These past few weeks will definitely go down in history. And, as I continue to educate myself in doing better, I am committed to the on-going support of black businesses, in the lifestyle category, on my platform. So, instead of only sharing my favorite dress trends, I want to also highlight some amazing black women dress designers to shop and support from my growing Hot List as well. I also added a selection of dresses from Target to include their collaborations with Cushnie, Lisa Marie Fernandez, Love Shack Fancy, and more. (Scroll down).
As summer progresses, it looks like we may be able to start responsibly socializing (hopefully in small get-togethers, six feet apart, with masks on). I think it’s a good time to break out of our sweats and leggings to make way for cute dresses - a refreshing and welcome change to our recent springtime, stay-at-home looks.
In my latest monthly feature for Who What Wear, We're in Our 50s and Think These 9 Casual Dress Trends Work for Everyone, Janet Gunn, The Grateful Gardenia, and I shared a few favorites that will have you looking forward to getting dressed again. Read on to check out the styles I am currently loving.
Dress on Janet by Natalie Martin, Kaftan from Puglia boutique
Floral
Nothing says springtime like a pretty floral print.
Dress by ASTR The Label (sold out). More dresses here from the designer. Bag by Ulla Johnsson. Sandals by Soludos.
SHOP Faithfull The Brand X Revolve Lennox Midi Dress
SHOP ASTR The Label Floral Midi Dress
SHOP Floral L*Space Isabel Dress
White
A white dress always looks clean and fresh.
SHOP LoveShackFancy Edie Dress
SHOP ACACIA Emmett Dress
Flowy
I love wearing loose-fitting dresses with beautiful prints for an easy beach to lunch summer style.
Dress by Natalie Martin (sold out). SHOP similar here.
SHOP Floral Dress by Nudz Beachwear
SHOP R13 Midi Tiered Slip
Long dresses
Midi/Maxi/Kaftan
It’s easy to go with the flow when wearing a chic boho style. Reminiscent of a beachside vacation in a foreign land, we love to wear these dresses all summer long.
Janet Gunn. Dress by Natalie Martin (sold out). Shop similar here.
SHOP Island Tribe Zanzibar Bohemian Maxi Dress
SHOP Natalie Martin Danika Long Sleeve Dress
Dress by Ulla Johnson
SHOP Free People Adella Maxi Slipdress
SHOP Ulla Johnson Pink Eudora Beaded Organza Midi Dress
SHOP Revolve Keepsakes Without Me Maxi Dress
SHOP Ramy Brook Audrey Dress
Ramy Brook is a talented designer who has always been extremely charitable and is offering a new initiative on her website to help our healthcare heroes.
You can purchase a gift here for our brave and heroic healthcare professionals that will be sent to them from the registry. In addition, Ramy Brook will be gifting 1,000 items to them. 20% of all proceeds will be donated to two charities, No Kid Hungry and Jumpstart, who have been feeding, educating, and caring for our most vulnerable children during this pandemic.
Gift Healthcare Heroes with Ramy Brook’s Healthcare Heroes Registry!
Slip Dress
The perfect dress to slip into when the temps start to climb. Throw on with a sneaker to run around town or with a cute sandal.
Dress by Rag and Bone (sold out). SHOP their dresses here.
SHOP Vaea Slip Dress by Cali Dreaming
SHOP Dresses by Hark +Hammer
SHOP Elodie K Dyana Dress Stretch Satin
SHOP Slip Dress by OYUN. Slippers by R0AM.
Short and flirty
Whether worn with a flat or a heel, a short dress always screams flirty and fun!
Dress by LoveShackFancy sold out. SHOP dresses from the line here.
SHOP LoveShackFancy Popover Dress (limited sizes)
SHOP LoveShackFancy Popover Dress in Sunset Pink
Below is a list of some favorite black designers to put on your radar. Click on the links directly to shop.
“Eat well, travel often and dress to inspire,” Fe Noel's design motto definitely speaks to me! Heavily influenced by her Caribbean heritage, she is known for her feminine designs, simple silhouettes, and quality fabrics. Another thing I love about this dress designer… she aims to mentor and empower other women to start their own businesses through her Fe Noel Foundation for young girls who are passionate about entrepreneurship.
Best known for her ready-to-wear styles, her new capsule collection collaborates with artists from her hometown of Detroit and uses ethically-sourced materials in unique prints. Gentle on the earth and fashion-forward in style. So many cute summer finds in this collection!
SHOP Tracy Reese for Anthropologie Devin Flounced Mini Dress
Island Tribe is a brand where boho and beach style collide! This California-based fashion house practices social good and fair trade with a mission to better the environment with sustainable designs. Their dresses are right on trend with summer’s laid back, free-spirit vibes, and are inspired by peace, love, and blessings. Who couldn’t use more of those three things these days!
An artisan-driven brand focused on sustainability, lemlem is made in Africa and is the inspiration of Supermodel Liya Kebede. Elevating the artisans and expanding jobs across Africa, the designs of her handwoven dresses are perfect to add to your summertime wish list.
SHOP lemlem Koki Peasant Dress
Founded in Oakland, California in 2007 by Sherri McMullen, McMullen is a delightfully curated concept shop featuring luxury womenswear by emerging and established designers from around the world. They have a selection of dresses that will take you anywhere from cocktail hour to summer bbq. I love that they support design and manufacturing that can impact communities and empower women with a mission to specifically support African and African-American apparel and home décor designers.
SHOP Lisa Marie Fernandez for Target Yellow Gingham Midi Dress
This luxury ready-to-wear brand was established in 2008 and is known for its sophisticated and modern femininity. Their dresses are sleek, minimal and designed to enhance the contour of a woman’s body. While most of their dresses are more suited for cocktail or red-carpet, they are now bringing their timeless designs to Target with a limited-edition dress collection.
SHOP Cushnie for Target Two-Tone Slip Dress
If you’re looking for great affordable summer dress options, check out Target's Who What Wear collection, as well as their limited-edition collection featuring acclaimed designers like LoveShackFancy, Cushnie, and Lisa Marie Hernandez...just in time for summer!
Click on the images in the carousel below to shop more of favorite dress styles and designers.
Now available at Target!
I hope you've found some fun, feminine dress styles you're excited to try, as well as discovered a few new designers you may want to add to your closet this season. Be well!
xx Melissa
