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For me, Summer style is basically dresses or bust. I get too hot in pants (although this supercomfy $30 pair is changing my tune), I don't love shorts, and while I'm a big fan of swingy skirts and jumpsuits, a dress somehow feels so much easier to throw on. I love minis and above-the-knee silhouettes on others, but my go-to styles are in the midi and maxi territory — many petites out there think longer lengths make them look shorter, but on the cusp at 5'4", I find that they actually elongate my frame.
So, when thinking about what to pack for holiday in Paris, I wanted to minimize all the extras and pack a handful of dresses I knew I could pair with comfortable accessories for hours on end of strolling the streets, visiting museums, dining at cafes, and, of course, a little shopping. One of the best dresses I packed for my trip? This POPSUGAR Belted Maxi Dress ($48, originally $64).
With frilled sleeves and a ruffled hem, this tie-waist silhouette felt feminine and flattering as I made my way from the Marais through St. Germain and all the way to the Rue de Rivoli. In a lightweight fabric similar to linen, it was perfectly breathable on the warm and sunny day (I chose the bright white shade but it also comes in a pretty cornflower blue!). Styling with a pair of flat Mary Janes, a quilted cross-body bag, oversize sunnies, and delicate gold jewellery, I felt effortlessly stylish and carefree (in my mind, I totally blended in with the local Parisians). It wasn't until I was mid-stroll when I realised this winning maxi dress has pockets — honestly, is there anything better?
Now that I'm back stateside, I've already worn this dress a couple of times with low heels and a blazer as a comfortable Summer work outfit and flat sandals to brunch on the weekend. And since Summer technically hasn't even started yet, I'm planning to get many more wears out of it for alfreso dinners, casual-chic parties, and with Summer's biggest accessory trends like sculptural heels, seashell jewellery, and woven bags.
Ahead, shop the $48 Summer maxi dress I'm obsessed with from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's, plus all the pieces I styled with it in Paris. Then, for more Summer outfit ideas, head over to The Outfit Bar at Kohl's, where you'll discover a range of affordable looks you can wear on the weekends, at the office, on holiday, and beyond.