I automatically gravitate towards jeans when I’m getting dressed in the morning – and if it wasn’t for the surgery this probably wouldn’t have changed. But I’m discovering that it’s possible to be just as warm and comfortable in dresses – if not more so. And to wean myself off my denim habit, I thought I could write about a ‘dress-centred’ outfit every Wednesday on this blog.
So for now, on Way of the Dress Wednesdays, there is an official NO JEANS allowed rule – the Way of the Dress has spoken! Today, I thought I’d ease myself in gently. This dress from Hush Homewear is one which I think would actually work quite well with skinnies, if you aren’t quite ready to give them up (or in the likely event that you don’t have denim-averse screws in your pelvis – pah).
Michelle Dress in claret – £55, Hush Homewear
I know, it looks unflattering and tent-like in that picture. But bear with me. The model in the Hush catalogue manages to make it look like this:
I too spend all my life wafting around in short sleeves, gloves and a beanie hat..
Even if (like me) you aren’t blonde and model-like, take heart. The beauty of this dress is its versatility. I’ll be wearing it all winter. It looks great with a boyfriend cardigan over the top, but it also looks great layered up with long-sleeved tee shirts underneath. This stripy blush-toned one from J Crew would be perfect:
St James Galathee Tee – £73.93, J Crew
This dress also looks cute loosely pulled in with a skinny belt. I like this one from anthropologie:
Skinny Shimmered Belt, £28, anthropologie
Just add some thick wool tights (maybe with a cable pattern) and some ankle boots like these:
Melanie Jane boots – £59.99, Clarks
The dip in the rim at the front of these boots is important because it’s so flattering – it works like an optical illusion to make your legs look longer, and who doesn’t want that! They have a manageable heel, work with dresses of all lengths, jeans (cough, sorry) and skirts and I think they’re really good value.
So what do you think? I would love to hear about any dresses currently in the shops that you’ve fallen in love with – please comment and let me know!
avenue57
/ October 3, 2012I find when I wear a dress all day I don’t have that ‘get these clothes off me NOW’ feeling that I get when wearing jeans/trousers … and for that reason alone I love wearing dresses!
Ash
/ October 4, 2012Love that Hush dress – I find those shirt-dress type styles really flattering. x
hipoptimist
/ October 8, 2012It is indeed a gorgeous dress – and so versatile! I don’t have any other shirt-type dress, but I might keep my eyes peeled for others so if you have any suggestions, let me know!
dillytante
/ October 6, 2012I love Hush, but I do feel you have to be tall, skinny and beautiful in order to not look like you were going out in your pyjamas.
hipoptimist
/ October 8, 2012So true! It is gorgeous – and totally aspirational. In my mind’s eye, I can see myself looking exactly like the models in the catalogue. If I looked like that, I don’t think I’d care if people thought I was out in my PJ’s! In reality, I think the trick is to mix it with less obviously loungewear-y things. I am still working on it to be honest…