With warmer weather finally here I am thrilled to pack away my heavier sweaters and coats to make room for my summer wardrobe. (Of course here in Colorado I think most of us keep sweaters and jackets readily available because the evenings can still be cool.) When the seasons change I typically go through my clothes and pull out the ones I haven’t worn for whatever reason, bag them up, drop them off at Discover Goodwill, and then go in to the store to stock up on some “new” styles that aren’t going to break the bank.

For this particular post I chose all summer dresses to showcase. Everything came from Discover Goodwill at the Circle location here in Colorado Springs and I do thank everyone for their help and extra work that comes from me doing these fashion articles. I tried on some styles that I wouldn’t necessarily wear myself (some were a bit young for my age I think,) but I just wanted to display some variety.

And if you’d like to win a shopping trip to a local Discover Goodwill where we’ll help you find a fun, comfortable, easy-breezy summer dress, check out how you can enter our newest contest at the end of this article.

THE DRESSES…

I live in dress styles like this cute floral (the tag was cut out so I’m not sure what the brand is,) because they are just as comfortable as sweats but make me feel a bit more pulled together as I run errands. The dress was $7.99 but on sale for 50% off that day. The necklace I’m wearing was $5.99 and the red leather sandals (BRIOSO) were $4.99. A simple, comfortable summer look for only $14.97.

I loved this dress so much I just had to buy it. Of course it’s black and white cause that’s what I usually gravitate to. This would look really cute with a light sweater for cooler evenings, the fit and length is perfect for my body type, and this can easily be dressed up or down. The dress label is Perceptions $9.99 (I found this same label and similar style at J. C. Penney for $60,) bangles $3.99, Nine West purse in excellent condition $8.99…total cost $22.97.

Another super comfortable style that looks good on most bodies. If you’re self-conscious of your upper arms, a lightweight shrug works great with sleeveless dresses. Taboo dress $7.99, BKE wedge sandals, (which are sold at Buckle stores and typically cost $50 to $60)  $7.99, hoop earrings $3.99, necklace $3.99…total cost $23.96.

Animal print is always in style and can be accessorized in so many ways. My friend Ashley pairs animal print with turquoise so I tried it and it looks fabulous! And maxi dresses are so comfortable for summer…a win/win/win look! “Another Thyme” dress $7.99 and turquoise necklace, which I bought, $4.99.

Change up the accessories and you have a totally different look…Black necklace $3.99, bangles $3.99 and purse I bought last year for $3.99.

One of my favorite looks…pulled together but oh so comfortable. The hat and scarf are the only thing I pulled from my own wardrobe for this and the hat actually came from the Dollar Tree. The dress is Lily Aldridge for Velvet and when I went to the website I saw a very similar stripe tank dress currently selling for $130. (The only difference was slits on the sides.) Prices for this outfit are $7.99 for the dress, Evan Picone shoes $5.99 but on sale for $4.19, necklace $3.99, bangles $3.99 and purse $4.99. Total cost except for the hat and scarf…$25.06.

Leaving my comfort zone of mostly wearing black, I tried on this very feminine Donna Morgan dress ($7.99) and it was so comfortable, it seriously felt like I was wearing pajamas. I didn’t check what the material was but it was so soft, I could have napped in it. As you can see, I used the belt as a head wrap (wish I had enough hair to actually do this without a wig!.) Donna Morgan dresses are sold at Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor and can cost anywhere from $100 to $200. The wood accessories and purse are pieces I bought a couple of years ago at Goodwill, with the necklace costing $3.99, the bracelet $1.99, and the purse $3.99 for a total of $17.96.

Loved this entire look, loved the prices even more! The Limited sweater $4.99, ark & co dress $7.99, purse $3.99, and Merona flats $4.19 for a total of only $21.16. I know some people think wearing used shoes is yucky but seriously, these shoes were so comfortable because they were broken in, while still being in perfect condition, I bought them. (You can spritz the inside with some Lysol.)

I felt like I needed to be running through a field of soft grass and flowers with this She’s Cool maxi dress ($7.99) and bare feet. The straps are adjustable which is great for those of us who need a bit of support. (I don’t remember where I bought the hat since I’ve had it forever.) I did have to buy this dress too!

THE CONTEST…

If you’d like to win a shopping trip to a local Discover Goodwill store (Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Woodland Park, Monument) all you have to do is leave a comment as to why you’d like a “new” summer outfit. The winner, which will be randomly picked, will meet me at the local location of their choice and we’ll shop, take pictures, and buy you something fabulous up to $25. By entering the contest you allow us to share pictures on our website of the shopping experience and our fashion finds.

The contest begins today, Monday, May 11th and ends on Friday, May 15th. We’ll announce the winner on Saturday, May 16th.