A bit of news for those of you who have liked fashion posts… I will be joining Cindy Hattersley and Sarah London on their monthly fashion collaboration. Those ladies have so much style so I hope I can be a valued contributor to their wonderful series!
Today the theme is spring dresses and as there are more possibilities for leaving our homes this spring, dresses suddenly hold more excitement than last year. This year we might be seen a bit more and just the few times I’ve been out the last week or so, people absolutely seem to be stepping up their style game. I for one, am enjoying seeing people who aren’t in their sweats and comfort clothes!
So, in the name of research here, I did some surveying and tried on spring dresses from an array of retailers. As I have stated in previous posts, I am trying to purchase less and shop thoughtfully. What I do buy I want to LOVE, I mean really love. I also want it to be quality. I’d rather have one nice dress that I can wear over and over than 4 cheaply made dresses. That said there is a place in the warm weather wardrobe for a few light dresses that can be housedress/coverup/ market run frocks for those dog days of summer. My go-to for that last year was the light sundress with pockets dresses from Target. They still have a version. and Anthro has almost the exact copy I bought last year, below (more colors too), a bit nicer quality and fit. Most everyone looks great in this and it’s light and versatile..
Spring dresses need to be light and comfortable ! That should, be a given, but doing my investigations, one of the biggest issues is so many dresses are constructed of heavy stiff fabric with overdone layers. It was sad because many cute dresses just felt oppressive on, something we all want to avoid on warm days. Given I’m 55, this hot thing takes on new significance. I know others can relate..
So here’s what I think we can all use and maybe you can use this as a guide shopping:
-Something of quality to wear daytime everywhere, is versatile, can be casual or dressed up.
-Something floral and pretty, a skirt would be versatile.
-Something for dinners out and social gatherings (when they happen.)
-Something for a special dinner or a holiday trip.
Of course those dresses can overlap and do duty in the other categories too. With three or so quality dresses, you can sail through spring and summer with just a few changes of sandals and pretty accessories. Shop well, buy less, and remember better things will give you a lot of pleasure to wear. Once you decide to choose higher quality, you realize you need less, as slipping on that perfect frock makes everything else seem not as necessary. It’s kind of the same when you splurge and get a nice bag. You don’t need a lot of the others and it simplifies life.
You can run out the door feeling polished.. Have fun with the add-ons. The goal is to have all the things in your closet be items you have a crush on. Nothing sub-par should be in there. Make that your goal- a pretty capsule wardrobe for spring and warmer days. Get rid of the extra bulk in your closet gathering dust. Let it go to another home to be loved and have only what you are crazy about.
Dress 1- A nice quality T-Shirt Dress. This is the Tory Burch’s Basket-Weave Dress. I love this as it is comfortable and cute fabric. It’s a bit upscale for a t-shirt dress and I like that. You can wear it everyday, or out for a dinner date. It’s also a nice vacation dress as it doesn’t wrinkle. I bought this on one of her sales and I deliberated about a more fancy dress, but made made myself buy something I’d get a more wear from and this dress will be worn a zillion times this spring and summer, it’s so easy, so pennies per wear.
Dress 2- This dress is called the Daily Practice Dress by Anthropologie and it is a well made dress for casual and could be dressy too. It’s a very comfy and super breathable stretchy cotton that feels great to wear. It could double as a cute cover-up and comes in more colors, some pretty prints as well. It does have a lower open back, but with a black bra, it wasn’t really noticeable. (My tag sticking out you can see, but you get the idea.) Everything in Anthropologie’s new Daily Practice Line is made for the California casual lifestyle and I want all the pieces! They fit the easy life we all have now, but with dresses and feminine top, etc.
Dress 3- An Satiny Embroidered Dress. This is the Viveka Dress from Anthropologie. It’s a dressier look, but still light made of cotton with a layer on the skirt. I like the embroidery and I love a white dress summer dress. This is a creamy white and it’s comfortable too. This would be a vacation dinner dress, for special gatherings and date nights go to – nice to have in the closet. Flattering, not too short or too tight.
Dress 4- An easy little black dress. This Ramy Brook Jo Dress is light and the way they are constructed they are very flattering. These dresses have a casual California vibe to them also. This Jo dress is on sale at the Rack now and I haven’t seen this version before with the gathered adjustable 3/4 sleeve. This dress feels so soft on and I will wear it any chance I can. It’s also light enough a slim black pant or leggings could be worn with it for a chic daytime look- maybe trip to the art museum or a day in the city? They have some other colors and versions on sale at the Rack here. I’m tempted to grab another with those sale prices.
-5- In the floral group, because it is spring and we all need a little flower, I love a skirt that be worn in so many ways. This Free People skirt fit the bill for me as it was nicely made, super comfy with an elastic waist and pockets- and I was crazy about the print. I am wearing a XS here as they are roomy. I paired mine with one of these new Daily Practice T-shirts from Anthro and a sweater over the shoulders for cooler mornings and nights. ( By the way the sweater over the shoulder look is back and so practical.) I also loved the new Daily Practice Boy Meets Girl T, and the Richie V-Neck T.
My Perry Bombe Cross-body here is my favorite small bag- so light, holds a lot, with two separate zip compartments and is still a best seller at Tory Burch. I’ve had mine a few years now and it still looks great. It’s the right length and adjustable. Cute new versions in canvas and woven and the taupe is lovely.
I also have several versions of the Miller Tory Burch sandal on in these photos. I can highly recommend the newest their Cloud version with super comfy soles! I have the light blue. Love them! All of my sandals from her I am still wearing many years on!
I hope you enjoyed this spring dress chat! Please pop over to Cindy’s blog, Cindy Hattersley Design and Sarah’s Sarah London Style to see what they are sharing for spring dresses. I can’t wait to see what they have for us with dresses today!
Kim
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