At first glance, this cute little number from Isaac Mizrahi for Target appears to be an unassuming white shift. But wait, there's more...

What should I wear with one of those cute maxi dresses that are so popular for summer?

Keep your look chic and effortless by pairing an ankle-skimming maxi dress with metallic or embellished flat sandals, a beachy straw tote and plenty of exotic bangles. Here are some budget-friendly finds to help you get started:




[1] Floral-print halter dress at Newport-News.com, Was $69.00 Now $39.00
[2] Deep Blue V-Neck Braided Halter Dress at Target.com, $19.99
[3] Limited-Edition Straw Bucket Bag at Target.com, $39.99
[4] Resort-inspired maxi dress at OldNavy.com, Was $34.50 Now $19.99
[5] Mosaic Bangles at Forever21.com, $8.90
[6] Triangle lacquer metal bangle at Forever21.com, $6.80
[7] Embellished Leather Sandals at OldNavy.com, $19.50
[8] Martha Stewart Collection Straw Beach Tote at Macys.com, Was $60.00 Now $29.99
[9] Patricia Field for Payless Empress Sandal at Payless.com, $25

Memorial Day used to mark the start of the season when self-respecting ladies could wear white once again. That fashion convention has pretty much been blasted by today's "anything-goes" attitude, but we figured now was as good a time as any to mention this perennial summer favorite. Just remember...

• White won't make you look bigger - it's the fit, cut and fabric that matters, not the color.
  


• White won't get dirty after one wear. Unless you live with my dog, in which case, your whites will get covered in mud and drool in under 5 seconds. But that's what washing machines are for, right?
  


• White will keep you cooler. It reflects sunlight...or something. Trust me, you'll feel cooler wearing it.
  


• White will match everything in your wardrobe. Winter has black; summer has white. You can't go wrong.
  

Shown above are just a few ways to wear white for less green:
[1] Cotton Lace Trim Top at Forever21.com, $22.80
[2] Soutache embroidered surplice dress at Newport-News.com, Was $79 Now $49
[3] Style&co. Belted Wide-Leg Linen Capri Pant at Macys.com, Was $44 Now $30.80

Coiled roses add a delicate charm to Philip Lim's silk pleated tank dress (left). Can't afford these pricey posies? Try the look out for less with Forever 21's cute, cheap dress instead (right). A rose is a rose is a rose...

>> Left: 3.1 Phillip Lim Silk pleated tank dress at Net-a-Porter.com, Was $595 Now $416
>> Right: Coil Rosette Dress at Forever21.com, $29.80

This Spring season marked Ralph Lauren's 40th year in business. The designer pulled out all the stops on the runway to celebrate the momentous occasion, including a series of stunning looks inspired by My Fair Lady. Get the look for less with this affordable, suspiciously similar black-and-white tiered ballgown (above right) from, of all places, JCPenney.

Left: A look from Ralph Lauren's Spring 2008 collection
Right: Tiered Prom Ballgown at JCPenney.com, Was $180.00, Now $90.00