Summer Dress Style: The Trapeze Dress
Happy Thursday! Last week when Beth and I went to Atlanta for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, we had dinner at Le Colonial, a wonderful Vietnamese restaurant. I chose to wear a new dress from Banana Republic, the Rhyah Poplin Mini Dress, which felt just right given the 95º temperature.
TL;DR
Kelly shares an easy-to-wear summer dress
The outfit is shoppable via text and image widgets
Plus, find more trapeze dress styles at the end of the post
Summer Dress Style: The Trapeze Dress
Rhyah Poplin Mini Dress
The style of this dress is known as a trapeze dress and is characterized by its shape, which cascades outward from the shoulders in a voluminous A. Yves Saint Laurent debuted his Trapeze Line Collection for Dior in 1958, featuring dresses that flared from a fitted shoulder line. And the Trapeze dress style was born.
It’s often also referred to as an A-Line Dress, which is accurate. But to me, a voluminous bottom three-quarters of the dress gives it the trapeze shape distinction. It looks like the blue stripe version is sold out in petites, but there are two other colors, and it's still available in all colors in regular sizing.
This is an incredibly wearable style for all body shapes and sizes. The sleeve detail adds an element of crisp structure while the rest of the dress has a voluminous flow. I particularly like the French cuff on the sleeves. I could see swapping out the cufflinks that came with the dress for something more fun and flashy, like these Abalone Cufflinks, Cat’s-Eye Cufflinks, Red Heart Cufflinks, or cute 3D Pineapple Cufflinks.
Accessories
Metallic sandals are a perfect choice for an outfit featuring a print. Last week I wore metallic block heels with the Limone Print Pants and you can see the versatility of metallic heels as they go with this dress just as well. Another great shoe option would be a lace-up or ankle strap espadrille wedge, such as the: Vince Camuto Meddrina Ankle Strap Sandal, or Dolce Vita Maze Espadrille Wedge Sandal.
Beth's Outfit: Halter Top | Crop Pant | Handbag (old, similar here) | Sandals (old, similar here and here) | Earrings | Beaded Bangle | Watchband
More Trapeze Dress Styles
1.
COS Pleated Knit Trapeze Dress
2.
COS Short Sleeve Cotton Shirtdress
3.
Orielle Trapeze Dress
4.
Long Sleeve Jersey Trapeze Dress
5.
Rhyah Poplin Maxi Dress
In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, Beth shared Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusives. Click the title or image below to read the article.
Perfect dress for the summer heat. I am making one right now from a Vogue pattern that has a ruffle in the back only on the bottom from a wonderful coral dotted Swiss that I bought in Paris last year. And because I don’t like above the knee dresses, I can make it the length I am most comfortable in. Yay for sewing.! Yay for cool dresses in this abysmal heat!
Hi Bobbie, I envy your ability to sew; it’s a skill I wish I had picked up in Home Ec Class! But it’s never too late to learn! I love this style for summer heat, it’s so cool and refreshing. Your creation sounds chic! Thanks so much for stopping by, xo Kelly
I, too, am loving the loose cotton dresses available for summer wear. I have one that is a below the knee but not floor length I wear ALL the time. Hate the ironing but love the cool and comfy styles that only skim the body.
I just may dig out my sewing machine since I find what’s available to be a bit too short for my body shape.
About to have knee surgery, Beth. Your earlier blogs about recovery were inspiring. Will have to dig around in the archives.
Hi Barbara, I hate the ironing too! Good luck with your knee surgery! Thank you so much for stopping by, xo Kelly
Having had knee surgery myself, dresses are the best to wear to the doctor. No paper shorts or gowns!
Kelly, your dress is fabulous. You look so stylish. Love the stripes and button detail. Straight out of a Paris fashion show. You look like you are enjoying your fashion shoot!
Thanks so much, Judy! xo Kelly
Thanks for adding to my fashion vocabulary–trapeze dress. You look so cute and I love the gold heels.
You’re Welcome, Linda! Thank you so much for stopping by today, xo Kelly
Dearest Kelly, THIS is YOUR best look, so far! My goodness, you couldn’t look more lovely, cool and comfortable! You, My Dear, have absolutely gorgeous legs! Stunning!
Thank you so much, Annie! xo Kelly
Hi Kelly!
I love your style and also your recipes! Bring a petite gal too, I appreciate your suggestions.
I LOVE the straw tote with leather straps you were carrying at the Nordstrom Sale.
Is it possible to e-mail me a link?
Thank YOU!
Suzy Doherty
Hi Suzanne, thanks so much! The bag is by Rag & Bone, it’s sold out at Nordstrom, but you can find it here: Belize Bucket Bag xo Kelly