Dress- Splendid, also here, Booties- Franco Sarto for similar, Sweater- Free People
Yesterday, I realized (while in the shower, where all my great thoughts come to me -ha!) that I want to have a new tagline to describe how I feel as a stylist. So here it is- a stylist sharing a new perspective. A stylist who embraces imperfections instead of hiding them!!! For me, the more tailored clothes look on a body, the better. There’s lots of ways to get the tailored look, but hiding imperfections is not for me (in clothes and in life. And today’s post is the perfect first post for this tag line because this dress is VERY tailored -ha!
The other day, I breezed into Splendid in between appointments. I only had 15 minutes until I had to be at my counselor’s office for my appointment. So, you can imagine how I was dashing through the store picking out what I liked “to try on real quick,” when the sales associate said “Ma’am, everyone is really loving this dress (also here), and I think you’d like it.” I was distracted, so I just said something like,”Uh-huh, ok, thanks. Can you add it to my room?”
But half a second later, I realized what she actually said and got very excited!!!! When a sales associate says a certain item is really liked, my ears always perk up. There’s always a reason something is well liked, and sometimes it might just be the fun colors, but usually it’s the fit!! Come to think of it, I should just start asking sales associates as soon as I walk in the door what the best fitting, most well like item is in the store. That’s a great tip!
Anyway, I tried on the dress (also here) first (obviously!!!!)…
Dress- Splendid (also here), Booties- Franco Sarto for similar, Coin Necklace- Gorjana for similar, Chain Necklace- Argento Vivo for similar
This dress can be worn alone, but that’s not really my style. I see this dress more as a base layer. The front and back panels are made of a thick stretch fabric that gives but feels secure, and the ribbed sides allow the dress to stretch. But most importantly, the size ranges from 00-16!!! That is precisely why so many people are loving this dress!
So, I started to try the other items I had in the dressing room on top, and look at what happened…
Sweater- Splendid, Dress- Splendid (also here), Booties- Franco Sarto for similar, Coin Necklace- Gorjana for similar, Chain Necklace- Argento Vivo for similar
I’m in love with how this cardigan looks on top! It covers but gives me a waistline! The sweater in the first picture is a medium and the sweater in the second picture is an xs.
Then, I tried on this darling sweater….
Sweater- Splendid, Dress- Splendid (also here), Booties- Franco Sarto for similar, Coin Necklace- Gorjana for similar, Chain Necklace- Argento Vivo for similar
I love this look because it looks like I’m wearing a pencil skirt and sweater. The best part? When the sweater gets too hot for me, I can take it off and put it around my shoulders or tie it around my waist.
Ok, and there’s this cute jacket…
Jacket- Splendid, Dress- Splendid (also here), Booties- Franco Sarto for similar, Coin Necklace- Gorjana for similar, Chain Necklace- Argento Vivo for similar
I love this jacket, but lets just think about something you have in your closet like this- a faux fur vest, a jacket, or a bomber jacket. This is the perfect base layer to get more mileage out of all these items already in your closet!
As a base layer, this dress is quickly becoming a staple in my wardrobe. Let’s just say, I bought this dress (also here) on Monday, and I’ve worn it every day since.
I saw this dress on like to know it and I was just returned home to order and it’s already sold out through your link. Anywhere else to find it?? Love it!
Hi Stephanie! Thanks for the heads up! I just updated the post with an alternative link!
Howdy Carly! This native Dallasite, reluctant Hoosier has loved your style for years. My body shape is completely different from yours (I’m XL-XXL, 16-18) but I take inspiration from your ideas. THIS post though… you are rocking the “uniform” I have worn most days since I gave birth to my son in 2012! I almost always sport a black knit dress in various degrees of “body-con” and length (knee, midi, maxi) with a jacket or sweater of some variety (military, blazer, denim, Barefoot Dreams, etc). I never tire of it! I can wear with gladiator sandals, sneakers, or Birks in the summer, or don tights with boots for the Midwest winters. I like Eileen Fisher for my knit dresses — pricey to be sure but the quality is so worth it and last for years — and usually pick up an Old Navy knit dress every season to change things up at a reasonable price point. I’ve hesitated for some reason to try the dress with pullover sweater look. But seeing it on you is making me run to my closet and give it a try! Thanks! 🙂 xoxo
Alexandra!!!! Your comment made my entire year!!! Your comment inspired an entire (as in very long -ha) Instastory thanking you for your comment and for the great ideas! I shared your comment (I kept your name private) on Instastories as well, and a lot of readers are loving your outfit ideas! So a BIG thank from the readers and me!!!