Girl Next Door / January 2012 / Wardrobe Essentials: Dresses

Jan 27, 201202:47 PMGirl Next Door

Wardrobe Essentials: Dresses

 

I feel like at this time of the year, I should be giving you advice on reinventing yourself, tips on what to wear to your newly-joined gym and telling you how to streamline your wardrobe. I don't know what it is about January that gives people the insatiable urge to throw clothes away and spring clean their wardrobe, but I'm really sorry if you came here looking for tips on how to do that. When it comes to cleaning out my wardrobe, I suck. I could tell you all about how other people say you should do it, but I definitely don't feel okay with giving you advice that I definitely cannot take! You see, when it comes to clothes, I am definitely a hoarder. But in my defence, I have good reasons for this. I have lost count of the number of times in which I have thrown something away only to find that I want it again a few weeks/months/years later. So now I am decidedly picky about what I do and don't throw away. You just can't be too careful!

So instead of telling you what to get rid of, over the next few weeks I will be going through the pieces that every wardrobe needs. Some of these you might have, some of them you may not have. You don't have to buy them all, but I believe these additions are a good foundation for an easy wardrobe. And by an easy wardrobe, I mean one in which everything goes together while avoiding 'I have nothing to wear' syndrome. You can definitely get by with only these items in your arsenal, as my plan is to chose pieces which will all co-ordinate well, but as I've said, these don't have to be the only things in your wardrobe. A small, organised wardrobe may be a happy wardrobe, but for me, I like a wardrobe busting with colour and print and fun. Most of these items are quite basic, so you might want to mix and match for different colours and prints, or have fun with accessories. The choice is entirely yours.

This week, we're looking at dresses.

 

I can hear an almost audible sigh from roughly half of you who declare yourself as “just not dress women”. I know, I've heard it all before. I love a good pantsuit and agree that sometimes it can really steal the limelight at a party full of dresses, but there is something wonderful about a dress. First of all, it's easy- dress plus shoes equals outfit. Minimal co-ordination. Second of all, a dress is a one-stop shop to feeling feminine, and sometimes, just like Shania Twain, we want to feel like a woman. Now we all know about the classic LBD, but what other dresses are there you absolutely need to own? Believe me, there are lots, but with these dresses in your arsenal, you'll be ready for any job interview, last-minute party invite or formal dinner. Promise.

 

1. Classic (or not-so-classic) LBD

   The LBD can mean whatever you want it to mean. Finding the perfect LBD is like finding a husband- it usually only happens when you're not looking and its often not what you expected. The LBD is often seen to be a bit, well, boring. I mean, it's just a black dress, right? No no no! These days you can have any kind of LBD you like and it will always be just right. Love your arms? Go strapless. Love your chest? Go plunging. Love your curves? Go bodycon. Chose any fabric and style and length you want, but just make sure you have an least one LBD in your wardrobe for last-minute events.

2. A long evening gown

   Now, there aren't always many occasions for a long evening gown, so I would advise you not to spend too much money on one, and pick something in quite a classic style and colour. I would advise against black though. Jewel tones- reds, purples and emeralds, are always gorgeous and really stand out. Check out little boutiques for something a bit different.

3. A short prom dress

   Like the LBD, this can mean whatever you want, but is something a bit short and a bit cute for events like weddings and parties. It has to be a little bit OTT, minimal sleeves (strapless is always cute!) and preferably in a fun colour or print.

4. A pretty day dress

   Some mornings you just want to feel a bit pretty, and here's where the day dress comes in. You can pick from thousands of colours and styles, but you can go wrong with a floral tea dress or wrap dress. Pick something bright or patterned to brighten up a grey day.

5. Tunic/shirt dress

   Just something easy to throw on with a pair of leggings but still feel good. Jersey is a good fabric, as is cotton. Pick something that is a little bit interesting- preferably printed- so you can just wear it with plain black leggings. Check and denim shirt dresses have been popular for a few seasons now and have a fresh edge. For maximum style points steal a shirt from your man and belt for definition.

6. A smart, office dress

   When I think of this, I immediately imagine something grey with cap sleeves, very fitted with a pencil skirt. Something you could wear to a job interview and feel like you could take over the world. Choose good-quality fabric and a neutral colour.

7. A party dress

   A little different from a prom dress, but just as fun. Something garish and cheap from Forever 21 is a perfect party dress. It doesn't have to be something you'll wear for the rest of your life, but something you can throw on with a pair of skyscraper heels and be ready to hit the town.

8. A summer maxi

   I was never a maxi girl until I was sent one to review last year. I'm a little on the short side, so I was worried a maxi would drown me, but with wedges and sunglasses, I felt like Rachel Zoe. I am now a maxi convert! Every woman needs one of these for a lazy summer day. Cocktails optional.