I decided I am going to start a new ‘closet mainstays’ series where I’ll take the time to note pieces I am always reaching for. I love a little treat just as much as the next person but I’m a bigger fan of buying pieces that I want to keep in my wardrobe for years to come. I’ve been influenced to buy so many things from people who rave about something for a week or two, wear it a few times, and then it’s never seen again. I’m over it! I’m going to rewear my clothes because I love them that much! And yes, I’ll still buy new things, but I am never going to buy and share items just to make a few bucks. That’s just not me.

Okay, sorry for the rant!

I am not a pants gal. Never have been and don’t really plan on becoming one! If I can wear a dress, I’m going to. I also loathe uncomfortable clothes. Like if something is even the slightest bit annoying (tight, itchy, needs to be fidgeted with too much, etc.), I will never wear it. So, with all of these considerations in mind, I think my summer dress collection is pretty top notch.

These are the dresses I wear on repeat throughout the warmer months - I never get sick of them. They’re what I end up throwing on when I give up on attempting to craft a new outfit or just need to get out the door already. They’re all pictured (and linked) at the bottom of this post, but I will go through them each in detail for you!

P.S. For older dresses, I’ve tried to track down some pre-loved options where I can. I will continue to keep an eye out!

1. Proenza Schouler Smocked Dress - Love a ditzy floral print! I have this dress in both the brown and orange color ways. Seems like she’s sold out pretty much everywhere but here is one pre-loved option. I love wearing this dress for date nights, dinner at friends’ houses, and other more formal feeling gatherings. I always pair with a simple sandal or heel.

2. Doen Piper Dress - I ordered this dress to wear during our wedding week festivities last year and she immediately became one of my favorites! It’s so feminine and delicate. With how much I’ve worn it in the past year, I probably need to order a fresh one lol. I’ve seen her in other colors before but nothing beats white in the summer.

3. Posse Alice Linen Mini Dress - This was a recent purchase. Right when I tried it on, I could tell she was a keeper! I had heard people rave about this dress a ton so I don’t know why I was so surprised. But I want her in every color now! If you’re willing to take a risk with the Matches sale, she’s included. Use code OFFER30.

4. La Ligne Smocked Dress - A pre-loved purchase I made a year or two ago. She meets all of the requirements - comfortable, versatile, put together. Also sold out on most retailers but here is a pre-loved option.

5. Apiece Apart Crochet Dress - Purchased on sale recently! She came in the mail the other day and she’s great. The dress comes with a slip so I plan on wearing with a fun sandal on date nights. But I also plan to remove the slip and use as a fancy swim cover during an upcoming beach trip. I love dresses that serve multiple purposes.

6. Doen Stanza Dress - Of course my list of favorite dresses has more than one Doen option. Doen has really honed in on their skills when it comes to crafting the most gorgeous and comfortable spring/summer pieces in my opinion. The have come out with a few different variations of the Stanza and I really love them all. I have it in the songbird toile and blanc bluebell ballad. Here are some pre-loved options: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 . They clearly have great re-sale value but some of the prices are a bit outrageous. If I were looking to get a Stanza, I’d buy a reasonably priced pre-loved version or wait until Doen releases it in a new print.

7. Gap Crinkle Gauze Dress - Okay, so I have to admit that I don’t have this dress yet. But I have the long version from probably six or seven years ago. I ordered this short version as I was searching for a link to mine this morning. You would not believe the amount of compliments I have received from people when I wear this dress! Super comfy and doubles as a great swim cover! Can’t wait for this mini version.

8. Jenni Kayne Margot Dress - Timeless and so comfortable! I’ve worn this dress twice already this week. The quality of this Jenni Kayne dress is amazing - it’s held up very well for me. I’ve considered getting the black version more than a few times. Here are some pre-loved options: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5.

9. Rachel Pally Alice Linen Dress - I’ve had this dress (in the natural color) for about four years now and still love it! Easy to throw on and very comfortable. The linen is more mid-weight so it’s great for spring or a chillier summer evening event. Each time I wear it I get so many compliments. I have styled with sandals, heels and sneakers. Rachel Pally must be shutting down or something though because it’s on sale with an additional 70% off with code (70FORYOU). I just ordered this hazelnut color!

10. Doen Ortensia Dress - My favorite summer color - poppy red/orange! This dress was a no brainer for me the second Doen dropped it. So flow-y and comfortable! The material is light enough that you can stay cool even in the summer sun. I noticed that they dropped a new print recently and I’m hoping they will do more this summer.

11. Doen Ischia Dress - Such an easy dress to throw on and a level 10 on the comfort scale! I have her in three (1 | 2 | 3) colors now; although I’ve had about six variations of this dress in total (oops). Each time they come out with a new that print I feel drawn to, I buy another! The great news is the resale value on the Ischia is amazing! So if I buy a new one I usually have to first decide which of my older versions I am going to part with.

12. James Perse Tank Dress - James Perse tank dresses are easily a very favorite to throw on with sandals in the summer. Pair it with a baseball cap, fun sunnies, and your favorite shoe (any kind!) and you’re set to go! This one was my most recent buy but I have a few others from previous seasons that I wear just as much. There are always a lot on Poshmark, so be sure to check there if you’re looking for other styles!