From June to September, we live basically in Summer dresses from white maxis to floral-print midis and silhouettes with ruffled sleeves. During the day, these seasonal silhouettes make for an effortless and breezy outfit with comfortable and practical accessories like flat sandals, roomy tote bags, sunglasses, and hats. Come night time, however, a Summer dress can feel a little casual with said accessories for drinks, dinner, or a party, which is why knowing how to transition a Summer dress from day to night is essential (and trust us, it's easier than you think).
From easy bag swaps to simple shoe changes and a mix of extras suited for the sun and after hours, ahead, we're breaking down eight easy ways to transition a Summer dress from day to night. Plus, shop the edit of stylish and affordable dresses that are perfect in the heat, all from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's.
Woven totes bags — like this Lou & Grey Avarcas USA Manacor Market Bag ($40) — are quintessentially Summer and super useful during the day on vacation, for weekend errands, and at picnics. For maximum versatility, go for a neutral color with minimal embellishment.
While carry-all styles are better suited to daytime, you can maintain the summery feel of a woven bag at night by swapping for a smaller silhouette or mixed-material design like this Brother Vellies Nusa Bucket Bag ($465).
Comfortable flat sandals are essential in the Summer — like these The Spanish Sandal Co Black Slides ($80) — with all kinds of Summer dresses from lightweight linen styles to colorful prints and bright colors.
For a dressier look after hours, switch out your flat sandals for a pair of heeled strappy sandals — like this pair of LC Lauren Conrad Colada Strappy High Heeled Sandals ($40, originally $60) — with minis, midis, or maxis.
Sun protection is key on hot days and a natural-colored sunhat like this Bagtazo Bibi Garden Hat ($329) will go with every Summer dress in your wardrobe.
At night, hats are like sunglasses . . . they don't make sense. Instead, a fun hair accessory like this Topshop Pack of 2 Cream Pearl Hair Slide Clips ($9) will make any Summer dress feel trendy and fresh.
White sneakers — like this pair of Vans ComfyCush Authentic SF Sneakers ($75) — are a year-round staple and super cute with Summer dresses when you're touring a new city on vacation or strolling around for hours on the weekends.
If you're not into heels, an embellished pair of flats like this pair of Mango Seashell Leather Sandals ($50, originally $60) will give any Summer dress a night-out feel in place of sneakers.
No Summer dress is complete without a cool pair of sunnies. For a sleek look, these Krewe Orleans 18K Titanium + Zulu Polarized Sunglasses ($335) are choice.
After the sun sets, ditch your sunglasses and accent your Summer dress with a unique pair of earrings like these STVDIO Marguerite Gold-Tone Earrings ($138).
A structured bag is a polished way to accent a Summer dress for work, like this modern Yuzefi Doris Leather Shoulder Bag ($665).
Maintain a sleek look at night by swapping out your bigger bag for a structured mini. We love this L'AFSHAR Ida Croc-Effect Leather Tote ($790), which can be carried by the top handle or tortoiseshell strap.
Natural-looking pearls — like this Timeless Pearly Pearl-Charm Gold-Vermeil Necklace ($190) — are a big trend this Summer and a fun way to dress up any Summer frock.
At night, no need to swap out your pearls. Instead, keep piling them on to up the drama. This Donni Mixed Pearl Choker ($158) is an easy way to do so.
OK, so. Flip-flops are back and, in fact, they're chic. Case in point, this pair of Tibi Bryan Sandals ($78, originally $195). Try out the trend with your Summer dress during the day, whether you're wearing a feminine white maxi, printed mini, or waist-cinching midi.
If you're into nostalgic trends, then you'll have no qualms about switching to a heeled flip-flop — like these Simon Miller Beep Patent-Leather Sandals ($370) — at night.
POPSUGAR Belted Maxi Dress ($48, originally $64)
POPSUGAR Plus Size Belted Maxi Dress ($51, originally $68)
POPSUGAR Belted Maxi Dress ($48, originally $64)
POPSUGAR Plus Size Belted Maxi Dress ($51, originally $68)
POPSUGAR Button-Front Dress ($37, originally $50)
POPSUGAR Plus Size Button-Front Dress ($40, originally $54)
POPSUGAR Button-Front Dress ($37, originally $50)
POPSUGAR Plus Size Button-Front Dress ($40, originally $54)
POPSUGAR Button-Front Dress ($37, originally $50)
POPSUGAR Plus Size Button-Front Dress ($40, originally $54)
POPSUGAR Print Tie-Waist Dress ($37, originally $50)
POPSUGAR Plus Size Print Tie-Waist Dress ($40, originally $54)
POPSUGAR Belted Button-Down Dress ($30, originally $60)
POPSUGAR Belted Button-Down Dress ($30, originally $60)
POPSUGAR Button Up Midi Dress ($45, originally $60)
POPSUGAR Button Up Midi Dress ($45, originally $60)
POPSUGAR Printed Midi Dress ($48, originally $64)
POPSUGAR Plus Size Printed Midi Dress ($51, originally $68)
POPSUGAR Ruffle Sleeve Dress ($37, originally $50)
POPSUGAR Plus Size Ruffle Sleeve Dress ($40, originally $54)
POPSUGAR Ruffle Sleeve Dress ($37, originally $50)
POPSUGAR Plus Size Ruffle Sleeve Dress ($40, originally $54)
POPSUGAR Ruffle Sleeve Dress ($37, originally $50)
POPSUGAR Plus Size Ruffle Sleeve Dress ($40, originally $54)
POPSUGAR Ruffle Trim Swing Dress ($37, originally $50)
POPSUGAR Asymmetrical Ruffle Hem Dress ($34, originally $68)
POPSUGAR Belted Denim Dress ($32, originally $64)
POPSUGAR Belted Denim Dress ($32, originally $64)
POPSUGAR Check Tank Dress ($51, originally $68)
POPSUGAR Printed Wrap Dress ($30, originally $60)
POPSUGAR Plus Size Printed Wrap Dress ($32, originally $64)
POPSUGAR Mini Shirtdress ($45, originally $60)
POPSUGAR Plus Size Mini Shirtdress ($48, originally $64)
POPSUGAR Mini Shirtdress ($45, originally $60)
POPSUGAR Plus Size Mini Shirt Dress ($48, originally $64)
POPSUGAR Mini Shirtdress ($45, originally $60)
POPSUGAR Plus Size Mini Shirt Dress ($48, originally $64)