The Dressy Summer Dress :: watercolor shift dress

Friday, May 8, 2015

How's this for the perfect spring/summer dress? 
Sundresses are fabulous but when I need (or want) to dress up a little bit more during these warmer months, I sometimes find it hard to find a fancier option that's still colorful and fun. That's why this is one of my favorite dresses in my closet. It's elegant yet exciting. It's also very bright and attention-grabbing, which for me, is an enticing quality for a summertime dress to have. 
Since my dress clearly speaks for itself, I wanted to go neutral with my shoes but I didn't want to be boring either. However, there's a fine line between muted and bland. I like how these mules don't overwhelm my dress and how they add a certain element of chicness and polish. 
Usually I paint my nails in some loud color like turquoise or hot pink. But for this look I thought subtlety was best. My mom actually bought this color for herself - it's such a 'mom' color, am I right? ;) But it clearly came in handy and I enjoyed wearing such a soft, dainty shade. 
This dress looks so different depending on the angle you're looking at it from. 
No necklace needed!
When I think of the perfect spring/summer dress, vivid color is the first thing that comes to mind. Next I think of shape, material, and neckline. I love that this dress has a silky feel and a slight sheen to it. It's a shift, which makes it fuss-free and airy, and the neckline is sophisticated and flattering. 
Photos by Brooke Faison 
[dress: Ann Taylor (old), heels: Sam Edelman, bangle: Michael Kors (similar here), earrings: Kate Spade, lipstick: vivd violet from Smashbox]

I truly think of this dress as a work of art. I loved it from the minute I saw it hanging in Ann Taylor three summers ago and it's still a closet favorite of mine. I can easily see it carrying me through many wedding seasons! 

On this particular day I wore it to my senior formal for my sorority. The weather was not ideal (to say the least). It was a ridiculously humid North Carolinian day accompanied by rain showers and scattered thunder - hence me being photographed in a tunnel. Also, please excuse my frizzy hair, it did not look this way when I left the house :) 
SHOP :: 


42 comments:

  1. such a vibrant, attention grabbing dress! I absolutely love it <3 You always have the best outfits!

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  2. Fantastic dress and beautiful pictures. :)

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  3. amazin print of dress!!! adorable outfit, hunny))))) happy friday!!)) xoxo

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  4. I love seeing you in such beautiful and bright colors Kat! The dress looks amazing- the colors are so, so pretty and fit in perfectly in the spring/summer theme! I also like that you styled the dress with those mules- such an interesting and fun combination! :)

    www.callmemaddie.com

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  5. looking very pretty
    dazzlingzest.blogspot.com

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  6. Those mules are so versatile. Great choice!
    Chichistashan.blogspot.in

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  7. Amazing dress:) kiss

    http://denimakeup95.blogspot.it/

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  8. That dress it's so original !
    xoxo,

    atwednesdaysiwearpink.blogspot.com

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  9. Such an amazing dress! You rock it so well, and I'm in love with your shoes!

    May x • The MaydenBloglovin'

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  10. Stunning dress, love the colors and how you styled it!

    http://www.mintnotion.com

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  11. I love the print on this dress! It's so bold and unique. And the shape of the dress is classic!

    https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com

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  12. I love ypur colorful dress and your shoes are absolutely cool!!!
    Happy WE doll!!!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

    My Facebook

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  13. That dress is a head turner for sure, and yeah the neutral toned nail color is perfect for such a brightly colored dress. And yup the shoes are perfect.

    Allie of ALLIENYC
    allienyc.com

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  14. what a gorgeous dress! The colors are so lovely!

    lifeisashoe

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  15. THESE PHOTOS ARE GORGEOUS! Beautful dress with quite a personality, you look stunning!

    Rachel xo

    Garay Treasures

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  16. stunning,
    so chic
    you look lovely in that dress

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  17. Great look! Love how dress combines with lipstick!

    Arrow

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  18. that dress is so elegant and summery!:) lovely look!♥

    www.Lorietta.cz

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  19. Oh my.. that dress is sooo stunning.. love the colors!! You look absolutely breath-taking Kathleen.. love the photos so much as well.. very professional :)

    Take care always, love Christine ~ xx
    BLOG | BLOGLOVIN' | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

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  20. Darling you look amazing really! I just love this styling

    BAMBAM

    xoxo

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  21. The dress is just incredible, it's so radiant, modish and attracts attention. Besides, those photographs turned out so great;)
    Wish you a wonderful day ahead!

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  22. Gorgeous look and dress! In love! You can check out my new boho look! Hugs x Mary

    http://marypolka.com/

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  23. hi darling!
    i like your dress its so colorful!
    would u like to follow each other..?
    pls let me know..
    Have a nice Sunday
    isidora
    http://highheelpoodl.blogspot.com

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  24. Your dress is so gorgeous!! Love your pink lipstick♡

    Padma
    http://swingingpadma.blogspot.com

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  25. I'm in love with that dress, seriously! The pattern is so happy and vibrant. And you are gorgeous, by the way :) Would you like to follow each other on Bloglovin? Take a look at my blog and if you like it let me know ;)
    xx

    http://www.stylebydeb.com

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  26. Such a wonderful dress, it's gorgeous und you look amazing in it!

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  27. What an amazing dress...I love the colors, it looks gorgeous on you!

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  28. Wow love the colors of the dress <3 You look amazing!!!
    xoxo,
    snowprincessbella.blogspot.com

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  29. hi dear! thank u for following me on gfc, i followed u back!
    i am also started following u on insttagram and blogovin and it would be so nice that you do it too :)
    @isidora_arodisi on instagram
    kisses

    Isidora
    http://highheelpoodl.blogspot.com/

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  30. Gorgeous dress - such great colors!

    - Audrey
    http://audreyallure.blogspot.com

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  31. I'd say that's the perfect summer dress! It's got fabulous colours and will go with pretty much anything! Love the shoes you styled it with!

    House of Illusions

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  32. I'm in love with this colorful dress perfect on you
    xoxo


    http://instagram.com/ladyfur?ref=badge

    http://www.welovefur.com


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  33. This dress is absolutely perfect for Spring. It's colorful, vibrant & chic! You look gorgeous in it! x

    www.theycallmetrue.com

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  34. This is so beautiful, Kathleen!!

    Stay fancy!
    xxx Kelly-Louise

    fancysince1992.blogspot.de

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  35. Love this dress so much,and you are so beautiful,xoxo.

    CakeInterruptted

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  36. That dress is so so pretty! I love the colors and the print and the shoes you paired with it are gorgeous!

    Denise | Fashion Love Letters

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  37. Loving that dress!! The print is stunning!

    Also, I totally feel you with the hair issues. I didn't notice yours as being frizzy, but I went outside to shoot some blog photos tonight, and when I got back inside, I was pretty appalled at what happened to my hair. #curlyhairproblems

    Jackie
    Something About That

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  39. love your dress! you look gorgeous :)

    http://lovepeaceandshimmer.blogspot.com/

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