wearing lately: summer event attire

I pretty much live in casual dresses in the summer - so easy breezy for everyday hot weather wear - but the season also tends to have a fair share of occasions that require a dressy dress, with graduations, weddings, and whatnot (not to mention I always have work trips with dinner events). This year I happened upon an option that is just as easy as my day dresses (pretty much no accessorizing - i.e. no thinking - required!) for all of my evening wear needs:

The ruched gathered waist + the flirty bottom of the skirt sold me on this dress, as the silhouette just feels fancy, but then the floral print was the clincher. The black base helps it feel evening appropriate (especially with black heels), but the bright colors make it feel summery and give it some personality. I was a little nervous about standing out too much against all the LBDs, but it was perfect. Plus the print makes it hardly necessary to accessorize - especially when you do some extra fancy hair. Thanks to my stylist at Drybar (and all of their great products that hold up against humidity...I'm totally buying some of these now) for that!

This time around I actually ended up pairing it with my leather jacket for part of the evening, since it was a bit cool, but on a hotter day I would go with some strappy black sandals. Oh, and the clutch that I totally forgot to bring along. And I can totally see it working for day too - with a white knit blazer for work, or a denim jacket for brunch.

The first occasion for wearing my summer event dress was my sister's graduation from her anesthesia residency program in Chicago last weekend, which was held at the Signature Room, on the 95th floor of the Hancock building with fabulous views of the city and the lakeshore. It was so fun to enjoy the views, cocktails, and dinner with my whole family; have the excuse to try out the official Drybar with the ladies; and of course celebrate my sister's hard work throughout all of med school/residency. Icing on the cake was being there when they announced her as the recipient of the resident of the year award!

Next up for this little number is my work gala event at U.S. Bank Stadium (home of the Minnesota Vikings) later in June... What are you wearing for fancy events this summer?


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