The perfect dress is perhaps the easiest way to create an outfit for just about every occasion. With so many shapes, colors and fabrications to choose from, it can feel a little daunting to pick just the right dress. That’s why we've put together some easy-to-pull-off dress ensembles for all your spring and summer occasions.

Dinner Date:

This flirty and sexy asymmetrical-shoulder dress by Jessica Simpson is a fun way to incorporate bold splashes of color and pattern. Pairing it with a lovely peep toe heel like the Brigitte Bailey Charee keeps the look super feminine. The frilly Call it SPRING Olliff evening bag and ravishing Jessica Simpson Unbalanced Nature Reef Earrings really give this date look something to talk about.

Daytime:

A lightweight cotton-blend dress like the lovely Max and Cleo Cotton Mandy Dress is perfect for daytime. Keep things low-key with a pair of the Sam Edelman Gigi T-strap sandals; It’s a versatile choice for all your summer day looks. A simple bag in a pop color like the Nine West Pocket Change Small Hobo is a great contrast to the cool blue on the dress. Stack on some Lucky Brand Havana Caseline stack bracelets and you’ve got an impeccable day ensemble that’s easy and breezy.

Prom/Special Occasion:

Don’t be afraid to go for some drama when it comes to a dressy evening affair. The softly opulent ruffles on the BCBGMAXAZRIA Stretch Tulle One Shoulder Layer Dress give an air of ethereal glow to your evening look. A simple pair of black peep toe heels like the rsvp Nicolette is a nighttime staple. The ALDO Miccio clutch, with its fancy crystal closure, makes an equally perfect accessory. Finish off this eloquent ensemble with a bold pair of crystal-studded earrings like the Noir Jewelry Artisan Abstract Earrings.

Spring/Summer Wedding:

Of course, we can’t have a dress guide without a fabulous wedding ensemble, after all spring and summer are the most popular seasons for outdoor weddings!

A flowy maxi dress like the heavenly Jessica Simpson Strapless Twisted Chiffon Maxi Dress is a perfect blend of sexy and appropriate. Pair it with the adorable Black Rooster Highpeak espadrille wedge for a comfy, laid-back alternative to satin dress shoes. A sleek, simple clutch like the Hobo International Lauren is a great versatile addition to this look. Layer on the Dogeared Jewels 100 Good Wishes Necklace and Jessica Simpson Unbalanced Nature Reef Necklace to add some extra interest to the strapless dress.

Is there anything quite as feminine and utterly pretty as flowers? We’re pretty sure there isn’t, which is why it’s so exciting to see a slew of  floral details popping up in the latest crop of spring accessories. Whether you opt for a bold rosette detail or go for more subtle flower accents, there are tons of fresh ways to infuse a dose of floral into your spring and summer ensembles.

Here are just a few of our favorite accessories with floral details (from left to right):

Badgley Mischka watch: Floral details flanking the face of this watch give an unexpectedly lavish detail.

Kenneth Jay Lane Jeweled Flower Ring: A gorgeous cluster of colorful flowers surround the sparkling crystal, resulting in the most fabulous cocktail ring for a springtime party.

ALDO Eurodore tote bag: The bold rosette appliqués on this lovely bag are complemented by the prettiest nude blush shade that goes with anything.

Nine West Koa peep toe heels: Slightly demure yet abundantly captivating, this pretty dress shoe is versatile enough to wear with dark denim jeans or a fancy party dress.

Floral details on accessories are a great way to infuse some femininity to a simple outfit, and with so many lovely pieces to choose from, it's easy to find just the right one to fit your style.

There's a perpetual youthfulness and effortless cool that comes with the SoCal surfer girl look that we just simply can't get enough of. This laid-back beachy look can be seen on a slew of beach beauties everywhere, from Laguna Beach to Cocoa Beach. The aura around the surfer girl style is relaxed and simple; think wavy wash-and-wear hair, minimal makeup and a sunny year-round tan.

When going for the breezy surfer girl look, there are a few staple pieces that will surely be on heavy rotation in your wardrobe:  

1.      Summer dresses: A lightweight summer dress is definitely a beach essential. Picking a striped dress, like the Roxy Sequoia Halter Dress, is reminiscent of the classic ‘70s surfer girl.

2.      Lightweight tank tops and camis: Look for tank tops and camis with stripes or tropical florals for a summery look. The Volcom Cassie Cami Top is an excellent example of how versatile this look is. Wear it alone or layered under a light hoodie.

3.      Unstructured bags: Hobos and totes in lightweight fabrics are perfect for carrying to the beach. The adorable Roxy Dock Canvas Tote has a hint of nautical style and is just the right size to carry your daytime essentials.

4.      Comfy flip flop sandals: When you’re treading sand most of the day, a pair of comfy sandals like the Sanuk Yoga Rain Dance (complete with a real yoga mat footbed!) is a must.

For more surfer girl style, check out the Zappos Rideshop.

A notable spring/summer trend we’ve been seeing a lot in fashion editorials lately is cork. More specifically, cork details on sandals. This fresh detail is something that evokes the more relaxed style of the warm-weather seasons.

Donald J. Pliner carries a few gorgeous examples of this cork trend. For a dressier take on this shoe trend, the Gyl is a high-heel sandal with a healthy dose of cork and a sexy strappy silhouette. For those who prefer a lower heel, the Decima sandal is a simple, sophisticated choice.

The cork sandal is worthy of notice because of its versatility as much as for its laid-back style. You can pair any neutral-colored cork sandal with the hottest spring colors. The neutral color palette works well to balance out brighter colors or busy prints in the rest of your ensemble.

For many of us, the weekend is a time to unwind and escape the stresses of day-to-day life. There’s nothing like a weekend getaway to recharge the senses. Why not go on your own little weekend adventure? But before you do, make sure you’re fully armed with style essentials any fashionable traveler should never be without this season.

Here are three key pieces that will make that impromptu mini vacation much more stylish:  

1.       The printed maxi dress: Few pieces in your closet will let you pull off such instant effortless style quite like the maxi dress. This Calvin Klein silk maxi is extra special with its lush animal print in a bold hue of cobalt blue.

2.       Neutral flat sandals: Look for interesting details, like the whip stitching in the Loeffler Randal Elvie, to add a bit of drama to something so simple and wearable.

3.       The carry-all weekender bag: Pack your weekend essentials in something classically chic, like the Tumi Voyageur Weekender. Its clean design makes it super versatile for all your travel needs.

Now that you’ve got your style essentials in hand, you’re sure to look effortlessly gorgeous as you leave that long week behind you and hit the road. Happy weekend!

Known for their super-soft fabrics and chic, relaxed designs, Michael Stars has cemented itself as the go-to brand for effortless style for women of all ages.

Our very own style expert, Brooke Hyden recently interviewed Michael Stars and his wife Suzanne to talk about their history as well as their latest offerings for spring and summer. The focus this season is on three key trends:

-mesh details (seen on the Mesh Sleeve V-Neck Tee)

-nautical-inspired stripes (seen on the Striped V-Neck Sweater)

-soft slub fabrics (seen on the Elbow Dolman Sleeve V-Neck Hoodie)

Check out my recent exclusive interview with Michael and Suzanne below. For more comfy and timeless style, check out the Michael Stars collection at Zappos.com.

Zappos.com Exclusive Interview with Michael Stars from Zappos.com on Vimeo.

At one point in time, denim-on-denim was considered a major  fashion faux pas. But the fashion landscape has shifted back towards the denim trend in a significant way, especially when it comes to accessories and shoes. Of course, today’s versions of this iconically all-American staple are more fresh and of-the-moment rather than dated and stale.

Case in point, the Enzo Angiolini spring shoe collection offers up some stylish denim fabrications that beg to be noticed. The über-versatile Romario wedge, with its cool wrapped espadrille heel, takes a decidedly fresh approach to the denim trend. For a slightly dressier twist, the Enzo Angiolini Cerick peep toe pump gives off a laid-back, sexy vibe that can even be worn in the evening.

When pairing these lovely denim shoes with another piece of denim in an ensemble, remember that the key is to not match the denim washes. The denim look works best when done in subtle, modern ways and wearing contrasting washes so the look doesn’t scream 1980s.

Tis’ the season for sun-soaked vacation destinations! With spring and summer comes plenty of travel on the agenda, and that calls for the stylish jet-setter to arm herself with an essential travel accessory: the straw hat!

The straw hat is a great throw-it-on accessory that adds a dose of effortless style. Not to mention, it spares you from having to do your hair when all you want to do get up and take in some sun and sightseeing.

While you’re running around busy airports or exploring new sights and sounds during that summer roadtrip, a straw fedora with a fabric trim, like the San Diego Hat Company Rush Straw Fedora, instantly elevates even the most casual ensembles. Throw it on over a fun romper or your classic tank top and shorts combo. You’ll be soaking up some beachy style in no time.

Speaking of the beach, try a large brimmed straw hat, like the Ultrabraid from San Diego Hat Company. It not only protects your lovely face from the sun, it evokes a dash of old Hollywood glam without all the prep work! Just throw it on over that retro-style one-piece bathing suit, and you’ve got a totally noteworthy beach or poolside look.