The Girls in their Summer Dresses
With temperatures and humidity levels soaring, dressing to impress while bearing the weather of summer can be daunting. Fortunately, there is one timeless article of summer clothing that has reached new heights – and omnipresence across social media: the sundress. Here are three top spots in the Gables to shop this classic for warm weather fashion, allowing you to look chic and feel cool – or as cool as possible in the Miami heat.
Johnny Was
Southern Californians may not experience the absurdly hot summers that Gables residents face, but the climate is certainly not enjoyable from June through September. So, it makes sense that Los Angeles-based Johnny Was knows how to make a sundress. Established in 1987, the company has expanded their inventory from their embroidered T-shirt days, now specializing in “boho-chic” and “vintage inspired” women’s clothing. The location in the Shops at Merrick Park is emblematic of its California roots. With floral prints galore and palm fronds painted on the walls, the store’s summer collection is largely pink, blue, and purple, with a few neutral offerings. The Elandra Shift Dress ($465), a lightweight lace minidress featuring a keyhole and a scalloped hemline, was our favorite. A more fitted piece we adored was the House on the Hill Maxi Dress ($598), an elegant cream selection that pairs well with dainty footwear and jewelry.
342 San Lorenzo Ave. #1035
305.351.4037
Johnnywas.com
Stem
Stem’s vast selection of sundresses borders on overwhelming. The store was founded in 2019 by Kat Llerena, who left behind the high-strung world of entertainment in favor of running her own boutique. Despite their wide variety of options, the store is still highly curated; nearly every piece will catch your eye. In addition to clothing, the store offers handmade artisan jewelry, woven bags, and select footwear, allowing customers to craft an outfit without ever exiting Stem’s doors. The number we immediately gravitated towards was the Garden.
Bliss Maxi ($105), a flowy white piece adorned with pink floral trim along the neckline and straps sundress. For those attempting to model Sofia Richie’s minimalist aesthetic, we recommend the Amelia Scalloped Mini Dress ($98). Accessorize the minidress with kitten heels, a pearl necklace, and sunglasses that verge on comically oversized, and you will feel transported right to the South of France.
102 Giralda Ave
305.440.8169
Shopatstem.com
Blue Serenity Boutique
Specializing in tropical wardrobe essentials, Blue Serenity Boutique first opened their doors on Andalusia Avenue in summer 2020. The store is an adamant supporter of the environment. Five percent of profits go to local Florida charities and the Ocean Cleanup project, and they often host trash-cleanup trips to beaches around Miami. Additionally, Blue Serenity sources some products from native tribes; most notably are bags handwoven by women of the Wayuu tribe of rural Colombia and Venezuela. Most of the shop’s sundresses fall on the neutral and casual side, with a few versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down. The Kelsi Midi Dress ($72), an eggshell linen piece with pearl buttons down the front, is a beach-day standout that pairs well with the aforementioned Wayuu bags. If you’re looking for something more upscale, opt for the Lace Kiss style ($7 0), a bustier option with floral detail.
258 Andaluisa Ave
786.564.2674
Blueserenityboutique.com
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