Angie's outfit formula on Friday reminded me that I seldom wear this absolutely beautifully made Lafayette 148 striped cotton dress. The picture does not do the fabric or construction justice. It's impeccably made, with the kind of finishing that I rarely see, and I got it on super sale at the Rack -- it was probably the last one or something. There is so much for me to love here -- the low contrast grey and off-white stripe, the mixed stripe pattern, the deep pockets, the breezy, roomy skirt. And yet -- after its first year in my closet, I have rarely reached for it, and Angie's post, along with Dee's post today about her new striped dress made me consider the "whys." (Thanks, Dee.)

In terms of the style -- while I love so much about it, including the neat neckline and armholes -- it tends to feel a bit too classic or even "ladylike" for my style. When I wear it with a topper like a distressed denim jacket, and a sneaker or an oxford, it works. When I go too matchy matchy or ladylike with the accessories -- or really, when I try to go "one and done" with very simple footwear/ accessories -- it feels just a bit uptight, for want of a better word. It would suit a dramatic classic better than a gamine, maybe? <shrug>

Still, today was hot and sunny -- a perfect day for this amazingly wrinkle-free cotton fabric-- and I decided to try it out.

I used to wear it with a pair of red heeled sandals, but those are long gone and anyway, I had to run errands on my bike.

#1 was my first try. Red earrings and flats and also my red bag. Verdict: too matchy matchy, and I didn't like the proportions of the long earrings with my longish face and flats.

Next I tried with my EF silver flatforms and simple Enoki stud earrings, almost invisible. I didn't love it, but it was fit for purpose, I thought. Off I went on the bike.

For, um, two blocks.

Despite the length of the skirt, it was impossible to wear this on a bike -- it kept hitching way up my thighs as I rode, nearly exposing my undies to the world, something I am not eager to do!

I quickly went home and changed into my sarong shorts....

I don't plan to get rid of this dress. But it's clear why I'm not wearing it much. Not only does it present styling challenges for me but it is also exceptionally impractical for my daily life now that I live in a suburb and spend as much time on my bike as I do walking. In Vancouver (where I bought it, and where I always walked or was on transit) it was not impractical. But for my current lifestyle, it's hard to casualize it enough.

What I need instead: more JORTS!!! Please send links if you know of any. I scouted the mall today and found nothing that I liked. Preference for below the knee, not black or brown (though I would consider brown).

Also, does anyone with a similar lifestyle-issue wear skimmers or bike shorts under dresses like this? I could consider that, perhaps?