Ask the Edit: The Friday Dress

It’s Friday, Let’s talk about dresses for Fridays both casual and semi-casual.  Because dresses just make the end of the week easier.

Abra,

Do you have any suggestions for casual Friday dresses in the affordable range? This would be an awesome post from my perspective – what working ladies don’t want your input on easy dressing on Fridays that easily fades from office to happy hour, that feels easy and comfy, etc? I want to look sophisticated but dress affordably. I’ve been looking around a bit online, but am not finding much. Huge points for: items that comply with a conservative dress code (sleeves) and machine washable materials.

Thanks for considering this post of my dreams! I think the “Friday dress” should be a thing…  -KK

By the time Friday rolls around, I want to think about my wardrobe as little as possible.  Just give me a dress and let me stop thinking about it.  So let’s find some under-$150 dresses that fit into that category.

Wrap Dresses. My favorite Friday dress choice is a wrap.  Desk-to-dinner is achieved with a cool pair of earrings and a fun shoe.  You can make a wrap more casual with a scarf and simple flats.

This Leota Jersey Faux Wrap is the basic black dress that every woman should have in her closet.  For a plus-size version, try this Karen Kane version.  This classic style is the best place to start.

If you have the basics, try a print.  This short-sleeve, geometric-print Anthropologie dress is everything I need for spring (also in petites).  I normally wouldn’t include DvF dresses in an “affordable” post, but they’re having a big sale right now so let’s call it “more affordable.”  This chain print wrap can be washed cold-delicate cycle.  I also like this floral wrap from INC and this dotted Lucky Brand dress ($59).

Shift Dresses. The ease of a shift dress cannot be overstated.  The relaxed style is professional, but comfortable.  Boden makes a selection of machine washable shift dresses.  This puff sleeve dress from Ann Taylor is kind of fun. For something more relaxed, this floral print Vero sheath is nice.

Plus-size?  I absolutely love this Adrianna Papell button sleeve shift.

The Relaxed Sheath.  Some Fridays you just don’t get to choose a more relaxed dress — you have a meeting, your boss doesn’t believe in casual, etc..  On these days, you need a dress that can do double duty.  You can wear it under a blazer, then lose the blazer for later.

This Marks & Spencer sheath has a simple, classic shape that works for any day.  It’s also machine washable.  This Dorothy Perkins sheath has a fun tie on the sleeves.  This Adrianna Papell long sleeve sheath is the kind of dress you could wear in any season.  Plus-size? This two-tone short-sleeve sheath is a lot of fun.

Dressing it Down.  As for how to dress down a professional dress, it starts with the shoes.  A simple flat goes a long way. These Sam Edelman d’Orsay flats are some of my favorites.  For a hint of metallic, these Bella Vita flats are a nice option.

Adding a scarf is another good option.  This $29 leopard scarf and this graphic heart print are both nice.  If scarves aren’t your thing, a long necklace can add a bit of zest to an outfit.  This long Kendra Scott necklace with an oversize crystal is nice, and this $13 beaded necklace is simple and pretty.

Another option?  A long, chunky, oversized cardigan.  This Aqua Shawl Cardi and Matty M cardigan both fit the bill.

So what are your favorite Friday dresses?

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