Story by Ashley White of Le Stylo Rouge | Photos by Sabrina Osborn
Ah, June! Summer is officially nigh and we’re all ready to bask in the sunshine of the warmest months KC has to offer. But what to wear? Well, nothing says “school’s out!” quite like a breezy summer dress.
To update this closet staple for 2022, let’s consider the modern prairie dress! The idea? Mix the summery maxi dress of 2010’s fame with something from Little House on Prairie. Yes, you heard me right – imagine the fashion love child of Lauren Conrad and Laura Ingalls Wilder, and you’re on the right track.
So what to look for when trying to recreate this vibe? Make sure the fabric is still a summer weight – cotton is your best bet. Choose vibrant colors to hit those summer high notes: sun-soaked yellow, bright blue, or the peach perfection you see here. Don’t be afraid of prints, either! A pretty gingham or a dainty floral hits the right style notes, too.
Look for a smocked bodice to maximize comfort and fit – so important when the humidity spikes. Flouncy sleeves are another fun feature; you can opt for longer sleeves like I chose here, or something shorter. Just make sure they have some volume to really make a statement.
You want the hemline of the prairie dress to hit just above the ankle, which is perfect for showing off a summer sandal or a chic sneaker. If you want to dress things up, make that sandal a wedge or a shoe with some height.
Lastly, add some personal touches with fun accessories. I chose a white beaded statement earring and round retro sunglasses. The bold earring meant I could skip the necklace, but a fist full of gold rings kept things interesting.
Happy summer outfitting, Kansas City!
You can find Ashley at lestylorouge.com or on Instagram at @ashrockchalk
