How to Style Summer Dresses from Christy Dawn

Summer is here and that means some new arrivals from Christy Dawn! Summer is probably my favorite time to get dresses from Christy Dawn. Something about Christy Dawn dresses makes me feel like I need to be frolicking in a field of wild flowers. I don’t have a field of wildflowers so farm fields will have to do!

How to Style Summer Dresses from Christy Dawn

I’m styling two dresses from the Christy Dawn Summer Collection – The Benny Dress and The Kelly Dress. But these style tips would work other Christy Dawn summer dresses as well!

Style with a Straw Bag and Strappy Sandals

A summer dress and a straw bag are the perfect pairing, IMO. I have a variety of straw bags (all from Sézane) that I rotate through depending on the outfit. In the outfit below I chose the Justine Mini Bag but a large straw tote bag would work as well.

I love the look of a strappy sandal in the summer. I prefer a flat strappy sandal because they go with the more casual vibe of this dress. Plus, they are just more comfortable! The sandals I’m wearing below are from Sézane.

Shop Straw Bags and Strappy Sandals

The Benny Dress Review

The Benny Dress is probably the most comfortable Christy Dawn Dress in my collection! It’s the definition of easy and breezy with a detachable waist tie that lets you wear this cinched or loose. I also love the square neckline and flutter sleeves. Oh! And it has pockets!

I’m wearing the size small, which is my usual size, and it fits perfectly. The most important measurement is the bust because that is the only area that’s fitted to the body. The dress itself has a lot of room around the hips and waist that can accommodate a wide range of sizes. Which is perfect for pregnancy and postpartum (or even if you just have a food baby). This is exactly the kind of dress I loved to wear when I was pregnant!

I’m wearing the Benny Dress in Daisy Field Blue. If you like this print it’s also available on The Madison Dress.

Style with a Light Layer and Boots

Sometimes even summer dresses require some layers – especially if you spend a lot of time indoors in the air conditioning! I usually carry a light layer with me when I’m wearing summer dresses. My favorites are a denim jacket and a cotton cardigan or sweater. With The Kelly dress I added my Sézane Will Jacket, which is a light denim chore jacket. And the Will Jacket comes in more colors and fabrics so you can find something that works with your dresses!

Instead of the typical summer footwear I went with my suede cowboy boots. I do like the juxtaposition of a feminine dress with visually heavier boots. Not surprisingly, these boots are from Sézane – but sold out at the moment.

Shop Light Layers and Boots

The Kelly Dress

The Kelly Dress is a really sweet dress with lace trim details, a gathered bodice, and cap sleeves. I love that the tie at the neck and the waist is adjustable. The neckline of this dress hits a little lower so it was nice to be able to cinch it in a bit. And yes, it have pockets too!

I’m wearing the size small in the Black Aster Garden print. I found that it fits TTS. I do feel like it had a little more room in the chest area – but I also have a petite rib cage. My only complaint about this dress is the cap sleeves. I don’t really like the feel caps sleeves in general so it’s just a personal preference.

If you want to see reviews of more Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter dress styles from Christy Dawn then check out my Christy Dawn Dress Collection Review post! You’ll also find multiple ways to get a discount on CD pieces – one of them being my discount code! Use code ‘CDJESSICA‘ for 10% off your purchase!