This post was originally published in August 2020.
If you’re like me, and prefer a more demure, feminine ensemble during the summer, you’ll love this floral mini dress with sleeves.
I’ll admit that I typically prefer a midi dress to a mini. There’s comfort in knowing that I’m completely concealed from the bum down and don’t have to worry about accidental flashing! However, there was something about this dress that just spoke to me. I liked that it was still conservative due to the long sleeves and high neckline. It’s the perfect dress to wear from summer into fall.
I know what you’re thinking: it has long sleeves, so how could it be worn in the summer without fear of a heat stroke? Let me assure you right now that it’s really quite comfortable, even in the hottest weather, because it is super light and thin. That’s saying a lot coming from me because I detest the heat and feel faint and nauseous when I get overly warm. I wore this dress during one of the hottest evenings and wasn’t uncomfortable at all.
I’ll be sharing the absolute easiest way to wear this dress now and later, and explaining why it’s important to invest in a classic style such as this one.
outfit details
floral dress c/o Chicwish | tan block heels | similar straw handbag | nude shaping slip
The easiest way to wear a floral mini dress with sleeves is by not going overboard with accessories. Keep it simple!
This dress is quite sheer, despite the additional layer beneath the floral fabric. I wore a nude shaping slip that guaranteed I wouldn’t be exposing the goods. Then I spent literally no time at all adding heels and a cute, straw handbag to complete the look. You could try and match your shoes to the buds printed on the dress, but I chose a pair of tan-beige block heels that I knew I would be comfortable in (plus, I knew the additional height would elongate my legs with the ruffled mini skirt). A straw bag is a great investment for summer because it really goes with everything. I have three and rotate between them depending on how casual or dressy my outfit is!
Why should you purchase a floral midi dress with sleeves? Because you will never run out of places to wear it. Work events, date nights, bridal showers, and so much more. If you buy one that’s sheer and light like mine, you’ll be able to simply transition it from the heat of summer to the cool of fall. Dress it down with a denim jacket and booties to make it work as a casual autumn ensemble. You won’t be sorry!
Related posts
10 Midi Dress for Summer // Summer Date Night Outfit // Dressing Up a Quirky Graphic Tee
Do you like long sleeves on mini dresses?
pin for later
Lisa says
My mother always taught me to cover my legs if my arms were bare and vice versa. Leave something to the imagination, I think she said. So I’m a big fan of sleeves on mini dresses, yes. And I love how you’ve styled this one, very simply, just let the fabric do the talking. Gorgeous! Lisa
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s a great thing to remember. My mom encouraged something similar 🙂 Thank you so much for the positive comment!
Lee says
SO pretty!! I have a floral mini dress with sleeves from a few years ago and it’s still one of my favorites every august as we transition from summer to fall!
Rebecca says
This dress is SO GOOD on you Steph!!! Love how feminine and love the mini with sleeves!
Lizzie says
I have this dress too and love it! I think long sleeves are so cute with mini’s! Love them for fall especially paired with boots!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Kileen says
This floral mini dress is so cute! I love the print and that it’s so perfect for late summer to fall! Overall this is a total must-have!
Kileen
cute & little
Rach says
I am sold! I love floral dresses and could definitely have more haha! This floral dress is gorgeous and can totally see it versatile for Fall too!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Crystal // Dreams, etc. says
I’m with you on mini vs. midi dresses, but this one is so cute!! It looks like such a classic piece and really versatile.
Bennett Flaherty says
Oh my gosh, love this ensemble! Super cute and feminine…The perfect outfit for summer!
Lily says
This is such a cute dress, it’s so flattering on you!
Melissa says
Floral mini dresses with sleeves are soooo cute! In general I love the pattern, I love how they look and how they are so easy to style. So far I just have one, but I definitely need more!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
Omg that dress is so cute and perfect for fall!
Queenie says
You don’t know how much I love floral mini dresses! It fits almost any occasion and it’s great if you want to show your feminine side 🙂 Love this post!
Sarah Lindner says
I personally love this silhouette. I feel in love with a sleeved mini dress earlier this year and have instinctively tried to find other dresses like it. This one is so pretty, I love the print and it looks great on you! xoxo, Sarah
Shirsha says
I used to be totally in the midi dress camp, but this summer, I’ve embraced the shorter dress length wholeheartedly! This dress looks gorgeous on you, and your styling is completely on point! That straw bag is so pretty! ❤️
Anika says
I absolutely love this look! I’m a huge fan of floral dresses, and I would totally wear this in the winter too. Love the heels!
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Taylor says
This is such a cute dress! I need it now! Already trying to figure out where I could wear it (since I’m not going many places right now)! It looks so good on you!
Emily Wilkinson says
Ok this dress is gorgeous and will be the perfect piece to transition into fall! Would look so cute with booties too!
Laura Leigh says
yes girl! bring on the floral feminine pieces for summer – I absolutely love them. especially this super sweet number! also a big fan of long sleeve dresses. there is just something so sweet about them.
xo Laura Leigh
https://louellareese.com
Tanvi Rastogi says
You’ve sold it to me. I do need a floral mini dress with sleeves now. Love this look on you and would be great even in fall.
❥ tanvii.com
Greta says
I just got a dress like this and it’s so fun to style! My go-to is a hat and boots.
Rachel says
Girllllll, you are ROCKING this dress! I love that the long sleeves makes it feel more every day and can easily be styled multiple ways. So pretty for fall!
Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com
Kait says
So cute! This is essentially my entire wardrobe, especially in the summer. I love wearing floral dresses, and most have some type of sleeves. My current favorite is a purple dress with ruffles on the ends of the sleeves. I really love yours as well, but probably should not buy another dress. I’m running out of hangers!
Kat & Phil says
Love the contrast of short dress with long sleeves. The outfit you put together looks stunning (and the hair to match!)
Deborah says
I love floral dresses in general so this dress is right up my alley! You look amazing! Also, I’m a sucker for anything with sleeves! OMG such a perfect dress!
Adaleta Avdic says
I do like the longer sleeves on shorter dresses since there’s something very feminine and chic about it, if I’m being honest. This floral pattern is also so classy and cute. I will also say I was looking at a Cult Gaia bag similar to the one you have pictured here, so cute!
Amanda says
You are right, I totally need a dress like this— it’s super cute! Love the pretty print & it’s perfect to wear now and through fall as well. Great look!
Nailil says
Such a pretty dress. I have a few like this for fall.
Xx, Nailil
https://thirtyminusone.com
Alix Maza says
Ahhhh! Another awesome dress. Makes me wish I have more opportunities to dress up for something haha.
Emily says
I’ve been wearing jeans for so long now that I’m scared to wear more feminine pieces – but I really want to! At some point I will invest in some floral mini dresses and unleash my feminine side. Your photos are also incredible! x
Anna English says
This dress has me ready for fall! I love all the intricate detailing.
Caitlin says
Wow I just LOVE the pattern and style of this dress. The colors are stunning on you!
Alice says
Oh this is just too cute!! I love the button front details as well. <3
xo, alice
Molly @ Transatlantic Notes says
I don’t tend to wear dresses at all, for a variety of reasons, but I love this look and would like to incorporate it into my wardrobe. The shoes you have paired with it are amazing! Thanks for the inspiration!
Raji says
This is such a pretty dress! I prefer longer sleeves on shorter dresses too and I love the outfit you’ve put together here.
Neely Moldovan says
I love a good mini dress with long sleeves. Such a great look! You look so cute!
Jaya Avendel says
Oo, pretty! I love the pattern and cloth of this dress and the sleeves are making stars in my eyes. Loose sleeves make an outfit no less heat friendly and are summer love of mine.
As this dress is a little shorter than the ones I usually go in for, this goes onto my ‘wear for confidence’ list.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Stephani says
So pretty! I love this floral dress – love the natural colors and looks so pretty with those block heels!
Xo, Steph
Rachael says
Such a gorgeous dress!! I recently ordered a floral dress with sleeves and it is the most perfect comfortable outfit – especially for summer cocktails with the girls! Lovely post xx
Simona says
Stephanie you look so lovely in this mini dress! And your hair – just stunning! I’m too short for these kind of dresses – they just make me look even shorter and funny with the sleeves hanging…
Greta says
This dress is so gorgeous on you. Perfect for a late summer/fall wedding!
Elle says
This dress is absolutely gorgeous! This would be perfect for late summer / early autumn. This really suits you!! Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
Tara Raquel Fuller says
I cannot say enough how beautiful and elegant this dress is on you. Truly a romantic vision!
Amanda says
This dress is so pretty! I am loving the soft, romantic feminine vibes and the pretty print.
Merry Sari says
I have 3 floral mini dresses (red, white, yellow) with sleeves and I adore them so much! I love your dress as well (this is the type of dress that I’d pick when shopping) – it gives me such an elegant and feminine vibe 😀 Looks FAB, Steph x
Nailil says
I love this dress. It is so pretty, the print is my favorite.
Xx, Nailil
thirtyminusone.com