Have to admit, but even I, who is all about the visually stimulating, resent any event that requires too much fashion effort come summertime. That said, I do want to look good at the party! The key is keeping it genuinely effortless and comfortable when it comes to summer barbecues. However, comfortable does not have to equal boring. Here are some fun summer looks you should stock up on now!

THE LWD
(LITTLE WHITE DRESS)

Hands down, the best summer staple is the little white dress. Recently, I was horrified to learn a designer friend didn’t make the white dress sample she was wearing because “white doesn’t sell.” Says who? I am so over black and really do not go near it in summer. A white dress serves the same purpose in a fresher, softer way. You can dress it up or down, it can go day into night, and is just deliciously crisp and clean. You can wear it on its own or throw a fab summer-weight sweater over it.

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THE FPD
(FABULOUS PRINT DRESS)

Please don’t fear prints. Prints are fantastic and you will look fantastic in them. So much more fun than sporting monochrome all the time. Summer is the prefect time to play with plaids, florals, ginghams—you name it. If you just can’t, then at least go for denim.

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THE ANTI-LWP
(THE ANTI-LITTLE WHITE PANT)

The only look worse than a little black dress is the little white jean with fancy shirt. It is over! Here are some bottoms that take the place of your white jean security blanket. (Aren’t they getting yellowed at this point anyway?)

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THE CASUAL SHORT

If you are lucky enough, the barbecue is with a bestie and she calls for “casual dress.” There is still nothing cozier than a pair of denim cutoffs. They look sexy yet sweet with a great “boy” shirt or a beautiful blouse and wedges.

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