The heat is finally here, and that means it’s time to pick your favorite summer dress to rock all season.
Handkerchief
Nothing says fun in the sun — be it a beach wedding or a Central Park picnic — like a bold print and flirty hemline.
Inspiration: Actress Rashida Jones (left) On model: Cynthia Steffe dress, $268 at bloomingdales.com; Sandals, $795 at sarahflint.com; Bracelets, $165-$168 (each) at holstandlee.com; Ring, $19.95 at lanebryant.com; Clutch, $9.95 at hm.comGetty Images; Tamara Beckwith Maxi
Go to great lengths with a long, simple dress that begs for bold, shimmery accessories.
Inspiration: Minnie Driver (left) On model: Amanda Uprichard dress, $282 at bloomingdales.com; Sandals, $295 at loefflerrandall.com; Necklace, $340 at ponobyjoangoodman.com; Clutch, $79 at dunelondon.comWireImage / Tamara BeckwithUltra femme
Who knew pink ruffles could look so modern? DVF, of course.
Inspiration: Dakota Fanning (left) On model: Diane von Furstenberg dress, $468 at shopbop.com; Heels, $250 at rebeccaminkoff.com; Clutch, $298 at henribendel.com; Earrings, $45 at rjgraziano.com; Bangles, $225 (set of 3) at toryburch.comBFA / Tamara BeckwithDeep-v mini
By day, it’s a bathing-suit coverup; by evening — with a tank underneath — it’s a playful date-night frock.
Inspiration: Beyonce (left) On model: The Jetset Diaries dress, $189 at planetblue.com; Heels, $250 at rebeccaminkoff.com; Earrings, $225 at lulufrost.com; Bracelet, $55 at ettika.comSplash News; Tamara BeckwithOne-shoulder
Give ‘em asymmetrical attitude in a sassy belted frock that’s ideal for
backyard barbecues.
Inspiration: Sarah Michelle Gellar (left) On model: Dress, $110 at bananarepublic.com; Hat, $16 at joefresh.com; Earrings, $74, at rachaelryen.com; Necklace, $375 at lulufrost.comFilmMagic; Tamara BeckwithTrapeze
Whether you belt it or leave it billowing, nothing says summer like a bright dress in the easiest of silhouettes.
Inspiration: America Ferrera (left) On model: Michelle Kim dress, $515 at Lord & Taylor, 424 Fifth Ave.; Sandals, $170 at schutz-shoes.com; Zacasha necklace, $49 at islandgirlmiami.com; Honey Rose & K bangles, $24 (each) at honeyrosenk.com; Clutch, $990 at elisabethweinstock.comFilmMagic / Tamara BeckwithShirt dress
A simple silhouette plus a cute, colorful and easy-to-wear pattern equals perfection.
Inspiration: Emmy Rossum (left) On model: Equipment dress, $268 at bloomingdales.com; Wedges, $275 at reiss.com; Bag, $495 at Tory Burch, 797 Madison Ave.; Earrings, $38 at robertachiarella.com; Cuff, $198 at isharya.comSplash News/ Tamara BeckwithCrew credits: Photographer: Tamara Beckwith/NY Post; Stylist: Johannah Masters; Hair: T. Cooper for ECRU New York; Makeup: Jas Lee / JUMP; Model: Francine / Images Management
