Few things go better together than sunshine and white cotton dresses. First of all, it’s oppressively hot so there’s no reason to retain all that extra heat in a black polyester shirt. Secondly, a white dress looks fresh and effortless, its appeal more classic and refined than, say, a bold fuschia frock. This means that white dresses are also versatile, taking you from work to after-work drinks to dinner, so long as you keep that Tide-to-go handy.

Band of Outsiders is a label that knows a thing or two about classic and effortless clothing. Starting out in L.A. as a menswear line, Band of Outsiders soon branched out into womenswear, with a focus on well-made, classic American apparel with a twist.

The brand’s embroidered white dress, currently available online from Gravity Pope, is exactly the kind of easy-to-wear summer piece that gives you elegance without requiring very much effort at all. Featuring a fitted bodice and a flared pleated skirt, the ladylike sillhouette of the dress is flattering on most body shapes, and the classic shirt collar gives the garment a sense of understated sophistication.

$349.99. Available online from Gravity Pope, 1010 Queen St. W., 647-748-5155