Summer Style 01
On rolling over and an anti-climactic father’s day
I found this cute striped dress at Gap outlet a few weeks ago and it’s become one of my favorite things to wear in these hot temps! I like wearing casual dresses because my thighs touch and sometimes shorts just drive me a little crazy. Not to mention dresses sort of come with a built in air conditioner because they hang away from the body. At least mine do. ::wink wink::
My style these days can be summed up in 3 words: Easy, Casual, Comfortable
Obviously I usually just throw it on by itself with some sandals and barely any jewelry (earrings, a few rings, and a watch are my dailies) but I wanted to grab some other pieces from my closet to try to see what else works. None of these combos are original or very profound, but it helped me think outside of my plain grey box.
dress, sandals (similar with a wedge)
I’m convinced everyone must own a lace top of some kind. It can have sleeves like mine, or be a tank. And you’ll be surprised to learn how much it will go with!
This was a bit of a stretch but I think it works okay. It breaks the dress into more of a shirt and skirt sort of deal. And while this may not be the most flattering combo, it’s comfortable and fun, and oftentimes that dominates my style choices these days because #babyweight .
I wouldn’t wear this if I was hanging outside with the boys, but it’s great for running errands in cold stores.
And the classic of all classics: a denim jacket. I get so much use out of this jacket nearly year round. It was one of my better investments when it comes to my wardrobe!
Do you have a staple dress that you build outfit ideas off of? Got any creative ideas to share?
comments
I love posts like this as I’m planning what to pack for an upcoming trip!
I have this dress, but haven’t worn it yet! thanks for giving me a few options to try!
Are you still nursing, Kate? I’d be interested to see you do something similar that is nurse-friendly. I haven’t been able to find any dresses that I feel like could work!!
That’s a great suggestion! I am not nursing anymore, but I basically lived in nursing camis for the year-plus that I was nursing. I wish there were more budget-friendly options for breastfeeding moms who need the easy access.
Dresses with stretchy tops, v-necks, or cross-body styles work the best if you want to wear a dress. You could also do a shirt and skirt combo to get a similar look to Kate’s style. Any style of shirt would work with a skirt because you can pull the shirt up (wear a stretchy tank or nursing cami underneath if that makes you more comfortable). A stretchy tank tucked into a maxi skirt would be cute, cool, and nursing-friendly.
I have a similar dress from Old Navy – it’s a navy/white stripe. It’s been in the closet with no love for a long time, this has inspired me to take a second look at it!
I think you look great! The chambray combo is my favorite. I’ve only recently started wearing skirts and dresses so this is really helpful :).
Looks comfy and you look great!
P.S. Your hair looks so long!
I love it with the denim. Can I make a suggestion, if you are running out of things to write about, could you do a post on what to wear this season to an outdoor wedding?
I like to use the ends of the chambray shirt to tie a knot in the front – gives you an instant waist, makes your legs look longer!
I love switching up my dresses! My favorite thing to do is to wear a chambray shirt over the dress (like you did), knot it at my waist and put a belt over it. It almost looks like you are wearing a skirt with a tucked in shirt and a belt. Definitely not summer heat worthy, but it helps take my summer dresses into spring and fall (and in crazy cold buildings!).
Honestly, although the dress is cute, you are a pale blondy like me and grey is not your best Color. Try something colourful. The picture of you in the jean jacket is the best because you have that lovely blue next to your face. Just my opinion. Great blog.
I agree!
I have the “thigh rubbing” issue, as well. I love summer dresses, but in the Texas heat, the thighs get a little “raw”. So, I end up in shorts 🙁
Try longer bike shorts under the skirt or dress! I have a pair that are slightly thinner than traditional bike/spandex shorts and I love them under my dresses and skirts because I hate the thigh rubbing!
I replied before I read through the rest of the comments. Scroll a couple of comments down. Someone posted a link to what I’m talking about! 🙂
This cream is great for chafing! http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=139254&catid=184078&aid=338666&aparam=139254&kpid=139254&CAWELAID=120142990000010788&CAGPSPN=pla&kpid=139254
Kate rocks grey!
As another person whose thighs touch, I have a serious question to ask. Do you wear anything under your dresses/skirts? I can’t not wear something under my skirts because I’ll be chafed after not very long. I have a pair of silky biker shorts from way back in the day when they were in style, and they work great under a dress, but I only have the one pair. Spanks are just way too constricting, especially in the summer when I’m trying to go light and breezy. Any ideas?
I have the same thigh issue and I put deodorant then cornstarch on my thighs when I where dresses and it helps cut down on the chaffing because that area isn’t as sweaty.
*wear
try this…they are so comfortable
http://www.jockey.com/SavedbySkimmies?cm_mmc=blog-_-ohhonestly-_-060115-_-Solutionary-_-outreach&utm_source=ohhonestly&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=Solutionary
Oh my gosh! I’ve never heard of Skimmies before. They look perfect!!
I love them! They are so comfortable! I need a few more. 🙂
Monistat – yes, the yeast infection brand – makes this stuff called “chafing gel.” It’s a nice, silky gel that you can put on your thighs to help with the rubbing.
Love this post! I gotta get more creative with my outfits!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
I do! It’s a light-weight, medium blue chambray/denim dress. Like tencil denim. Soft. It has a drawstring waist. Sometimes I add a larger belt over it and tuck the strings inside the dress. I sometimes wear it with camis and t-shirts underneath. I have one white lace tee that looks great peeking out. Or sometimes I add a gray striped pullover sweater over it (sort of the reverse of your look actually) . I can change the look with any number of scarves. Sandals. Boots and tights for winter.
Love these outfits! I would even try layering the denim jacket over the dress + tank look to give it more shape or a little color- and make it very transitional to fall!
Love it with the jacket! And the chambray too!
Kristi | Be Loverly
Love these ideas! I’m always looking for cute, comfy outfits that can withstand this NC heat! I have similar pieces but never thought to combine them- thanks for the inspiration!!
Such a versatile option! Love it!
– Kaitlyn | http://www.TheCrownFox.com
Thank you so much for posting this! I have a one year old and am always looking for simple ways to dress up in a more comfortable way! I love your style!
Something in army green is always cute! I have a vest and it goes with everything! OR a colored lace vest.. again can go with anything:) I have a black and white striped dress that I love to wear
i am also wondering about nursing attire. I have so many dresses and they are one of the few things that fit, but they are not nursing friendly. I feel like such a slob this summer since I usually only wear nursing friendly things. I don’t do shorts…my legs are too pasty and dimply.
Between the grey walls, carpet and dress it all starts to look really bland.
I think these are great ideas to change up the dress. I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve even worn another skirt over a dress like this (since this one is relatively short & straight, it would work) for even another option! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
found your blog from wearing with wisdom (she was complimenting your hair styles!)
I love the way it looks with the chambray top! I am going to try to pair my chambray shirt with a few things that I didn’t think would work before. Thanks!
The look with the chambray shirt is my favorite! I’m about 2 years ahead of you with the 2 little boys and still working on the balance of cute and functional! I have several dresses like this and I usually wear it “as is” around the house but try to add something like a colorful scarf or even a short sleeve open cardigan when I run out.
This is a great post for moms of littles – having 3-5 looks each for a handful of items in your closet gets you out the door looking (and feeling) a little more put together with minimal effort.
I love that dress on you, Kate! I think the gray is so so pretty with your fair skin. In our hometown, there’s a gap outlet that I LOVED going to when we lived there. We’ll be in town in a few weeks… I’m thinking I need to go by there again and look for that dress or something similar. You’ve inspired me! 🙂 I love pieces like that that can be used for so many different looks.
You are too cute, Kate! I love long dresses. I wish I weren’t so shy to show some skin, but I’m just too self-conscious. But honestly, I did buy my first pair of shorts in several years and I am so glad I did! Texas is just too hot to be rockin’ capris all the time!
Seeing you look adorable and confident makes me want to try it, as well!
I never, never, ever would have thought to pair a lace top with a sleeveless dress like this. #MindBlown
What an awesome idea!!! I’m trying to dress more modestly, now that I have young daughters who may follow in my footspteps, especially. So I prefer tops and dresses with some type of sleeve. This is the perfect solution! Thank you so much, Kate!
very cute choices! My fave is paired with the denim jacket 🙂
I’m having trouble with my summer wardrobe. I’m on the heavy side so I don’t love bearing my arms. But I live in Texas so layering clothing is OUT OF THE QUESTION. Grrrr.
You remind me of Tanya Burr, you look stunning thanks for sharing<3
follow for follow?:)
xoxo
http://hilarynirvana.blogspot.com/
I love maxi skirts to hide my midsection when I feel heavier. I also live in flowy sleeveless blouses during these warm summer months. Hands down I prefer dresses and skirts to short because they are cooler. I have multiple sleeveless polyester elastic waisted
dresses that I wear all year. I have light weight and heavy weight cardigans I use with them when the temps dip.
I have this dress in pink! I love it. And now, I think you are right, I need a lace top. Thanks for these cool suggestions!
I love your looks- I have never been successful with layering over a dress but find lots of hope, ease of use, and inspiration in your styling. -Lindsay at http://www.itssimplylindsay.com
I picked up a gray dress in a white floral print a few weeks ago and I’m in love with it! I’ve worn it with a teal short sleeved cardi, my denim vest and alone with a yellow belt. It’s so versatile!
I really love posts like this – thank you!
#babyweight, #shmabyweight
Every ounce of you looks beautiful, and more importantly, loved.
I love these types of posts–how to wear a main item of clothing many different ways. You look great!
Versatility is key for me too! I love how you mixed and matched with the dress, so cute! Xo, Stephanie
Grey looks classy on you.You look beautiful, specially in the jacket. I’ve got one of my own,too.It matches with anything,like the icing on the cake.
Beautiful dress! specially the upper white good combination.
Love the look of this stripe dress with the denim jacket the most, so chic!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com