Best Lily Pulitzer Dresses for Summer
No matter how you plan to while away your summer days (or nights), the best of Lilly Pulitzer’s dresses have got you covered. From the beginning, Lilly’s dresses were designed with warm weather in mind; she started the line shortly after relocating from New York City to Palm Beach. The inspiration for the simple shifts made from colorfully printed fabrics was to camouflage the stains she got while working at her orange juice stand. Now, more than fifty years later, the cheerful frocks are still a summer staple. In fact, Lilly Pulitzer only designs for warm weather. When pressured to expand into apparel for other seasons, the designer famously said, “It’s always summer somewhere.” It’s only fitting then that such a seasonal sartorial specialist would produce dresses to fit your every summer need. Here are some of the best Lilly Pulitzer dresses…
For a Weekend at the Beach
Whether you’re strolling along a beach at sunset or spending the day aboard a sailboat, Lilly Pulitzer has a dress that will have you looking ship-shape. Bare your sun-kissed shoulders in the strapless Esmerelda Dress. The sunny yellow bodice and the light, breezy blue and white seersucker skirt bring a beautiful summer sky to any occasion. Far from the traditional sailor-style dress, the Leslee in navy solid pique boasts fun sea-worthy details such as front criss-cross halter-neck, rope belt, and anchors on the pockets. The white poplin of the Sully dress will show off your tan, while sailboat appliqués let the world know you’re ready to set sail. Don’t want to show so much skin? The Shauna tunic dress has a flattering boatneck and loose three-quarter sleeves, plus fun nautical touches like a braided rope belt and a blue seashell design at the hem and cuffs. Bring your own sunshine to the seashore with the Marisa Dress in yellow and white seersucker. With retro-glam design details like a sweetheart neckline, wide set halter strap, corset-style bodice, and a full skirt, the shift gets a bit of an update with exposed zipper at the front.
To a Garden Party
Outshine the most well-manicured of landscapes in a classic Lilly Pulitzer day dress. The daisy-printed Ricci shift takes the spaghetti strap one step further with its cut-out look detailing at the neck. Bring your own flower garden in the Ramona dress. The classic, colorful print is reminiscent of patchwork, while the halter neck with a ruffle detail makes this dress a standout. Not sure if you’re feeling more sexy or sweet? The Kelley dress, available in black, white, and yellow cotton eyelet, will satisfy both sides of you. Spaghetti straps show off sun-tanned shoulders, while the ruched bodice and empire waist are flattering on nearly every figure. If retro-Lilly is more your style, the Essie Shirtdress will keep you looking and feeling as cool as any cucumber sandwich. In a classic Lilly abstract flower print, the ruffled detail at the bodice and wide waistband create a feminine silhouette. Channel Jackie O. in the flatteringly A-line Jacqueline dress. In green or yellow mini-jacquard, the lace trim down the front center and at the collar and hem make this shift dress timelessly chic. Looking for something a bit more modern? The Madison dress, made of rayon spandex jersey, has an asymmetrical one-shoulder design, but still has Lilly’s signature colorful floral print.
For a Night on the Town
Lilly wants more than just your weekends and your luncheons; take her out for an elegant dinner or twilight cocktail soiree! You’ll be the star of any party wearing Lilly’s stunning Crystal dress in petal pink cotton sateen. This strapless number calls the right kind of attention to itself with its beaded detail at the waist, and the asymmetrical fan ruffling at the bodice and the hem shows off the contrasting lining fabric. The Shayna dress has a boatneck, three-quarter sleeves, and vintage, 60s-inspired style. White butterfly patterned lace overlays a white shift and creates a scalloped look at the hem and cuffs. If you want lace but also a little length to your hemline, the Jillie maxi-dress daiquiri pink or sea blue poly chiffon is for you. The strapless bodice is overlaid with gold, daisy-patterned lace, while the ribbon-accented empire waist draws you in at your narrowest part before floating away into a pleated skirt. Not enough glitz and glam for you? Check out the shimmery, summery Bethanne dress. This classic silhouette gets a major sparkle update with all-over sequins that stay true to Lilly Pulitzer’s floral pattern flair. The silk underlay feels sumptuous against your skin while the outside of this dress shines for the best of both worlds.
