Here in Austin, our Tropical Storm induced monsoon is over and we’re approaching hundred degree temperatures with 70% humidity again.  Joy.  When it’s that hot and humid, Austinites pretty much just dart from one air-conditioned space to another.  And, if we could get away with spending our days in Barton Springs, we totally would.


So, what do you wear when it’s hot and sticky? You know my personal Summer favorite is a T-Shirt dress. Second favorite? The Smocked Dress.


I’ve looked at these dresses for a while with disdain. They kind of looked like cover-ups to me. Not something I’d want to wear out in public if I wasn’t headed to the pool. And, the smocking at the top reminded me of the 80’s for some reason. Not that that’s a bad thing…


This season though, I kept seeing cute smocked dress after cute smocked dress. I finally broke down and bought one. Verdict? I’m a fan. They are comfortable and cute. You can dress them up a bit with wedges and statement jewelry or slip on flip flops and pull your hair back.


There are definitely styles that are versatile enough for everyday wear. Hell…there are even some styles appropriate for the workplace.

What is a Smocked Dress

How To Wear a Smocked Dress

Belt

To accentuate your natural waist and add more shape to the smocked dress, belt the waist. Wear the belt at the bottom of the smocking.

Layers

If you live in a cooler climate, you can layer the smocked dress is lots of ways. Wear the dress over leggings. Add a cardigan. You might even wear it over jeans (though I think this look is hard to pull off).

Shoes

For a casual Summer look, go with strappy gladiators or metallic flip-flops. To dress the look up a bit, wear wedges or gladiator heels.

Smocked Dresses Right Now

The temperature has just reached 90 and my a/c is struggling to keep up. Making me feel like it’s time to head to the pool. In a smocked dress, of course. *wink*
What is your favorite outfit to beat the heat?