In the summer—when the temperature often lingers around a stifling 90 degrees—it’s easy to want to throw in the style towel altogether and don cutoffs and tank tops from now until September. Don’t give in to that urge. Enter: the maxi dress. Easy-breezy yet appropriate for a variety of settings, the flowy frock is a savior when it comes to heat-wave style. Here, 4 Team Zoe staffers breathe new life into the oh-so-necessary staple.
Jennifer Ash, Accessories Editor
"I'm short, so I look for midi-length dresses because they end up being just cropped enough to show off my shoes. I love a classic fabric like denim because it gives you a little more freedom to have fun with bright, colorful accessories."
Photos: Austin Starrett Winchell
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Courtney Ross, Executive Assistant
"Outside might be sweltering, but it's smart to keep a layer on hand for air-conditioned spaces. I like dressing up a super-casual dress with more glamorous pieces, like a biker jacket and gold jewelry. Even if you just throw the jacket over your shoulders, it immediately makes the outfit look polished."
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Michaela Bushkin, The Zoe Report Contributor
"I love the way the recent Valentino shows have been all about romantic dresses paired with casual footwear. I took inspiration from the runway when putting my look together. It's such a cool and comfortable take on the maxi dress."
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Mel Chalian, Executive Assistant
"Effortless and comfortable is my style mantra for summer. Case in point: This gauzy white dress and my lived-in denim jacket are in constant rotation. When wearing them together I like to give the look a bit of an Americana spin with rustic jewelry and slip-on espadrilles."
