We’ll be honest: We don’t care who wins. To us, the real winner is (s)he who wears the biggest hat. We kid. Sometimes smaller hats are prettier. Every year we find ourselves scrambling at the last minute to put together the perfect outfit, and we know we’re not alone. So, we put together a couple of dresses and hats that fit the bill, in case anyone is still shopping—or just in need of a little swoon. Thursday afternoon dreaming at its best…
1. Cap-Sleeve Belted Lace Seersucker A-Line Maggy London Dress $124.99
We pretty much go bananas every time we see the pairing of seersucker and lace, and this cap-sleeve belted A-line by Maggy London is the crème de la crème. The yellow seersucker is ultra-sweet, and the lace detailing at the shoulders, ultra feminine. Add to it the cap sleeves and tiny back exposure and we’re ultra in love. (Available at Nordstrom.) It's such perfection, it doesn't need a hat. But it wouldn't be croquet without one. We suggest the Vanessa by Plaza Suite, available at Hats in the Belfry.
2. ASOS Tulip Dress with Waterfall Skirt $63.18
This “midi” dress by ASOS Collection is fit for an Annapolitan affair in navy with white polka dots. The pencil skirt features a ruffle detail at the waist that gives the illusion of a wrap. The slit in the back makes it easy to wear, and the short sleeves make it perfect for spring. You could pair any white hat with this dress, but we'd suggest a fascinator, like the Silk Pillbox by Christine A. Moore (below left) or a colorful hat with a downturned, modest-sized brim, like the Melli 2, also by Christine A. Moore (below right). If you dare to mix prints, (and we suggest you do) perhaps our favorite option is this wide-brim hat by August featuring complementary navy and white stripes.
3. Sleeveless Polka Dot A-Line Dress by Alfani $74.99
If you’re willing to trade the navy for a flowy-er polka dotted option, opt for this black and white number by Alfani.
The button front closure and pointed collar distinguish this style for the other dresses on this list, and its knee length, A-line skirt keeps it classic. Splash a little color on top with one of Moore's other designs, like the Cassandra (below, left), or the Irma (below, right.) Or, add the edge of black-and-white animal print on this hat byAugust.
4. Printed Full Skirt Dress by Oscar de la Renta $1,990.
Sure, we don’t all have the budget for this beauty but we certainly have the time to swoon, right? The shape is so perfectly feminine, the green is the color of the season, and the mix of graphic prints pop. We’re pretty sure that Oscar was thinking of the Annapolis croquet match when he designed this adorable Jackie O-esque dress. We’re loving the gold belt and earrings so much we almost don’t want to add a hat. But who are we fooling? We always want to add a hat. This gold one by August is perfect.
If you're attending the croquet match this weekend, be sure to Tweet us a photo of your ensemble! @TowneSocialite.
See you there!
