When was the last time you bought a dress and wore it more than once? Especially a dress for a certain event?
There’s something about shopping at more affordable stores like Forever 21 that make me feel like I have this endless bank account and I can just get a new outfit for every event. Just me? But a lot of the times I find myself wearing it once-even more so now since I’m constantly trying to create new outfits for the blog. Those $25 and under items add up pretty quickly!
After much thought, I decided that I needed to really invest in pieces that I could see myself wearing multiple ways. Even if they’re from Forever 21. I’m really focused on building up a wardrobe that I truly love instead of just having a lot of clothes. And boy did I learn that the hard way-a.k.a spending most mornings crying “I don’t have anything to wear” while staring at a closet full of clothes.
The ultimate test? Trying to find ways to style a particular item before I buy it. Sometimes it will be easier than others, but I do think that doing this prior will alleviate a lot of those buyer remorse problems us shopaholics tend to have *wink*. My first test was this beautiful nude turtleneck midi dress from Bellarte Clothing! At first glance I thought to myself “how the heck am I going to wear this multiple times?!” but after letting myself actually think about it it became pretty clear. So today, I decided to share how to wear one dress three ways!
First up is the office look. This look is perfect for the office because of three things; the turtleneck, length, and the fit. The turtleneck gives off a very stylish yet conservative look. Those days of turtlenecks being “nerdy” (sorry, Steve Jobs) and unfashionable are long gone!
The length is very important for the workplace. The midi length is great because it hits below the knee so it keeps the look professional which is always a good thing. Your image at work is extremely important. You want to make sure that you’re always looked at as professional and stylish.
Now the fit is great because it hugs your body in all the right places, which I love! Fitted clothing at work (in my opinion) gives a more clean appearance and makes you look like you got your ish together-even if you don’t. I added this olive green blazer for a more sophisticated look (even better if you can’t go sleeveless) and threw on these faux snakeskin printed pumps!
The second look is all about being comfortable. I love being able to wear sneakers with dresses and skirts. Something about the combination makes it feel instantly stylish. I added this plaid shirt around my waist for some character and I love how the grunge look blends with the sleek and sexy look. This is a great weekend outfit because you get to be super comfortable and still look very chic. That’s what I’m talking about!
They say three times a charm, right? Well this is such an effortless look yet probably my favorite one. This look is perfect for an evening out with your girlfriends or a hot night out with your boo. Either way-you’re bound to turn heads. I wanted this look to be edgy so I opted for the black moto jacket. You already know how I feel about this piece. It NEVER disappoints!
Caged heels are very popular right now and I can see why. They just add that extra oomph that you’re outfit needs. These babies are from H&M and I love how they look and feel. Lace up heels are also another great shoe to pair with this look. Note to self: Get a pair! The final touch is all about the lip color. That’s really what pulls the look together (that and messy hair *laughs*). It’s classic, sexy, and edgy all in one! But if red isn’t your cup of tea then opt for any bold lippie for that pop!
See how easy that was? Needless to say-this is a great dress to have!
Let me know if you enjoyed this type of post and if you would like to see more of them!
xo
Shop This Look
**Use code: lovegreyskies on Bellarte Clothing for 20% off!**
Work/Office Look
Dress c/o|Bellarte Clothing Blazer|Forever 21 (similar here or here) Shoes|Aldo (Sale!)
Casual Look
Dress c/o|Bellarte Clothing Plaid Shirt|Cotton On (similar here or here) Shoes|Converse
Night Out Look
Dress c/o|Bellarte Clothing Jacket|H&M Shoes|H&M (similar here or here) Lipstick|MAC
