We all need simple these days, don’t we? Dresses caught on like wildfire about 10 years (or was it more?) ago because once women discovered the one and done lifestyle, there was no turning back. No matter how hard the fashion industry has tried to get women to go back to the blouse and skirt combo, they have refused. Summer is coming, our lives are only getting busier and our need for comfort even greater. The one and done sheath dress for work is a thing of the past with all of us working from home during the Covid-19 quarantine. I propose finding your “dress style type”, just like we encourage you to find your “fashion style type”. The dress style types are Chic and Simple, Whimsical Patterns & Flowy Boho.
Reminder to click through to each website to check current sale prices. We have put in the full retail prices but a lot of websites are running sales of between 20-50% off at any given time.
Happy Shopping!
Chic and Simple
This entire blog was inspired by my receiving an email with the super chic The Reset Silk Midi Dress below. I just couldn’t get over how simple yet stunning it was. I thought, I could wear that style every day with different accessories and be so happy. Similarly, and at a better price point, I feel the same way about the Uniqlo U Crew Neck Sleeveless Dress. By far the easiest dress to wear and buy is the Amazon Essentials Tank Swing Dress, which is offered in multiple colors and patterns. Why not pick it up in your Power Color?
The Reset Silk Midi Dress, $228
Amazon Essentials Tank Swing Dress, $20
Garnet Hill Linen Popover Dress, $139
Uniqlo U Crew Neck Sleeveless Dress, $19.90
Athleta Marlow Maxi Dress, $108
Whimsical Patterns
A whimsical pattern can mean many things, from tie-dye to Indian block print, to florals. These patterns can also be represented on different styles of dresses, from more to less structured. If you like whimsical patterns, it is best to narrow down exactly which ones fit your personal style type, then whether or not you need structure. This category is for people who, like me, need a bit more structure to go with their whimsical patterns. The Zuri dress, which I own in a blue batik pattern, is a great example of structured whimsy. If you need less structure, check out the next category, Flowy Boho.
Boden Tatiana Textured Dress, $130
Who What Wear Round Neck Tiered Mini Dress, $34.99
Marine Layer Corinne Maxi Dress, $98
A New Day Short Sleeve Ruffle Hem Dress, $24.99
Flowy Boho
Flowy Boho is the category to which I aspire, and I may even get there this year as we work from home! I have boho silk caftans, but they really belong in the above category. The flowy boho dresses I am lusting after are both dresses below from Mille. The Jasmine Dress in Double Gauze is to die for, although I would get it in a different color. As a lover of Indian block prints, I have also been obsessing over the Saffron Dress in Blue Vine. I have to be honest with myself though and admit that I am trespassing into the wrong dress style type category!
Mille Jasmine Dress in Riviera Double Gauze, $259
Mille Saffron Dress in Blue Vine, $212
Rachel Pally Shadow Stripe Manon Dress, $286
India Collection by Emerson Fry Black Swiss Dot Isla Dress, $138
India Collection by Emerson Fry Charcoal Leopard Short Caftan, $158
SZ Blockprints Padra Violet Long Kurta Dress, $98
R.Vivimos Long Sleeve Bohemian Midi Dress, $28.88
Ulla Johnson Nora Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, $445
Who What Wear Elbow Sleeve Midi Shirtdress, $36.99
Garnet Hill Summer Day Dress, $149
Real Life Style is a style consulting firm that teaches busy women to wear their power so they can live their lives fully and confidently. Lani Inlander and Kyle Dunphy are based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and serve clients across the country. We offer personal styling services, an on-demand e-course, corporate services, and training to become a personal stylist.
Once in a while, you can find Lani Inlander and Real Life Style on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Mostly, they are happily busy serving their fabulous clients, not hanging out online!
