Hey hey Method39ers! The last few posts I’ve written have been a bit deep; but I’m happy to bring you this little piece of Style Advice! Tailor talk about making a dress a shirt. And I’m LOVING how that simple change made this piece way way WAY more wearable for me. I hope it inspires you to consider if for your wardrobe!
TURN A DRESS INTO A SHIRT
I’ve actually got TWO examples of this; but the second one hasn’t been photographed yet, so I’ll either do a separate post for it, or edit this one later to include it as well. So be sure to stay tuned (subscribe) to make sure you don’t miss it.
FOREVER 21 DRESS
I bought this as a dress when I first moved to Dubai. Thinking it would be fun, light, airy and easy to wear. Even though I saw it was a full open back and a mini dress. Truth be told, I haven’t worn a mini dress out of the house in years, and I NEVER go braless, so why I thought that was my style was beyond me. Relatable?? We’ve all been there. Probably because I did a MASSIVE, ruthless purge of my wardrobe before leaving Texas, thinking I’d get more climate appropriate, and stylish new things here. Don’t get me started….turns out that was wishful thinking. Even Style Advisors make mistakes!
I’M NOT 21 ANYMORE
So since I’m definitely not 21 anymore, I had to make it more my style, or just get rid of it. It has hung in my closet for 2 1/2 years with no “wear timeâ€, so even though I got it on sale, it was so far, a waste of my style dollars. Something that very much bothers me these days.
TAILORING CHANGES EVERYTHING
I’ve referenced tailoring so many times, and wrote a blog post all about the ways you can tailor your pieces, so WHAT was I waiting for?! I kept thinking of this as a dress, and how to make it wearable as a DRESS; but that wasn’t the solution. I don’t wear mini skirts anymore, and making it longer didn’t seem appealing, so all I could do was make it shorter.
Ladies this is one of the SIMPLEST ways to have an item tailored! Just shorten it to a shirt length you want, remove the belt loops if it has them, and that is it!
Photo Credit to @kathleenhoarephoto
WHERE MY GIRLS AT
Now, making a dress a shirt has become a piece I am excited so wear, looking to gather up my girls and head out for some patio time! Or a date night with hubby! Wherever I go, I feel way more confident in this piece as a beautiful, flowy top.
Photo Credit to @kathleenhoarephoto
The flutter sleeves are some of my favorite designs and are GREAT for women who have more narrow shoulders (it adds visual volume there if you are straight or pear shaped). If you don’t love to show the whole arm (I know the sleeve is pretty minimal; but often having something come over the shoulder is more comfortable than straps for many women). And they move when you walk!
I just think when our clothes flow with us, it is so flattering, don’t you?
Photo Credit to @kathleenhoarephoto
JEANS AND HEELS
You probably know by now I pair most things with jeans and heels. No exception with making a dress a shirt, as that’s the first thing I paired it with. I’ve added my Hudson dark wash skinny jeans, rolled up bottoms and gold strappy wedges.
FINISHING THE LOOK
Accessorizing is one of my favorite things. I added a chunky gold chain, which is a great balance with a sheer floaty top, the belt highlights a waistline, and the gold bangles and watch dress it up a bit. I’m also kind of loving rings now too.
The shoes are some fun ones I picked up on major sale at Top Shop just a couple weeks ago. These will go great with jeans, trousers, dresses and skirts, so as a spring to summer shoe, I think this is a great one to have in your wardrobe.
Now your turn!! Check out those dresses you may have hanging at the back of the closet that you once loved; but just don’t wear anymore. Is there a second life they can live as a fab new top for you?! I’d love to see it! Join my Facebook page and share your tailoring transformations there to inspire others too!
See you SOON!
xoxo Taryn