I have a confession: I’m not a summer person.
The heat, the humidity, the endless “what do I wear when it’s 32°C but I still need to look like a functioning adult?” struggle—it gets to me. But this year, something changed. I found the dress. You know the one. That magical piece you wear once and then refuse to take off.
For me, it’s a simple, ivory slip dress from Reformation. No frills, no patterns, just a clean cut, soft fabric, and that perfect not-too-tight, not-too-loose silhouette.
A Dress That Changed My Mood
The first time I wore it was on a lazy Sunday walk. I paired it with my old Birkenstocks, added a woven tote, threw my hair up with a claw clip, and left the house without even a swipe of lipstick. I wasn’t trying to look polished. But people stopped me to ask where the dress was from. One woman even said, “You look like a walking Pinterest board.” That’s when I knew: This is more than a dress. This is a whole mood.
It drapes just right, with that hint of 90s nostalgia, and a whisper of French-girl ease that I can never quite master—but this dress gets me close. The way it moves when I walk… It’s effortless. And it makes me feel like I’m not melting, which is a win in Tokyo’s July heat.
Why I Keep Wearing It
- It breathes, which matters more than anything when you live in a city where the sidewalk feels like it’s melting.
- It works with literally everything—a denim jacket, an oversized cotton shirt, a structured blazer for a sharp contrast.
- It makes me feel feminine without being fussy.
- It’s the kind of piece you can throw on and somehow still feel like you planned it.
Endless Ways to Style It
What I didn’t expect was just how versatile this one dress would be. Here’s how I’ve been rotating it lately:
- For errands: With a white baseball cap, New Balance sneakers, and a crossbody canvas bag.
- For a client coffee meeting: Threw on a black blazer, sleek leather slides, and a gold hoop.
- For rooftop drinks: Belted at the waist, platform sandals, layered necklaces. (Okay, and maybe a spritz of Byredo’s Bal d’Afrique.)
- For beach weekends: Worn open over a black one-piece, with a straw hat and a basket bag.
It’s also wrinkle-friendly—hallelujah—so it travels well and doesn’t demand a steamer or special care.
I’ve realized that what I want from summer dressing is ease. Not complicated prints, not bodycon shapes, not pieces that only look good if you’re standing still in AC. I want fabrics that move, silhouettes that flatter without trying too hard, and pieces that make me feel calm.
This dress does all of that. It’s the definition of capsule wardrobe energy: one thing, infinite possibilities.
I know the fashion world is constantly pushing what’s “next,” but honestly? I’m more interested in what works. And this dress, simple as it is, just works.
Still searching for your summer go-to? Try something simple, unfussy, and breathable. Sometimes the piece that makes you feel most like yourself is the one you almost overlooked.