Well, we’re into another week of working from home/social distancing and it seems a lot of us are eager to get more creative with our style. I’m personally ready for something a little more spring inspired!
Earlier this year I was chatting with my friends at VETTA about ideas for the spring and while I was very tempted to add a new piece (their spring capsules have been incredible), I thought this would be a great opportunity to revisit a past favourite of mine, which is The Button Up Midi Dress. It’s one of the comfiest and most versatile dresses I have (which are not many) and with double digits in the forecast, I couldn’t wait to bring it back out again.
Now, a dress may not be everyone’s first pick for working from home but I think these looks might prove that it’s entirely possible to wear a dress and still feel every bit as comfy as you would in sweats.
A FEW NOTES ON
THE BUTTON UP MIDI DRESS
SIZING/FIT: Available in sizes XS – XL. I wear a size Small (my usual from VETTA) and it’s definitely a relaxed fit. For reference: I’m 5’7” and about 125-130 lbs and my measurements are 32C, 26.5 in waist and 37.5 in hip.
I could have maybe gone for an XS but being a button up I didn’t want the buttons to have any pressure and I worried the shoulders might be too tight. The fabric is very silky so it drapes beautifully and doesn’t feel boxy.
FABRIC: 100% Tencel. Eco-friendly, wrinkle resistant, silky in movement, smooth to the touch and soft on the skin.
COLOURS: Tan Stripe | Black | Navy
PRICE: $149 USD | Free US shipping
CARE: Machine wash cold, tumble dry (stripe and black only)/hang dry (navy)
MADE IN: Made in NYC by a family-run factory
DETAILS: The detachable belt is great for cinching the waist and creating shape. Side seam pockets are convenient but discrete. Reversible design lets you wear it with the v-neck and buttons forward or flipped for a higher neckline and minimal front.
NOW LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT 4 COMFY WAYS TO STYLE THE MIDI BUTTON UP DRESS!
LOOK 1
UNDER A KNOTTED CARDIGAN WITH LOAFERS
I couldn’t wait to test out this dress and sweater combo. The result is a little bit romantic and feminine yet still simple and relaxed enough for working from home. It’s great for early spring days that still call for a bit of coziness and a great way to extend your sweaters from the winter months.
Whenever I’m wearing a more flirty look I like to bring in a bit of contrasting style and these menswear inspired loafers were just the ticket! They keep the outfit from feeling too precious.
If you’d like to try this styling trick, choose a cardigan that’s a bit oversized or relaxed and keep the knot relatively loose to avoid stretching out the fabric. When you take it off at the end of the day, flatten and reshape the sweater and fold it neatly. If wrinkles remain after a day or so, a light steam should do the trick.
LOOK 2
UNDER A LOOSE TOP WITH A LONG SCARF & SLIDES
This one came together by chance when I was organizing my clothes rack and noticed my flax linen Linn Tee and cream cashmere scarf hanging next to this dress. I loved the soft, airy palette and how all the different textures mixed together.
In early spring (and honestly most of the year) I always keep my light scarves handy to throw on as a shawl when it’s not quite warm enough to go without. In this case I think it plays a key part in adding depth and proportion to the look.
An old pair of stone grey suede flats are a nice alternative to slippers but still have the ease of a slip on. This outfit is just the ticket for a day of writing and editing at my desk.
LOOK 3
REVERSED & BELTED WITH A LONG CARDIGAN & WHITE FLATS
This one is ready for a cozy, candle lit corner, a cup of tea and a corgi curled close by. AKA my ideal scenario on a cloudy morning.
I flipped the dress around so that the buttons are to the back and the neckline falls higher up, then I loosely tied the belt. When pairing two long, loose items I like to have something that adds a touch of shape and visual interest around the midpoint or the garments can feel a bit overwhelming.
I added my Day Gloves for a pop of bright white to keep the palette fresh but a pair of slippers would do just as well!
LOOK 4
OPEN OVER A WHITE TEE & WIDE LEG PANT WITH SLIDES
I’d had this outfit in my mind for a while before I tried it out but it turned out even better in reality (which is not always the case!). It’s my rendition of what an art director meets gallery curator might wear. It’s also every bit as comfy as a pair of pjs with a robe but the result feels way more sophisticated.
I love how the mossy browns pair with the tan stripe and that the ribbed knit of my bodysuit subtly repeats the pattern in a different texture. For me, floaty fabrics are key in this look to keep it from feeling bulky.
Why not take this time at home to try some outfit combinations you might not otherwise attempt? You may be surprised by what you create!
