Two Ways: TopShop Green Shift Dress

May 22, 2012

 

Dress: Colour Shift Dress (Topshop, $60)

From Left, Scarves: DvF Eaden Scarf ($145) Bracelet: Tahari Stretch Bangle ($65) Bag: Warehouse Bowling Bag ($79) Shoes: Kate Spade Elina Flat ($225)

From Right, Necklace: Ruby Kats Pavo Pendant ($155) Bag: Wooden Clutch ($198) Shoes: Dolce Vita Camila Sandal ($179) Sunglasses: Tom Ford Sunnies ($384) Ring: Jules Smith Talon Ring ($85)

Polyvore Set Here.

For Casual Friday.  In some workplaces, bare arms are considered as controversial as exposed midriff.  However, in my workplace, they’re fine.  If you need to cover up, you could try a white blazer in a long relaxed cut or a cropped cardigan.

I wanted all of the looks for this week to be really easy.  Because I don’t know about you, but when recess rolls around, the extra half hour of sleep gained by not having to really think about what I’m wearing becomes very important.  So this outfit is a simple combination of shift dress, light scarf and coordinating accessories.

The fun part of this outfit comes from the mixing of colors.  Coral and aqua look great together, and when you add in a cognac bag (loved it so much last week, I had to bring it back again) and gold accents, you get a fun summer ensemble.

For the hair, I would wear it down and wavy but you could also choose a sock bun.  (Tutorial and advice, here.)  For the makeup, I would keep the makeup neutral with a bit of lip gloss and a light application of bronzer.  I also would keep my fingernails bare or a pale shade.  Sometimes nails clash with an outfit so badly, you wish the wearer had just left them naked.

For Friday Cocktails.  Occasionally, if I head to the bar on Friday night, I like to go home and change first.  It just feels more festive.  Plus, it’s a great way to mentally break from the work week and start the weekend.  I always have more fun when I do that.

This outfit is great for dinner out, cocktails with the girls or even a casual wedding.  To spice up the dress, I added a long pendant in a coordinating color palette.  I also added a ring to go with it instead of bracelets.  The clutch is just so cool, I’m having trouble resisting the impulse to purchase it.  And the cat-eye sunnies add to the light-vintage feel of the shift dress.

For the makeup, I would wear a bright lip color and slightly winged eyeliner.  I’d also invest in a spray tan (if you like the at home version, Miss M swears by St. Tropez mousse). And for the hair, I would either go stick straight or wavy half-up/half-down teased a bit at the crown for height.

Three Ways

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  1. Allison says:

    Belle,

    There are now Wedding Uggs.

    https://www.uggaustralia.com/i-do-wedding-shoe-collection/the-i-do-collection,default,sc.html?icid=ft_wedding

    I need someone to mourn for humanity with me.

  2. LT says:

    How does a proportional hourglass shape not get swamped in a shift like that? I think that shape is darling, and I wish I could wear it, but it always ends up looking like a sack. A belt seems like it would ruin the lines and create weird gathering at the waist. Anyway — curious about your thoughts on this one since I see fashion blogs recommending shifts all the time. Can a tailor create more of a waist?

  3. Belle says:

    LT: Hmmm, I think a belt could be problematic because you'll wind up with bunched fabric. A tailor could make it a better shape for you. But a shift is, essentially, a sack. And I'm not sure that will enhance your best features. Though I have seen women with hourglass shapes wear tunic dresses with belts and it looks nice, so it might be worth a try.

  4. Amanda says:

    My cubicle neighbor has the Kate Spade flats (hers have a bright coral/pink toe) and they are adorable! She reports they are very comfortable as well.

  5. K says:

    Can you provide a visual example of how you would wear that scarf with the shift dress? I love the idea of adding a scarf to jazz up a simple dress but I don't know how to wear it without looking like I'm trying to bundle for winter (even with a light scarf)!

  6. K says:

    Thanks, Belle! That helps a lot. May try out the look tomorrow for work!

    And Allison- God help us!

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