One simple day-time dress, at most two (one for weddings, one for funerals), is all I really need. When the dress I had died my frugal dress hunt began. This recent score will fill the bill quite nicely!
What makes this dress work?
- Silk is a wonderful year-round fabric, light-weight enough for summer, but substantial enough (and actually warm, too) for winter.
- The sleeveless, collarless style is elegant alone, but still easy to layer over.
Topping it with a blazer or a cardigan takes it from warm weather to cool. Oops! he hee. I got the cardi upside down! (Actually, for fun, I meant to do that; I was reminded of the idea by Danielle, in a conversation over at bits and bobbins.)
For creativity’s sake, it’s kind of a bummer that I don’t have more dresses. They masquerade quite nicely as skirts, don’t they?
One last thing I thought I’d try is a jumper look. Why not? For sure, though, if I were really going to wear this I’d tuck the blouse into my magic knickers.
Now … go play dress up! If you come up with any fabulous combinations, please – email them to me so we can see them!
I’m also looking for models for some future fashion labs:
- pleated vs non pleated pants.
- heels vs flats with skinny jeans.
- suits: any color(s) vs black.
- your choice.
Let me know if you’d like to play. 🙂
Wow! Love the dress (cannot believe you found it for under $3) and all the alternatives. What a fabulous idea creating various ensembles — I need to go play around with my wardrobe and see what I can do. I own several summery dresses, which I have never thought of “winterizing” — I especially love the jumper look. Hmm, I wonder what I can do to expand my summer wardrobe into fall and winter…
Love the black heels w/ankle strap!
Well, Julie, that must mean good news – if you can play around with your wardrobe that must mean you can walk. Yay!
Jennifer – I’m glad you said that. I’ve been getting by with these for dressier and the ones with the shaped heel (pictured here). I’d like to get a new pair, but it makes me feel better that you think these are decent. 🙂
Great looks and I think the ankle straps make the outfit, echoing the belt.
The jumper look with the *short* sleeves! I love jumpers and can’t wear them but I never, ever thought of trying them with anything other than a long sleeve.
Love the upside down cardigan, very effective look!
The grey sweater combo with the black belt was my pick!
~Anna
My two personal favorites are the navy blazer and the striped shirt.
The dress is a wonderful colour, and would really stand out amongst many winter wardrobes.
I like the two “skirt look” combos–very striking! 🙂
WOW – that is all I have to say (I cannot believe just how versatile you made that dress). I am seriously inspired by this post. I actually have a similar dress from Lord & Taylor not pink but still – I am going home after work tonight to see if I can recreate any of these looks you posted =)
LOVE the dress! I recently got a $1 silk sheat dress, but it is just slightly too short on me (I like skirts to hit at a certain length to disguise the thickness of my legs). This is a good fashion lab- it challenged me to think outside the box!
What a great dress Rebecca! And I appreciate all the ways you’ve changed it up!
Jody
I really love the belted gray sweater look. Also with the blazer. Very classy.
Thanks ladies. I’m thrilled that you are inspired by this.
Tessa ~ two more ideas you could try with your dress that is too short:
It could become a top. Although that might not be terribly exciting, it could be useful.
Or you could layer a skirt under it, maybe a floaty one that would create a little ruffle.
Hmmm. Maybe I should go play dress up some more!
Gray sweater with belt is my favorite.
Oh Rebecca, I love the floaty skirt under the sheath idea. My favorite is ok, but just a pinch to short for me to feel comfy wearing while I face the congregation and play piano at church. I like to know that only the sermon is stirring! :blush:
I have a black linen sheath. It is my favorite dress! I picked it up at the Chadwick’s outlet for $7. I have sooo much fun with it. My favorite things to do with it… 1.) a scarf around the neck. 2.) a long pendant with a chunky bracelet. 3.) would be add my grandmother’s 1950s black hat, white gloves and pearls with my black velvet heels to feel really in my element. 😀 I so love retro fashion…
My next favorite dress? A long sleeved, knit black velvet with an A-line skirt. I got two of them on clearance at Wal-Mart for $5! oooo-la la!
Great ideas.
Oh, I LOVE that very last look! The one with the turtleneck sweater is a close second.
i could do the heels vs flats with skinny jeans! i’m not sure how many pictures you want though so please let me know.
I love the first look with the black cardigan. The black shirt over the dress looks good as well. I really didn’t think I’d like it as a jumper, but surprise, I do! How fun to play dress up! I should do it myself. Oh yeah, nevermind, I barely have time to get dressed. One day though….
I find the last one to be a true winner…I love how that pink just stands out!
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Retro clothing is the bomb! My favorite place to find it is Goodwill or any thrift store. Ebay is also a great place to find what you are looking for.
I have noticed classic garments always stay in style. Fashion brings out whatever emotion you are feeling inside. Whatever you are feeling, have fun with it and remember not to take yourself so serious. Don’t let someone predict who you are!