Who doesn’t love a summer frock? Whether it’s for a formal function or a more casual event, there is certainly a dress for every occasion!
The experience of how one wears clothing and how a garment makes you feel, is very personal. I equate wearing a dress in the summer with carefree movement. When I wear a dress, dancing almost always ensues; whether it’s owning the dance floor at a wedding, riding a vibe at a music festival, or feeling the music take over my body at a cocktail party. To me, wearing a dress symbolizes lightness, freedom in movement, and feeling carefree – all at the same time.
I recently whisked my way through Holt Renfrew in Yorkville to sample a closet full of frocks. With luxury brand names like Alexander McQueen, Prada, and Yves Saint Laurent at my fingertips I was beyond excited to try on a closet full of fancy frocks!
Here are 5 Fancy Must-Have Summer Frocks:
Nicholas dress ($900), Yves Saint Laurent clutch ($1,495), Jimmy Choo gold heels ($875)
This lace flare dress was the first dress I tried on and it did not disappoint. It was structurally on point and fit like a glove. Did I mention the plunging neckline? Wow. It was my absolute favourite feature of the dress. Not to mention, it had a unique geometric pattern lace overlay that made the dress as a whole feel very light and breathable. I felt sophisticated, but also allowed for enough movement so I could kick off my heels and dance all night at a wedding.
Tibi floral dress ($1,175), Prada maroon mules ($825)
I felt like a festival fashionista in this Tibi dress with floral detail. It had a jewel neckline and dramatic keyhole back. The short sleeves with cold shoulders were definitely a highlight. I envisioned myself in this mid-calf number swaying from side to side at a music festival. It was lightweight and had an A-line silhouette, perfect for movement. The colourful floral design covering this dress really popped when paired with those Prada maroon mules.
Alexander McQueen print dress ($2,975), Mansur Gavriel camel bag ($585), Jimmy Choo red heels ($875)
The Alexander McQueen dress had a flirty feel that would bode well with a garden or summer cocktail party. I was completely taken by the Jimmy Choo red heels which highlighted accents of red found in the pattern design of the dress, really tying this outfit together as a whole. A Perfect pairing.
Theory red dress ($425), Saint Laurent Paris black tote ($3,445), Stuart Weitzman nudist heel ($498)
I loved the look and feel of this Theory red dress. The colour is one that I would likely wear to an event moving into the Fall, but could definitely pull off end of summer as well. It’s perfect for a fancy-schmancy brunch or dinner date with friends.
Self Portrait dress ($850), Prada silver brogues ($1,025), Sophie Hulme ($450)
The Self Portrait dress was deceiving. On the hanger I would have likely passed it by had it not been pulled for me. Once I tried it on though, I was pleasantly surprised, excited even, by the open back and playful silhouette, which I did not expect in the least. This dress made me want to twirl around in circles just to capture the bottom fabric of the dress moving at its finest. The Prada silver brogues counterbalanced the dress’ many textures and gave the outfit a more casual feel. They were most definitely my favourite shoes of the day. I could have moonwalked across the store in these shoes…or did I?
Written by Mel Leis
