Versatile Dresses

Sunday 5th August 2012

My biggest love is dresses that I can wear year round and have a slight vintage feel to them. This way they don't date and  new accessories can update the look instantly. However, with all the seasonal brights and shapes, for example maxi’s, midi’s, train hems ect around for summer, a year round dress is a surprisingly rare find.

These are two I bought recently. The first is from the River Island sale. It comes in cream and a few pastel shades too, but I picked navy blue. For a summer and a slightly nautical vibe, go for nude wedges, red nails and some retro looking sunglasses. Go classic for a night out with nude or black peep toes or in winter, I can’t think of a coat or jacket that it wouldn’t look good under. I’ll be wearing mine with a leather jacket in autumn and a khaki or black, long military style coat when the cold sets in. Plus, adding different coloured belt such as leopard print or a contrasting oxblood will breathe new life into your outfit. The A line is super flattering and a failsafe for any occasion, especially for pair shaped or curvy girls wanting to show off their waist. Skinny girls, never fear, it will show off your assets just as well!

The second looks very plain. So much so that it failed the ‘man test’ and got the response, ‘it’s so plain’ from my boyfriend. However, this is the man who failed to understand why an old t-shirt of mine had zebras on it (because I wanted zebras on it!) so we can’t take that too much to heart. But yes, it is plain and it is incredibly casual, but that’s what sold it to me. It’s also available in navy, bottle green and a maroon colour. I was hugely tempted by the green, but decided that black would be easier to accessorise with. I was doing voluntary work in a classroom, so wore it with a black belt, black tights and lace up, kitten heel brogues and a cardigan. To go out later that afternoon, because it was warm and one of our rare days of summer, I paired it with a light coloured denim jacket, a black and gold waist belt, vintage looking scarf and snake print moccasins from Primark. And a huge pair of sunglasses to finish it off.

For versatile florals, go for tea dresses or dresses with vintage look detailing so that it will never date. Darker colours and smaller prints are always more flattering and easier to transition from your summer wardrobe to your winter and vise versa. Edge up pretty florals with statement jewellery, rock n roll ankle boots or bold make up like a smoky eye or bright lips.

Here's a couple I really like. 

Crimson. X

Boohoo.com - £20

Topshop - £35

Fearne Cotton for Very.co.uk - £39

Urban Outfitters - £52

Triple S - £24.95 (Price Online Exclusive.)