We all know the stars in our closets: Those chiffon dresses that flirt with our ankles as we walk, colored in the palest of morning pinks. Those watercolor skirts, borrowing colors from paintings and spring nights. Those cherry red coats and cheeky fur collars, helping us get through yet another cold and gray Wednesday morning. We know exactly who the MVPs are when we throw open our closet doors, and we'd gladly dive into their sleeves over and over again.
But do we know who are the ones that keeps it all together? There are some staples hanging in the back of the closet, waiting to tie your look together but getting none of the recognition. When I'm out shopping I usually try to only pick up the holes in my closet, but sometimes you see a dress in the window and it's game over. All lists and plans are crumpled and you're running away on some wild affair (all the way to the cash register). But today I'm here to talk about those staples that, without us really noticing, are total game changers. They take a "oh, pretty cute" outfit and transform it into a "God I wish I had her style" kind of look. Let's see just what that is.
I teamed up with New Old Fashion Vintage to see how we could take a simple floral dress and give it some oomph. I don't know about you friends, but the floral dress is like my sweatpant: When I don't feel like thinking all that much about my look that day, I just swan dive into a vintage maxi and head out. But that can get boring, quick. So how do you add a little sumin-sumin to a piece that's so tested and true?
Simple: You figure out your layers. And I have just recently discovered that there's one layer that will bring a lot of gravity to an outfit without making it look too overdone. Ready for it? The long cardigan!
If you don't have this already in your closet, go close your laptop, put on your shoes, and get one. This goes with absolutely everything and its long length makes the proportions in your outfits interesting. It cozies up a maxi, brings something different to the table with jeans, and gives some length to flirty minis. It's a workhorse but isn't boring like the usual staple; it adds plenty of that sought-after oomph.
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PS: For all my mommas, Amelia, the owner of New Old Fashion Vintage, is also a third generation shoe maker! She and her sister make vintage-inspired leather shoes for children of all ages at Zimmerman Shoes, so if your peanut needs a new pair, check them out.
Let's discuss: what was the last look that you played with different proportions? Inspire us!
PS: If you'd like more dress layering ideas, go on and read:
- Solved: How to Wear Embroidery Dresses When It's Cold
- A Dress Layering Trick You Haven't Though Of
- This Is How to Take Dress Layering to the Next Level
