Summer Dresses - Evening Event

You know the drill: you've got an evening event coming up (wedding, charity, party, etc.) and you're tired of the same few dresses that rotate through your social life. Rather than whirl through every store in town, we suggest you take a deep breath and check out our top picks below.

We prefer clean lines, unfussy details, and versatile styles that are worth the investment because, as you can see in earlier posts, many of these evening dresses can be worn for daytime.


Three Dots black maxi $170



















Though it's jersey, the drape and sheen of this fabric look elegant. It pairs effortlessly with fine jewelry. Or go bold and funky with some Alexis Bittar pieces.

Alexis Bittar lucite jewelry $78 to $268









Fiumicelli red silk dress $299



















The slightly asymmetrical design, optional ribbon belt, and splash of color make this a fierce choice for an evening statement. For a soft touch of contrast, try it with blue calcite.

Becky Kelso calcite pendant $379











Geren Ford silk grommet dress $338



















The grommet detailing on this shift makes it an edgy option - and also makes jewelry a snap since understated bangles or earrings work best with the already shimmery front.


Fiumicelli printed silk dress $299



















This lively print pairs best with subtle jewelry, like a gold or silver Adina Reyter pendant necklace.

Adina Reyter silver circle $149
Adina Retyer gold circle $396













DieterBennett black strapless $640



















This designer is local to Chicago, but has a distinct European look, with it's crinkled cotton texture and streamlined silhouette. A dramatic dyed scarf or necklace adds glamor to the look.

Sete di Jaipur silk ombre scarf $89
Alexis Bittar lucite pendant $178









Fiumicelli silk racerback dress $310



















The tie on this is optional, but adds a sexy definition to the waist. And, because it's so perfect with solid color dresses, the Alexis pendant makes a repeat appearance here.

Alexis Bittar lucite pendant $178









Allude black jersey dress $219



















This is an easy long-term staple for any wardrobe. The color, beautiful drape, and versatile fabric make it a no-brainer. Take it from casual to evening by choosing finer jewelry, like these Danielle Welmond pieces.

Danielle Welmond green amethyst, 14K gold earrings $669
Danielle Welmond topaz pendant $448

Danielle Welmond | Out of the Box

Danielle Welmond is an LA based jewelry designer who uses a distinct technique called "lace weaving", which was developed in Europe over 500 years ago. Her technique involves weaving each piece with silk threads, cords, fine gold, or silver wire. Her gems are selected for their Impressionist quality.

From Top:

Labadorite with sterling necklace $310

Rainbow moonstone with sterling necklace $310

Green amethyst with 14k gold earrings $669

Topaz and sterling necklace $448

Labadorite with sterling necklace $780

Dresses - Daytime Event

How many of you need a dress for an upcoming daytime wedding, graduation, bridal shower, or charity lunch? The idea of selecting the right dress and accessories can be a challenge. But Tula is here to help. We just happen to be experts at this and, though we couldn't include everything in this post, we gathered our top picks for a daytime event.


Three Dots blue jersey maxi $188



















Wear it with anything! To keep it from looking too casual kick up the accessories a notch with some Anna Beck jewelry or a colorful wrap.

Anna Beck silver pendant $138
Anna Beck gold pendant $180
Virginia Johnson scarf $210














Three Dots black jersey dress $170



















This dress looks amazing on so many body types - it may be knitted with magic. It also works with so many styles of jewelry. Try some rustic Chan Luu pieces for a festive summer touch.

Chan Luu shell pendants $172 each
Chan Luu turquoise earrings $78














Organic gray silk slip $385



















We can't think of a better shoe than our Bo'em feather sandals with this sophisticated slip. And for jewelry, Danielle Welmond strikes just the right note if you're dressing up.

Bo'em feather sandal $238
Danielle Welmond topaz pendant $448











Hache stripe silk dress $650



















It barely needs any accessorizing, with the colorful and unusual stripes. But our Geo Art bangles coordinate surprisingly well with this dress--the colors harmonize beautifully without looking matchy.

Geo Art bangles $22 each










Geren Ford yellow silk dress $318



















A burst of sunshine that works great with a breezy scarf. The simple shape and solid color make this style a blank palette for accessories.

Sete di Jaipur silk scarf $112










Fiumicelli red silk dress $299



















A traffic stopping color and silhouette. The ribbon tie is optional and jewelry is a breeze, with either a pop of blue calcite (also suggested for an evening look in our next post) or any gold or silver accessories.

Becky Kelso calcite pendant $379












Fiumicelli printed silk dress $340



















Statement-making, sexy, and optimistic. Silver and gold are your best options when choosing jewelry and shoes for this number.

Adina Reyter silver circle $149
Adina Reyter gold circle $396














Fiumicelli blue silk dress $310



















It features a racerback design and the tie is optional. We think our Alexis Bittar lucite jewelry really glows against this electric blue.

Alexis Bittar lucite jewelry $78 - $268










DieterBennett sherbert cotton dress $640



















Locally designed, with a European feel. It's classic with a twist. And for events that call for a little more coverage this is a winning option. This Chan Luu stone necklace really completes the look.

Chan Luu beaded necklace $319














Allude black jersey dress $219



















It's a classic silhouette, with a Grecian waistline. We like the impact of a Becky Kelso silver medallion, but Anna Beck is another excellent choice of jewelry for this style.

Becky Kelso silver medallion $368
Anna Beck disk earrings $110
Anna Beck teardrop hoops $198
Anna Beck silver cuff $210












Adam blue maxi $548



















This cloud-like design is perfectly complimented with an airy scarf like our Chan Luu silk and cashmere blend.

Chan Luu scarf $178








Lastly, here is a sampling of some summer clutches and shoes to choose from at Tula.

Bo'em sandals $228 - $238
Hat Attack raffia clutches $90 each

Geren Ford Highlight

Some great year-round pieces from Geren Ford just arrived. This ruffle neck blouse is our top pick for a night out. We love it with white this summer, but carry it into fall with classic black pants or tucked into a pencil skirt.




















$258, also available in black
shown with Bo'em feather sandals on sale for $119, and Danielle Welmond topaz necklace $448