Affordable Fashion for the Dog Days of Summer

The dogs days of summer have hit us like a sledgehammer here. Our temps are hovering in the high 90’s most days with no relief in sight. Life doesn’t stop when it’s this hot so I reach for things that will feel cool and protect me from the sun. My grandson wants to be at the pool as often as possible and I want to be there with him.

I’m happy to partner once again with Walmart on their We Dress America campaign, to bring you a casual summer outfit that’s long on style and easy on your wallet.

Jennifer Connolly of a Well Styled Life wears a Time and Tru Tee shirt dress with floppy brim sunhat and Sam Edelman thongs from Walmart
Crushable Wide Brim Floppy Hat || Time and Tru French Terry Dress // Circus by Sam Edelman Thong Sandals // Eliza May Rose Navy Stripe Ultimate Tote

Our local pool is pretty quiet most of the time. It’s a peaceful place to relax with a book in the shade… except between 2 and 4. At two o’clock sharp, the flood gates open and throngs of kids (my grandson included) descend on the pool. The splashing and squealing continue full throttle until 4 o’clock when they turn off the fountains and there’s a tired exodus to the parking lot. We grabbed these pictures before 2 pm ;Time and Tru cotton tee dress worn by Jennifer Connolly of A Well Styled Life

This cotton tee shirt dress is perfect for sitting poolside, running errands and just about any other occasion this summer. Pop it right over your bathing suit or dress it up with accessories. It works either way, making it a versatile piece for your wardrobe. (I just bought the aqua color too).

Jennifer Connolly of A Well Styled Life wearing Time and Tru dress, Sam Edelman Thongs sandals and floppy blue hat from Walmart

The v-neckline is slimming, the fabric is super soft but my favorite thing about this dress is the pockets and sleeves! Most women don’t like to expose their upper arms. Sadly, most casual dresses are sleeveless. When the weather is hot I don’t want to resort to a cardigan so short sleeves are perfect. The cotton is substantial enough wear without a slip making this an easy breezy way to get dressed.

Time and Tru cotton dress and Circus by Sam Edelman things from Walmart by the pool on A Well Styled Life
Circus by Sam Edelman Thong Sandals

I chose these silver sandals by Sam Edelman because they’re a bit dressier than some but very comfy. My feet swell in the heat, no matter what I wear, and thongs are the least restrictive. The medallion sits high on your arch and the double straps help keep them securely on your foot.

Note – I usually go down a 1/2 size in open back shoes because I don’t want a lot of extra insoles to show behind my heel.

A wide brim floppy hat with built in sun protection from Walmart worn by Jennifer Connolly of A Well Styled Life

This hat is a welcome addition to my collection, and so affordable! It has a wire around the outer brim so you can bend and mold it for protection when and where you need it. If the sun moves, you can just adjust the brim and stay where you are. It’s like wearing an umbrella! It also provides UPF 50+ which blocks UVA and UVB. That means only 1/150th of the sun’s rays can penetrate this fabric.

Over 50 style blogger Jennifer Connolly wearing a wide brimmed hat with UPF, a cotton dress and a a straw tote from Walmart
Crushable Widebrim Floppy HatĀ  Ā // Eliza May Rose Navy Stripe Tote

This natural straw tote is soft and flexible. I love that the straps are long enough to go over my shoulder but short enough that the bag doesn’t touch the ground when I hold it in my hand. Being short, that’s an important feature. It stretches to hold everything you need for a day at the pool or beach yet slim enough for days around town. The straw is also comfy against your skin which makes it easy to toss over your shoulder.

SHOP THE LOOK

 

Walmart was founded on the concept of everyday low prices and it’s still their number one promise to shoppers. They carry a wide assortment of premium brands for the entire family and are the largest grocer in the nation! I bought everything online and got free delivery, but next time, I will choose the free pick-up in store option so I can get groceries at the same time.

Are you a fan of easy, casual dresses?

 

A big thank you to Walmart for sponsoring this post.

 

16 Comments

  1. Hi I also need to cover my legs due avoiding the sun etc… So could this be worn like a tunic over lightweight cotton or linen trousers, or light leggings ?
    (short too by the way )
    Also would you only buy a plain coloured top ? Not patterned .

    1. Absolutely. This would also go over leggings or lightweight pants.

  2. This dress looks so pretty and cool on you. That shade of blue is a very nice color for you. Nice hat, too, gives you shade wherever you go.

  3. Love this dress. Immediately went out and bought it in plum.

  4. I love French terry. It’s cozy in the winter and cooling in the summer.

  5. How is the length? The dress info says it hits mid thigh but it looks longer on you, Jennifer. Iā€™m 5ā€™5ā€.

  6. What size are you wearing in the dress?

  7. Linda Lennon says:

    I own a very similar style and color I purchased from Lands End a few years ago. Liked it so much I bought 3 more. Sadly they discontinued the item. Will head over to my favorite Wal-Mart & check theirs out. I style them with a simple necklace, earrings and a chunky, beaded bracelet.

  8. Gayle Murphy says:

    This is uncanny. You mention the very things that I look for when I shop. V neck. Thick enough that no slip is required. Sleeves. And a bag that can both go over the shoulder and not touch the ground when carried and soft so it doesn’t rub the skin off my arm. And inexpensive too. Thank you.

  9. Love the dress. Agree about the sleeves and pockets. Will look for it when I make a Walmart run. I spotted the hats there recently and pondered them. You have made up my mind….dilemma…which one ?

  10. Such a great look for every size and shape. Our weather has been cool lately but will soon warm up. I’ll be checking out Walmart.

  11. One of the best ” dress looks ” that can be worn by many figures and ages. Covers bumps and lumps and bone thin arms.

  12. Deborah Broughton says:

    Love this look! Perfect for Alabama summers! I bought a similar dress last week at Wal-Mart in a plum color which I love. You inspired me this morning to order the blue dress, hat and sandals! Thank you for all the great ideas!

    1. I’m going to look for the plum color! This dress is just perfect for so many occasions in my casual life.

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