When you think of a bold print summer dress, I bet your first instinct is to wear it just how it comes, on its own, easy breezy or one-and-done, as many people say. But I like to think that the real style magic happens when you get a little creative.
The advantage of getting creative is that you hopefully won’t get as tired of the clothes you already own, and therefore won’t feel the need to buy more and more.
Quote of the day: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” Susan Jeffries
Even when the temperatures soar and adding extra layers isn’t your first thought, there are ways to make it work. Trust me, we live in Arizona, where the daily temperatures in the summertime get above 100 degrees.
Granted, that also means we spend much of our summer inside where it’s air-conditioned, but still.
This fun experiment all started with the idea that one garment doesn’t have to be worn just one way. The idea is also fabulous if you take into account all our different preferences when it comes to coverage or comfort.
The three of us decided to show a bold print summer dress 3 ways:
-by itself (Cathie)
-layering under it (me)
-layered over it (Charlotte)
Insider tip: Many women will talk themselves out of buying a bold print summer dress, thinking it will be too obvious if they rewear it.
First off, I believe that re-wearing our clothing is a GOOD thing, so let’s change that mindset.
Secondly, if you apply my layering ideas, you can change up the overall impression of that summer dress to make it more versatile.
Cathie is the queen of embracing bright colors and cheerful patterns, and this gingham check dress is no exception. With the oversized, bold plaid design in pinks and purples, it truly makes a statement all on its own. That’s why she chose to wear it just as is.
Insider tip: I hope Cathie is a superb example of how women of any size can dress to be seen and Love bright clothing. Our age or size numbers should not dictate the need to be invisible.
Sometimes, wearing the dress on its own actually highlights its best features. Plus, during a hot day, the simplicity feels refreshing. Think of this as your base style, as the starting point, and then you can build or subtract from there depending on your day, destination, or mood.
Details:
-The white flower accessories really pop with the bright colored dress.
-Cathie chose neutrals for her shoes and purse, yet they don’t “match” per se.
Charlotte took a slightly different path. It’s a trick we tend to forget about when it comes to dresses or summer weather. She layered over her bold print summer dress by tying a long-sleeved blouse over it.
Insider tip: Lightweight long-sleeved blouses can be the perfect summer layering even when it’s hot. I’ve added them to my collection just because they are perfect for the AC and for keeping the sun off your skin.
This trick is absolutely genius because:
By knotting the blouse at her waist, Charlotte created definition in her figure and added visual interest. And this idea works just as brilliantly in the winter by using a cardigan sweater or a thicker blouse.
Details:
-I want to applaud my mother for print mixing in her outfit. The plaid blouse is subtle and yet works wonderfully with the bold print summer maxi dress.
-My mom wore this dress when we talked about maxi dresses for shorter women. You can see the sleeve length on it without the blouse over it.
-The yellow accessories really give it a summer vibe, yet you can easily accessorize with blues, whites, or metallics and still “match.”
I decided to layer under my bold print summer dress. The neckline on this particular dress is a bit lower than I’m comfortable with, so I was going to wear a top under it. However, I couldn’t find one that I loved, so I searched my dresses and found a solid dress that created a color blocking look.
This trick is handy because:
If you don’t have a dress that works underneath, you could also try other options.
For adding length, my trick of layering a skirt under (or over) a shorter dress (showcased with this FB video) is ideal.
And if you’re just layering to change the neckline, try any style of top under it.
Details:
-I wore 3 different sparkly brooches down the front to simulate “buttons” and hold the 2 dresses together so the silky one on top wouldn’t slide around.
-The toppers for my glasses are interchangeable. If you haven’t heard of Pair eyeglasses, then here is a review of them.
The whole point of this post is to remind you that your bold print summer dress (or really any dress) can be worn more than one way. Instead of seeing it as just a one-and-done outfit, think of it as a piece to build on.
Ask yourself:
We all have different comfort levels and needs. Whether that’s dealing with fluctuating temperatures, sun sensitivity, or just a desire to feel more covered up (or more adventurous). The good news is, the art of layering gives you that freedom without requiring a new wardrobe.
I think one of the myths we’ve been sold is that layering is only for winter. But summer layering can be just as fun and even more functional.
And let’s not forget the personal style element. Each of us took the idea of layering and interpreted it to fit our preferences. That’s the power of fashion, and it should serve you, not the other way around.
Don’t stop at one look. Challenge yourself to style your clothes at least two other ways (and I don’t just mean with different colored accessories).
Your closet is full of options. Sometimes all it takes is a new perspective and a little bit of inspiration.
Insider tip: Don’t get discouraged if you try our ideas and it doesn’t look right. Not every styling session is a success. But be persistent and you’ll find many ideas that DO work.
If you like this type of styling trick to make your closet bigger, then you’ll love some of my previous articles:
–1 dress, many styles
–Shirt transformation
–Unlimited creative styling
–5 ways to wear a skirt, and only 1 way is as a skirt
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