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Un-Fancy

Outfits: Spring, spring outfits

part 2: styling a boho dress three ways

03/30/17


This week, we’re styling this dress a new way each day. Tuesday was all about at styling it for chilly weather — today I’m styling it for hot weather! :)

This dress is pretty breezy as-is, but I decided to cool it off even more by rolling up the long sleeves, turning it into a short sleeve dress.

I rolled ’em into a big cuff and let them sit at my elbows. That’s where they naturally wanted to fall, so I went with it, even though I was originally thinking of rolling them into shorter cap sleeves. I probably could have used safety pins to achieve the cap sleeve look, but I wanted to keep things fuss-free, so I decided against it.

To finish off the look, I added flat sandals and a crossbody bag in a warm tan to compliment the autumn-esque colors of the dress. It’s interesting — the dress length and silhouette is more spring and summer, but the colors are more fall. To me, that’s what makes this dress so versatile. I’m excited to wear it year round — instead of saving it for the fall based on the colors.

A BONUS LOOK

Before we wrap up, here’s a quick second take of this outfit. I wanted to play around with changing the shape up a little, so I tied a long sleeve tee around my waist to turn it into more of a waist defining dress. I like it fine, and it’s nice to have the option, but I’d probably be more likely to wear the dress on it’s own without the tee. Have a look:

It could be a convenient solution on a windy day when I don’t want my dress blowing around, but honestly, I just like the drape and flow of it more without the tee.

Your turn! Ever tried wearing a long sleeve dress as a short sleeve dress by rolling the sleeves? How did it work out for you? And which look do you like better: the dress on it’s own or tied with shirt around the waist? 

See you tomorrow for the third and final look of our series!

xo,

• • •

Liked today’s outfit? You can shop it and support Unfancy at the same time by using these affiliate links:

01 | Boho dress by Christy Dawn (made responsibly) | similar | similar (under $35)

02 | Lace up sandals by Madewell | similar (made responsibly)

03 | Bag by Baggu (made responsibly) | similar (under $50)

04 | Sunnies by Madewell

05 | Long sleeve tee (old from Madewell) | same color in a v-neck | similar (under $35)

46 Comments

Related

Comments

  1. littleblackdomicile blogger says

    March 30, 2017 at 7:16 am

    So clever girl! The colors of the dress with the T belt are like a spice cabinet…beautiful. We live in FL and it is nice to see a warm weather outfit that is not teal!-Laurel Bledsoe

    Reply
  2. Laura says

    March 30, 2017 at 7:50 am

    Love the sleeves rolled up on this dress, and love your new outside photos! Always exciting to try new things!

    Reply
  3. Karen@SustainableFashionchat says

    March 30, 2017 at 7:59 am

    Hi Caroline!

    I love the dress on you. It’s just beautiful and looks perfect for hotter weather!

    I’m such a fan of your blog and especially the direction you’ve taken regarding sustainable fashion. I’ve been so inspired, I wanted to create a space where like-minded people can discuss the ins and outs of ethical fashion and pared-down closets. This is pretty bare bones, but I’d love it if you’d check it out and let me know what you think!

    http://sustainablefashionchat.com/

    Thanks for continuing to share your thoughtful perspective on fashion!

    Reply
  4. Tanya E says

    March 30, 2017 at 8:01 am

    Really nice to see how versatile this dress is! I tend to think a plain dress would be more versatile, but I think you’re proving me wrong.. It looks great with those sandals and what a cute, little bag.

    I like what someone said in Part 1 about boho, but with a more modern feel. I really like the boho look, but it can be a bit much for me. I tend to think “boho lite” more fits my style.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      March 30, 2017 at 10:02 am

      “Boho lite” — I love it Tanya! :) :)

      Reply
  5. MK says

    March 30, 2017 at 8:04 am

    Cute!

    Question about the sandals:

    I used to have a pair like this. I held onto them for over 15 years because they were so cute, but I wore them less than a handful of times. The movement of my foot as I walked would pull at the laces, making them loosen around my foot but tighten around my ankle. After a few hours, the sandal would be flopping, while the laces were cutting into my ankle. I tried many different ways of lacing them in order to change the way the tension worked, but I finally gave up. I adore how they look, but they proved highly impractical.

    Have you (or anyone else here) experienced this? Do you have any special trick for preventing the problem?

    Reply
    • Jaana says

      March 30, 2017 at 9:15 am

      MK! I just wore sandals like this for the first time yesterday, and the exact same thing happened to me. I spent all afternoon trying to figure out what I was doing wrong. Maybe the brand matters (?) but I’d love to hear tips on wearing them also!

      Reply
      • Louise says

        March 30, 2017 at 9:22 am

        I’ve had this problem too, but with ribbon laces. I think the only way to solve it is have the laces on a non-sandal shoe that is already held in place by the for, keeping the laces just decorative, or any other way that keeps the sandal on the foot. Maybe others have a trick but I don’t know it.

        Reply
        • Caroline says

          March 30, 2017 at 10:07 am

          Totally agree Louise! I think the ribbon or fabric laces are the issue since they can be too slippery.

          Reply
    • Caroline says

      March 30, 2017 at 10:01 am

      Hi MK! This type of sandal can be totally hit or miss. Before I found these, I went through two other pairs that I thought would work great, but they didn’t end up working for me — the struggle is real. So far my best bet has been to look for sandals with leather straps (not fabric) and sandals that have little leather tabs on the sides that hold the lace in place, away from the footbed (instead of loops on the footbed holding the laces in place). Does that make sense? I also put moleskin padding on the heel, for even more comfort. We all have different feet so one pair won’t work for everyone, but the pair I’m wearing now is my winner when it comes to comfort and the straps staying in place. Hope this helps a little! :)

      Reply
  6. Sara says

    March 30, 2017 at 8:10 am

    This dress is so cute. I am so impatient to wear my summer dresses these days! I am quite tall…so often short dresses are very short on me and Seeing this length work on you makes me feel better about that! but unfortunately It is still quite cool where I live. :( I like the rolled up sleeves, but I would be much more likely to add a thin braided leather belt (matching your bag perhaps!) to a dress like this…to define a waist. I do this with a loose swing dress I have if I want it to look a little more structured. I’ve never been a fan of the shirt tied around the waist personally.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      March 31, 2017 at 11:58 pm

      Sounds cute, Sara! :)

      Reply
  7. Kirsten says

    March 30, 2017 at 8:16 am

    I prefer the dress on it’s own. Love those shoes!

    -Kirsten // http://www.porkandcookes.com

    Reply
  8. Brittany says

    March 30, 2017 at 8:44 am

    I probably wouldn’t wear the t shirt around my waist but I might do a belt to create more of a waist. I like that you experimented with rolling up the sleeves, I don’t think I have ever done that as a way of styling a dress before.

    Reply
  9. Laurel says

    March 30, 2017 at 8:48 am

    I’d love to tknow the name of the nail polish you have on your toes, it’s so pretty!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      March 30, 2017 at 2:40 pm

      Hi Laurel! It’s “Poof! Be-gonia” by Sally Hansen. :)

      Reply
  10. Aspiring minimalist says

    March 30, 2017 at 8:51 am

    Lovely! Your waist defined, especially with a pop of color, is my fav.

    Not big on the big cuff but that’s just me. Collared shirts ain’t no thang but what’s your trick for rolling soft and prone to unrolling material, like silk?

    http://aspiringminimalist.tumblr.com

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      March 30, 2017 at 9:52 am

      Hmm … Safety pins might be worth a try? :)

      Reply
  11. Anna W says

    March 30, 2017 at 9:02 am

    This dress is so brave. Personally, it’s too brave for my taste, as I would be constantly worrying about that combination of flowy fabric and short hemline! When you wear dresses, do you wear any shorts underneath?

    I love Jockey’s Skimmies slipshorts, they are essential for me to be comfortable in skirts and dresses. https://www.jockey.com/catalog/product/skimmies-slipshort

    Even though this feels way outside my style, you rock it! Love the carefree look of the rolled sleeves!

    https://everydayjoys.blog

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      March 30, 2017 at 9:50 am

      Hi Anna! I get ya, girl. When I first got it, I went outside on a windy day and just stood there for a few minutes to see if it was one of those dresses that would blow all the way up in the wind. :) Thankfully, even thought it’s flowy, it’s doesn’t! So I feel pretty safe in it. Even still, I definitely wear either black biker shorts or a black slip underneath, just because I feel better that way. I’ll have to look into that pair of shorts you linked to — thanks for sharing! :)

      Reply
      • Anna W says

        March 30, 2017 at 5:20 pm

        Thanks! And yes, it’s basically impossible for me to feel comfortable if I’m ever worried about not being covered!

        The skimmies are great – most bike shorts ride up on me (than you, generous thighs), but the longer length version they offer always stay put on me, never restrict my movement, but always ensure I stay covered. I love them.

        Reply
  12. Louise says

    March 30, 2017 at 9:19 am

    I love the bag! It’s such a cute shape but the clean lines are so sharp and keep it from being overly twee. The little front pocket!!! Just so nice.

    Reply
  13. Mackenzie says

    March 30, 2017 at 9:47 am

    This dress is seriously perfection. The print, the cut, just everything! I swear I’m like two seconds from buying it, even though it’s way out of my price range.

    I love how you’ve been styling it too!

    -Mackenzie
    http://www.kenzywho.com

    Reply
  14. Girl & Closet says

    March 30, 2017 at 10:22 am

    Love this sandal / rolled up sleeve look girly. Plus how cute is your circle cross-body bag?! SO into it!! And couldn’t agree with you more, this dress will carry you beautifully through all the seasons – such an awesome capsule / investment piece!! xo

    http://www.girlandcloset.com

    Reply
  15. Tina says

    March 30, 2017 at 10:31 am

    Love your boho dress series!

    @fall colors: If you are a fall color type and you feel your best in those colors (and you do look your best in them, and you look like you feel great too) – then feel free to wear them all year round!
    @outside photo shoots: I like that it’s not the same setting in every outfit post. The outside setting adds to the vibe of the dress.
    @ rolling up the sleeves: I don’t feel comfortable with a big roll of fabric around my elbows or even above, I’d opt for the long sleeves just for comfort.

    Reply
  16. holly says

    March 30, 2017 at 10:58 am

    I recommend fashion tape…double sided tape…to secure the roll.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      March 30, 2017 at 11:58 am

      Good call, Holly! :)

      Reply
  17. Aria Di Bari says

    March 30, 2017 at 11:07 am

    This boho dress is so pretty, love the print on it!

    http://ariadibari.com

    Reply
  18. SEM says

    March 30, 2017 at 11:32 am

    I have that bag too! Lurrrrve!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 1, 2017 at 12:00 am

      It is just too cute! :)

      Reply
  19. Lauren says

    March 30, 2017 at 11:35 am

    So cute! I have those Madewell sandals as well and they were such a good purchase, they’re so versatile.

    obsessedandoverdressed.com

    Reply
  20. Sheila Joy says

    March 30, 2017 at 11:58 am

    Too cute and I love how you rolled up your sleeves for this look! I can’t wait to wear dresses on a regular basis.

    http://www.insearchofsheila.com

    Reply
  21. Natalie says

    March 30, 2017 at 2:41 pm

    I’m usually more minimal in my style but I absolutely adore the print of that dress! I love how you’ve styled it too

    – Natalie
    http://www.workovereasy.com

    Reply
  22. Shivranjani Rathore says

    March 30, 2017 at 3:01 pm

    Beautiful dress. I like how you have styled it. Is the cloth from India because it looks like.
    http://www.thevagabondwayfarer.com

    Reply
  23. Saxon says

    March 30, 2017 at 3:13 pm

    It’s just nice to have another option, right? Who knows? One day you might wake up and think “I need a waist in this dress!”

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 1, 2017 at 12:01 am

      Yes, Saxon! Gotta keep those options open. :)

      Reply
  24. kelly says

    March 30, 2017 at 6:23 pm

    It’s a beautiful look! Soft, feminine, and stylish. I wonder if you’d like to try it with a soft wide belt.

    Reply
  25. Amelia says

    March 30, 2017 at 6:35 pm

    That tee around the bottom is sooo cute! I’m gonna have to try that with a few of my flowy favorites!

    Reply
  26. Kuleigh says

    March 30, 2017 at 8:44 pm

    I really like how the cardigan creates a waist on this dress! Great idea if the dress isn’t on the shorter side already. Plus, the color works great for spring or fall!

    Reply
  27. Sarah Clark says

    March 30, 2017 at 9:28 pm

    I freaking love this dress. I didn’t think I could love it any more than when I saw it in your first post but those rolled sleeves got me like ?✨ and those colors!!! I honestly gravitate more toward Autumn colors so I’ve really been struggling with putting together my Spring capsule, but this–THIS! Autumn colors yet still Spring-y? I dig it. Maybe that’ll help me out when I’m out looking to build my wardrobe for Spring–I don’t have to confine myself to those bright pastel Spring colors that totally don’t suit me. I can make Spring fit me instead of trying to make myself fit Spring. Eeeeek! You’ve rekindled my love and excitement for creating my Spring capsule; thanks Caroline! <3

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 1, 2017 at 12:01 am

      Yay! Enjoy the process Sarah! :)

      Reply
  28. Simona says

    March 31, 2017 at 3:57 am

    Can`t wait for summer to arrive ))) This is a perfect summer outfit I would choose. Have to start checking my big wardrobe to find some lighter outfits. Did some great job last year to arrange a fitted wardrobe in my bedroom from https://www.bravolondon.co.uk/ Now there is no problem to find what i am looking for! Just check your closets to see maybe you can have not only clothing update but also furniture update )))

    Reply
  29. Lacey says

    March 31, 2017 at 5:05 am

    I love seeing things styled different ways, but I think with a piece like this, it’s really going to be all about that dress no matter what you do and the changes in styling make little difference to the overall feel of the outfit.

    Reply
  30. Jade Diver says

    March 31, 2017 at 6:27 am

    Thank you for this post. I have a nearly identical dress but it is blue and black. I can’t wait to wear it and try out all the new ideas you have giving me for styling it. Jade x

    Reply
  31. aoug says

    March 31, 2017 at 8:45 am

    Love the bonus look !

    ‘Share’ by August Harvest
    Instagram

    Reply
  32. SAlly says

    April 2, 2017 at 6:43 am

    I would love to see this dress styled with a belt, just for kicks! Any chance of Part 4?

    Reply

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