This post is sponsored by Nordstrom, and I’m so happy to partner with them. I’ve been a devoted customer of Nordstrom for over 10 years. Their customer service, free shipping and returns, and generous return policy won me over, plus they carry some of my favorite brands like Reformation and Faithfull. Shop new arrivals here.
Now onto the post…
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Does your style change quite a bit from winter to spring? Because mine sure does.
In winter, I’m sharp and chic. In the spring, I’m soft and natural.
But instead of trying to figure out “which one”, I’ve released the need to define my personal style at all.
It can all coexist. It can be a little bit of both.
After years of enjoying the capsule life (and the style introspection that comes with it), right now, I’m just experiencing my style in the present.
My guiding thought is: If I’m drawn to it right now, it is my style.
One thing I know I’m drawn to? Dresses. Midi dresses in particular. Don’t you love the high neck on this one?
Once it starts warming up, I suddenly have an aversion to wearing anything tight or fitted. Loose, easy clothes are all I want to wear right now, and this Reformation dress from Nordstrom is neither too fitted, nor too loose. It follows the form, but isn’t tight at all.
I’m also less and less interested in wearing a bra these days, and this dress makes going braless easy, thanks to the extra layer of fabric up top, and a stay-in-place fit. I moved every which way in this dress when I first tried it on, and I’m happy to report that not once did anything peek out.
For this everyday look, I paired it with these black slide sandals that I picked up last spring. If I wanted to go even more casual, I’d slip on a pair of white Veja sneakers. And if I needed to dress it up, I’d opt for these Jaggar heels. (They look just like the ByFar Tanya heels that are sweeping Instagram right now, at less than half of the price.)
To finish off the look, I added a pair of wood hoop earrings. I’m always up for natural texture when it comes to jewelry — ceramic has been a favorite of mine for a while, but wood! Stunning. They look designer, but are a steal at less than $20.
Overall, it’s a comfortable, pretty look that can easily transition from day to night with a simple shoe swap.
• • •
And there you have it!
I loved this chat-about-the-outfit post — felt like how I used to write when I first started this blog. :)
So tell me, are you in a season of defining your style or a season of releasing all definitions? Both are so valuable — what are you loving about your particular style season? Are midi dresses a staple in your spring closet too? Let’s keep chatting in the comments!
xo,
I have same contradiction in style from winter to summer. I wear lots of neutral colors and classic styles in the winter, but when summer rolls around I mostly wear colorful dresses. My closet looks so strange at first as I transition from orderly matching colors, to an explosion of color where nothing seems to go together. But the beauty of dresses is that they are an outfit all by themselves so it doesn’t matter!
Thank you for this post! I have been experiencing the same feeling of contrasting styles. It seems all I want right now is flowy florals. But I also like really tailored pieces/looks for work. I’ve spent this last week asking myself which one is the real me. Now I can say both! <3
That dress looks gorgeous on you. I can totally tell a change in my style from winter to summer. I feel like during the warmer months my style softens, and I am attracted to more feminine pieces like skirts and dresses. And as you said: that’s ok! It even makes things more fun.
xxx
Isabel
https://isabelstories.com/
Thank you Isabel! And yes, I completely agree — watching my style ebb and flow is the fun of it all. :)
I’ve been trying to define my style for years. It’s not an easy thing to do! I know what it’s not – casual, boho or super trendy:) I love the look of this dress on you. So relaxed!
Yes! It’s so helpful to have clarity on what isn’t you. :)
Beautiful dress! I find that my style is all over the place…a hodgepodge of pieces that somehow work! I am drawn more to neutrals…darker in the winter and lighter in the summer. I do want to add a few new dresses this year, having gotten away from them over the past few years, and this one actually reminds me of a vintage dress I favorited on Etsy recently! I hesitated because I wasn’t sure if it was “me” but what is “me” anyways :)
I feel the same way, Gillian. For so long I struggled to define “me” and then one day I just decided I was overcomplicating it with all the defining. Feels so good to just go with the flow. :)
Can I shop your chair? ? It’s fabulous!
Hi Alexx! Sure thing! :) Here’s the link to it: http://bit.ly/2Y5MRIg And here’s a link to a similar one for a little less: http://bit.ly/2PMMmQw
I transition too! I rarely wear a dress/skirt in the winter, and I rarely wear pants in the summer! But all year round I do mostly solids (black, olive, navy, burgundy, mustard, rich blue/green, brown, burnt red, etc) with a touch of prints thrown in (mainly stripes/small diamond shapes/dots – then darker florals – increase that in the spring/summer, and traditional plaids – increase those in the fall/winter). The only “pastels” I like to wear would be a faint blush pink or warm lilac in just touches like a lacy tank, the only brights I wear are a citrus bright olive (not lime) or a brightened up mustard, again in just touches, like a light weight cardi. I like knowing what looks good on me and not feeling like I need to dress like everyone else in pastels in the spring, and brights in the summer! Been there, done that, and I never felt like myself! I love your dress, that would fit great in my wardrobe! Blessings!
P.S. to my last post…You just inspired me to order a couple of midi/maxi dresses from the Loft, for my upcoming trip to California to meet a long lost aunt! (DNA testing kit!). Thanks for the inspiration, they will be just what I need in transitional clothing to round out my packing! The missing link!
Ah I’m so glad to hear that Dianne! I hope you have a fantastic trip — how amazing to meet a long lost family member! Sending love. :)
Thank you so much, such a precious story of a young girl escaping a bad family situation in 1944. She went missing when she was 17, my dad was 15 (he has since passed away at 79), and how she found a better life (so did my dad), and finally at 93 she admitted who she really was, and now after many years of praying (we thought someone kidnapped her). we have our beloved aunt back and many cousins to meet! Such a blessing! You never know how life will surprise you! Have a great day!
Oh my goodness! What a story! How beautiful that she is/will be such a special part of your life. Wishing you so much joy on your trip. :)
Thank you, and thanks for not minding me sharing the details. It’s to extraordianary not to share! Blessings!
I love your post on this dress! I have been trying to find comfortable dresses recently myself that can be dressed up or down. Do you have any size recommendations on this brand? I have never ordered from them before. Thanks for always having such awesome posts : )
Hi Elaine! I find that they run true to size. I ordered a 0 (I’m usually somewhere between a 0-2 in general when it comes to dresses). My measurements are: 5ft5in tall, 30 bust, 26 waist, 38 hips. Hope that helps!
My favorite blog and the only one I have ever answered. I love your style and you inspire me to minimize my closet.
Thank you Kathe! So glad you’re here. :)
I read something recently where someone said their style is whatever makes them feel firkin awesome…anything less gets discarded and anything that does is a winner. as someone drawn to so man different looks and styles I love this
I love this dress and this post. You’re my very favorite to follow for fashion and life inspiration. As much as I would love to go braless, that’s not in the cards for me. Would you say a strapless bra would work for this dress or does it go to low/narrow on the sides?
Hi Lindsey! Thank you so much for your kind words! I just tried it on with a strapless bra to see how it would work — good news, a strapless bra works perfectly! No peeking out at the sides. Plus, since the dress has adjustable straps, you can customize the fit to accommodate different bras. Here’s the bra I have that worked with it: https://rstyle.me/+GW96Jp0-y4HaY5wgymT7SQ Hope that helps! :)
I agree with you on personal style. A couple years ago I gave up on trying to really define my personal style into a very strict box. It’s a lot more fun to just go with what you’re liking in the moment. That said I find in each season there’s a trend or type of look I’m really drawn to and want to wear for those couple fo months. Right now I’m really liking the flowing prairie style clothes that are floating around right now.
Stylish simple and relaxed and shows how often a low heel flat shoe can work better than a higher one, with low hems!