Banana Republic x Milly Patio Dress & easy wedding wear ideas

banana republic milly dress

Banana Republic x Milly patio dress c/o (25% off for cardmembers w/ code LOVEMILLY)

Ann Taylor sandals (this year’s version), Amrita Singh earrings, Gap hat, clutch from the Philippines

The Milly for BR collection launched this week, with electric colors and prints suitable for our 90 degree heatwave. My favorite piece is the elephant-print shorts, made in cotton with a conservative 4” petite inseam. I love that they balanced out a potentially childish animal print with a classic navy & white palette. As I already have my fix of elephant shorts thanks to an earlier sewing project, I picked this pleated patio dress from the collaboration to style. banana republic milly dress3 Over the years, I’ve received a number of questions on wedding guest attire, some specifically from ladies who prefer not to bare their legs. A colorful long dress in a floaty, lightweight material is a happy medium between shorter frocks and a stern pant suit. For semi-formal occasions, I’d style such a dress as shown in the first photo with heeled sandals, clutch bag, and a shoulder wrap for dropping temperatures. For a beach or backyard wedding where heels would only aerate the lawn, strappy flat sandals + statement earrings (shown below) are sufficient to complete the look. Add an over-sized hat for a day lounging by the pool/ocean, or a denim jacket and cross-body bag for a weekend brunch.

Photo by http://davidsalafiaphotography.com/

On Nick: BR x Milly blue shorts and micro print shirt c/o, Keds sneakers
Apolis garden tote (gift from the Warby Parker folks, love it for picnics and trips) Photo by http://davidsalafiaphotography.com/
The weight and material of the dress matters for special occasions, as cotton or knits can be too casual (ie. I wouldn’t wear this one to a wedding). I love the idea of luxurious silk, but personally don’t mind lower-maintenance polyester for sticky summers. This dress is 100% poly (made in China) and is labeled dry-clean only, however I plan on hand washing it in the sink and just being gentle with the pleats.
Photo by http://davidsalafiaphotography.com/
Photo by http://davidsalafiaphotography.com/
Fit notes: I received this dress in a 0P because 00P was not available at the time (but it is now both online and in stores). The torso has a little extra room, and I shortened each shoulder strap by one inch. A 00P should fit someone with my measurements (32-24-32 and 5 feet tall) well with no hemming or alterations needed, and consequently I must warn taller ladies that the petite length runs on the shorter side.

banana republic milly dress2 Measurements of a 0P: 15″ across the armpit, 12.5″ across the waist, 13″ torso length measured from top of shoulder strap (before I shortened it) to waistline, 35.5″ skirt length. Dress is fully lined and has a side zipper and detachable tie-waist belt.

banana republic milly dress1 Photos thanks to Nick and Dave Salafia
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55 Comments

  1. GlassesShop wrote:

    I love the colors of the dress

    Posted 5.24.16 Reply
  2. Sadia Nur wrote:

    Chinese wedding dresses can improve your beauty in wedding.

    Red wedding dress

    Posted 9.1.13 Reply
  3. Anonymous wrote:

    I just recently purchase this dress after seeing you wear it. It cheaper now then when it came out. But the only issue is that it see thro. I want to know if you were wear a slip. Cuz, I would love to keep it.

    Posted 7.24.13 Reply
  4. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi Penny – thank you! I don't think you'd need to alter a 0P in length if you are 5'1"…unless the style runs very inconsistently with their other items. I've purchased other maxi dresses from BR in the past in my usual size and they have been okay – at most required a wedge shoe, but I'm also shorter than yourself.

    Posted 6.11.13 Reply
  5. PetiteAsianGirl wrote:

    Hi there – unfortunately I think it may have expired, but now that the collection has been out for a few days I suggest checking back on the site for coupon codes that don't exclude Milly. Good luck!

    Posted 6.11.13 Reply

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