One and Done: 7 Dresses

Everlane’s crease-resistant cocoon dress with draped shoulders is as effortless as it gets. Also available in black, $98, everlane.com.

Despite its asymmetric hem, Topshop Unique’s Margo polo, stretch-knit dress with pink, black and white stripes fits the easygoing category. Wear with sneakers. And, it’s now $126, down from $180, as part of Net a Porter’s sitewide sale.

Toteme’s ribbed stretch-knit dress with a flattering V-neck, useful front pockets and side slits passes the test for simple elegance. Also available in cream. Reduced from $230 to $115, netaporter.com.

This cheetah-print sheath from J. McLaughlin is made of the company’s signature Catalina knit jersey with a hint of spandex for comfort, durability and wrinkle resistance. $225, jmclaughlin.com. See the website for stores in D.C. and Pittsburgh.

A classic pique knit shift updated with gingham cuff and collar. Reduced to $79.99 from $119, talbots.com. See the website for locations in D.C., Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Equipment’s lightweight, loose-fit, army-green linen dress with flap pockets can be cinched at the waist with a detachable belt. Reduced from $225 to $158, netaporter.com.

A flowy, easy-silhouette, don’t think too hard about kind of dress, gussied up with metallic threads. $185, annmashburn.com and 3251 Prospect St. NW, D.C.

SECOND TO MY QUEST to find something to wear for two summer weddings is my search for easy-to-wear, everyday dresses.

The cool and rainy weather has made cropped jeans or pants paired with T-shirts and blouses my outfit of choice, but I know hot summer days are coming. Which is when I’ll want to switch to a dress as my go-to uniform for the next several months. One that’s light as air, doesn’t stick to me and preferably doesn’t wrinkle too much. I’ll be able to wear said dress for a lunch date, a business meeting, for a casual dinner and pack it up for a weekend away. Simplicity is key, meaning trendy details such as balloon sleeves, high-low hems and off-the shoulder designs should be limited. Although my husband the dapper dresser objects, if the shape of the dress is, well, not so form-fitting, so be it. Comfort counts—a lot.

In the slide show above are several possibilities, but I’m always looking at more options for the ideal summer frock. So, let me know what you’ve discovered.  Comment on this story or post on our Facebook page.

—Janet Kelly