natural Shopper Bag
Make Use of Pockets, If You Have Them
Your stance will appear more natural and laidback.
Wear a Chunky '90s Sandal
