Goldfinch Boutique | blog

The Perfect Summer Dress (and 3 Chic Ways to Wear It)

Think of your perfect summer dress. It’s light, it’s airy, and maybe it has a cute print or cut to make it a stand out a little from the crowd.

But, most importantly, the perfect summer dress is…effortless. It can go from beach to day and day to night in a snap. Because, let’s face it, a cute dress is great, but what about one that you can convert into three different outfits for three different occasions? Sign us up!

We have a ton of dresses right now that would be perfect for any occasion, but we snagged one of our new favorites - the Katie Vine dress - today. Take a look; by changing just a few accessories, you can rock a dress for the beach to a summer concert or cookout to a night out with the girls!

Here’s our blank canvas:



Perfect for the Beach


We started with (1) our adorable Katie Vine dress, which is perfect and light enough for a beach cover up; then added a Seashells fedora with a hint of blue to match. Top it off with the perfect bag for the beach (and a pop of color) and you’re good to go! And don’t forget (2) a super colorful and comfortable reversible bathing suit like this Maaji Kelp Mosaique suit. Last, but certainly not least, (3) pull the entire look together with a pair of great sandals. We chose our gorgeous St. Bart sandals, that go with everything!

Summer Concert or Cookout

For our concert/cookout look, we started with a (1) fun and sparkly accessory - our Bavarian Cream stacking rings, and then added some (2) cute and comfortable Knot slingback wedges for a slightly dressier look than we had at the beach. And on our (3) lovely Kate Vine dress, we’ve added a great bag to carry all of your essentials and the Rock Candy necklace to really set off the whole look!

Date night or Night out with the girls

And at the end of the night, when it’s time to head out for an evening with your man or your girls, (1) start with the Katie Vine dress and accessorize with a few great necklaces. Try a layering look - we’ve got our Pacific Sky Hexagon necklace and brand new Marissa necklace. Then try a (2) wrap bracelet like the one we have pictured here and finish it off with your favorite wedges or heels - like our sky high Bandana wedges!

Find more inspiration and all of these looks in our store or online! And don’t forget to like us on Facebook for sales, specials, and fun!

The Definitive Summer Packing List

Now that summer is officially in full swing, we can’t help but long for white sandy beaches and warm turquoise seas.  And thanks to our visit from Debby, we might be heading out sooner than later.

Packing for a much needed summer holiday can be daunting.  What jewelry should I pack, and how much of it?  What shoes will be most versatile?  How can I stay organized while traveling?  To put an end to the stress, we have come up with some useful tips and 15 items that will keep you calm and chic on your summer trip.

1. GET ORGANIZED

Organization is the key to a stress free vacation.  Start by making a list.  Google “packing list” for helpful ideas, so you won’t arrive without something.

2. START EARLY

Start by packing clothes you won’t be wearing and items you don’t use regularly first.  Make a goal to pack a little each day so the night before departure you will be able to get needed rest.

3. WEIGH YOUR LUGGAGE

If you are flying, there is nothing worse than a hefty fee for an overweight bag!  Check the airline’s website for weight limits, then weigh your bag with a bathroom scale when you are completely packed.  Make adjustments as needed.

4. PACK YOUR CARRY-ON

Last but not least is the ever-important carry-on.  With the drab choice of in-flight food options (or complete lack thereof), packing healthy, satisfying snacks is a must.  Some of our favorites are mixed nuts, SunChips, and of course some good dark chocolate (we’re currently obsessed with Ghirardelli’s Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt Caramel Squares).  Throw in a good magazine, your iPod (don’t forget your earbuds) plus all necessary documentation for your trip.  

THE LIST (all available here)

  1. Mystique St. Bart Sandal: perfect for day or night and oh-so-comfortable.
  2. Bavarian Cream stacking ring set: a versatile piece that will pair with anything in your suitcase.
  3. Lightweight Chevron Scarf: the perfect poolside accessory, wear this scarf as a coverup and to cover up toasty shoulders.
  4. Chevron & Blooms Tablet Case: protect your beloved iPad (or Nook, Kindle, or other tablet) in one of these chic and ultra affordable cases.
  5. Voluspa Travel Candle & Room & Body Spray: make your hotel room smell like home with an amazing travel candle or a quick spray.
  6. Maaji Bikini: get the most out of your swimwear with a unique, reversible bikini from Maaji.  (Don’t worry ladies, no one else will be wearing the same one)
  7. Rio Necklace: pack at least one statement necklace to dress up a simple tee or a white coverup.
  8. Rock Candy Necklace: this one will be your go-to on vacay (and back home)
  9. Emerald City Earring: a statement earring will dress up the simplest of ensembles.
  10. Grand Gem drop earring: lovely and lightweight, these perfect drops pair with anything.
  11. A Bevy of Bracelets (clockwise from top left, Knotted Leather Bracelet, Orange Bliss Wrap Bracelet, Mint Julep Bracelet, Twilight Twist Tri-Color Bracelet Set, Noemi Bracelet): wear them all alone or together for instant style.
  12. Starlet Small Pouch: keep your makeup, beauty products & more in order in this cute pouch. 
  13. Opulent Ovals Earring: so simple and lightweight, these will be your new favorite.
  14. Cozumel Straw Clutch: ditch your big bag before you leave and put only your essentials in this chic clutch with detachable strap.
  15. A good book: stop by GOLDFINCH for a new novel or non-fiction book for lazy days at the pool.
  16. Emily Long Tri-Color Coin Necklace: perfect with your gold or silver accessories, add this one to a simple dress or top for a polished look.