Catharsis for the Conspicuous Consumer: Summer Dresses

Even for a girl from Tennessee, I find the summers in DC to be about as humid and hot as they come, so loose, lightweight dresses are perfect for keeping cool -- not to mention that they're ridiculously versatile depending on how you style them. So for years now, my go-to summer outfit has been an easy dress. In fact, I bought so many over the course of a couple of years, that I made myself lay off the summer dress purchases for the last few years. After a few years of self-control, several batches of thrift store donations, and changing styles, I realized this year when I did the semi-annual closet switch-out that I'm no longer so in love with my dwindling collection of summer dresses. This means that I'm on the hunt for several new additions to add into my summer rotation, and I'm beginning with a round-up of some of my favorites.

I think my favorite might be the green floral shift in the top row. Which is your favorite? Do you have a go-to summer outfit?

Top-to-Bottom, Left-to-Right: Color Block Shift, Green Floral Shift, River Island Misha, Printed Strappy, Mason Shift, Bird Print Dress, Floral Frill Shoulder Shift, Bird Print Strappy Dress, Triangle Shift, Abstract Retro Shift, Color Block Mini