This post is sponsored by Saks.
I’ve spent so many years looking for a summer dress I actually want to wear. I’ve saved many to my online wish lists, even purchased some, but outside of a few long sleeve versions that are ideal for spring and fall, I have yet to find one I genuinely think about reaching for once we’ve hit the middle of summer.
So I went outside my normal shopping parameters. Began looking for higher-quality investment pieces. I wanted something simple and breezy, especially now that I live in the south where temperatures and humidity are high.
I didn’t want the dress to be boring. I needed something fun, slightly edgy while also timeless, and maybe most importantly – not frilly.
If a dress could have slight menswear vibes? I wanted that.
Even with this seemingly tall order, I found it: Staud’s Linen Maxi dress in the most jaw-droppingly cool colors I’ve ever seen.
dress (L) | sweater (L) | sandals | bag
The Coolest Linen Summer Dress I’ve Found: Staud’s Striped Maxi
If a dress could be a boyfriend shirt – it would be this one.
The faded colors on the funky striped pattern reminds me of a vintage men’s button down in the best of ways. It evokes that same effortless, slouchy coolness of borrowing from the boys. This is everything I’ve needed in a dress.
dress (L) | sweater (L) | sandals | bag
Staud’s Laura Linen Maxi Dress is shapeless but flattering, relaxed but elevated.
It could easily be your whole vacation wardrobe in one dress. Throw it over a swimsuit, or add some pretty sandals and accessories. You can lace up a good pair of sneakers for that Euro-trip where you’ll be walking a ton and it would look impeccably cool.
Since my personal style isn’t super feminine or frilly, dresses have often been a special occasion type of piece. That reason alone never made it worth it for me to invest in them. But with a minimalist shaped dress that behaves more like my favorite button-down, the cost-per-wear finally comes out working in my favor.
I love how the Laura Linen Dress isn’t fussy. Shapeless dresses require zero spanx, no special underwear. The adjustable straps on this one make it really easy to lift up the straight neck a bit higher, providing more room for a bra underneath, but it’s also great with sticky covers (or no bra at all, if that’s your thing).
dress (L) | sweater (L) | sandals | bag
If there’s one thing that’s become the most apparent since living in a hot southern town, it’s that dressing for air conditioning is arguably just as important as being comfortable in the outdoor heat. I’ve never been more prepared with layers, and my go-to is typically a sweater or sweatshirt thrown over my shoulders.
A cozy sweater draped on top of your shoulders can sometimes be enough to provide a little relief from the freezing AC. It’s like a summer scarf, if you will. But if I know I’m going to be inside for awhile, I do make sure I love the look of it when worn completely over my outfit.
dress (L) | sweater (L) | sandals | bag
I always reach for linen, cotton, or cashmere with a summer sweater. Natural materials that won’t create extra sweat, and can even wick it away easily. Reformation makes some of the softest cashmere I own. Their oversized cashmere polo feels like your kids’ softest teddy bear. It’s the perfect pairing to Staud’s Laura Maxi Dress, as the textured neckline of the polo pairs nicely with the stripes in the dress.
As for accessorizing? I keep it as simple and frill-free as I want my dress to be. No wedge heels, no high-end purses. Just an easy tote and a comfy pair of flats (or like I said, sneakers are quite amazing here, as well).
dress (L) | sweater (L) | sandals | bag
The Hamptons Beach Tote is really beautiful in quality. It has a lining that’s easy to wipe out should you have any spills or messes (just me?), plus a handful of really usable pockets.
The Leia Leather Sandals have an extra cushioned footbed which has been hard for me to find in a clean brown sandal. The extra strap over the top of the foot sets it apart from just a casual flip flop, and it also makes the shoe even comfier, as that leather strap is cushy and almost protective feeling.
I also can’t help but think a fisherman sandal would be perfect with this dress. I don’t actually own a pair, but something like this one feels like a match made in heaven.
Xx,
Amy
Thank you so much to Saks for sponsoring this post! Your mix of high-end yet cool pieces for this summer has been unmatched. And to our readers, your support means the world to us – thank you!!
Let’s be friends on Instagram or come hang with me over on TikTok: Sharing life with my husband + kid, daily style & beauty faves, and never-ending Taylor Swift dance-athons…all with a good dose of relatable mom nonsense, too.
