Styling Dresses

I haven't always been a fan of wearing dresses. I remember when I was a little girl, my mom would dress me in the frilliest of dresses and I just wasn't having it. I was also a massive tomboy, so that might explain why that was the case.

Now that I am older and have an idea of what silhouettes look flattering on my body, I have grown to become more fond of dresses. Though dresses may be perceived as being high-maintenance, depending on the fit and type of dress you buy, it can in fact be quite low-maintenance, and is a way to look put-together even though you just threw it on- no pre-planning required.

I have acquired quite the collection of dresses, but I have attempted to include a variety of dresses for different seasons along with the items I typically pair with them. Whether it is a classic little black dress, a form-fitting dress or the flowiest of dresses- they are all included. No discrimination here.

Exhibit A of what I mentioned above.... I guess it could have been worse, I could have been covered head to toe in knitwear looking like little bo-peep. Oh wait, that happened.... I am also painstacklingly aware that I highly resemble Buddha himself...Refer to next picture.

The Little Black Dress (LBD) 1/2

I never used to understand the hype of LBD's because when I was younger my style gravitated towards items that were very colourful and busy. I wanted the latest and greatest, and this just didn't fall into that camp. I also did not really know how to shop for my body-shape. As I got older, my appreciation for simplicity skyrocketed. I grew to learn that sometimes the most simple looking pieces can be extremely flattering and timeless looking.

This is one of my go-to LBD's, I have two that have never let me down. This one on a clothing rack looks super plain on its own, but when paired with the right accessories looks super chic! In this case, I paired it with a silk polka-dot neck scarf, my trustee hat and some lace-up flats.

The Little Black Dress (LBD) 2/2

I couldn't find a solo picture of my second LBD, so shout out to Aaron who is looking super dapper here- talk about upstaging eh. I wore this to a New Years Party a couple of years ago, and it can also be a good dress to wear to an interview or wedding. I personally really like the structure of this dress because it is very form-fitting and can be very flattering with a nice pair of heels. I paired it with a statement necklace and some burgundy heels that you will be able to see better in other pictures. I suspect it would also look stellar with some nude pumps, but I do not dare to walk in pumps.

My Take on a Cocktail Dress

I have never really been a cocktail dress kinda gal, its just not my thing. But I find that this is my take on a "cocktail dress".

What's interesting about this dress is it is very boxy in fit, but it also shows a bit of skin. I originally purchased it because I bought into the whole trend where the fabric connects at your neck look. I personally liked that trend, as it gives the dress a bit more structure and doesn't look like I am wearing an oversized boxy T-Shirt. I am also very fond of the colour grey. I paired it with a nice watch and the same burgundy heels as the last picture, and some very sassy sunglasses. I decided to not wear a necklace, but I suspect that some statement earrings would really elevate this look.

The Bohemian Summer Dress

I love how flowy this dress is. I wear it on days where I am planning on eating too much. Also I feel like if I were to describe my style in one word it would embody the word bohemian. Again, this is a looser fitting dress but it does expose a fair bit of your neckline so your collar bone is able to peek through, making it appear more feminine. Since there is already a bit of detailing with the tie at the front, I decided to pair it with a plain black choker and a beige summer hat. I also like how the colours of my hat matches my espadrilles.

*Also coffee will always elevate an outfit, just not when its on you*

The Floral Summer Dress

I used to have quite the selection of floral summer dresses until I realized I wore about 2 max. My go-to one is a red flowy dress that I don't seem to have photographed for some odd reason. But the one that is pictured happens to be the style I go for and that I find most flattering. Thin straps, flowy and cuts off right before the knee. I paired this dress with a beige summer hat, nude flats, white earrings and a loose-fitting cardigan thing (wow I am great at describing things eh). I think it is perfect for summer days when you want to wear as minimal clothing as possible with subtle modesty.

Winter Formal Dresses

One thing you will consistently notice about me, is my love for white, black, grey and lace. If you put those things together- game over. I like that this dress is form fitting but is also pretty covered at the same time. If you had a formal to attend or a wedding in the colder seasons, this would be a go-to. Again, I paired it with those burgundy heels because those are legitimately the only heels I can walk in, even that is arguable. I also am wearing pearl earrings and a red lipstick. I reckon a sleek ponytail or putting your hair in a bun would really elevate this look.

This grey dress is interesting because it is versatile, as you can wear it as a pencil skirt with a sweater on top if it is really cold. It also looks good on its own. I paired it with some plain black heels and a nice watch. If you ever want to make a statement, pair it with a nice neck tie. Potential side effects include- looking like a flight attendant.

Casual Dresses

The following dresses are aimed to be more casual looking, but you can no-doubt dress them up if you really wanted to. This black bodycon dress is paired with a flannel tied around my waist and black boots. It is so very Toronto in my opinion. If you want to know what most girls wear in Toronto in the autumn, you already know they are pulling out their flannels and crop tops. This is my take on a more youthful look.

This is the same black bodycon dress just paired with a jean jacket and patent loafers. I like taking really form fitting outfits and pairing them with an oversized or boxy outerwear layer. I think it adds more dimension to the look. I also like how I would never pair these loafers with this look, but I did so anyway and actually really liked how it looked. I have also worn converse sneakers with this look and it gives it a different look.

Finally we have the dungarees inspired dress. I find dungarees to be so nostalgic as I used to wear all sorts of variations of them as a kid. That and corduroy pants- but I am okay with leaving corduroy pants as a thing of the past, that does not bother me. I have yet to find a pants version of dungarees but I really like the dress version nonetheless. That paired with a cool band tee or nautical striped top underneath looks dope, in my opinion. I paired it with a watch, my go-to black hat and sneakers, in this case converse. I actually have tried variations of accessories with this outfit and I like it best with a plain black baseball cap.

Those floral dungarees though, and matching hat combo... what a pairing. Also not even remotely interested in meeting Santa whatsoever. The sass is so real.