Confessions of a Savvy Shopper…part one of who knows how many! I love it when I come across a piece that is clearly able to be worn in more than one way, it’s like an adrenaline rush. Let me get right into it with you about this dress from H&M.
SAVVY SHOPPER IS MY METHOD TO STYLE
Remember my article called At Least Three For Versatility ? Where to make our clothes bring full value to us, you make sure that whatever you purchase, can work overtime for you and your style. Be able to pair it with at LEAST three other looks. That way, you can wear it right away, and it becomes useful as soon as you bring it home. Walking into your closet knowing the combo of pieces you need, for any occasion, planned or spontaneous, is waiting for you, is a great feeling.
AS IT WAS DESIGNED
Taking the dress literally. Tag goes in the back, and the tag…is on the side of the V, NOT at the neckline, so, here it is as it was made to be. It is VERY loose and shapeless, despite so much detail on the sleeves and cuffs, so a belt was a must to take out some of the volume, and help it not look like I was drowning in fabric from my armpits down. I chose a wide one since there was so much fabric. Felt more proportionate than a skinny one that might disappear in the dainty pattern.
Style Tip:Â when belting a lot of fabric it can get bunched up at the hips. To avoid adding this visual weight, pull the fabric to the back, so you get a smoother look across the front and sides; but then evenly distribute it across the back. Almost like a bustle. It will look like layered, draped fabric which can be a high end design detail.
WHAT I SAW
This was how the dress was hanging on the hanger when I walked over to it! There were buttons just like this down the back of my wedding dress so along with that nostalgia, I’m partial to a V neck and details, this looked like it had it all! When I style it with a less dramatic / more neutral belt, white boots and necklace, I think it looks a little lighter and fresher, more for Spring and Summer, than the stark black add ons in the first look. What do you think? (PS, I can’t say enough about these ASOS white sock pointed toe boots. Love love love!)
THIS IS HOW I TRIED IT ON IN THE STORE
Even though I was all about this as a dress, the only way I tried it on in the store, was over my outfit as a jacket. Well, I KNOW I always say try things on, and I kind of did; but I just didn’t have time to go into the change room to see it all the ways. That and I knew the return / exchange policy allows me some time at home to see if this piece was all I’d hoped it would be. I’m glad this is such a versatile piece; but if I’m honest, this will be my go-to way to wear it. I’m loving a long, flowy layer over denim, and putting my very special Valentino blouse under it makes this feel pretty darn glam, even though it’s subtle non glam colors.
The go to statement necklace I always wear. The go to leopard skinny belt I wear ALOT. And some pointed toe pumps, OF COURSE. How else can a gal of 5’4†look like she’s walking tall, without maximizing on the visual styling tips of elongating the look with V neck, similar necklace to mimic the look, belted mid rise denim, rolled cuff so the jeans hem doesn’t hit the shoe, and a pointed toe. BOOM.
Style Tip:Â the darker the denim, the dressier they look. These navy ones, even though the are a skinny jean, read as a trouser; but are oh so comfortable.Â
TIME FOR YOU TO SEE YOUR CLOTHES DIFFERENTLY
All right girl, there has GOT to be a piece or two in your wardrobe that can be worn in a totally different way that you have been. You can take a V neck sweater and wear it backwards. Do what I did here with a dress. Take a blouse and tuck the collar inside and open the buttons for a less stuffy look. Wear dresses that are too short for your liking now as tunics, or take them in to the tailor to trim the length a bit more or add slits on the side so you can put your hand in your pocket.
Get creative, get inspired, and evolve your Method to Style girl! Always, always start with what you have. Once you KNOW what’s already hanging, and the things you really want to finish a look, shopping will feel a lot more successful, than sensory overload.
Are you following me on Instagram @tarynjmeyer or on my Facebook page @method39?! Post a pic and share YOUR newest look. I’d LOVE to see it!
Til next time….
xo Taryn
Photo credits to Kathleen Hoare Photo (@kathleenhoarephoto on Instagram)