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My typical style advice goes like this: Do not try to dress like a kid; you are a grown woman. Wear some grown-up woman clothes.
Today, I am making an exception.
Little girls have the day dress figured out. They know that a dress is just as practical -- and typically more comfortable -- than pants or a skirt. They know that a dress requires less planning and less fussing. They know that, in a pinch, they can toss some jeans or tights under that dress and still be ready to rock and roll. Or at least run around.
We can learn a lot from little girls.
As adults, we lose that sense of fun that little girls have with their dresses. We think about a dress as only for Dress Up events -- the little black dress, or the formal dress. But the day dress -- the adult equivalent of play clothes -- is simple and practical and pretty, without any hassle at all.
The perfect day dress is one that you can literally wear all day, no matter where you're going or what you're doing. It's a dress that you can layer (over a tee or blouse, under a sweater) and style (add boots or flats, a scarf or belt, a dramatic necklace). It's one that can go from work to dinner, and that is equally appropriate for Saturday errands or Sunday church.
The dress pictured her is from Shabby Apple, which is one of my favorite go-to sites for dresses. Their collection is small but versatile, and their dresses are practical and elegant, all at once.
This dress -- the Tuxedo III -- is a linen/rayon blend. Machine wash, line dry, and you're good to go. Wear it now with boots and a big belt (and a cardi or trench or tee, depending on the weather where you are). The combination of a deep neutral shade and the linen blend fabric make it a good spring-into-summer dress.
Once summer comes in earnest, restyle -- pair with strappy sandals and a slimmer belt, or wear the fabric tie belt that comes with the dress. For a dressier summer event, add peep toe shoes and a dramatic necklace, or a light wrap. Wear the tuxedo front buttoned up or open; layer over a lacy camisole and let that peek out at the neckline.
How do you make a dress really work for everyday? Look for simple shapes (this dress is essentially a shift) with interesting details (the ruffly tuxedo bib). Stick with neutral shades, or clean patterns, for a versatile look. That hot pink minidress with the asymetrical hem might seem super chic, but you won't get much wear out of it. Instead, look for sheaths or shirtdresses in clean, crisp colors.
Want more scoop on the Shabby Apple brand? Kristen at Mama Manifesto included them in her Best Maternity Clothes wrap up. Jenny Rapson at Blissfully Domestic chats with the Shabby Apple designers. And Melanie at Daily Sonrisas reminds us that Shabby Apple is about more than clothes -- they're about doing good, too.
And the Shabby Apple girls have a blog, too! Check it out. But don't blame me if you suddenly want to buy everything they've got in stock.
Susan Wagner writes about chic suburban living at Friday Playdate and about practical style at The Working Closet. She thinks she might REALLY need that Shabby Apple dress (currently on sale for $68.00 you all!).
