
Warmer weather calls for bare legs and twirlable skirts, so summer is the perfect season to break out last year’s dresses—or splurge on a new one. To get the most wear out of your summer dresses, check out our guide to accessorizing the season’s most popular silhouettes.
With a silhouette that’s fitted at the waist and then flares out to a wider skirt, the fit-and-flare style flatters the figure without constricting your movement. Pair this dress with pieces that accentuate its feminine feel.

Casual
A short cardigan and skinny belt work well together to show off the style’s narrow waist, and ballet flats add a sweet and classic element.

Dressy
Whether your fit-and-flare dress is in a print or solid hue, it’s safe to let its hourglass shape do the talking by pairing it with simple accessories, such as a delicate necklace and strappy heels.
Defined by its lowered waistline, which hits around hip level, this flapper-inspired silhouette is unique enough to be worn as a statement by itself. One caveat: its usually unadorned midsection can make it a tricky style for pear- and apple-shaped bodies to pull off.

Casual
Since the dress itself harks back to the roaring 20s, it’s a good idea to choose accessories that bring it into the new millennium, such as high, chunky heels and simple, streamlined jewelry.

Dressy
When it’s time to take a drop-waist dress out on the town, keep it simple: choose a strappy stiletto and a complementary clutch to make the unique silhouette stand out.
This loose and flowing head-to-toe silhouette is known for being super-comfortable. The trade off? All that fabric usually removes all semblance of a figure, so figure-flattering accessories and outerwear are the name of the game.

Casual
A skinny or ultra-wide belt can help delineate the waist, and a jean jacket—preferably cropped at waist height—can help even more. Shoes will barely peek out from beneath the hemline, making it a great opportunity to rock some strappy flats. A small cluster of bangles on a wrist complement the style’s flowing nature.

Dressy
Cocktail- and evening-appropriate maxi dresses most often make their own statement, so this is a good time to keep accessories subdued. Statement earrings can add balance, and a simple clutch will avoid distraction.

Inspired by the look of an oversized men’s tee, the T-shirt dress is the pinnacle of comfort. The style most often comes in a thin jersey-knit fabric, so solid, structured accessories can balance the look nicely.

Casual
To delineate the waist without detracting from the style’s coziness, try tying a flannel shirt or sweater around your waist. Pair this with knee-high socks and combat boots to complete the grunge-chic vibe.

Dressy
The short hemline of the T-shirt dress makes it perfect for footwear that highlights the legs, such as the flash of metallic gladiator sandals. A long, chunky statement necklace both matches the drape of the dress and contrasts with its delicate construction.
Form-fitting by its very definition—”bodycon” is a shortened version of “body conscious”—this silhouette is best for the nightlife. Still, its sexier elements can be toned down for daytime with the right accessories.

Casual
Go ahead, wear a bodycon dress to the office. When matched with a structured blazer and work-appropriate pumps, the style can exude the same streamlined, professional vibe as the best pencil skirts.

Dressy
Even when showing your curves is the goal, it’s smart to pair this style with a moto jacket or other outwear that balances out the skin-tight fit. A pair of booties add gravity, balancing the silhouette nicely.