How to Pick a Very Flattering Dress

How to Pick a Very Flattering Dress

Recently, I stopped by Dress Barn and was reminded of how good some of their dresses are. I went there for the first time last summer in the Outer Banks, and I got one of my favorite Calvin Klein dresses. 

This weekend, I was struck by how well Dress Barn does something: they know how to pick a flattering dress. However, there are plenty of unflattering dresses there, too, which got me thinking: do you know how to pick a dress that will look amazing on your figure?

Let's take a look at some of my favorites, which tend to show up at Dress Barn in a great range of sizes, including petites and curve sizes. 

Notice anything? See how they've all got some ruching, some extra fabric gathered over to one side?

That's what I like for you. That's what I like for most women because it calls some attention away from our very practical warm egg-incubator, softer middle parts and draws the eye to the rest of our bodies. What if you tried on every dress with ruching that you saw in a store and picked one to wear?

Now here's another flattering style dress. It's a bit hard to see on this first maxi style because of the pattern, but can you pick it out?

The black, white, and yellow shows it off more easily: a high waist. A waist of a dress should hit you up by the bottom of your ribs, at your true waist. A great dress will hit you there, showing off the natural curve of a woman's body and floating down from there.

Why not scope out just the dresses with a high, defined waist and try those on in your size and the size above and below yours, just to be sure that it fits you correctly?

And last, what about this dress? At first glance, it doesn't do either of the things I've suggested here: it has neither a defined waist nor ruching. Hmm...

However! I include it here because one of the stripes across the dress does hit at the natural waist, and I think the stripes in the fabric could be flattering enough to act as ruching. But, a shift dress can be tricky on the lower belly. I'd need to try this one on myself, but don't ignore something that doesn't exactly fit in with what you're looking for. Plus, the blue was very pretty in person, and lace is still in style for spring. And, it's lace! It's going to be in style for a long time to come. 

As always, if you have any favorite stores you'd like me to window shop for you, keep those emails coming! 

To the Max: Maxi Dresses for Fall and Winter

To the Max: Maxi Dresses for Fall and Winter

Via

Do you wear maxi dresses and skirts in the chillier weather? I realized that I don't when I put all of my maxi dresses aside to be store along with summer clothes. I'll often tell clients that they can wear them year round, but I don't really do this myself. I love the idea of a full skirt because it allows me to wear cuddle duds, Smartwool tights, or even fleece-lined leggings underneath along with boots and an number of layers on top. But the thing is, I haven't been very inspired by the outfits I've seen using maxi skirts for cold weather. 

Here's the other thing I realized. I read the other day something about a blogger who "realized she liked asking questions more than she liked giving advice." I'm paraphrasing here, but I am like that, too. My styling sessions are much more about me asking questions, and I'm going to make more of an effort to reflect that here. I don't have answers that no one else has, but what I do have are questions that I think will lead you to looking-and feeling-more like the best version of yourself. Let's do it.

Belt it, Belt it Real Good

Via; Similar by Torrid here

Via

Ok so I inherently like these images with the maxi skirts. Maybe it's about the belt? I think the belt does something really nice with the proportions here, kind of raises the waistline to emphasize the long legs created by the maxi skirt. 

Also I really like the casual shirts with these skirts that can feel old fashioned and/or dressier by nature. So what if you pulled out a neutral color maxi skirt (petites can be hard to find-here's one!) and a soft t-shirt and a belt or two. Why not try tucking the shirt in and belting the skirt way up high on your waist (at least over the belly button if not higher)? Then, on the other hand, like the top picture, keep your shirt untucked and belt it low on the hips. The third idea, not pictured, would be to leave the shirt out but belt over the shirt to create a higher waist without tucking. 

See how neither picture has belt loops? Just put the belt where you want it, and if there's extra length, tuck it in like the "hello" woman did. I'm also noticing that the belts are a different neutral color so don't do black on black maybe? I think you'd lose the belt visually that way. Oh look! Asos has one with a belt already. 

Ok, great. Now you're in a tshirt and maxi skirt....basically ready for summer. How will we move this into fall and winter?

 Mix Soft and Hard

Similar gorgeous skirt by GH here

Both via

Here's an easy way: add a long-sleeved jacket or cardigan or other layer that is a stiffer material than the skirt. I really like the way a soft, billowy skirt (like this one) looks with something on the total other end of the spectrum, like a hard, shiny leather jacket. If that's not your vibe, what about a military jacket that's stiffer than the skirt or a jean jacket or boxier blazer with some structure? 

 Stay Monochrome, but Never Boring

Speaking of blazers, I love how this looks. It's two elements (a maxi skirt or maybe a dress? and a blazer) that could feel kind of stiff or Victorian, but the scarf and hat make it feel so boho, don't you think? 

Via

What if you took a maxi dress or skirt that has a print and then repeated one of the colors from the print in a blazer, jacket or cardigan? Then repeat it again with a shirt, all soft, all the same material. Same color hat optional. Here, she picked up a second color from the print and repeated it in her scarf, but I find that to be a little too easy. So did this blogger! The next step up for me would be to introduce a third color, maybe a brown hat or a different color scarf? I'm thinking something related to that second color in the skirt (pink) but more saturated? Maybe a cranberry or oxblood instead?

Try Etsy for fabulous printed skirts like this.

Long, Long Layers

Via

So what do you think about this? Part of me loves it, and part of me wonders if it's too matchy-matchy. I think this is a good starter outfit for wearing a summery maxi dress in the fall and winter, and I think you could do this, then change things up and make it even better. To do this type of look, you can see she's doing the same color palette throughout the outfit: green, cream, and brown. She's also building on another theme, which is long lengths. Her hair is down, her dress is long, her sweater is long, her bag is long, and her boots high. 

At home, pick a favorite long summer dress with a pattern. Pick a long sweater in the same color family (I'm pushing you already not to match exactly here!) and layer that on. Highlight the waist up high on the dress (or follow the waistline of your own dress) with a belt in any color that you like with your dress. Then, you decide about accessories-match 'em up like she did here, or get wild and mix and match colors and textures. Again, the great thing about maxi length in the winter is that you can wear high boots and fleece-lined tights underneath if you need to. I'd also add a long necklace if you're really into the boho vibe here. 

What do you think? If you have great ideas for wearing a maxi length in the cold weather, please email me some pictures to share with everyone! 

Etsy Made Me Do It: Five Maxi Dresses Under $80

Etsy Made Me Do It: Five Maxi Dresses Under $80

This week is mostly about great finds I've made recently while virtual shopping for you all. I hurt my ribs very badly this past weekend when I ran straight into a (triathlete) friend of mine during my husband's kickball birthday party. Let me tell you what-bruised ribs are not fun! Nor do they heal overnight.

That being said, you likely know by know that Etsy is one of my favorite places to window shop. I often come across pieces of clothing that I would love to wear or to dress you in. Some of my readers and clients are talented seamstresses, too, and so I often imagine how your take on one of these would look!

What I love in a great maxi dress is that it wears like a nightgown (read: soft) but feels more glamorous than shorts and a t-shirt or any other summer uniform. Here are a few Etsy favorites.

Kaftan, $39.99

Tank Dress, $30

The tank dress above ($52) with that incredible chevron sequin panel would be incredible worn to a summer wedding, don't you think?  And the unique shape below caught my eye, but the rest of this seller's dresses are incredible, too.

Kaftan $78

Navy Blue Maxi, $59

As far as styling a long dress, I have a few go-to styling tips. First, wear long jewelry that mimics the length of the dress. A long necklace helps you look long and lean, while long earrings lengthen the neck and add to the inherently boho feel of a maxi dress. If your arms are exposed, wear a bracelet or cuff that commands some attention. Otherwise, the great thing about a maxi dress is that it's a statement itself-don't feel obligated to dress it up too much.

People always ask me about shoes and maxi dresses. I tend to wear flats (sandals this time of year or boots during the colder months) or maybe wedges. I know that some women can successfully walk in a long dress and heels-I'm just not one of them!

Via ModCloth

If it's still chilly at night in your neck of the woods, bring along a pashmina to wear over your shoulders or layer on a jean or moto jacket or even a blazer.

Friday Roundup: Romantic, Summery, Festival-Inspired

Friday Roundup: Romantic, Summery, Festival-Inspired

Gah, Urban Outfitters has the most beautiful, romantic, let's-go-to-Coachella pieces right now. If I had a smaller chest, I'd be buying several of their bra tops to wear under big, loose tshirts and tanks this summer.

Also? I'm in love with this trapeze dress in white and am currently figuring out where I can wear it to justify buying it. Things that come to mind are a trip to Thailand, Mexico, or a boho wedding. All invitations for those trips are very welcome! It was even better in person, and here's my iPhone shot.

In a similar realm of the imaginary, this cuff is incredible. If you're looking for a statement piece this summer, this should be it.

Much more affordable, but still gorgeous, is this stack of bangles.

Pair the bangles with this stunning red top. 

How to Style a Maxi Dress or Skirt for Business Casual

How to Style a Maxi Dress or Skirt for Business Casual

I have to admit that this post is a bit of a lie. I'm going to write about how to hypothetically style a floor-length skirt or dress to wear to the office, but I have never actually done it. I see women wear floor length to work now and then, but I don't personally do it. I have a bit of a complex around not looking too young in my conservative office setting because I am often the youngest person in every meeting-by an average of 30 years. I often think a maxi would make me look shorter and younger so I just avoid them at work. But, after writing this maybe (just maybe, on a Friday?) I'll change my tune.

If you work in an office that's heavier on the casual part of business casual, we could talk for days. Once summer hits, let's maxi it up with sandals and bare feet, Toms, or little slip on shoes and little else aside from a straw hat. But for business casual in an office that's hard on the conservative dressing? It's tricky!

Pick a solid color or a classic print

There are a lot of wild maxi dresses out there that would be perfect for the beach-this is not the time for that, I don't think. Leave the paisley or tie dye at home and choose something in a solid print or a classic pattern like a stripe.

Asos

This is a beautiful option. Yes, I'd add a tank underneath to calm down that deep V neck and likely a cardigan or blazer on top, too. 

Balance out the length with covered up arms

This isn't full length (but a gorgeous length on her that would work for all ages/shapes/sizes!), but I love how the 3/4 sleeves balance out the skirt on the bottom, which is quite full. This same concept would be great with a maxi skirt. You could also put a button down shirt over a maxi dress and belt it for a similar effect.

Via

Another gorgeous look is to add a jacket or blazer over a longer length skirt. Again, not maxi length here, but a great look to copy!

Asos

Keep the shoes professional

Ok, so I've just figured out the number one reason why I don't wear maxi dresses to work: the shoes! I love to wear a long dress with boots, but I don't feel that it's the most professional look. And I still haven't mastered the whole walking in a long dress with heels on thing. What are the alternatives?

I'd go with a flat shoe that won't show much but will look professional when it does.

Sole Society

 I'm kind of partial to a pointier toe, actually, so that you don't look like you're wearing sandals. I think the footless look that happens with a maxi length can read as overly casual for the office.

Asos

Beware high slits, low necklines, almost-nightgowns, and peep show legs

Anthropologie

Maxis are tricky ones! This Anthro number above seems great-classic print, nice modest neckline, not too tight...but look at that slit. Even with tights underneath, it's too beachy for my liking. This can also happen with white, pink, or other light colors in a maxi dress or skirt; beware of anything that reads at all like a nightgown.

Another common issue? Spot it here.

Via

If she buttoned the blouse more, the whole concept is perfect for work: solid color, covered arms, not tight. But, the see through gauze is too much information for the office, I'm afraid. She could add a slip, but I find a long flowing skirt to be very uncomfortable with a slip.

That's my two cents! I would be really interested in seeing pictures if anyone wears a maxi length to a business casual office. I'd love to feature you!

Want more work wear ideas? I've got a Pinterest board full of them!

Wear it Now/Wear it Later: Maxi Skirt

Wear it Now/Wear it Later

My approach to personal styling is this: you likely already have some great clothing, but you also could likely wear it differently. Even those who love every piece of clothing in their closets get into routines, which can become ruts. I love discovering what my clients and friends already have in their closets and figuring out how to wear it differently, more creatively, or even more often!

When I'm shopping (for myself or for a client), I keep my eye out for pieces that I can wear now and later. For example, Garnet Hill is having a spring sale of 25% off until February 18th. For most of us, we're not thinking a lot about spring before February 18th! But, a few items stood out to me as things I'd love to buy now and not just hold on to until the weather warms up but to wear now, too!  Here is one.

Ankle-length, front pockets, optional folding down waistband, modal/cotton blend, five stars on four reviews...could this skirt get any better? But, spring feels like a long time. Here's how I'd recommend you save the 25% off by ordering it now and how to wear it-both now and later.

Now

A maxi skirt can be your best friend in the winter because there's so much room to layer underneath! Add tights or even leggings and boots. I love the way boots feel under a long skirt-very pioneer-churning-my-own-butter. Try cowboy boots, ankle boots, or even snow boots. If you don't love that look, just do a flat shoe like a ballerina flat.

On top, try a big cable-knit sweater (I'd love an emerald green with this gorgeous blue skirt), a crisp white button down (try tucking it in), or a graphic tshirt with a soft blazer over it, like this one, which looks less shiny on the model.

For accessories, I love a long necklace with a long skirt because it draws the eye down the whole body, leaving you looking tall and narrow. Can't you just picture a long necklace there in the middle of the blazer? Bing!

Later

Once the weather warms up, you've reached maxi skirt glory. You can always pair it with a basic t-shirt and sandals, but you could also try something more polished like a silkier tank top or cowl neck shirt. Experiment with leaving the front tucked and the back untucked or with a light sweater over the shirt or consider knotting your tshirt. I'm never comfortable with a cropped top usually, but if the waist of this skirt folds up, I could easily knot it and have plenty of fabric underneath!

Via

If you're not ready for sandals or don't wear them in general, your trusty flats will work in the spring/summer, too. I tend to avoid heels with maxi skirts because I'm afraid that I'll trip, but I love when women wear wedges with maxi skirts.

I'm not buying this particular one, but I'm going upstairs to pull out some of my maxi dresses and skirts that I've relegated to the "summer only" section of my closet. How about you?


And nope, GH isn't a sponsor. I just like their stuff-and their sale!