Hats Off to Versatility
I know it’s only been a week, but it feels like way too long since I’ve created an Outfit of the Day post. Thankfully, I get to share a new look with you today. Before I start talking about the clothes, I do want to give a quick shout-out to the photographer, better known as my little brother, Matthew. He has been absolutely incredible about capturing the perfect shots, enabling me to portray my ensembles in the best light possible (both literally and figuratively). As of right now, my blog wouldn’t be doable without his help, and I really owe him the world for helping me bring my dream to reality.
In terms of the outfit, I stumbled upon this incredible dress last summer, where else, but in Target. It comes from the brand WhoWhatWear, like all of my favorite pieces seem to. At the time, the t-shirt dress was in full blast, and while I know it’s still going on, I really think its absolute-peak has passed. Being the ‘basic’-avoidant person that I am (aka refusing to buy Birkenstocks, Uggs, or yoga pants because I don’t want to be synonymous with every girl in my age range), I was on the hunt for a t-shirt dress that was a little different than everyone else’s, in the hopes of being able to utilize it for multiple seasons. When I saw this one, I knew it was going to be perfect. Resembling men’s button-ups, it still falls into the shirt-dress category, but looks completely unique. Plus, the longer cut brings a different vibe from the typical length (and covers up your legs if you forget to shave, which is one of the best features a dress can offer, second only to pockets). Of course, the stripes deepened my love for the piece, and I think the tie waist adds a slimming touch, ensuring that you don’t get lost in the fabric.
Since the dress covers up a majority of my body, I knew I needed to add a sandal, rather than a close-toed shoe, to at least let a little skin show. The black stripes allow me to capitalize on a slightly darker look than usual, which is why I chose these lace-up, block heels. I bought them about four years ago from the H&M loves Coachella line when I was still in my punk-rock phase. Needless to say, I’ve gotten plenty of use out of these babies. Even now, though, I like to work them into my wardrobe when I can. They really are such great statement shoes, adding a playful touch to my typically classic and casual pieces. In this particular look, I think they make the almost business professional dress wearable for every day outings.
To dress it down even more, I added this silver and turquoise feather necklace, which seemed to perfectly balance out both the Coachella and edgy vibes the shoes give off. Even with the necklace, when I looked in the mirror, it just didn’t come across as a complete outfit to me. At first, I only grabbed this small, black purse with a silver chain, but on second thought, I realized I was losing the boho touches I wanted to incorporate. That’s when I threw on the black hat, which seemed to tie every little detail of the ensemble together.
Overall, I think this dress is the perfect versatile piece. It can go from business professional to daytime casual with a few slight accessory changes. Ultimately, it is exactly the type of dress everyone should accumulate in their wardrobe.
until next time,
xoxo madison
SHOP THE LOOK
** I'm really sorry because I have bad news. All of these pieces are too old for me to link below. I will still leave the name of the store I purchased from, just in case they ever come out with something similar in the future.
Dress: Target
Lace-Up Top Sandals: H&M
Necklace: Wet Seal
Purse: Wet Seal
Hat: Rue21