Although Coco Channel was right when she said, “Every woman needs a little black dress,” we can spice that up by saying this: every woman needs a dress, period, because there’s just something magical about dresses. Dresses are a blank canvas for unhinged stylistic creativity, and as we can all agree, a well-styled dress exudes elegance.
That said, every dress has its time and place. So, it is important to understand when to dress up and when to dress down a little. We don’t want you showing up to a casual brunch date with friends in a ball gown, do we? This guide will offer six tips to ensure you always dress to impress.
Choose the Right Fabric for the Occasion
Fabric can make or break your outfit. What would you wear if you were going out to grab coffee with the girlies? You would need something comfortable, easy to wear, and breathable, right? Fabrics like cotton or linen make walking around and running errands easier, and they typically give off a relaxed vibe.
- Meanwhile, if you receive an invite to a formal event, say a wedding or an evening gala.
- You will need a more sophisticated look.
- You can achieve such a look by going for luxurious fabrics, such as silk or velvet, as they elevate the look.
- For example, wearing a velvet dress paired with heels and dangling diamond earrings immediately gives off rich and classy vibes.
Play with Color
What’s the first thing you notice when someone walks into a room? Most people will hyper-focus on the color of your dress, so if you need to make a statement, pick your colors wisely.
Classic neutrals like black, navy, or beige are always a perfect go-to for any occasion. But there is no harm in going bald; vibrant colors like yellows can express your personality and mood. For example, a bold red dress is a statement piece at a cocktail party, while a floral dress adds a playful touch to a daytime event.
White, on the other hand, has always been a safe and versatile choice because it seamlessly pairs well with any accessory, from gold jewelry to colorful scarves. A white shirt dress paired with a black blazer is perfect for a professional meeting, while a flowing white maxi dress paired with sandals works well for an afternoon picnic.
You can never go wrong with a white dress, and if you are looking to add to your wardrobe staples, shop for white dresses online to find high-quality pieces in a range of styles that complement both casual and formal occasions elegantly.
Create Day-to-Night Looks with Simple Accessories
One of the best things about dresses is that they are the chameleons of the fashion industry. Here’s what that means.?
You see, you can transition from a day look to an evening look with the same dress with only a few key adjustments. For daytime, you can pair the dress with flat sandals, sunglasses, a crossbody bag, and minimal jewelry, which gives off a casual vibe. Meanwhile, as the night approaches, you can ditch these accessories for statement pieces. Go for bold jewelry, high heels, and a sleek clutch.
A pair of strappy heels and a delicate diamond necklace can transform a daytime dress into an evening look within seconds. Even a small change, such as adding a belt to cinch the waist of a dress, can make all the difference.
Layering for Seasonal Transitions
You don’t always have to clean your closet as the seasons change. You can still rock your midi dress in the winter; you have to be smart about how you layer it.
For example, you can wear a summer dress in the cooler months by simply adding a jacket, sweater, or scarf. You can rock a summer dress with a leather jacket for a more edgy look or pair a shirt dress with a chunky sweater for a preppy look.
In fall or winter, you could pair your midi dress with knee-high boots, and don’t be shy to try out a bold color like red and a trench coat to stay warm.
Dress for Your Body Type
A dress should enhance your natural shape, not fight against it. Yes, we did insist that you dress according to the occasion, but always choose cuts and styles that flatter your body type.
A dress that looks good on a pear-shaped lady might not look as good on an apple-shaped lady. That is why it is important to understand our body type and what works for it.
If pear-shaped, choose dresses that accentuate your waist and have an A-line silhouette. For petite girls, dresses with vertical lines help to elongate your frame, while tall women can embrace maxi dresses to complement their height.
Conclusion
A well-styled dress will boost your confidence and make you look put together. So, the next time you choose a dress, remember these tips to ensure you always dress to impress, no matter the occasion.