I am not a girl who puts much stock in those “wardrobe staple” lists that insist that every female on the planet should “invest in” (code for: pay way too much for) certain items that will stand the test of time and serve her well in every scenario.
Here’s why: every single one of those lists includes a pencil skirt, a crisp white blouse, and a trench coat as 3 of the best, splurge-worthy purchases you’ll ever make. But even before I had 5 kids (heck, even 1), none of those items was a very practical addition to a college student/turned high school Spanish teacher’s wardrobe. Especially when said Spanish teacher lives in the kind of climate that would allow for the wearing of her oh-so-necessary trench coat approximately 12 days out of the year.
So, take it with a whole container’s worth of salt when I say that I have recently decided that every girl should have a pretty white dress in her closet.
And by recently, I mean last week when I spotted this one at Old Navy, fell in love with it immediately, and realized—much to my surprise—that I have nothing like it in my closet. They only had one fairly near my size left, so I scooped it up, even though it wasn’t on sale and brought it home for my husband to make the call. He liked it, though not nearly as much as I did, so I decided to try my luck online. And there, I discovered that, not only did they have more sizing selection, but the starting price was lower, there was a 20% off coupon code available, and I had some rewards cash I’d forgotten about. All of which meant that I paid approximately $0.86 for this dress. (Not that that factors in the years off my life when I have to return the one I bought in the store with a cranky toddler and screaming babies in tow).
So yeah. I heartily recommend owning a pretty white dress. Especially if you can get it for less than a dollar.
And to prove its versatility, I decided to style it 3 different ways. (If that isn’t enough, you can also check out: Pink Pants {3 ways} and Flower Power {3 ways}).
First up:
Pretty doesn’t get much easier than this. The dress’s lace detailing does all the work, and the necklace and shoes just make it pop.
And then we have:
It’s the same dress, but this time it’s working as a top since I tucked it into a frilly thrifted skirt. Throw on a belt to tie the two together and a pair of heels, and you’ve got an ultra-feminine outfit for your next date night with your husband.
And finally, I give you:
Please take it as proof of my love for you that I donned a scarf, a jeans jacket, and leather knee-high boots to take this picture. By the time I got done hitting the button and running to my position (and yes, my remote is broken), even my ears were sweating.
{Good thing I’ve got lots of hair to hide my sweaty ears}
So, what do you think?
Have I convinced you to “invest” (hey, this version’s only $27 without any discounts at all) in a breezy white dress?
Which version did you like best? Oh! And can you think of something else I could have done with it? I’d love to hear your ideas!
P.S. That scarf is $7 from Walmart, believe it or not. (But I didn’t find it online).
P.P.S. If you’re in for Project Elephant, be thinking about 5 projects you’d like to tackle this month (you know, one extra for if you’re feeling especially productive) and be ready to share them tomorrow for 5 Things Thursday. I’ll be doing the same.
{linking up with Lindsey}
You know, even when my inbox has 3000+ emails and I’m forced to delete a lot of things without reading them, I still come over to see what you’re wearing! As you can see I was late getting to this one, but felt compelled to comment…I love shopgirl! I absolutely LOVE that look! Have a great day! 🙂
All 3 ways are super cute but I am especially loving the last one!! I am a sucker for boots and dresses!
mywaytofitandfab.blogspot.com
It’s official….I need a stylist. I don’t even think I should be allowed to look at these great pics in my questionable pjs. Love the last look.
Love the Shop Girl look! Too cute!
Thanks!
So cute and creative! I would never have thought to put a skirt over a dress. Genuis! My favorite is the shopgirl–I could wear that (almost) year-round here in the NW.
Love the shopgirl! That scarf is gorgeous!
Love white dresses! I think my favorite is the last one with the boots and jacket! If you get a chance, please link up to my linky party which started today: https://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/2013/09/what-we-wore-9.html
So true!!! “Investment” pieces have always left me wondering if I will actually use them (or even like them). I don’t look good in pencil skirts and white blouses bore me. Love the white dress!! Denim jacket combo is my fav 🙂
It’s a VERY cute dress … the Texas version of a LBD except is a LWD 😀
i adore this dress – and yes, i think i may add it to my “staple” list! the last look is my fave, but I love the #2 idea of tucking it into another skirt!
That last way is my favorite way to wear my white dress! My husband is probably sick of it because it’s my favorite date night outfit. 🙂
I love that dress! It’s beautiful on you. My favorite way is the last, with the jean jacket and boots. So cute.
Now I’m thinking I need a white dress.
~FringeGirl
My white dress came from Coldwater Creek years, I mean YEARS, ago! I love this dress and get so many compliments. Yes, every girl should have a pretty white dress as well as a little black dress.