Style Spy: Shifts and Shades

It’s summertime, and outdoor soirées are in full swing. Whether you’re headed to a family reunion or a garden tea party, casual dresses are an effortless way to look pretty and feel comfortable. And that’s no easy feat when it’s a steamy 90 degrees outside, and humidity is at its peak. 

The Wilmington Country Store in Greenville has a selection of styles to help you feel like the “belle of the barbecue,” from preppy designs and A-line silhouettes to fresh prints. You’ll find chic designers like Sail to Sable, Lilly Pulitzer and many others at the boutique. Here are some of our favorites.

Sail to Sable

We tend to gravitate toward shift dresses, and Sail to Sable’s classic sleeveless pea coat navy dress and the Sailin at Sailfish nautical inspired shift dress (www.sailtosable.com, $188-$258) are two wardrobe must-haves.

Both dresses will keep you cool with their lightweight fabric (100 percent linen with 100 percent cotton twill tape trim) and flattering lines. Go ahead and have that extra s’more. You’ll still look svelte in this style.

If you only buy one sundress this summer, make it a classic, all-white, fit-and-flare sundress (www.sailtosable.com, $260). The basket-weave dress features white-lace details around the neckline and boasts a custom gold zipper in the back. A blank canvas, this dress can be dressed up or down with accessories.

Lilly Pulitzer

Lilly Pulitzer carries an array of fashionable sundresses, maxi dresses and shift dresses. For those cool summer nights, throw on a Christie V-neck, three-quarter, T-shirt dress (www.lillypulitzer.com, $98). The colorful print will pop against sun-kissed skin. Heading to an outdoor party after work? No need to change outfits when you’re already wearing an adorable Sarasota Pintuck Tunic Dress (www.lillypultizer.com, $168). 

Donna Morgan

For any summer event, consider donning a simple Marissa eyelet frock (www.donna-morgan.com, $138). The shell eyelet cotton dress comes in a fun burst of salmon. Or if you favor A-line silhouettes, a sleeveless Celene Charmeuse (www.donna-morgan.com, $138) is another stylish option.

Wilmington Country Store – 4013 Kennett Pike, Greenville Crossing, Greenville, 656-4409, www.wilmingtoncountrystore.com.

Summer Must Have – Aviator Glasses 

Look through rose-colored glasses, literally, with a pair of stylish Minnie Rose Aviators ($187). The classic frame flatters every face type from oval to square to heart. And the gradient rose-colored lenses protect pretty peepers from the sun by providing 100 percent UV protection. Each pair comes with a Gold-Bar case and a sunset drawstring bag. Available at Ellie Boutique, 4017 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 656-8800, www.ellieboutique.com.