Gorgeous dress and looks beautiful on you!

I can relate to the feeling that something is almost right but feels too prim and ladylike if not styled carefully. Definitely gamine people problems.

I actually really like it with the big red earrings. I wonder if leaning heavily into arty accessories would help -- might emphasize the bold, graphic nature of the stripes running different directions and counteract the classic cut? You have some Warren Steven Scott earrings, no? That sort of thing ....

I adore this dress.

I admire you for cycling in dresses and skirts. I have never attempted such a thing! I like the suggestions for shorts underneath - sounds like a perfect solution.

More love for how you look in this dress, but I understand feeling too classic in it. I like the idea of adding denim and sneakers to make it more you.

I am incensed on your behalf by the biking unfriendliness of this beautiful dress. I don’t think it looks uptight at all, though maybe matching earrings with shoes turns up the “ladylike” dial too much for your liking. It would be very cute either way sneakers. Glad you are not threatening to get rid of it!

We must be on the same style wavelength. I’m also finding certain items to be too classic or ladylike, buttoned up or twee for my liking. I’m seeing a little shift toward adding a bit of edge or something maybe unexpected (kind of like creative tension) in my outfits. I'm struggling to explain it, but I think it’s what you are saying, Suz.

As others have said, this is a great dress, and you can add the elements you want (like a denim jacket, etc.) for dinners out or other activities beyond biking. I like my wardrobe items to be versatile and work for many settings and activities, but realize that not every item will, and that’s ok. As always, I’m impressed by your wardrobe, styling, and insight into what does or doesn’t work and why.

I totally understand. I buy summer dresses and then feel too dressed-up in them. I’m learning that in general I do better with skirts and tops, or loose lightweight pants. Shorts and I have a problematic relationship and I mostly just wear mine around the house, but sometimes…

The bicycling thing is totally understandable. If I were getting on a bike, a skirt or dress would not be my choice, no matter how forgiving of movement.

I love that dress, but I LOVE classic style, among other styles. Simple shapes and simple accessories create a beautiful architecture. I do like pic. 1.

You know better than I do what you want to do with that dress, whether work with it, or pass it on. An easy solution would be to throw a crochet tee/top over it.

Jorts....I am finally coming along. I fell in love with these, that came up in my ads. I don't know if I will get any.

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/se.....m&

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Carol, I LOVE those!!! Thank you! Will search for something similar.

The dress is lovely on you, Suz, and I love how you've styled it with your colourful earrings. Looking forward to seeing more of it on your non-cycling days :).