Workhorse dresses - YouLookFab Forum

It’s been improbably hot in Belgium for some time now. Made me realize I don’t own much of a hot weather wardrobe -work nor weekend... so lots of repeat outfits. I wore the below two dresses quite a lot, usually without many accessories as it was too hot for scarves and I still don’t risk necklaces with my baby.
They are not my favorite dresses stylewise: the grey bird print dress is more retro and girly than I usually do and the chambray one could use more structure around the neck and shoulders. But they are both easy to wear and to maintain, and I feel comfortable in them. They are two or three years old (I forget) and I think I’ll hold on to them a while longer. One has to appreciate the clothes that never let you down :). Do you agree with my analysis? Any easy and babyproof styling tips?

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7 years ago

Toban

Veteran

I like these on you and can see why they are go to hot weather dresses for you. I love the ease of a casual dress in hot weather. I generally rely on interesting footwear for styling as I find accessories fussy in heat.

Becky

Since these outfits work so well for you, you have the luxury of patience as you look around for something that suits your tastes better. For the record, I think both outfits look nice.

3style

Maybe something with a floaty cap sleeve (soft enough that it still can fit under a topper if necessary) would be good. This way the accessory is kind of a built-in option. That’s what I’m experimenting with and this summer.

Suz

(website)

Both of these dresses look great on you and excellent for hot weather. I understand that the full skirt of #1 might feel retro and girly for your overall style...but the muted palette and the shirt style bodice steer it more in your usual style direction, and that type of bodice suits your body type extremely well. The other dress looks really cool. And in my mind, there is nothing more stylish than looking cool on a really hot day!

If you do belts at all, you might try a belt on either of these to tone in (or contrast) with footwear. I don't know if that self tie is removable (or possible to disguise) on the second one.

I feel similarly about accessories in the heat. For summer I really love my Nickel and Suede leather earrings and cuffs (although I stopped wearing the cuffs much now that I wear a watch almost daily.) They are lightweight and don't feel hot or sticky. The cuffs would be baby proof (not the earrings, since those dangle).

Another idea is to vary your bag to add something to the outfit.

It's good to hang onto a few outfits for extreme weather conditions (on either end) even if one lives in a mostly temperate climate. Because with climate change, we never know.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Go Team Outfit Repetition.

Liesbeth, I LOVE the first dress. KILLER. The colour is hard to wear, and you wear it to perfection. Fabulous with the booties, and vrery flattering lines.

The second is a breezy, simple and cool Euro dress, which suits you too.

kkards

sounds like you're having the same weather we had...after a winter that wouldn't leave, we ran straight into summer....
i really like the 1st dress, and i bet it looks great with the sandals from #2....i like #2 as well, maybe try switching out the belt to change up the styling..

Bijou

I bought an interesting resin multicoloured bracelet when my son was little. It was a nice way to add jewellery that was baby proof. I had two beautiful baby bags, one black patent leather and one in cream leather as they were the only bags I used for a few years. I do remember feeling like a pack horse, carting around supplies for my little one.

Anonymous

I like the first one best and think the style suits you and doesn't look flat or predictable.

It's got sufficient detailing between the print and the tailoring that it doesn't really need anything else especially with the shoes you've chosen which give it a little soft edge.

rachylou

These are really flattering on you! They have enough style on their own not to need accessories, which is good in terms of baby proofing.

You look fine in both dresses. You may want to try floaty full light weight pants with the baby for summer. Next summer that same baby may be lifting up your skirts to get under them...something toddlers think is funny, but can expose you. Are you nursing? If so, that complicates outfits even more. 2-piece dresses with wide bottomed tops is what you need then. My little grand-daughter likes to play with bangle bracelets and a chain necklace with large lucite links. I avoid earrings for now. For clothes you certainly need washable, maybe even have a change for you available with empty plastic bags in case of diaper blow out or sudden projectile vomit. These are not pleasant to have to consider but realities.

Gigi

I think you look good in both dresses. They both seem to fit very well, which goes a long way toward creating good style!

Since you are concerned about accessories with the baby, as you look for more dresses I would try to find dresses that have a lot of interesting details: eye-catching patterns, unusual hems, nice shaping, etc. That will mitigate the need for accessories. You could add a nice bag and nice footwear for your accessories, and then you should be set!

Liesbeth

Thanks all for the tips and validation... joy, you cracked me up (but also got me worrying a bit!) with your dress-lifting toddler comment
I do still nurse actually, which is why these dresses have buttons. I try to avoid spills by always covering up with a muslin swadle and typically changing in and out of my nice workclothes asap before and after work... still, easily washable is a top priority!

Also, Suz, I had actually been thinking on a leather bracelet, thanks for the reco!

I'll bet you could find something similar on Etsy that wouldn't involve delivery from the US.

jussie

Hmm well you could try some statement sandals? Something with a bit of colour or unique shape...
I like both dresses on you, but especially number 2.

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