Of late I’ve had a peculiar problem – I’ve been very busy. Between work, a class I’m taking, and trying to maintain some semblance of a social life, I’ve been pressed for time. Not that this is a new dilemma (I’m sure that many of you routinely find face the same predicament), but what is new for me is that I don’t really feel like getting dressed. My love of fashion hasn’t diminished, but when the alarm goes off in the morning I can barely manage to get out of bed, let alone try and put together a cute outfit. What’s a fashionable woman to do? Frumpiness is not an option, but at the same I honestly don’t want spend 20 minutes standing in front of my closet trying to make an outfit out of the dozens of separate pieces I’ve acquired over the years. That time could be better spent rectifying my sleep deficit.
So it is no wonder that lately I’ve been lusting after dresses -- simple, effortless, easy. One piece and you’re out the door. Yeah, I know dresses aren’t exactly a new idea. But seriously, when was the last time you put on a dress to go somewhere that wasn’t a wedding or a formal? Having trouble remembering? Me too! However this season is different. I guess it goes hand in hand with the abundant romanticism, or maybe it’s just the remnants of last season’s flowy boho mania. Whatever the case, dresses are re-emerging as a closet staple, so set your alarm 20 minutes later, and throw one of these numbers on before you head out the door.
Corporate America may still be a man's world, but as James Brown said, "that don't mean nothing without a woman or a girl." Stay true to your feminine roots by pairing a tailored dress with a fitted sweater. The look is a little prim, but structured shoes keep it from being too proper. Now go crack that glass ceiling!
Take note: creative office does not mean casual attire! Although it's easy to get the two confused; you can still dress for success without sacrificing your unique style. Look for pieces basic pieces with interesting detail. A classic knit wrap dress, funky heels, and a thick chain necklace are the perfect marriage of creative and professional.
Think of this dress as the striped shirt remixed for 2005. The pinstripes are professional, but the wrap style and varying hues make it cool. Paired with a tweedy jacket, and wingtip wedges, you've got a modern interpretation of the stodgy business suit.
Mix things up by playing with proportions. A long sweater coat worn with a short mini dress is a great way to break the mold when it comes to "going out" clothes. A dangly necklace provides a romantic element, and wedges give you leg lengthening height without making you look "easy."
Southern girls, don't think I forgot about you. Even though you've got a few months to go before the temperature dips enough to contemplate wearing a sweater, you can still add a touch of fall to your look. A deeper color palette and a few well placed fall-esque accessories will help you get that fall feeling, even if flip flops are still part of your everyday routine.
Perhaps the most difficult events to dress for are the in-between ones. You know the kind where you don't really want to wear jeans, but everything else makes you feel too done. A Grecian inspired, paired with a lush purple bag, and stack heeled pumps creates a casually elegant look that works for any occasion.
So the obvious option is to pair a dress with boots. But I'm here to lead you away from the obvious. Skip the boots, and take the road less traveled by playing with the delicate nature of this dress. Layering it over a silky camisole offers an interesting study in texture. Vintage inspired accessories and an unexpected earring combination keep the overall feeling fun and youthful.
