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About: Ensemble: Casual Summer Dress & On Trend Footwear

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Minimal-Me

Beth Ann

Veteran

So, last week I opted to go for simplicity, in a simple black loose sheath. This is the dress I wear when I need to look fresh in the heat. This dress is indestructible and launders like a a dream and is from ------- WalMart. Yup. Bought it with the eggs two seasons ago. I wore it twice last week:

1. With gold B.O.C. gladiator sandals from DSW and a gold cuff. I love burnished gold accents in summer!

2. With my silver White Mountain birkie-like sandals from DSW. I'm wearing a simple spoon bracelet -- much prettier than the spoon rings from the 70's -- two spoon handles are joined in the center with a link (photo 3).

I suspect that, even though I love the gold accessories, that the version with the silver is bolder and more modern.

Would version #2 make a good "dress up" outfit for my mostly-camping trip out West? I imagine wearing it into Jackson, WY, to the museums in Cody, or perhaps to a nice dinner in one of the National Parks lodges.

I opted out of necklaces, even though I have lots of wonderful options. Is it too stark without a scarf or necklace?

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25 replies

Latest reply was from Susie

Anonymous

Both versions are lovely and bold. I have a minor preference for gold with the dress and both sandals are great. I can fully understand you not wearing a necklace as if it's very hot I feel like jewellery around my neck makes me feel hotter!

Nadya

Veteran

This looks wonderful on you and is a great way to handle the heat.

Based on my trip to Yellowstone a couple years ago, you'd be more dressed up than 90% of the people at a park lodge, but not over dressed. After a day of hiking I find an outfit like yours is exactly what I want to put on, and it's nice to have a break from gear! So, yes, I think it would be perfect.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You look great in both versions, Beth Ann. I think #2 would be a perfect "dress up" option for the holiday. Are you bringing a denim jacket or your chambray? If it cools down at night (or they have air con at the museums) you could use one of those as a casual but not too casual topper.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Both options are fab. And yes, #2 would totally work as a dress-up option for a casual holiday. Have fun!

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

These are both fab on you, Beth Ann! I like your pared down summer look. Nadya and Suz have such good thoughts on dressing for the trip. Their ideas sound terrific to me--I would definitely want a topper along as an option, and could see outfit 2 in the setting you describe (though I haven't been there).
I actually prefer the dress as you've shown, without a necklace. I like the simplicity of the earrings-and-bracelet look, and the tie-in with the sandals is so elegant while still casual.

Thistle

Veteran

So fab! I love that it is that superb and easy to care for!

I am fine without a necklace, especially if it is hot. My magpie instinct, however, loves to add sparkly things.

As for holiday, yes, this is the perfect dress to dress up for holiday wear.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I like both Beth Ann, but have a definite preference for the silver. And I agree with the others that this would be perfect for a "dressy" camping outfit. It's exactly the type of thing I like to put on after a post hiking shower. You could definitely dress it up more with a necklace, but simplicity in the summer is darn good too.

E

Veteran

You look great in both! I love gold & silver equally, so I don't have a favourite. I don't think it's too stark without the necklace either. And yes, I think 2 would make a gray camping dress up outfit! What a fun trip.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Fabulous YLF input, as always! Thanks so much. I glad that some of you prefer silver and some gold (sounds like a song). I guess I enjoy aspects of both. I think the silver shoes will work with my travel capsule .

Suz: I know I'm packing a raspberry cotton anorak as a topper, and, if I have room, my denim jacket. Space is at a premium, since all the food and toiletries will have to stay in our vehicle --- bear precautions. And yet, since we're traveling the last of August and beginning of September, we have to be prepared for anything -- even snow -- weather-wise! I will be mostly gear, of course, which is why the anorak suits style wise, but, because of it's color, adds a bit of pop.

Travel capsules posts will be coming, of course, in the next couple of weeks!

Anonymous

I love it just as it is. Great buy.

Sara L.

Veteran

I think both outfits are great. I like how you can change the look of one dress by just adding different shoes and accessories.

Rambling Ann

(website)

Veteran

Jackson: 7000' and most of Yellowstone is higher. The days aren't hot and nights cool off quickly. It can freeze any night in the summer. The dress is fab and you will outdo most of the other patrons in a lodge restaurant, but I would be freezing 10 feet out the door all but 4-5 days a year in those places. And then there's the UV. Not so much atmosphere, you are getting something ridiculous like 3x the amount of UV. Sunburn, not so fun for vacation. So I would suggest figuring out some layers to work over the dress, ala Angie's recent post on layers over sleeveless. A denim jacket maybe? That's dressy enough even for dinner anywhere in Jackson with a bauble or two.

ETA: Labor Day is definitely cold at night. As in an inch of ice in the bottom of my kayak overnight. But you might get lucky with early elk rut, which is something to hear in the dawn. My favorite place to see sunrise is at the Oxbow pull out just south of the Jackson Lake Lodge, except for the obnoxious photogs elbow to elbow (myself included).

Beth Ann

Veteran

Ann: Thanks for sharing your experiences in the region. I generally do far better in cold than heat (I was just doing light gardening in 70F and sweating, I kid you not), but I know that camping means that I'm not just cool while walking to the car, but also while cooking and dressing and..... well, basically I've got to be prepared because I'll be outdoors most of the time. It sounds romantic, but I must remember that I'm not "glamping" with my own personal sherpa and chef. Unless I train my husband quickly. Hmmmmm.......

cinnamon fern

Veteran

Beth, I just got back from Yellowstone/Grand Teton/Jackson Hole. It was fabulous!

I sympathize with the packing issues, it is a huge pain packing for somewhere where it can be 35 in the morning and 75 by mid-afternoon. I brought sandals and a sundress, but did not wear them once. I did, on the other hand, wear the down vest, gore text jacket, and wool socks. And I am not a person who usually runs cold!

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I like the gold and the silver both - they both look great! In fact... I can't decide which I like better If you aren't flying, and have room for both palettes, why not bring both the silver and the gold stuff? Then you have two going out outfits with the same dress.

And now let us have a moment of awe and silence while I wrap my head around your awesome find at Wal-mart.

Helena

Veteran

Love it! Taste trumps budget every time!

Keturah

Veteran

My favorite is the gold version. However, the silver version would be a touch more casual for the setting, and just as nice. It's really what feels comfy to you. After hiking and walking a lot, I imagine the silver Birks would feel very good to your feet. And Birks are just more comfy for camping excursions in general.

I live in Colorado, elevation 7,500 in the Rockies. What Rambling Ann shared is all good, true advice for out-witting the sun, snow, and cold of mountain elevations that time of year.

Hope you have a blast camping in the mountains!!! xo

Gracie

Veteran

What a great find at W-M! Just the staples: Eggs and Dress Leave no retail stone unturned, per Angie's teaching. I like it pair with the silver accessories and think it will be a great choice for a dress-up vacation dinner.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Seems like the gold and silver both have admirers --- and you're right, LBD, that accessories are easy to pack! I think I'll take a couple of scarves, too, although I've got to go with 90 percent gear!

Cinnamon Fern: Thanks for your report from the West! All that info will help me make better choices! It's good to be reminded that, as much as we love fashion, we wear clothes for survival!

Meredith

Veteran

Its a good thing Buffalo Bill is buried outside of Denver because if he was in Cody you'd be hearing wolf calls from the grave. It's such a challenge to pull off polished when you're hot, but you nail it here. Do heed the advice about a topper. You might be fine sleeveless on your museum day, but you'll definitely want something in the evening. With such a cute dress you won't want to rely on your hiking fleece.

karymk

Veteran

Beth Ann you don't need anymore jewelry. You have the earrings. Love your Walmart find.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Great dress, looks nice. Not sure I'd take it camping.

AJ

Veteran

Yes, sometimes Walmart has wash and wear gems like your dress.

I like both gold and silver jewelry, but for some reason, I prefer your silver version. I guess it's because the finish on the gold pieces are not as bold and shiny as your silver ones. You know my ALGO tendencies!

I think this dress will be nice for the occasions you described. On my long trip last summer, I enjoyed wearing dressy casual if we were driving all day. So there's another reason if that tickles your fancy.

Deborah

Veteran

Lovely dress and I particularly love it with the silver accents. Sounds perfect for your trip.

Susie

Veteran

Wow what a great find! You look terrific in the dress, both versions. It's hard for me to imagine being cold at the end of August!