5 Summer Looks for Any Occasion

Whether you're on vacation, at a BBQ, shopping, or summer brunching with pals, a dress will take you pretty much anywhere. InStyle rounded up some of the hottest summer dresses - hot pink, tiered ruffles, maxi-length, nautical, and painterly - and we help you rock them in chic and unexpected ways:

OCCASION #1: IMPRESSING FASHIONISTAS Showing up in a dress adorned with paintbrush strokes warns fellow fashion snobs you know for fashion...without having to utter a word. Chic white and white-toned accessories keep the focus on the print, while an armload of chunky bangles adds some visual interest without being distracting. Here's where to get the look:

OCCASION #2: LIVIN' EASY Few things bring to mind Talitha Getty 60s rich hippie glam faster than a patio dress. For maxi chic if you're rocking a print, use the dominant color of the print as your guide for choosing the color of the accessories - and keep them relatively monochromatic. And think laid back: fabrics and textures like straw, hemp and wood. While a wide brim hat is always appropriate, a smart fedora is more sassy and unexpected, as is giving the tried-and-true straw tote a miss in favor of the new messenger bag in an impossibly chic crackled metallic.

Corey Lynn Calter maxi dress (call 1-802-862-5051)
Spillane straw fedora
YSL Besace messenger in Sahara
Kara Ross New York Maple Hinged Cuff
Matt Bernson KM Gladiator sandal in Gold

OCCASION #3: EVENING SOIREE Hot pink gives this fun and flirty frock its charm, although taxi-cab yellow, emerald green, sapphire blue, and lipstick red are all fun alternatives to black-black-black. Offset the uber-girliness of the color and the ruffles with edgy metallic accessories like a not-too-delicate heel, gunmetal statement cuff, and gorgeously off-kilter birds-of-prey earrings.

OCCASION #4: LUNCHING/HANGING/BEING A CHICK Ruffles are fancy without trying, making this tiered confection perfect for an afternoon wedding reception (just add metallic heels and accessories from Occasion #3). To get more style mileage, take the vibe down a notch for casual wear with shoes and accessories in a neutral shade of yummy chocolate. Further avoid sugar overload by keeping jewelry large and in charge: nix the necklace and rock a sporty oversized watch and eyecatching cloisonne button earrings...a surprising and stylish touch.

OCCASION #5: PICNIC OR BOATING EXCURSION If you're spending an afternoon al fresco, a breezy nautical dress is just as cool as shorts, and usually cuter - especially with a fun pop of red shoes and accessories. By keeping any/all red accessories below the belt and choosing a tobacco brown straw fedora and brass locket (that matches without being too matchey), you're guaranteed to remain aboard the HSS Cute Outfit rather than being banished to the Isle of Fashion Victim.