Summer Dresses: Denim

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What’s really weird about this story is that I rarely, maybe 1 percent of the time, regret shopping decisions…

Last winter (and I use that term loosely as it is San Diego), still bundled up in sweaters and scarves, I found the PERFECT strapless denim mini dress at Barney’s CO-OP - a light blue engineer stripe Current/Elliott tulip dress. I mean, worn-in denim, sweetheart neckline, pockets (!!)…and I DIDN’T GET IT. While I do, in part, blame myself, I also blame the store/label for tempting me with a full-on summer dress with months to go before the tights-less season.

revolveclothing.com

Now, much to my distress, this garment is off the shelves and sold-out online. Not to mention the fact that Current/Elliott’s dresses this season are, well, ugly. Ok, they aren’t ugly, per se, but they definitely aren’t flattering in any way and would be way too long, baggy and muumuu-like for my short stature. Like this one, for instance. That’s a whole lotta denim on one person.

So, instead of dwelling on missed opportunities, I decided to go on a hunt for the second best denim dress I could find. While a few are strapless, my only requirements were short, not too dressy and flattering. Not too much to ask, right?

There weren’t a lot of denim dresses on the Spring 2009 runways, but Marc by Marc Jacobs had a really cute one that reminded me of this huge handmade denim quilt we used for the park or the beach when I was a kid. The dress is fun and short, but I wonder if it’s heavy with all those layers? Also, would it look good on someone who isn’t 12 feet tall?

Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 09 - style.com

These next two strapless minis are from Urban Outfitters. I love the sweetheart neckline of the first one, but the second’s tulip shape looks like it could be flattering on someone besides a model.

byCORPUS Strapless Denim Dress - urbanoutfitters.com

MinkPink Denim Addict Dress - urbanoutfitters.com

This Karen Zambos Vintage Couture dress is a little more classy, possibly Mother’s Day brunch appropriate. The cut is simple, but still interesting.

Karen Zambos Vintage Couture Mya Dress - revolveclothing.com

Charlotte Ronson’s strappy dress is cute from the front – I really like the triangle detail on the bust – and then you turn around and it’s party time! I also love the top-to-bottom zipper down the back.

Charlotte Ronson Strappy Dress - shopbop.com

Charlotte Ronson Strappy Dress - shopbop.com

This Mango strapless dress has some casual features – drawstring waist, pockets, elasticized top – but it could absolutely be dressed up for going out. A really cute little dress. Plus, at $80, the price ain’t bad either.

Mango Sc Liquid8 Dress - mango.com

This last dress is a 3.1 Phillip Lim (I couldn’t resist), and I must admit I was influenced by the mannequin’s perfect accesories. I can just picture myself with big ol’ sunglasses in this dress, with that bag, shoes and bracelet, walking down Rodeo Drive…

3.1 Phillip Lim Denim T-shirt Dress - net-a-porter.com

Tags: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Barneys CO-OP, current/elliott, denim, Marc by Marc Jacobs, net-a-porter, shopbop.com, Style.com, summer dresses, urban outfitters