The $48 Maxi Dress I Wore in Paris Will Make You Feel Très Chic

For me, Summer style is basically dresses or bust. I get too hot in pants (although this supercomfy $30 pair [1] is changing my tune), I don't love shorts [2], and while I'm a big fan of swingy skirts and jumpsuits [3], 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 [4], 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 [5] ($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 [6] 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 [7], and with Summer's biggest accessory trends [8] 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 [9], 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 [10], where you'll discover a range of affordable looks you can wear on the weekends, at the office, on holiday, and beyond.