Must Have: Billowing Maxi Dress

Diane Von Furstenberg (left), Express (right)

Ahhh, the maxi dress: the perfect combination of casual comfort and island-style glamour, it rivals only gladiator sandals as the must-have fashion purchase of the season. You may have spotted celebs like Adrienne Bailón, Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Alba wearing this floor-skimming style. Why so popular? Simple: it's a great option for nearly every summer occasion. Command a big impact at an afternoon party, like a casual barbecue where you definitely want to be noticed, or go for breezy glamour on a more formal night out, like a sit-down dinner with friends.

If you're wondering how to accessorize the look: It's a good idea to pair a maxi dress with flats, especially those trusty gladiators. Go easy on the jewelry: Simple earrings and skinny bangles on the wrists will do. Carry a purse that you can hold in your hand, like a clutch or a bag with a little handle.

This lovely specimen, the Maui Maxi Dress, is fresh from Diane von Furstenburg ($445, net-a-porter.com). Another chic option is the vibrant, flowery style by Express ($98, expressfashion.com) that was recently worn by Bailón. In either, you're sure to be the flyest woman in the room.