Ever looked at a model wearing an item of clothing that appeals to you and dismissed the purchase out of hand? Yep, me too. Well, I’m here to tell you that you SHOULD get into that change room and give the object of your desire a try. You may not look like the model (I don’t, I’m a size 14), but you never know, it just may look right for you.
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of the dress as a busy woman’s go-to wardrobe item.
Nothing beats it. It’s one garment. One thing to have to worry about in the morning … well except for your shoes, bag and other accessories … but you get the picture.
With a dress as your core outfit piece, you don’t need to worry about coordinating say a skirt and top or pants and top. It’s done for you.
Yet, it amazes me that when I work with clients, more often than not they will tell me they don’t wear dresses. The main reason they cite is the inability to find dresses to suit them.
Now, I’ll admit, it can take a bit more work. Most of us are a different size on top than around our hips and tummy. This makes some tailored and structured styles unsuitable. For example, your hips may be the widest part of your body, so you buy a dress to fit them, only to discover that there’s a whole lot of hot air where your boobies should be.
The way around this is to look for shape in a dress’ design, shape without structure. This is something that Queensland label, Verily, does so well.
I’ve posted before about designer Leonie MacLeod’s skill in creating great lifestyle clothes that not only look great but also make you feel incredibly good when you wear them.
This season is no exception.
I’m obsessed about all things nautical (yes, I know, AGAIN!) this spring-summer and when I spied these two dresses I immediately imagined myself sipping champagne on the French Riviera. I haven’t quite made it to the Mediterranean to show them off as yet but I have worn by the water here on the Sunshine Coast. While drinking sauv blanc. That counts, doesn’t it?
Here is the model and the mannequin:
And here is me:
Each dress is made from a stretch fabric – a mix of viscose and spandex in the maxi and viscose, spandex and polyester in the shift. The cut on each works so that the designs drape without clinging.
The red shift dress is a lighter fabric and I’m wearing a Nearly Nude slip underneath to minimise lumps and bumps. The fabric in the striped maxi is a heavier viscose mix and I only need to wear seamless undies. Win.
Let’s talk about the red dress. It’s a more relaxed take on a shift dress. I’m wearing it with heels here but it works just as well with flat sandals for dress down or kitten heels for work. It comes with a thin fabric belt or the wide belt I’m wearing. I love that there are no belt loops and you can wear either belt to suit where it works best for you. For me that’s on the hips. As, I mentioned before, I have a short waist and if I put a wide belt on my waist it makes me look like a squeezed sausage.
Not to be out-done, the navy and white maxi dress has already been on high wardrobe rotation. I’ve worn it with flats, platform shoes and espadrille wedges. Maxis have a style edge that can’t be matched for relaxed, summer elegance. And if I want to dress it up, it’s as simple as adding a white jacket. The cut of this one and the clever use of stripes create the illusion of a slimmer shape. Proof that horizontal stripes are not necessarily a wardrobe no-no.
Oh, I nearly forgot … both dresses don’t require ironing. Simply put in a lingerie bag in the wash, hang to dry and you’re good to go.
Are you are dress girl in summer? Have you got on board the maxi dress train yet? Love a nautical look? Want to join me on the Riviera?
News just in: Designer Leonie MacLeod has taken $20 off the price of each of these dresses for readers buying through her online store.
* These dresses were gifted to me for editorial consideration in accordance with my disclosure policy.
Comments 36
Oooooh, I love the red dress. Hot hot hot. Is that your balcony? I’ve seen you there before. Gorgeous views on the balcony and off;) x A
Author
I wish it were my balcony – Annabel. We were lucky enough to stay at the new Hilton Surfers Paradise recently and I took advantage of the location to do a number of Model and Me photos!
I love the idea of wearing dresses especially in summer but I try on a few and am disappointed in how they look. I’m off to check out the website. The Verily Maxi looks fabulous.
Author
Have fun – Leonie’s now posted a special for Styling You readers.
Oh how I wish I could wear a dress! It would make life so much easier.
Author
Everyone can wear a dress, Kelley – we just need to find the right one 😉
nah… not with THIS belly! Unless I want to look like a box or pregnant.
Love Verily’s clothes they really ARE made for real women, and so flattering. Look great on you, really stylish – I’ve got a few of Verily’s range now, and I’m a fan. Comfy too… I agree red and navy and white too, look great on blondes
Author
Ah, I love meeting another Verily fan!
Ok – so I love the striped maxi dress, but I hate this loose funny bit of skin/flesh by my armpits. So to wear this dress and feel comfortable I would need some kind of light shrug or something. Any suggestions?!!
Author
Hi Kelly, Leonie the designer here actually does a shrug that would work; as would a light summer 3/4 or 1/2 sleeve jacket.
Ooh excellent – going to check them out online now!
Hi Nikki,
Inspiring as usual – thanks for keeping us dags on our toes 😉 I wanted to mention that hubby and I had a grown-up weekend in Sydney. Lunch at Icebergs followed by The Merry Widow at the Opera House. Thanks to you sorting out my wardrobe and me earlier this year, both outfits were put together using your recommended pieces and accessories. For the first time in ages no last minute rush to get together a look as your pieces were timeless and classic. I really did feel like a grown up 😉 I just finished reading Almost French by Sarah Turnbull where her story of almost becoming French resonates with your advice about a few great pieces worn well is best so I had two voices in the back of my mind reminding me of what to wear. Thanks for your help and thanks for your useful sound bites which are appreciatively read and always timely 🙂 Wendy
Author
Hi Wendy – what a fun weekend! And long deserved. So glad that you had your outfits at the ready so you could enjoy yourself even more!
Nikki, you look bloody divine as usual.
And godDAMN you make me want to wear dresses. I’ll get there XO
Author
Mwahh. And yes, I will get you in a dress before summer is out 😉
Hey Nikki, I have a ‘Styling-You-Sale’ on these dresses for your readers who want to copy your great style! Regards Leonie
Author
Awesome, thanks so much Leonie!
I do! I do want to join you on the Riviera!
Me too XO
Author
Couldn’t think of two people I’d most like to take with me 😉
Oooh I’m blonde. I might start wearing red. It looks damn fabulous! A-M xx
Author
I love wearing red – when I worked in an office I’d always wear it on the days when I needed a little boost or had a meeting that included all men.
Your balcony has stolen the show! 😀
Author
Now, I wish I had that as a back drop every week!
Oooh I love a bit of nautical too. Both dresses are lovely, I haven’t heard of this brand so off to check them out!
Author
It’s based here on the Sunshine Coast but sold online and in selected boutiques. Enjoy!
As usual – gorgeous!
I’m just a little love with the Verily brand. Every time an email comes through my in box I click on the site and lust after the new items. I love also that she does sales… for the budget conscious mumma. 🙂
Author
So glad you’re now a fan!
Im SUCH a dress girl! (all year round). I’m with yoU, they are so flattering when you find the right ones. Witchery always do great little summer shifts, and of course I can never go past a Sacha Drake dress, I LIVE in the wrap dresses in winter and will not take off her maxis in summer. Go the frock!! Xx
Author
We need to form The Frock Club!
I do love those dresses Nikki but always worry about sleeveless as I’m not happy with my arms. I guess a short sleeved cardi would be okay? You look fabulous by the way and yes, I’ll join you on the Riviera!
Anne xx
A short-sleeved cardi definitely works and the designer of this label has also created a shrug that works as well. Another look with the maxi is to layer over the top a loose open knit (Sussan have some).