Dressing up the sundress
What girl doesn’t love a great sundress? They’re fun, flirty, comfortable and incredibly easy to dress either up or down. They’re available in many styles, patterns and fabrics, making it easy for any body type to wear.
When taking all this into consideration it’s easy to see why a great sundress is a staple in the summer wardrobe of many “fashionistas.” Sundresses are lightweight and delicate, and their airy quality makes them perfect for hot summer days but not so much for the frigid temperatures of fall and winter – a dilemma I’m sure we’ve all faced at one time or another.
During the last few seasons the runways have been flirting with both 1940s and 1950s silhouettes, colors and details. This fall is no exception. The “tea dress,” as it was dubbed by many in the fashion industry, made an appearance at several shows including Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton and Azzaro.
These vintage-inspired dresses have nipped waists, fun patterns and flirty skirts. They have a playful, yet sophisticated, aesthetic and look great on any body type. Think of it as a sundress with a twist. The best part? Wearing them throughout the fall is easier than you might think. Because they’re a little more tailored than the average sundress, its easier to dress them up and wear them with layers – maximizing their wear time.
Here are some ways to make your favorite sundress, or “tea dress,” wearable through the chilly autumn months.
1. Say goodbye to bare legs and add a fun pair of colored tights. Experiment with colors, textures and patterns to show your personal style. Pairing a lightweight dress with ribbed tights is a great way to stay warm and add visual interest to an outfit. When using patterns make sure you keep them small and simple. Pairing small pinstripes or a polka-dot pattern is a great alternative for a dress that has a prominent pattern.
2. Pair it with a cute cardigan. Keep in mind that if your dress has a pattern, you should keep the cardigan simple, and vice versa. Add a little interest with a vintage brooch or a plain skinny belt worn at the waist in a contrasting color.
3. A chunky sweater can also be a great alternative to a cardigan. It will create a more relaxed look. Pair it with some flats or even leggings. Add a long necklace to elongate your torso and avoid looking too bulky up top.
4. Extra chilly weather? Add a cropped jacket or a fitted blazer over your cardigan or sweater. Peplum jackets made a comeback this season and look great paired with a flirty dress. Look for these cute 1950s-inspired jackets in simple patterns or bold colors. Deep, gem-tone hues are back (teals, deep purples and royal blues). Keep the jacket simple and stick to one pattern or color. This will help keep the outfit looking uniform, regardless of how many layers you’re wearing.
5. Pairing a dress with boots is also a great way to stay warm. Avoid chunky heels and boots that are too heavy duty, as this will clash with the delicateness of the dress and make your legs look shorter. Instead try a sleek pair of knee-high boots with few buckles and details. Think simple.
Just because the weather is less than sunny doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your favorite dress. Get creative and add a few layers and fun accessories, such as scarves, hats and gloves. Not only will it extend the wear-ability of your dress, it will also keep you nice and toasty!
– Jimena Herrero is a Liberal Arts Major minoring in Journalism. She attended ABM in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and majored in fashion design. Her column runs once a month. Comments or suggestions on how she can keep you trendy? E-mail her at jimena.h@aggiemail.usu.edu