Summer to Autumn #2: adding layers to a dress
September 7th, 2007Adding a cardigan is one way of layering up Summer dresses, but there are more interesting options if you have the right pieces. Here’s how to create the look:
- Pop a shirt, blouse or better-end knitted T-shirt under a plain-ish dress (sheath, A-line, sack or empire). I’ve used a black sack dress to illustrate below, but you could experiment with a subtle pattern. Jersey dresses will also work if they stand away from the body from the waist down. Dresses that cling will show through the extra layer which is not ideal.
- Add the right jacket. This is a little trickier then you might expect. An ultra cropped jacket (like a bolero) or knee–length trench will work over most dress styles and won’t look frumpy. Anything else you’ll need to test buttoned and unbuttoned and judge whether it works.
- Cinch in your waist with a wide belt for an extra bit of shape and sass.
- Finish it off with leggings and you’ll have an updated look for Autumn.
These versatile layering options are the perfect way of adding a new dimension to your office look if you’re stuck in a pants rut. They can be interpreted in a modern-classic or trendy manner depending on your fashion persona.
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A black of-the-moment sack dress and various layering options – blouses, a shirt and a knitted top.
September 8th, 2007 at 6:13 am
re: wide belt. i have been on a serious hunt for a fabric wide belt, basically i want something colorful/patterned and i detest patent leather. (i make do with an obi or scarves but i really want something more stable and belt-y). the gray dresses that are so in right now look great with a brightly colored belt.
i notice jumpers are very “in” right now, which require the shirt underneather layering. i like the linen blend t-shirts at liz claiborne for their coarse contrasting texture.
September 9th, 2007 at 8:28 am
I Love the colourful obi look with grey dresses too. Very fashion forward. I’ll let you know if I come across one since I haven’t seen a wide fabric belt in stores yet. How about elastic? I’ve seen plenty of vibrant wide elastic belts in boutiques and the odd department stores.
September 12th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Thanks Angie for the photo of the Macy’s INC purple top. I bought it today and it’s a lovely fall addition - color, style, price!
October 10th, 2007 at 9:00 am
Another great layering item to hit the market is the hip-T - The hip-T lets you layer with your favorite tops, short or the longer variety that still need a bit more when wearing with the lower rise pants. Bend, sit and squat without the worry of what might pop out of the rear view. Some have lace detail, others are simple and look like the bottom of a normal t-shirt and still others are made from a print fabric. They are comfy, affordable and can be worn with so many things. No more t-shirt tangle and sweating from all those fashionable layers. It is like a dickie for the hips! Check it out at www.myhip-T.com