Vintage Summer Dress

It's a gorgeous day - the kind that's perfect for sporting a new dress at an outdoor soiree. After pulling together a list of impromptu invites, your best friend comes over, and the two of you spend the morning putting up decorations and assembling trays of treats. The last thing you do is to arrange a summery outfit based around this fanciful frock, which features a spaghetti strap racerback, ruffles at the bodice, and ivory polka dots sprinkled over a noir background. Adding wedge espadrilles and a floppy sunhat, you smile at your reflection in the mirror right as the doorbell rings!

Has a single afternoon ever seemed so perfect? A slight autumn breeze, not a cloud in the sky, and a charming companion to spend the hours with - the only thing that could make it better is a midday clothing change into this gorgeous halter dress! Before making your way to tonight's soiree, you duck into your home to quickly slip into this sweet cotton-blend frock, which features a print of pink and white flowers upon its black surface. Its fit-and-flare shape is wonderfully flattering, making it an excellent pair for the included detachable belt, as well as with opaque stockings, a cozy cardigan, and sky-high T-straps. Get ready to enjoy the rest of the afternoon with your paramour!

If you've done it as well, I'm sure you'll agree there's nothing quite like it. Studying abroad - it's an untouchably terrific time, and this lighthearted and funBernie Dexter dress whisked me back five years, and over the Atlantic, to Paris, where I spent my junior year of college. The Eiffel Towers sprouting up from its print sit me back on the Champ de Mars, where I occasionally picnicked away the night. Its brasserie scenes remind me of hours discussed away over a thimble of caf noisette, and I can practically smell the buttery aroma of viennoiseries wafting out of the stripe-awninged patisserie. My travel plans for this year don't include Paris - 'un dommage' - but if I slip on this cotton dress with a vintage slip, short white gloves, a huge sunhat, and satiny kitten heels, I ...

Really, Julie, my fellow writer, roommate, and good friend, should be writing the description for this knockoutBettie Page dress, as featured in InStyle. She's a mixology maven and even - I have to confess - came up with the witty name for this dress. But, you're stuck with me. And though I may not be as much of a cocktail queen, I'm still bananas for this buttercup yellow dress. Unique, pretty prints always make me weak in the knees, and the retro, color-filled glasses poured over this practically pure cotton frock make me tipsy with joy. Plus a glittery red belt to cinch its A-line cut that I so adore? Ideal. ESP tells me that this dress will find its way into both Julie's closet and my own. So, when I walk upstairs in the morning wearing this dress, kitten ...

You sing into the back of your hairbrush as you dance around your room in PJs that match the pastel colors of your sponge-painted walls. Time to get ready for another week of school. You want to wear something that will impress your secret love interest. Your crush is just so dreamy, from the way they style their hair to the choice white pants and absolutely flash patterned sweater vests they sport! Sigh. You need something to help you stand out from everyone else, something like this dress. Sweet! The rosette bouquets, feminine ruffle, and black, cloth-covered buttons adorning the bust make you smile at yourself in the mirror, while the satiny, fully lined, coral pink skirt looks ace! You tease your hair out a little more, put a round-brimmed hat on top, snap on a slap bracelet, and ...

You don't need to spend a 'fortuny' to create a marvelous appearance. This dress is fabulous fashion at its best! Smooth as satin against the skin and crafted to please, this cobalt blue garment will make your figure look glorious. With its empire waist, accordion pleat skirt, elegantly gathered bust, and braided twist straps, you'll look like you belong on Mt. Olympus. Match with red pumps, silvery jewelry, and a braided headband for a trend-setting look that will have people worshiping your style.

Take a black, retro-cut frock, sprinkle it with ripe strawberries, and you'll be tempted by no other. With flattering princess seaming in the bust, satiny decorative buttons lining up the front, handy pockets, and a sash to wrap in a cutesy bow, this dress will get sweet on you at first glance. Wide straps make for a comfortable fit, while bows on the neck and pockets make this dress even girlier than it already boasts to be. If you want to show off the fullness of the A-line skirt, add a tulle petticoat for a bold look. Wear with patent heels to create an ensemble that will sweep the nation.

Style stems from this voluminous, halter-necked frock. Its deep blue blossoms look elegant against the billowing, off-white fabric - their hues play beautifully with the striking black sash and scalloped trim. Plant this look alongside twinkling rhinestone earrings, ankle-strapped heels, and a velvety clutch for a romantic outfit blooming with shades of sophistication!

Strolling to meet your honey at a favorite picnic spot by the lake, you can't help but exude your natural charm when you wear this darling sundress! The cherries and snow berry dots that decorate the sky-blue background make it as endearing as can be, while the A-line skirt sweetly sways and twirls with each graceful step you take. You pair it with your vintage wicker tote, strappy espadrille wedges, and oversized sun hat, and delight in the fact that your flirty-fun fashion will surely make this a picnic to remember!

You'll look 'Great' in a garment that's as gorgeous as the 'Salt Lake' is stunning! This sheer, sleeveless, cloud white and seawater green dress is so delicate and lovely that wearing it, you'll feel absolutely ebullient. Its full, tri-layered skirt is made up of a sheer underskirt, a sheer, micro-pleated outer layer, and a smooth, satiny slip that extends upward to the double V-shaped bust. Its loop and button keyhole closure at the back of the neck reminds you of classic styles from yesteryear - perhaps you even feel like a modern day princess sent back to prehistoric times when the Great Salt Lake Basin was the flourishing pluvial Lake Bonneville. No matter what, you'll feel lovely as can be in this saline dream of a dress!

Does your fervor for all things fabulously vintage inform your every outfit? If so, we think youd simply adore the style of our coworker Angela, a Marketing Writer in our San Francisco office. In honor of this chic scribes Mod-iversary, weve named this delightfully 50s-inspired dress from Fables by Barrie after her. Crafted in a durable cotton-stretch blend and boasting a cool, kitschy print of lines, star bursts, and orbs over an avocado background, this belted, wide-strapped piece celebrates all things ravishingly retro, just like Angelas discerning tastes! Take a cue from our fashionable colleague and partner this neato frock with a peacock-hued cardi, ankle socks, and saddle shoes, for a look that would leave this wordsmith speechless.

If you're craving to capture a look full of retro recollection, take a gander at this darling dress by British brand Trollied Dolly. A print of maroon polka dots, dainty daisies, and swooping swallows stands out against the vibrant, strawberry-shaded background, and the knotted details at the neckline and waist kick it up a nostalgic notch. The attached belt and rear shirring ensure a most flattering fit, while the peek-a-boo sweetheart neckline is a cut above in cuteness. Wear this 100% cotton dress with ankle-tied espadrilles, a woven handbag, and a bow clipped in your hair for a look of good, old-fashioned glam!