Ideas to change up these dress...

Sal

I have these two dresses that are probably the 7/10 dresses.

Pros
- I do like them
- they are comfortable
- classic styles that (I don't think) date

Cons
- I always wear them the same way
- I don't wear them with a jacket or layer over the top

Black polka dot I always wear with a black belt and cream wedges. I find it a bit "classic/prim" for my style but once or twice a season it works.

Blue Gingham I always wear with chunky tan sandals (different to in the photo but a similar vibe). I don't see myself wearing it layered as in the find.

Both dresses are three - four years old...

Ideas-
- gingham with sneakers or cream brogues
- would the spot work with a leopard cardigan

What do you think?

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by Sal

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5 years ago

Dressing

30 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

Helena

Veteran

I think both your ideas sound good, and what about a bright accent shoe/handbag ... or a wide belt on either piece; that look seems to be back?

5 years ago

slim cat

Veteran

Agree on accent colors add on - could be as simple as citron bracelet. There are some fun blazers in your collection - would you layer some over ( like satin one over polka dot dress with your heeled sandals )? The other option is a scarf in solid color - maybe pale blue with your blue gingham dress. If you prefer neutral colors - then today blog' post is the best in brining sand color/beige into mix.

5 years ago

Kathie

Veteran

I think it’s hard to style summer dresses in different ways- fewer options without layering. What about adding a necklace, bold earrings or a chunky bracelet?

5 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

I think the polka dots should be higher than a 7/10. It really looks great on you! Do you have red or yellow sandals?

5 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Are you keeping them because you need them? I especially like the gingham but both look like they could be worn with mutiple shoes or boots and accessories. Or just always wear them the same way if you like it best. Or sell/donate if you have other dresses and are just not that into them.

5 years ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks all.

In terms of bright accessories I have a yellow bag. I have green sandals but they are a bit too dressy/high for everyday. The gold bomber might work - I didn't think of that!

I have a few necklaces I could experiment with too.

I don't need them especially - the gingham is showing wear so is not saleable, the spot could be. I will give them a go and see what I think again.... The gingham was a workhorse for two years, last year was worn a handful of times, I am yet to wear this season but it is early. The polka dot has never been a workhorse - two to three wears a season. It was perfect for the races once, once I wore for family Christmas, and once to a work dinner with clients plus a handful of general work days.

Summer dresses can be hard to layer- I agree. I used to wear a little cardigan but I am not as into that look anymore.

5 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

What Shevia said.

SNEAKERS.

The Gingham is KILLER. A 10, unless that is an inaccurate photograph!

5 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

Love the gingham!! I can’t believe that’s a 7/10. It’s perfect on you. I’d wear it with a vest or white sneakers.

5 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Another fan of the gingham dress. What a great cut and the perfect length. ❤️ I’m thinking sneakers, a bright coloured shoe (red, pink, orange, cobalt - whatever is your favourite colour.). White sandals - either chunky flat forms or huarache style.

5 years ago

Anonymous

I love the gingham - and see it as a real * you* piece . I’m not such a fan of the polka dot dress - looks a little too ingenue - ish . And yes to sneakers , and a denim or leather jacket with the gingham .

5 years ago

columbine(erin)

Veteran

I have a similar polka dress dress, I change it up sometimes wearing a green bag and shoes, or a bright red jean jacket, etc. I love the gingham dress and think it would be fun with red wedges or sandals.

5 years ago

notsaf

Veteran

Another huge fan of the gingham!

Try flat sandals, sneakers, gold bomber.

I agree with Lisa that the polka dot as styled it too sweet. Maybe red leather jacket? Maybe no belt or a different one?

But the gingham is a swoon!

5 years ago

notsaf

Veteran

Oh yes also: denim jacket! (Summer: lucky you!)

5 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

The thing about summer dresses is that they are pretty much the whole outfit. But choice of shoes definitely will change up the vibe. You could no doubt put on any kind of shoe, it’s just a question of *is it you.* Sneakers are a great idea.

5 years ago

Synne

Veteran

It may be the wrong season, but I can totally see that gingham dress layered over bright pink or fuchsia dressy pants!

5 years ago

RobinF

Veteran

I also love the gingham dress, definitely a 10! That is the thing with dresses, easy one piece but also not so easy to change up.

5 years ago

nemosmom

Veteran

Love the gingham and think it would be great with sneakers! Also love the idea of the spot dress with sneakers and an edgier topper to toughen it up a bit - the gold bomber or red moto!

5 years ago

Joy

Veteran

I like the idea of the gingham with sneakers but a short white leather (or pleather) jacket may work with both dresses.

5 years ago

Sal

Veteran

Ok time to experiment!

I do like the gingham better so I am pleased you all like it. Will wear to work tomorrow! I think the spot is two inches shorter than I would like it to be - common as I am 5 8 ish. I will do some outfit labs at home. I suspect it is just an outlier that every now and then is a change up from my usual style - we have talked about this on the forum.

5 years ago

nuancedream

Veteran

I would love to see both dresses with sneakers, perhaps metallic or brightly colored ones. I would consider adding a moto jacket or classic denim jacket to give a little edge to both dresses.

5 years ago

Anonymous

I like both, and yes to pop of color shoes, bag, jewelry, or belt!
I personally don't worry about changing the look of my print summer dresses. I figure they're stand alone pieces and perfect as is!

5 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

the gingham is outstanding. if you want, purging the spots and replacing is a good choice.

i can see layering a turtleneck under the gingham with tights and boots or booties to extend its season. the print is lighter so summery that it would work best straddling winter and spring, when you want to dress in lighter colors and fabrics but the weather won't cooperate.

in addition to sneakers, flat slides or mules either sporty or dressy. arm bling and of-course-im-famous sunglasses.

5 years ago

Cardiff girl

Veteran

The gingham is fab,l would be tempted to try it with a wide belt if it wasn’t too hot and sticky.

5 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I wore the gingham Friday with my yellow bag and the sneakers. I liked it! I added a white bracelet.

The polka dot is one of those dresses that I don’t often have cause to wear, nor choose. I would not need to replace it as I have other dresses that fill the same role. But every now and then I do like a more classic look. I need to veer it the elegant rather than the cute/ twee/ pretty. I think I will see how I go over the next month or two and if I pull it out. It might work for my next school event or a Christmas church service.... I am sort of back tracking here and maybe I won’t mix it up?

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5 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Are JAileen and I the only ones pulling for the polka dots? Have you tried it with stompy shoes yet? My first thought was a cardigan, but of course that doesn’t work in the summer.

5 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I haven’t tried yet Fashintern. I have one cardigan that might work - our summer has cool days so layering is useful.

I can’t imagine toughening it up - I like the dress and stompy boot look but not for me. One of those ones that I admire on others and leave it there.

5 years ago

nemosmom

Veteran

Your gingham experiment sounds like it went really well! Would you maybe put your polka dots in your holding zone and see if you still like it next year?

5 years ago