1. A Party with your Middle School Bully
So, you’re going to a party and it is confirmed that the girl who made fun of you for not needing to wear a bra yet in 8th grade is attending as well. While dwelling on the past isn't your thing, that doesn't mean you won't seize this opportunity to leave her jaw on the floor with a sickening fit.
Nothing says, “I am the epitome of elegance, success, and adulthood” like a pair of kitten heels and an oversized poplin. The addition of a button-up dresses the look down, adding just the right touch of effortless nonchalance. Consider giving the sleeves an artful cuff or wearing it off the shoulder to play with shape and form. And let's not forget the chicness of kitten heels, especially in a bold shade that perfectly complements the shirt. So go ahead, strut your stuff in front of your former frenemy, and make sure to let her know that a bra isn't the only thing you now wear with pride!
2. A Family Friend's Engagement Party
Your mom’s friend Linda’s daughter just got engaged, and while you have not spoken to her in almost 20 years, your mom never fails to remind you how you used to play in the sandbox together circa 1998. Therefore, you have solidified a last-minute [pity] invite to her engagement party. Do you want to go? Not really. But, why miss an opportunity to dress up and upstage a bunch of people you don't really know? Embrace the unexpected by pairing your dress with a black sock and white shoe combo. The combination harmonizes flawlessly and makes for a sophisticated almost 1960’s Mod look. And don't forget to have fun with jewelry and hair accessories! Here I am fashioning two rhinestone bobby pins to add something a little extra. I can guarantee you will be leaving Linda's daughter's friends saying to each other, “I love her outfit, is she some sort of micro-influencer?”
3. Saturday Night at the Clerb
At its core, this dress was created with the club in mind, and so the styling shall remain minimal. Although these calf-high boots would have undoubtedly been in my mother's closet in the 90s, it was during my recent sleuthing through her things that I stumbled upon the belt. I've noticed an upwards trend of drop waist belts, truly showing once again, how cyclical fashion trends are. I can’t help but be transported to 2007, rocking a gold sequined belt on my hips, over an abercrombie tank top pulled over a denim mini skirt (for the sake of transparency, knee length leggings were also involved). While I likely will not be adorning an outfit similar to that anytime soon, I do believe the drop waist belt is a cool way to accessorize an otherwise pretty simple outfit. You will look so good that you will undoubtedly have drunk girls in the club bathroom telling you how much they love your outfit (and luckily for them, they can BARO it).
4. Wooing Your Farmers Market Crush
From the club on Saturday night to the farmers market Sunday morning, the versatility of this dress is unmatched. The organic olive oil stand has caught your eye, not only because the bottles sell for $45, but because the guy who works behind it is a certified farmers-market-10. So get your reusable bags ready, a pair of chic dad shoes, a fun sock and a vintage Hawaiian shirt. There is no doubt that an outfit with this level of effortless individuality won't snag you the Farmers market hottie, and have you living a life amongst the organic olive groves in no time.
5. Meeting your Significant Other’s Parents
While I personally don't recommend wearing a form-fitting mini-dress when meeting your significant other's parents for the first time, if you find yourself in a pinch, there are easy ways to make it feel a bit more formal. Although we often associate wearing dress over pants with Ashley Tisdale's 2007 Teen Choice award looks, the trend is actually making a strong comeback. It has been displayed in many 2023 Runway shows including Rachel Comey, Proenza Schouler, Sacai, and Collina Strada, to name a few. Pairing my once-too-short tube top dress with a pair of black trousers is a unique and cool way to create a look that feels more appropriate for occasions such as work happy hours, Jewish high holidays (iykyk), art gallery openings, and of course, meeting the parents and/or family of your significant other. So turn on the charm, prepare those witty anecdotes, and practice pretending like you have not stalked every single extended family member on social media because it’s time to start winning over your potential future in-laws!
Get the Most
Wear Out of Your LBD
The LBD is a staple that never goes out of style. Though often associated with “going out” outfits, I am here to show you how you can make the most of a simple LBD with the right styling! For these examples, I’m using a Gil Rodriguez black tube dress, available on Baro.
July 19, 2023