In This Post: Do you ever wear an outfit that makes you feel a certain way or takes you back to a certain place? When I put on my blue striped dress to spend the day at Universal Studios, it made me feel like a not-a-care-in-the-world kid again. Inside you’ll find some dresses that can help you find that special feeling, too!
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The Look: Floral Blue Striped Dress [$40] // Slip-On Shoes [$14]
You might remember seeing a bit of this look recently when I talked about these comfy slip-on shoes (yes, I love them so much that they needed a post all of their own!). It’s an outfit I wore on my trip to Orlando with my family a few weeks ago. We had already been in Florida for a few days, but this day was special because it was our first full day that my older, younger sister was with us (she lives in North Carolina so we don’t get to see her often), and it was the first day of the trip that we went to Universal! As we were checking in at the Hard Rock Hotel, I begged my littlest sister to capture a few photos because the scenery was just so lovely!
I knew this cotton striped dress would be perfect for the day’s adventures because it was lightweight. It ever so slightly reminds me of the dresses I used to wear when I was a kid, but not enough where it feels like a total 90’s throwback. How great was it to be a really little kid? Back when we ran around in sundresses not caring if anyone saw our undies? When we showed up exactly as who we were without having to put any extra thought or effort into being ourselves? Three year old me definitely wouldn’t have gotten lost in comparing herself to strangers on the internet (here’s an article on how to stop doing that in case you need it).
I always feel more compelled to try and bring out that not-a-care-in-the-world part of being little when I’m wearing something that reminds me of my childhood. If we were like that once, it still has to be somewhere inside of us, right? Anyway, the embroidered blue flowers throughout the fabric and the tie closure on the sleeves are what takes this from being an ordinary striped sundress to something more fun and unique – which is why I love it. Plus, it was really comfortable to play around in all day.
Now, blue stripes will always be in for spring and summer, but I’ve spent time searching for a few options that are not only timeless, but each one also has an extra playful touch to it. That way you can stand out from the crowd and still fill your wardrobe with all the lighthearted styles of summer. I’ve included options for budgets both over and under $100.
Options Over $100:
Stripe Fit & Flare Dress – $128
My eyes like the contrast of the stripes going in different directions on this dress and the swingy tassels on the bottom are so cute!
Samantha Dress – $158
The trick to standing out is often to seek out eye-catching details and the back bow on this dress from Gal Meets Glam Collection does just that (it’s also available in a pink version).
Courtney Maxi Dress – $168
To me, stripes tend to seem more bold than delicate, but this Gal Meets Glam maxi dress certainly proves me wrong with soft blue stripes, dainty ruffles, and a flattering tiered skirt.
Options Under $100:
Stripe Ruffle Shirtdress – $99
The colors of this striped dress dress remind me of a day at the beach, and I’m also into the waist-cinching sash. I have a dress that’s similar to this with ruffles at the bottom and I love how long it makes my legs look!
Stripe Poplin Dress – $94
This dress has a similar structure to the one I have with the fitted bodice and flared skirt. The romantic sash-like ruffles add a fun, flirty touch!
Off the Shoulder Dress – $94
If you like the look of the flowers paired with blue stripes, this adorable dress is perfect for you! The dark embroidery gives a beautiful twist on the popular off-shoulder trend.
