Summer Style for Special Events

Summer is here, bringing us out of our hibernation and into the social scene. But the season also brings up those summer style dilemmas: What do we wear when we go out?

Style expert Gretta Monahan shared some summer event looks that are sure to keep you cool and stylish this summer.

Monahan said this year's trends are all about long "maxi" dresses.

"With summer and warmer weather here, you'd think it's all about the mini, but actually…skirt and dress lengths are getting longer."

Monahan shared these looks for your upcoming special events:

Summer Barbecue:
Blue and Red Vintage Wrap Dress
• Diane Von Furstenberg, $495
• Bloomingdales.com
• Shoes: Via Spiga Tarin, $175 Shoes.com

This season we're seeing a great deal of Maxi dresses that are great for non- formal occasions. The red white and blue is perfect for 4th of July. The wrap dress is flattering for all sizes -- it minimizes the waistline.

Weekend/Summer Concert:
Colorful Zig Zag Maxi
• BCBG Max Azria, $168
• Bloomingdales
•Shoes: Via spiga Tarin, $175 Shoes.com

This Maxi dress is a comfy cotton jersey. The one-shouldered top makes it an easy yet versatile one-piece option to throw on. The colors are in a paisley pattern that is versatile so you can have fun with accessories. The beauty of this dress is you can wear it running errands then go to meet friends -- just swap out flip flops for wedges!

Office to Evening:
Crochet and Mesh Detailing
• Tracey Reece, $150
• Gilt Group
• Shoes: Elie Tahari $398

This dress has crochet and mesh detailing and great neck detail, so there's little need for accessories. The gathering at waist is flattering. You can wear this with a blazer for a meeting or without for fun.

Cocktail:
Gold Dress with Zipper
• Marc Jacobs
• Bloomingdales
• Shoes: Carlos by Carlos Santana Entrance, $89 available at Carlosshoe.com

The new three-quarter dress is big this season. We're going back to times when it's more demure and feminine. It's appropriate for all ages. It doesn't show too much skin, but still hugs your curves. Also, this dress is very on-trend with zipper detailing and mesh fabric in the back.

Summer Wedding:
Blue Drape Dress
• Diane Von Furstenberg, $465
• Bloomingdales
• Shoes: Elie Tahari, $398

This fabric is summer friendly. Every woman stresses about what to wear to a wedding. This dress is easy elegance. The peek-a-boo hemline shows a little leg but not too much, it's a very elongating look. The neckline is not low-cut, so again, it's appropriate for all ages. The draping fabric and asymmetrical straps give it a Grecian goddess feel.

[amyw1222]

Where is the dress that looked like a Missoni? I don't see it listed above? Where was it from? Thanks!