Weekend Reading: 04.18.26
It’s not blistering hot here in Vancouver…in fact, it’s brisk and chilly. I know the summer will be hot and California will be even hotter, so I’m shopping for dresses that will keep me cool. I tried on and bought this linen dress last week because I love the color, the graceful lines, the sleeves, the pockets, and the embellishment is just enough, not over the top.
I’m curious how many of you wear casual dresses and if you worry about how your legs look in them? I find a Maxi solves the leg issue, but I’d love to hear from you.
Reader favorites this week – what you loved most:
- These beautiful Peony Claribel Earrings by Jennifer Behr were a massive bestseller this week! This pearl drop is both elegant and whimsical…perfect for spring/summer.
- This Linen Roll Sleeve blazer is a great summer piece that many of you added to your wardrobe. It’s made with stretch, so it’s as comfy as a cardigan with a gentle structure.
- My Ilia Limitless Mascara was very popular this week…probably because it’s on sale. It also comes in deep brown for you ladies who prefer a softer look.
- My Land’s End Swimsuit sold like hotcakes this week, likely because it’s on sale 50% off with the code THUNDER. You read my complete swimsuit guide here.
- These Indigo-and-ivory linen-blend pants were also bestsellers this week. I love that they’re available in petite and regular.
- These soft metallic Pikolinos Wedge Sandals were also very popular. Not all “comfort” sandals are flattering, but these don’t have a strap across the ankle, so they elongate the look of your legs.
Highlights from the weekend sales:
NORDSTROM’S beauty event is on with up to 25% off.
- This mini makeup mirror looks terrific with an LED light, and 10X magnification!
- I paid full price for this BK beauty brush set for hooded eyes, and it’s fabulous. I tossed all my old brushes. I also bought this concealer brush, and I highly recommend it.
- If you’re an Estée Lauder fan, this night repair duo is marked way down.
CHICO’S Destination Bold sale is on with 25% off full-priced items and free shipping on all orders.
- This leopard print denim jacket is a fun twist on denim and seems to be selling out fast.
- This little blue-and-white striped Seersucker blazer is great for spring. I’d wear it over a longer white tee, or you could pair it with these coordinating pants.
- These lightweight jeans seem almost like chambray-weight, which is a great option in warm weather.
LOFT has 50% off your entire purchase plus free shipping no minimum purchase. Here’s what caught my eye:
SEPHORA SALE is still going strong, and here are some of my favorites:
LANDS’ END swimsuit days event is one with 50% full priced styles using the code THUNDER
In case you missed it:
Have a great weekend and wear something that makes you feel confident and brings you joy!
I do wear dresses in the summer a lot and I worry more about my arms than my legs. But the hotter it gets the less I care about my arms either! 😄
I’m in the Deep South tho and as much as this linen dress from chicos is appealing I’d burn up in it here – so I go knee length and either short or no sleeve.
I wonder about the buttons this year on bottoms of dresses and pants . I recently bought a linen pair of pants and they were on the outside side hem at bottom . Bought them but was unsure on feelings on buttons – usually hear nothing at bottom to distract for petites. But i guess they changed their minds. Your dress is beautiful on !
I’ve been told I have shapely legs but I have a dark spot of iron deposits on one leg due to a DVT I had ten years ago. Despite that and because of the brutal heat and high humidity during Maryland summers, I wear summer dresses of all lengths, (skorts, knee length, midis, and maxis). I have absolutely no tolerance for heat and I won’t let that spot stop me from being comfortable… well, as comfortable as I can be in this weather.
I never wear dresses! I love that Chicos dress, but in a larger size which I would need, the linen sticks out and makes me look even larger. I wear nice short and tops all summer here in Florida. I just hate the humidity. I only wear pants for going out to dinner at nice restaurants.
Maxi dresses….Was not a fan of my legs but after accident and multiple surgeries really not a fan lol. Self tanner has been issue with my scars, probably
my application. Some midis work since I am 5’1”.
I wish I felt more comfortable in dresses! Most dresses do not do me any favors, so although I try every season to find a dress that is flattering to my short, full busted figure, I almost never succeed. Last year I did buy one beautiful dress at Talbots. It is called the Easy Travel Sleeveless Dress, and since it is available in petite sizing and is lined, it fit me very well. Of course, it is not a casual sundress, but at least I have one dress that is versatile enough for a variety of occasions!
You look lovely in the maxi dress and it will be perfect on your Asian trip. I’m not comfortable in dresses. I prefer flowing pants in linen or linen blend or gauze in the summer heat.
Everything looks cute!
Any suggestions on self tanners? I’m needing to show some leg on a beach trip soon! I have tried many!
I have a post here with some of my favorites.
I would love to wear maxi dresses but being 5’1 can be a problem. I do have a few but it’s easier for me to find long skirts. I really like that they hide your legs. This sounds weird but with my golf skorts I wear pantyhose. I just have too many spots and this is a great way to also avoid the sun. I spray them with my 50 sunscreen.
That’s a smart way to cover them.
I’m 67 and have been told I have nice legs (I workout regularly.) so I like to wear slightly above the knee casual dresses. In past summers I have worn shorts mainly but I find it difficult to find shorts that fit well and look nice on me. I may wear more casual dresses going forward just for ease and comfort. I just bought a navy and white striped dress from JJill that I love.
Hi Jennifer, I wear summer dresses all summer long. It’s my go-to favorite outfit from very casual to dressier garden party dress. I wear from just below the knee to maxi. I’m lucky that I have defined and toned calves as I’m very active so I’m not worried about showing my legs. I have a large collection of dresses and have to consciously stop myself from buying more : ).
Thanks Mona!
For casual summer dresses I pick maxis. My legs are not attractive with veins so I hide them with longer dresses and cropped pants. If it’s a more formal affair I will wear an at the knee dress with black pantyhose. Love the one you are wearing above. It looks cool and easy to wear.
Thanks Joanna. I pull out the self tanner for shorter dresses and agree, hose is nice for dressier occasions.
I live in Texas and summers are brutally hot and last through September so I just don’t worry about my legs and wear lightweight cotton or linen dresses at the knee or slightly above. Maxis are too hot to wear if you’re out and about running errands so I save those for when we go out to eat in the evenings.
Yes, your humidity makes everything feel hotter. Thanks Cheriese
Jennifer-
I have always worn maxi dresses regardless of the season. My legs are unattractive and it’s the best way to hide them. However, I do sometimes wish I could wear shorter lengths in the summer. The most daring I’ve gotten is a midi- length with tanner on my legs.
Self tanners have gotten pretty good these days.