WHAT TO WEAR: Summer

When the days are hot and humid it can be hard to imagine wearing anything but a tank top and a pair of shorts. The very idea of having our legs covered can seem ludicrous. At the same time it can seem as though outfits begin to get repetitive, and where is the fun in that?

Maxi dresses are a summer staple, even if it seems that a long dress would be stifling this time of year. While they may seem to cover more, a maxi dress can be light and airy and bring comfort to these long summer days.

This Fashionista is a prime example of how stylish a great summer maxi can be. She is wearing a black and white patterned maxi dress with a clean and simple silhouette in the front. The back of the dress adds a unique twist with a cutout at the mid-back and a lace pattern at the top. The material is soft and light which makes the dress not only comfortable to move around in, but also cool to wear when it is hot outside. To complete the look she is wearing a classic pair of aviators and a solid black purse to balance out the pattern on the dress.

There are many different types of maxi dresses to choose from this summer so that you can find the perfect fit for you, just like this Fashionista did. Some focus on pattern, while others focus on silhouette. There are colorful dresses, subtly embroidered dresses, cutout dresses and elaborate dresses for more formal events. The key is to choose the dress that is the most comfortable for you and that enhances your style.

One Simple Change: To take this look from day to night, swap out your larger day bag for a smaller cross-body bag or clutch. Adding a pop of color to a patterned dress and a textured or decorated bag to a solid colored dress takes the outfit from casual to formal in an instant.

Author