What to wear to an evening gathering that isn't super casual or particularly dressy is a common dilemma (especially in Seattle). We were hosting a late evening gathering (OK, a poker tournament) at our house. It was a recent balmy Seattle evening, so I needed something comfy and breezy.

Although it wasn't necessary to "dress up," I like to make a little extra effort on nights when kids are specifically not in attendance. I felt like the cotton fabrics made this fit the comfy and cool parameters without making other folks feel under-dressed. This Karen Kane skirt is made from a very lightweight cotton. It is also lined in the same fabric so it feels substantial but cool. It is supposed to be wrinkly, so after washing, I twist it and hang it to dry. The best part is the screaming deal I got on this skirt. I had been admiring it in black at Macy's every time I went shopping for clients last summer. It was priced over $100, and I just wasn't sure if my "price-per-wear" in summer would make it worth it. Then, in February, I found the exact skirt in ecru at the Nordstrom Rack marked down multiple times to a final price of $15. Needless to say, I was pleased.

• Dressier than a T-shirt: white short-sleeved sweater cardigan (bought two month ago at Wal-Mart, $14)
• Easy, breezy Karen Kane crinkle skirt (four months old, Nordstrom Rack, $15)
• Large-as-I-can-stand-it gold hoops (one year old, Target, $30)
• Indian-inspired gold necklace (one year old, Banana Republic, $24)
• Groovy gold gladiator sandals (three years old, Target, $15)