I love dresses and I think they are totally workable for casual wear. The are fantastice for travel because they take up so much less space than an outfit of pants and a top. Also there are many fabrics you could wash in a hotel sink and hang to dry overnight. If you, like me, try not to check luggage, then dresses are the sure way to go. Taking off boots in the security line isn’t THAT big of a deal …

I wear fewer dresses in winter because I find all hosery, even tights, hot and uncomfortable as the day goes on. However, this year I decided to incorporate Laura’s idea of leggings under the dress. This will be more comfortable for me, and for the few inches of leg seen between the skirt and the boots, who would know?

Angie, love this series of posts. I’m looking for a modern cardigan in a bright color (already have neutrals) to wear with my jeans and graphic ts.

Shari

Like Laura i was always to be found in trousers, since YLF i’m in dresses or skirts most days.

This is a formula I love but am still working on to be age appropriate (over 60). For me it works best at the dressy end of casual, at least until I can find the right dresses and boots. I must sit cross-legged on the floor with small children at least 3 days a week and am now dealing with a 10-week old puppy that is still jumping up sometimes. I love how this formula still allows me to wear dresses as a change from jeans. The flat slouchy boots are easier to wear sitting on the floor than knee highs, but knee highs keep puppy toenails from snagging tights.

wow Laura, you look great! very stylish, very cool, very smart.

Laura, you look lovely! I love all the outfits. What a wonderful inspiration you’ve provided me. And your two boy models are adorable.

Laura, you and your sons look great! I chuckled at your Starbucks accessory, like in the original post.

I’m definitely growing into a dress convert, and is something I intend to be in the future, once my shopping ban is over.

Joy, I loved your tip about keeping puppy nails/teeth off your tights.

Laura, you look great in all outfits. The formula looks like it fits you busy schedule running after your darling boys.

I’m glad you brought up hose/tights with boots. I can’t tell by the picture, are you wearing hose or tights under your first dress? I have chocolate colored riding boots and a lighter brown (with pattern) skirt from Express. I wondered what color tights to wear with it. Do I match the boots with solid tights or go texture so it transitions from skirt to boot? What do you think?

Wow, fab outfits Laura! We are denim jacket twins.

I love dresses and skirts. One of my schoolmates issued a “No Pants Week” challenge, so many of the graduate math girls at my university are going to only wear dresses and skirts next week. I am participating, so I will be sporting this formula a lot since the weather has cooled here recently. After seeing how fantastic you look Laura, I’m really looking forward to it.

Lovely post, Laura! You certainly do have this formula down pat. I love how polished and put together you look in all of your pictures. You have just the right combination of the urban, funky and modern style that I hope to someday achieve. Wish I could zoom in a bit on the photos–are those Docs in the second photo?

LOVE how you really mixed it up with the different boot styles and all the top layers; you look so great in that edgy style of moto vests and cute jackets over your dresses. And look at those handsome boys!

I tend to use less formal dresses (i.e. not my sheaths) to achieve the same look in my weekend wear, but now I am wondering if a super-casual top layer might do the same trick? Hmmm…

You look great. I want to try this formula but I’m having trouble finding age appropriate dresses to do this with.

Agree with all above – you and your boys are both adorable Laura. I wish I had looked so cute when my kids were young!

I LOVE this look – although I am not a mom-of-young-ones anymore – I wear dresses with tights at least an equal number of days as I do jeans. I am “approaching 60″, and my favorite daytimes dresses are knit wraps. Joy – I think these are more age-appropriate than the empire style – although I do have one purple empire that is very fun with grey tights. I save my sheath styles for evening – too constricting for daytime!

Wooohooo! Laura, I love, love, love your style! You are naturally polished, chic and funky and it really suits you. Each outfit is KILLER and scores a big fat 10! Thanks for the fabulously helpful write-up. It’s inspiring to see real life you in your MOTG frock outfits with your beautiful blonde boys in tow. So much more compelling than a row of fashion models.

As you know, I’m a frock gal with you. Through and through! Of the 10 Autumn outfit formulas, formula #2 and #3 are tied for first place and the ones I wear the most. I adore hose and boots so this probably comes as no surprise. I’ve only recently realized though that I’m so much more of a frock gal than a skirt gal. I adore the vertical integrity of a dress, where as a skirt seems to break up your long lean line a little more. I still adore skirts and am actually wearing one right now, but my passion is for frocks

I’m really happy to hear how many of you are inspired to wear dresses a little more regularly. Well done, Louise!

Debbie and Joy, there are plenty of age appropriate dresses around. Loads of them! As Joy so rightly mentioned though, you might err a little on the smarter side with this formula. When I wear a more formal sheath dress, I like to dress it down by layering over a casual cascading cardigan and wearing flat rugged or riding boots. There you go. That’s your age appropriate version!

Laura – you look great! And your sons are too cute I especially like your 3rd outfit with the denim jacket. So fun! I am not a dress girl because I alway feel like I need to wear heels with my dressed. But Formula #3 seems to get rid of that obstacle.

Angie – do you thik I woud be able to pull off this look in the office? Or is it too casual for the work place?

Love the look. Love dresses. Am willing to try tights. But hate boots. Any options?

Lovely, Laura! Everyone’s given such outfit-worthy praise, so I thought I’d say your kids are adorable. My oldest son wore a favorite team’s football jersey that he adores just yesterday.

Thank you everyone!! I am really truly blushing here reading all of your comments. Feeling the love for dresses today!

Ana, I am honored to be your denim jacket twin. It’s the perfect cropped length for dresses – you’ll have to wear it for your skirts/dresses challenge. Good luck!

Kelly, yes, those are Docs in the second photo. They are a mottled silver leather and indestructible, even in Chicago winters. Highly recommended.

Eva, those are cream-colored microfishnets in the first photo. I’m sure you could match the color of your boots with textured tights. That outfit sounds fab!

Okay, I’m going to float off on cloud nine now thanks to all of your comments

What??!! My darling daughter in a plaid dress? At age 2 she’d scream and holler if I’d attempt putting her in plaid–finally, she’s seen the light!! I, for one, am so happy that dresses are a choice. The style is so flirty and smart. You go gals–this look is NOW!

I love this look too. Laura, you look great and so comfortable!

I have fat calves, which makes finding tall boots a real challenge. I have one pair I paid dearly for (Duo in England make wide width boots) but I don’t intend to buy more. Besides boots, what other casual shoes would go with this look (dress & hose/tights)?

Laura’s mom, you are so cute. What a stylish daughter you’ve raised!

Thanks, Laura! I love your Doc look. I’m only 5′ 3″ and fear that the 20 eyelets would be too long. I didn’t think the midcalf boot would be doable for dresses and skirts but I’ve seen the light! I think I can manage the shorter boot after seeing them on fabulous you! BTW, you’ve got a killer boot collection!

Laura, you look amazing in all of your dresses! You have inspired me. I love dresses and have been adding them to my wardrobe but find that I only wear them to church, dinner out, etc. I tend to reach for the easy jeans every day, but I do get soooo tired of wearing them. I’m going to make a point of experimenting and actually wearing a dress on an ordinary day.

Your boys are adorable, and I think that your best accessory is your beautiful smile. It lights up your lovely face!

Laura, you are stunning! I want to dress like you!

I am dying to be a dress girl, but I feel that I just can’t get it right so I resort to my safe default of jeans. I feel that dresses make me look bigger, and almost like I’m a fat girl that’s trying too hard. I know it’s ridiculous, but I can’t get that idea out of my head. I need to experiment a bit more and gain some confidence! I love the look.

Laura, you are oozing style as Angie often says. Such a fab MOTG and of course your boys are your *best* accessories– what cuties.

With our warmer climate, frocks and boots are definitely a great option for all fall and winter. I’ve been trying to do this formula without breaking the bank on maternity dresses. Fortunately, jersey dresses work great too.

Oh Mom, you are *too* funny! Luckily you knew what was stylish even when I didn’t! Thank you for the style inspiration from day one

Kelly, we are the same height so go for those midcalf Docs. They are fab with dresses and skinnies!

Laura’s Mom, you are a scream.

Maddy, it really depends on the culture of your work environment. If the dress code is casual, then Laura’s third outfit is totally appropriate.

Kelly, 20 eyelet Docs will be too long for your height. Laura has the 14 eyelet that she has made look like 20 eyelets by matching them with black hose. This does wonders to lengthen the leg line. You should try them!

Judy, I haven’t met anyone who hates boots yet! Would you care to share why? For this formula, you need boots and hose to keep warm because dresses are so breezy. However, if you feel you can brave the elements try tights with ballet flats instead.

ROFL at Laura’s mom! So glad you came out of lurkerdom; you’re a hoot!

Laura, you should be floating; you look amazing! But you didn’t even show us the back of that awesome jacket yet. Angie will be flying around the room with you!

Maddie, I wear this look to my workplace all the time, but I sharpen it by either making the dress, the top layer or the boot style a little more formal: a blazer or cardigan instead of a moto or denim, a sheath instead of a floral frock, or riding boots instead of Docs.

Boots make me feel claustrophobic. I have to be able to slip out of shoes.
Don’t like lace ups of any kind. I do have some mules that look like boots in the front but have no back. I wear them with pants. Would these work?

I just love this style! I wish I felt more comfortable being fem–it’s a real point that I’ve been meaning to work on. You’re lucky to catch me anywhere near a skirt or dress–I’m usually jeans and tennis shoes (although that is more because I’ve never found any other comfortable casual or dress shoes that I like!). It’s a project in LONG progress.

So fab Laura! Thank you!

Wow, Laura, you look amazing! I love your style. I am glad you kept the plaid dress.
After not wearing fall-winter dresses for 15 years, I started venturing into this look this fall, and I am loving it! I wasn’t sure about making it work as a casual look at first, but it really does. Great formula, and thank you Angie for inspiration.

Yep, this look is one of my go-to outfits for school! It is very simple and I think it makes you look more pulled together then jeans and a tee. Quite simple, you look like you spent more time on your outfit then you did.

Laura, thanks for the wonderful post and those FAB MOTG outfits. I have finally gotten some casual dresses to try this out because, like you said, I am so sick of jeans. I have to get over the comments from people about being so dressed up, but I have decided that if I feel good in an outfit, that’s all that matters.

Your boys are adorable!

Laura, you look amazing in these outfits and thank you for the wonderful writeup. Your little ones are adorable.

I love this formula, I have been already wearing it quite a bit and will continue to do so. I am on the dress kick at the moment.

Woot! Thanks for a fab post, Laura! You look smashing in all of the outfits; what an inspiration. I am a SAHM with twin 3 year-olds, and I’m so tired of wearing jeans all the time. Thanks to YLF, I am trying to regain my style groove. I am ready to try this formula–must find cute dressed and buy a new pair of boots!

LOL on the Starbucks cup!
Oh, and Laura’s mom? You rock!

Laura looks wonderful. Such a chic mom!
Like many YFL readers, I am a recently convert to a skirt/dress girl. I was the girl in college who wore men’s henley shirts and carpenter/cargo pants with out an ounce of style or flair. Transitioning to be more “femme” look wasn’t easy, so I get your reluctance, Astraldaeva. I got some comments from coworkers, encouragement from my mother, and compliments from strangers. But wearing a skirt/dress doesn’t mean you can’t be hard core and edgy (Laura does a great job mixing masculine ingredients into her look). I have studded motorcycle books I wear with frilly things, cowboy boots, and boyfriend cardigans. All of these “toughen” up a look. I can still kick ass in a dress.

Wow. This look is fabulous and definitely more feminine than my jeans-tshirt-sweater uniform! If only I could find boots that I like which actually fit over my ample calves, I’d be trying to rock look #3 along with you…

Laura……Good Grief, You are absolutely ADORABLE in every way …the kids are pretty cute too!

I love every single one of Laura’s outfits! I too love dresses but usually only wear them with high-heeled boots. This post is so timely as I have several pairs of Frye Campus boots and have been trying to put them with casual dresses and skirts – obviously, I need some tights! I love boots and would wear them all year-round if I could but I guess I’d look a little silly wearing them in Florida in the summertime.

Laura, you look awesome and have inspired me to get out there and find more casual dresses. I agree that with one piece, it is so easy to get dressed and pull together an outfit. I love your boot collection too. Nice write up and photos… you really rocked this MOTG look!

Laura, thanks so much for the inspiration! I was on a dress kick this past summer and was wondering how to transition this look for fall. I love all four of your outfits and your boys are adorable! You are the queen of the MOTG look!

I am a dress girl, but usually when it’s warmer. I’m originally from Bermuda and currently in Michigan, so I didn’t think that I would stay warm enough in the brutal winters in a dress. This year I have vowed to invest in a few knit and sweater dresses to wear with boots and tights or leggings. I’ll keep you posted!

You have got this down Laura! You are one hot Mama! I cannot wait to try this because you make it looks so easy. I love all of your dress/boots combos! Congrats on mastering this wardrobe capsule. I guess you call this a wardrobe capsule. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Your sons are adorable like little angels!

Wow Laura, you look amazing in dresses, I had no idea you are so petite until today’s post. I love the grey dress with the frill, all of your boots and the bags are lush. Your sons and mum are adorable!

I love this formula and find it far more comfortable than jeans.

Very cute! I’m not a mom but I sure would rock these looks.

-meream

Soooo fabulous, Laura! You rock this look. I’m jealous of all your cute dresses! I love dresses and wish more women would “dare” to wear them in casual and smart casual settings.

I love formula 3 – it’s definitely my fave! I could live in a dress, tights and boots, but since I live in San Diego, I don’t get to wear the look as often as I’d like. However, at the first sign of Fall, I stash my sandals and start donning my boots as often as possible. I love the comfy feel and the pulled together look of of a casual dress with boots.

OK. I’m officially sold. Time to move away from my skirt kick and embrace the dress. As Angie said, you own this look. But I’m gonna give it a shot. Thanks for the fab post, Laura!

Angie: This comment of yours intrigues me…

“Kelly, 20 eyelet Docs will be too long for your height. Laura has the 14 eyelet that she has made look like 20 eyelets by matching them with black hose. This does wonders to lengthen the leg line. You should try them!”

What height must one be for 20 eyelet Docs? I’ve been considering whether to give them a whirl.

I am shocked to hear you weren’t a dress girl before Laura. It took no time at all for you to find more fabulous dresses than you knew what to do with at the YLF convention! I’m glad you love this formula because it really seems to love you back. You look gorgeous! I don’t know if you are growing out your hair or doing something different but it looks too chic. You were made for a pixie cut!

Such a treat to see you modelling your fabulous frocks Laura! You have this look down pat and it’s always great fun to see you having fun with it. (love the Docs too!).
And your sons are adorable! (still smiling about your mom too, Laura’s mom: I bet you are just as stylish as Laura!).

I am definitely a frock + boots girl. I love the look and always feel put together and extra feminine in frocks, even if they are on the casual side. If only I could find more fab and affordable dresses here, I’d be sporting the look a lot more. I think I need you to take me to Macy’s Laura;-)

Laura you inspired me to get out of my jeans/T/fleece rut I have been in forever! Went out yesterday & bought a cute black/grey knit dress, and am pairing it with some riding boots,tights and a cardigan when I go to my son’s party at school tomorrow! I want to look way hipper than the winnie-the-pooh-wearing moms!

I have never liked the look of bare or stockinged legs (knees, mainly) peeking out from the tops of boots. I prefer a skirt to cover the tops of the boots. I know, I know–long skirts aren’t in style. I will just avoid skirts until long ones come back.

Laura, I’m sold! I’ve been wanting to buy some leggings and tights but I’ve been holding off. You have seal the deal for me with your inspiration! Now in addition to buying the tights and leggings I was planning to pair with skirts now I’m Jones-ing for some cute dresses too. I’d love to duplicate your looks #2 and #3 specifically; can you tell me where to find them?

I wear #2 and #3 the most too, Laura! I wore #3 today actually–black microfibre leggings with black socks overtop (hidden by my tall black boots) with a heavy jersey knit plum dress. I wore a black open cascading cardigan and a silver pashmina for extra warmth. This is the most comfy of all the MOTG looks for me when I’m wrapping my baby as I was today, because there are no hems to get bunched up or pants waists to get pushed down by/in the way of the baby carrier! I usually always wear leggings + socks + boots with this look (or leggings + flats or sandals in warmer weather) because no matter what I try, hose always get destroyed by me after one wear.

You are super cute in all these outfits! I wish I had a boot collection like that!

[...] 10 casual outfit formulas for Mums and gals on the go (refresh your memories with formulas #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 #6 and #7). This formula is all about pairing boots with short length pants like walk [...]

[...] Oh, that was so much fun! Shortly after forum member Laura posted about mom on the go formula #3, I was on the lookout for a casual dress. I lucked out and found three in one [...]

[...] nine of the 10 casual outfit formulas in great detail (refresh your memories with formulas #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 #6 ,#7, #8 and #9). Formula #10 is about leggings and we’ve also covered that in detail. [...]