I was recently browsing online retailer Ryllace and stumbled upon some outfits in a range of subtle neutrals and non-neutrals. The three-piece layers are easy to pull together, quite basic, and create pizzazz in a simple yet interesting way. The visual effect and comfort levels are fab.

On to the outfits, and feel free to choose any colour palette.

1. Skinnies, Shell, Duster and Glitz

This is an example of the quintessential “long over lean look”. Combine a pair of skinnies or straight leg jeans with a shell top that you can tuck or leave out over the jeans. Add a duster as the third layer, which in this case is a shirt dress with the belt removed. Leave the front unbuttoned to create a flattering vertical line down the front of the body. A long cardigan will work as well as the shirt dress. Glitz up the look with a pair of metallic gladiators and beaded crossbody.

2. Wide Crops, Tee and Denim Jacket

Combine a pair of soft and drapey wide crops with a semi-tucked tee. A pair of knitted, cotton or linen joggers will also work. Layer a denim jacket over the top. The woven denim jacket adds effective textural interest to the mix. A knitted cardigan would be more comfortable, but lacks woven structure and crispness. It’s a trade-off. Finish off the look with a casual tote and earthy sandals, slides or mules. Gorgeous bookending of hair and shoes here.

3. Beachy Open Weave Maxi

Combine a soft midi or maxi skirt with an open weave pullover layered over a camisole. Semi-tuck the sweater and add a leather belt for interest. Add slides or sandals and a beach tote. The matching belt and sandals pull the look together. The black camisole works well with the model’s black hair.

4. Flouncy Slouch

To my eye, this is the most unexpected and creative look. A little bohemian. Combine a flouncy tiered maxi skirt with a tucked tank top or tee. Add a maxi cardigan and keep the front open. Finish off the look with an earthy belt and pair of slides, sandals or espadrilles that match. The monochromatic column of colour adds to the vertical integrity of the outfit. Add jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired.

There was keen interest in my recent footwear edit, so I’m sharing my dress edit too. I edit my closet contents regularly because it helps me keep a clear picture of my wardrobe in mind, with up-to-date opinions of all the items and how I feel wearing them. This sharpens my outfit creation process, and helps me to make better shopping decisions as I refresh my wardrobe over time.

I LOVE dresses — shirt dresses especially — and wear them as often as I can. If I lived in a warmer climate, I would wear dresses more frequently. In the last three years, I’ve become increasingly fussy about wearing items that move in just the right way as I walk, and that cover and showcase parts of my body in ways that make me feel my best. Dresses that no longer perfectly tick these boxes, and ones with quality issues, are destined to be passed on.

I re-fit the dresses before I make any decisions. Here are the four dresses that I decided to pass on.

Zappos

Maggy London Poppy Power Scuba Crepe Sheath Dress w/ Balloon Sleeve

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Top Pick

13

Nordstrom

Madewell Madewell Mock Neck Midi Sweater Dress | Nordstrom

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Top Pick

15

Boden

Maisie Jersey Midi Dress

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Top Pick

12

Neiman Marcus

Ophelia Short-Sleeve Lace Sheath Dress

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Top Pick

19

1. Poppy Balloon Sleeve Sheath Dress

I bought this dress two and half years ago to wear to a wedding and some holiday events. I’ve worn it three times. It’s in mint condition, fits well, looks good, and I love the pattern. But I’m very uncomfortable in the sheath silhouette these days because the skirt component is fitted and straight. I MUCH prefer wearing dresses that move on the bottom like A-lines, shifts, sack silhouettes, fit-and-flares, and bias cuts. Life is too short to feel unhappy in this dress. I know it will make someone else a lot happier!

2. Navy Sweater Sheath Dress

I’ve had this dress for three years, and passing it on for the same reasons as the first one. I don’t enjoy wearing fitted sheath styles because the skirt component is too constricting. It looks good, but doesn’t feel good. Another dress in mint condition that will enjoy a new home.

3. Floral Handkerchief Hem Dress

I adore everything about this dress, and it was new last year. Unfortunately, the knitted jersey hasn’t held up as well as I’d hoped it would. It’s fading, wearing, and pilling in prominent areas. It doesn’t look polished anymore. This is my first Boden quality complaint. Wovens generally last longer and look more polished over time than knits.

4. Lace A-line Dress

This is my favourite formal dress of all time, and I’ve had it for five years. It’s absolutely perfect apart from the fact that it hits me above my knee. I am done wearing dresses that showcase my kneecaps unless I wear them as tunics over pants and jeans. A longer length of dress and skirt looks more elegant and flattering on this leg of my style journey, so that’s that. I can’t part with the gorgeously pretty dress though. So I’m keeping it to sentimentally decorate my dress capsule.

The first three items will be passed onto Dress for Success Seattle as soon as our city has reopened, and DFS resumes accepting donations. The rest of my dresses are in good nick, and tick off my physical and emotional comfort levels beautifully. And I’ve been able to wear some of them in our suddenly gorgeous warm Spring weather.

I stumbled across this smart casual outfit and much enjoyed the remix of trendy and classic items, and the edge that the model brings with her asymmetrical hairstyle and body art. Bonus that the outfit formula is shown with both a neutral and a non-neutral top. 

The formula combines a pair of trendy jeans with a classic blouse and statement pumps. The model wears on-trend denim culottes in the first outfit, and cropped flares in the second. The blouse is a classic shell with fluttered flounce detailing on the sleeves. The shell is semi-tucked to create a bit of waist definition and lengthen the leg line from the hips upward. The statement zebra pumps — a trendy classic in itself — add a playful and dressy touch. Lovely make-up, some jewellery, and immaculate nail polish add fab polish to the look.

To my eye, a complement of sorts is created with the model’s salt and pepper hair, her body art, and the zebra pumps. The similar colour palette and texture between the three things pulls the look together beautifully. The shoes bookend the model’s hair, which further pull together the outfit. The body art on the model’s arms give the impression of “lace sleeves”, creating another interesting effect.

This might inspire you to pull together a similar look, YOUR WAY. For example, I’m all over both pairs of jeans and have them in my wardrobe, but I don’t wear pumps or sleeveless tops. So I’ll sub those items with a pretty and soft sleeved blouse or cropped top, and dressy ballet flats. I’ll have the edgy short hair covered once we can go to hair salons again!

A new outfit from Annette Hoeldrich of Lady of Style, whom we introduced to YLF in January 2015.

Annette’s floral print trousers are the star of the show in this polished casual outfit. The bold white floral pattern against the navy background is eye-catching in itself, but the bottom part in contrasting red makes them extra special. She’s combined the tapered trousers with a simple white tee and sneaks, which add Sporty Casualness. Tucking the tee elongates the leg line. A navy linen blazer with tailored waist adds back in a dressy touch. I like how the lightweight Modern Classic blazer is slightly reminiscent of a chore jacket à la Bill Cunningham. Annette’s accessorized with a structured bone satchel, dangly pearl earrings and matching pearl pendant, and finishes it all off with pretty pearlized pink lipstick.