A strong summer look always starts with the right dress. Also, preferably one that’s elevated with seasonal accessories that still have polish while speaking to summer fun. Here, I’m making everything about this stunner from Staud. It’s  available at summer look and absolutely itching for me to take it to a daytime event where it can be seen and appreciated for its freshness and wearability. The Millie Ombre Check Dress is a belted, button-front shirtdress at a maxi length. Also, it isn’t shy about making an entrance with a cool upgrade on your average gingham.

You really can’t go wrong with timeless summer accessories with your favorite summer dress. The beauties I’m wearing today can be translated easily to so many of the dresses from Saks that I’ve listed below. Well cared-for, they’ll last you many summers of patio-bound fun. My saddle bag, from Cult Gaia, is a woven option in a saddle shape that feels current but not too trendy, and I think a lot of that is owed to its gold chain strap. It can also be carried as a clutch if you’d prefer, so invest confidently knowing that options abound. 

South of my ankles, you’ll find Tory Burch’s Caning Ankle-Wrap Leather Espadrille Sandals, a great flat option for when you don’t want to wear heels, but also don’t want your shoes to ruin a look by being too casual. I’m rounding things out—literally—with Lele Sadoughi’s Jelly Bean Faux Pearl Bracelet that adds a bit of playfulness while still being appropriate for dressing up an outfit.

There’s an effortlessness that we want in our summer wardrobes, and one of the fastest ways to achieve this is by focusing on dresses that take center summer stage, while leaving room for your accessories to be supporting acts. Saks has plenty ready and waiting for you.