Oh there is still PLENTY of summer weather left for something fun and colorful in your wardrobe! Take this pretty little striped dress for example….I got it from the Houston shop called The Branch Boutique. My friend Annette runs this gem of a shop, and I know you’ll be loving alot of what she shares.
LITTLE STRIPED DRESS
Most people think they have to always have a LBD on hand (and they are correct!); but in the Spring and Summer, it’s time to add some color! I’m sure you are saying, Taryn, it’s the end of August, why are you talking Spring / Summer style? Everyone on my Insta feed is talking sweaters and Pumpkin Spice. Well, quite honestly, I just love how versatile this dress is. How it can go from your everyday, running around dress, to one that transforms for cocktails or date night. And in Houston and Dubai, the heat will still be ON for a while yet.
I truly believe that when we look for items to add to our wardrobe, we need to make sure the pieces have versatility. Not only that, when we choose patterns on our clothes, we have to be aware of how they lay on OUR bodies and make sure it’s flattering. When I choose something a little looser, it allows room for creativity. Not only that, this dress is lined, which is so important for summer dresses in my opinion. Often times the fabrics are much lighter, which makes sense; but we need to be careful they are SO light that the sunlight, goes right through them…..if you know what I’m sayin…..
DRESS FOR EVERYDAY
The pics above are a way I love it. While I know I’m wearing this with heels, it would be so awesome to pair this with super cute flats. I’m thinking pointed toe, blush loafer style, or a yellow, rounded toe slipper, or a low heeled sandal. I like how this summer style works with my suede heels. Suede, for me, is a fall texture, so this is a nice way to transition it from fun summer style to the next season. Maybe even some super cute ankle booties!!
Let’s face it though, we probably all love it because it has pockets. What is with that…I mean, if a dress has pockets, I like it 100 times more than my first impression! haha! Also, as I’ve said before a million times, I’m on the short side, 5’4″ so when I wear vertical stripes it elongates my look. With heels and good posture, I’m walking tall baby! (You should too!!)
Not only that, I have it belted worn with the same suede sandals and added the metallic clutch. Easy way to go from day to night with this look!
STRIPED DRESS FOR A NIGHT OUT
Wearing a dress is definately one way to feel dressed up. Even day dresses are just that much more “fancy” for running around. I’m loving this look for going out. I will be honest, this is AS SHORT as I would go; but when you belt a dress or top, know that it hikes up the hemline so be careful. If you THINK it might be too short, it probably is. Modesty is always best for a lady. OH, and ps, when I belted this dress, I couldn’t use the pockets.
ACCESSORIZING THE DRESS
So, notice I took a metallic skinny belt. Metallic’s are neutrals for you wardrobe so know that it will go with EVERYTHING! They are GREAT to use for accessorizing, so consider grabbing a metallic belt, clutch or shoes and start there. For me, I don’t like to be matchy, matchy, so I wouldn’t match my shoes to my belt; but there’s no hard and fast rule on that, go with what makes you feel put together!!
My clutch is a prized possession. It’s an amazingly soft, deep red satin with a gold buckle from Tod’s, and I was able to get a black matching one that I gave to my sister. No, I can’t afford these at full price; but my girlfriend lives in NYC and grabbed them for me at a designer blowout sale. for a STEAL So it’s a special accessory for me for alot of reasons!
I encourage you to have pieces that really mean something to you, that you maybe have an emotional connection to it, or brings you fond memories when you use it. I’ve had this clutch for close to 10 years, and I only use it about once a year; but when I pull out the red Tod’s clutch, it makes me smile and want to stand a little taller. Nobody else knows why, because it’s sentimental to ME; but they can see my smile and confidence when I feel proud and put together. Feels good, right? We are so much more approachable when we are smiling, so I encourage you to find ways to incorporate pieces that you really love; but don’t wear all the time, and make you smile when you do.
Isn’t it crazy how good this red looks with the colors in this dress, when there isn’t any red in it at all? The pink totally pops! I didn’t want to add another pattern because the stripes are bold, and my heels are perforated with scalloped edges, so to have a solid clutch grounds this look for me, without sensory overload.
You probably noticed I didn’t even change my necklace or bracelets for any of the looks. Just wanted to show that you can make an outfit look different with a few subtle changes! The metallic leather clutch shows off a bit differently than the shiny satin one. The block heels look more causal than the traditional skinny heel. One could easily add a fabulous sparkly statement necklace for the night out, and layered delicates for a daytime look.
FINDING YOUR STYLE WITH A DRESS
Dresses aren’t all fancy. Dresses, quite frankly, are the easiest way to get ready in the morning. Jump in and go! I’ve got lots of them that I wear for the day to day running around. But I can say that ALL of my dresses are versatile. Don’t really want to go with big bold stripes like this one? Maybe try one that I’ve written about before, like THIS ONE or THIS ONE.
May I suggest one that can be layered to go season to season? Add a scarf, a denim jacket, a smart blazer, heels, ankle boots, tall boots, a cute hat….I mean, the possibilities are endless! Don’t be scared to add a little “vodka” to your “cranberry juice” as my favorite Stylist Hilary Rushford with Dean Street Society, would say!
Happy Shopping my friends!!
xoxo Taryn