When summer days start to fade and the night takes on a sunset glow, it's time to cool down and chill out with one of fashion's favorite stars this year: the dress.

With so many choices out there, dresses are one of the best ways to take the heat off of the day and celebrate a breezy evening in effortless style, whether you're dining outdoors at a beach cafe or just having a cocktail with friends on the patio.

Give those white jeans a break and slip into something a little more carefree. You can always toss on a lightweight jacket or shrug cardigan over a dress during chilly nights. Add a pair of studded thong sandals, a glittering clutch and a wide cuff bracelet. Then you're set for fun ’?¶ out of the sun. I mean we're talking low maintenance here. After all, isn't that what summer's all about?

Here are a few easy ways to get dressed for a midsummer's night out:

— The shift dress: A perfect hot-weather classic. The shift dress goes into high gear when the season calls for something chic and sleeveless. This summer the shift dresses are colorful, often popped with bold blocks of art-inspired designs.

— The sweater dress: Another easy way to achieve instant style in the summer. To cling or not to cling: That is the question you have to answer for yourself, but a little striped knit dress that's not too tight and not too loose is probably one of the most perfect summer dresses you can own.

— The T-shirt dress: Yes, you might not want to take this one off; you'll want to just sleep in it. But a silk T-shirt dress can take you from a barefoot stroll on the beach to an outdoor wedding reception if you add some pearls and heels.

— The halter dress: For those who like a little more daring back view, the halter dress is a great summer basic. In slinky knits, it's a wrinkle-free winner for travel; in cool cotton, it's a versatile basic that can easily be dressed up or down.

— The tank dress: A little more casual than the shift dress, this dress is longer than a tank top (unless of course it's a mini dress). A great outfit for the party girls who want to really get noticed, especially if the dress has a few sequins or beads sprinkled around the top or bottom.

— The empire dress: If you need a little figure flattering, this is the dress for you. In one of summer's '60s-inspired prints ’?¶ a pretty paisley is perfect ’?¶ this silhouette floats over hips and thighs. It draws the eye upward and onward, if you know what I mean. Try a flirty floral for even more Bohemian appeal.

— The kimono dress: For young or old, this style of dress is a winner. Layered over a thin camisole, the batwing sleeves are a breezy way to cover less-than-summer-perfect arms, but a great way to keep you cool at the same time.

— The maxi dress: When a dress is long in the summer, it's got to be cool. But a chic maxi dress worn with flat sandals, a long necklace or a pair of elegant hoop earrings is really all you need to feel like a true midsummer night's fashion dream.

Pictured here: Show off your patriotic summer spirit in a reworked bandana ’?¶ the cross-back bandana dress from Old Navy ($29.50) is ideal for a backyard cookout or the fireworks show.

To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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