Hello, hello! Welcome to a new week of August outfits. It’s still hot as ‘H’ ‘E’ ‘double hockey sticks’ here in southern Ontario, which is just the incentive I needed to keep digging into my summer style. In fact, when this dress arrived recently, I was thrilled to see that the weather was on board with my plans to wear it.
I’m slowly but surely becoming more of a dress wearer and even though this look it not my typical go-to, I feel right at home in it. Sometimes when I try something new I’m reminded that a great aspect of personal style is how it can evolve and grow with you. It need not be limiting or stagnant!
In today’s post I’m sharing a few notes on how I bring a unique piece into my closet while staying true to my personal style.
PS. Thanks so much for the kind words on Friday’s post. I’m always nervous when sharing something new or a big project and it meant the world to see such a positive response. You folks are honestly the best!
TODAY’S TOPIC: TRYING SOMETHING NEW
I’d been interested in apron dresses for a couple of seasons but hadn’t found the perfect option. When I spotted this one at L’Appartement Sézane in Paris this June I was so smitten but being the start of my trip, I didn’t want to add to my already packed suitcase. Serendipitously, Sézane reached out a few weeks later to send me a piece to try and I knew this was the one! It was something totally different for me and yet, as soon as I buttoned it up, I knew it was a keeper.
Sadly, this dress doesn’t appear to be shoppable on Sézane as of today (sorry about that), but I felt it was still worth sharing this look and some thoughts on how I ease a unique piece into my closet. Here’s my approach:
1 – Stick to My Colour Comfort Zone – This will be different for everyone but for me, warm neutrals are my wheelhouse. When I’m trying a style that’s a bit outside of the norm for me I like to go for a colour that’s within my usual palette. This way I can focus on a single aspect that is different, in this case the shape, without being overwhelmed by too much change.
2 – Consider Styling Potential – The more versatile a piece seems the less daunting it feels to add something different. If this dress could only be worn one way I probably wouldn’t have taken a risk on it. However, it can be layered over a tee or fitted turtleneck, worn with sandals now or over tights and boots when it’s chilly (can’t wait to try that) and looks great under a blazer for a meeting. Just noting these different styling options when I was deliberating made it feel like it could work well within my closet and wouldn’t be a stand alone item.
3 – Lean Towards Timeless Over Trends – While the apron style has been popular this summer, I think this particular take has a more timeless feel than a trendy one. Especially in this chestnut linen with flat tortoise buttons it almost reads to me as more vintage than modern. I decided to really lean into the vintage vibe with this look through the ribbed tee and tortoise headband.
These are all things I consider with any new addition but I put an emphasis on these three in particular when I’m trying something more unique than usual. Perhaps they’ll be useful for you too!
I’d love to know, have you tried any styles that were out of your usual wheelhouse this summer? How’d it go?
OUTFIT DETAILS: JADE DRESS* gifted but no longer available. Similar style here (in black and green) and here (in tons of linen colours). | SIMONE BODYSUIT (I wear a M) | TORTOISE HEADBAND | WOVEN BAG* old | ANKLET* sold out | SILK SCARF* old
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This post is not sponsored but contains some gifted items and affiliate links. If you see something you like and decide to shop through the links above, I may earn commission on a sale at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always my own. Thanks for supporting Style Bee!
