Dresses, Dresses, And More Dresses
if you’ve followed me on my outfit journey for any amount of time, you probably know how fond i am of dresses. if i could wear a cute vintage (or vintage inspired!) dress every day i would; they are such feel-good pieces that always bring a smile to my face.
i’ve found though that shopping for dresses — fun as it is — can be a tedious affair especially if you aren’t sure of what style and shape suit you, or if you are following a specific dress code. do you go with a-line or pencil? loose and flowy or perfectly structured? mini length or a midi?
choosing the right dress for a specific occasion is essential, but choosing the right one for your body type can be equally important for maximum comfort and confidence. personally, i don’t get too fussed about whether a dress looks super flattering on me (you guys know i just wear what i like), but i am also keenly aware of how empowering it is to wear an outfit that does you favors.
FUN AND FLIRTY WITH A MINI
a classic staple for summer hangouts, first dates, and nights out with the girls. also a favorite of those who want the look of lean, long legs. we’ve seen so many kinds of mini dress styles over the years, but the fit-and-flare will always be my favorite. it’s flattering on most people and can be found in casual styles, as well as dressier ones, ranging from ultra short to around mid-thigh. i especially love mini dresses styled with tights, when the weather permits it. just be careful about going too short when attending certain events, like a wedding (or even church on a sunday!).
COCKTAIL CHIC
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the definition of a cocktail dress varies quite a bit, but dress lengths from right above the knee to just below it is generally considered to be a cocktail dress. it an excellent choice for a more refined look, without going too long if that’s not your speed. it’s also perfect for those blessed with a modelesque height but do not want to show too much leg. a good cocktail dress can function as a party dress or a comfortable number to wear to any semi-formal occasion, or even sunday brunch with the family. it is also a great dress to wear when going out for drinks, as the name alludes to.
MAD FOR MIDI
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of course, when purchasing, you don’t always know what occasion you’ll wear a specific dress to. i find it’s always good to have a selection of styles in your closet to have all your bases covered, and a number of them should be pretty flexible. by far the most versatile length that i know of is the midi. the length of a midi dress is halfway between your ankle and knee (aka your mid-calf). any dress with a hemline in that range is considered a midi length dress. depending on the style, a single midi dress may work as office or casual wear. it can even function as a party dress. therefore, adding even one midi dress to your closet can be like buying several dresses in one (i should know, they are my favorite!).
MAXI LENGTH FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT
women’s maxi dresses can also serve multiple purposes. like the midi, they can be casual or formal. although i have found that some maxi dresses are best suited to a single type of occasion, most are easily adaptable by simply changing out your accessories and shoes for the various occasions on which you wear the dresses. to get the most use out of a maxi dress, it helps to select one in a comfortable fabric, and a style that does not give the appearance of being overly formal or overly casual.
