Hawaiian Shirt Dare

This outfit has been brewing for a year. Last August, Kristin O’Reilly dared us to find a stylish way to wear a Hawaiian shirt. I was intrigued, but missing the shirt. I was elated when I discovered the perfect luau shirt in TDW’s costume stash a few weeks ago.


Shirt, Wayne Rogers. Dress, Body Central. Sandals, Mossimo. Bag, Vintage.

As Beefy might say, this look isn’t “my favorite,” but it really isn’t half bad. How do you wear Hawaiian shirts?


Photos by Beefy Muchacho

Off Duty Stripper

Since I spent $50 on this silly lamé dress, I feel I need to get my money’s worth out of it. I wore it to work and then wore it again to trivia.

Jacket and tee, Forever 21. Cardigan, Wet Seal. Silly lamé dress, American Apparel. Leggings, Danskin. Boots, Playhouse. Owl charm, vintage. Key charm, Ren Faire.

This dress falls dangerously close to the stripper-wear category, except that it’s really hard to get off. The poor girl would end up hopping around in her Lucite heels with the dress stuck over her head and shoulders. Blinded, she’d trip, bang her head on the pole, and be totally done for the night.

I was also totally done for the night, even without a head banging.

Yellow and Navy

Leather jacket, Wilson’s Leather. Navy and white wrap dress, Merona. White slip (visible at neckline), vintage. Yellow tee, Wet Seal. Navy tights, Hue. Yellow patent pumps, Victoria Spenser. Brown scarf. Amber pendant, Ali’s Boutique. Amber drop earrings, gifted. Corny bracelet, Into the Fray.

Yet another outfit featuring this wrap dress from Target.

Mail Bag: Multiple Looks with One Wrap Dress

I hope you don't mind another question from a fan. I found your blog after seeing you several times on wardrobe remix. You always look fantastic, and I get great ideas for my own outfits from your photos. Let's just say I'm a bit "challenged" when it comes to putting together a creative outfit on my own.

I have a black faux-wrap dress with 3/4 length sleeves. It has an attached, wide piece of fabric (sort of like a belt) that ties on the side. I have a pair of tall, black leather boots with a 3 inch heel that I would love to wear with the dress. Other than a colorful handbag, how can I accessorize to make this look less severe? I want it to look polished, but casual enough to wear to dinner and a movie with my husband.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

-CP

From the questions I’ve received and the keywords used to find my blog, it sounds like many wrap dress fans are looking for ways to create multiple looks with one dress. Here are my suggestions on a few looks you can create with a basic, (faux or not) wrap dress.

Siren. Animal prints and the color red scream “sexy,” so why not wear them both with your basic dress? Try animal-print shoes and a red scarf, or vice versa. Pump up the sex appeal even more with a pair of black fishnets. Va-va-voom!

Pop. As I’ve done with my own navy/white wrap dress, add your favorite accent color. Choose two or three of the following accessories in a matching hue: camisole, shoes, belt (if it doesn’t look strange with the attached, self-belt), headband, scarf, bag. By using different colors and different accessories, you can create many “pop of color” looks.

Wintery. As temperatures drop, try layering a turtleneck under your wrap dress and pulling on your aforementioned boots. A black turtleneck with a black dress is chic, but a colored one will brighten up your outfit at the neck and again at the wrist. If you’re bold, try colored tights for warmth and pizzazz. (I have to admit, now I have some fun ideas for winterizing my own wrap dress)

Business. Again drawing on personal experience, try a short sleeved jacket over the 3/4-sleeved dress. With a pair of pumps, you’re ready for any business casual event.

I hope I’ve given you some good ideas – I know I’m feeling inspired!

Almost on Trial: Denim Dress

Denim Dress, London Jean. Black wrap sweater, Bloch. Silver bird necklace, Xhilaration. Black slip, thrifted. Yellow pumps, Victoria Spenser.

I’ve had this dress since 2002 and this is the third time I’ve worn it. I wore it to our HoF cast party because I wanted to put in on trial, but eight hours in this dress reminded me of why I don’t like it; it’s stiff, tight, and uncomfortable. Some might even call it “armor-like.” I’m putting it up for swap. Just in case you’re interested in seeing the dress without the layering, here are front and side shots:

Transitional Velvet

Cream lace blouse, H&M (via swap). Burgundy velvet dress, New York & Co. Black belt, Steve Madden. Black, patent slingbacks, Audrey Brooke. Metal and enamel earrings, World Market. Gold watch, Raymond Weil.

It’s raining and cool enough that I can finally wear some of my transitional pieces, like this velvet dress.

I received a “last chance” magazine from Chadwick’s. I’ve never ordered anything from this company, but I am tempted by the 40% off coupon and the below dress. I can’t decide if I love it or hate it. The collar reminds me overly much of some kind of weird coat-dress, but I love the sleeves, empire waist, and the green color it is available in. It’s about $24 with my discount.

Should I order the Chadwick's dress?
	Yes
	No
	Other - I'll tell you in the comments
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Mail Bag: Accessorizing a Wrap Dress

Hi Kasmira! I love your blog!!! I wish you would update it every day.

I applaud your color choices and I just love how you put things together. Especially green. You have a really cool, funky style and seem to love fashion.

My question is pretty specific. I have a cool $10.00 wrap dress and I love how it looks on me, but can't for the life of me figure out how to accessorize. I want to wear it to my 20th high school reunion because I refuse to wear black dresses anymore even though I have one that is cute and looks really nice on me!

The dress is a bright kelly green with a medium sized flower pattern in WHITE. Part of the pattern looks paisley-ish and there are some tiny polka dots too. Just green and white. Don't ask me why I love it, but I do. I'm 5'5" and I love wearing high heels. I have very light blonde hair, cut in a layered, tapered bob so the ends by my chin are longer than the back.

I have some black heels with an ankle strap that look okay, but I don't know what else to do with the dress and I'm not into large bead necklaces. There is a strip of fabric belt, but I plan to leave it off. My waist never falls where the dress says it should be and I don't have a long enough neck to wrap it around like a skinny scarf although that looks kind of cute!

The dress was quite long, about to my mid-shin, so I'm having it hemmed to just below my knee.

Can you help me?

- KB

Dear KB,

Wow, I am tickled to get real reader mail asking for my advice!

It sounds as if you are going with a black/white/green color scheme and just need help accessorizing your wrap dress. I have a navy/white wrap dress that I have had fun wearing different ways.

The Belt. I am with you on the misplaced fabric belt! I know the belt on my dress actually wraps around the lower part of my ribcage, making me look like I have the longest arse in the world. My belt is not removable, but it sounds like yours is (lucky girl!) Have you considered wrapping a wide belt around your waist instead of using the self belt? I suggest a wide belt because the width may hide any belt loops while still hitting your waist in the desired spot. If you have no belt loops (and hate wide belts), a thin belt can also define a waist nicely.

Neckline. Are you comfortable with the neckline on your dress? In my experience, wrap dresses can show quite a bit of cleavage. If you’d like to be more concealed, consider a pretty camisole or even a full slip underneath. I think a black cami would pop against your dress and also tie in with your black heels.

Jewelry. While I like long bead necklaces, they often don’t look right with a wrap dress. They compete with the neckline and can get tucked into the dress’ folds. Because this is a somewhat formal event and you have such a cute haircut, I suggest shoulder duster earrings. You could go with black, green, or metallic earrings that hang below your hair and sweep or almost sweep your shoulders. Long earrings look very dramatic with a bare neckline.

Bag. Have you thought about your handbag? My favorite solution is to force my husband to carry my lipstick and cash in his pockets, but that doesn’t always work out. A black bag is a safe choice, but what about one in bright yellow? I think it would look fabulous against your kelly green.

Topper. I’m not sure of your climate or the length your dress sleeves, but you may want to consider topping the dress with a cute, black jacket. I like short-sleeved jackets over 3/4 sleeve tops, so that you can see the sleeve peeking out. I wear a jacket that nips in at the waist with my wrap dress. I’ve paired it with a trapeze jacket once and it was horrible, so I wouldn’t recommend anything boxy on top. If you decide to wear a jacket as a part of your ensemble (i.e. not just outside), you’ll probably want to eliminate the belt and earrings and just wear a short, clavicle-framing, necklace instead. (I’m not a fan of big earrings + big necklaces.)

Makeup. With nothing to work with, other than my imagination, I think you’d look just stunning in black liner and mascara and a bright red lipstick, with the rest of your face relatively bare. You’d have people from across the room staring when you walked in with your red lips, white-blond hair, green dress, and yellow bag.

Tailoring. I whole-heartedly agree with you plan to have the hemline shortened on your dress. I’m also 5’5” and, although I have long legs, I find many skirts and dresses overwhelm me with length. The shorter hemline will make you look taller and offset any potential shortening effects of your shoes’ ankle straps.

Whatever decision you make with your clothing choices, I hope you have a fabulous time at your reunion! I missed my 10-year event because I was overseas, but I hope to attend the 20 (or 15, if we have one next summer).

(By the way, if you’ve sent in reader mail and I never answered, I apologize. I probably deleted it as spam. In fact, it was only chance that I opened KB’s message. If you have a question for me, you might want to put “WhatIWore2Day” in the title of your message so that I know you are a reader and not a spammer.)

Shirt plus Dress equals Shirtdress

Plum shirt, New York & Co. Strapless dress, Newport News. Brown pumps, Mossimo. Brown disk earrings, Claire’s Boutique. Headband, Scunci.

I like shirtdresses, but I haven’t found any I liked enough to buy. (Does my camp dress count as a “shirtdress”?) I think a shirt over a strapless dress looks pretty close to an actual shirtdress.

China Doll

Asian print dress, Forever 21 (swapped). Black tights, Gap. Patent mary janes, Xhilaration. Triple strand, faux pearl necklace, JC Penney. Red bead necklace, Xhilaration

I remember Forever 21 carrying this dress early last spring. The collection at that time (Feb/March) was so bright and jumbled that I barely set foot in the store before fleeing from overstimulation. As a result, I missed out on buying this dress. I was thrilled when it surfaced in the Flickr Wardrobe Swap Shop group.

Mike actually begged me not to wear this to the office. He said it was only appropriate for work if I were serving sushi. Thbbbbpt! His opinion was definitely in the minority because I received many, many compliments today. Even perfect strangers (on the street) told me how pretty the dress was. So there, Mike.

Cherry Blossom

Cherry blossom pink, cropped cardigan, Moda International. Missoni-esque dress, Lipstick. Khaki slingbacks, Linea Paolo. Bead cluster earrings, World Market. Black bag, George ($5 at WalMart!)

I ordered this little sweater online last fall and the color was described as “cherry blossom.” It looked red in the Victoria’s Secret photographs but much more pink at home. Still it isn’t quite pink, either. It has a bit of orange in it, but it isn’t coral. The color defies description. “Cherry blossom” is probably as close as I can get.

Dressing Up a Dress

Geometric print dress, Max Studio. Black belt with patent, Steven by Steve Madden. Faux pearl necklace with medallion, Newport News. Black patent slingbacks, Audrey Brooke.

I love dresses because they make dressing easy, but it can be difficult to create different outfits, especially when it’s hot and you don’t want to add layers. I considered and discarded ideas of wearing a scarf, jacket, or sweater. I thought I’d take a chance and daringly wrap a belt around the already smocked empire waist. Some long pearls add dimension and femininity.

Predictably, Mike hated this outfit. (He detests the big belt look and characterized my pearls as “Grandma.”)

Sweet

Cropped, white eyelet jacket, Forever 21. Pink gingham dress, Giorgio Fiorlini (thrifted). Pink patent slingbacks, Wild Diva. Pink resin hoop earrings, Claire’s Boutique (or The Icing or whatever!)

I’m giving myself a cavity with all this sweetness: white and pink and eyelet and gingham and bows. I balance it all with my acid tongue and bitter attitude. (Okay, not really.)

Ruff

Blue and white wrap dress, Merona. Red, silk, ruffle-neck blouse, Newport News. White slip (visible at neckline), vintage. Red pumps, X appeal. Red headband, Claire’s Boutique.

Yes, I’m wearing this dress AGAIN. I like it. And I was curious to see how it would look with this blouse beneath. The blouse is awkward on its own – it’s too short and doesn’t close properly, but I’ve had success with it in other outfits where only the neckline shows.
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Fashion Lady's Swirly Dress

Red and white printed dress, Do & Be (borrowed). Khaki slingbacks, Linea Paolo. Rhinestone leaf and branch earrings, Camp Foster PX.

This is Fashion Lady’s dress. We conducted a swap last Friday and I now have loads of loverly things to wear. I got many compliments on this dress and I really like it myself. I’ve found that it’s still available and on sale. Fashion Lady said it was okay for me to have the same dress as her, but I think she was just being nice.

Should I buy the swirly dress?
	Yes - you look fabu!
	Yes, but get it in black and white.
	No way! Don't be a biter.
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Orange Dress

Orange dress and cream silk and cashmere sweater, The Limited. Tan slingbacks, Linea Paolo. Brown disk earrings, Claire’s Boutique. Amber beads, Body Central. Brown purse, Kenneth Cole.

This dress is unbelievably comfortable. I feel like I am walking around in a giant t-shirt. It’s too bad I didn’t photograph the dress without the sweater because I ended up not needing the cardigan. My fever is keeping me nice and toasty today, despite our chilly office.

Duplex Dress

Left: Beige coat, Casual Corner. Green and gold paisley scarf, gifted. Right: Green dress with circle print, Max Studio. White cropped cardigan, Express. Tan slingbacks, Linea Paolo. Topaz-like drop earrings, gifted. Amber beads, Body Central.

I love the cut of the bottom of this dress, but the top is an ugly tank style, so I always pair it with a sweater or jacket. (I’d be too cold in the office with bare arms anyway.) I adore the skirt and always get compliments on its swingy style. It even has saddle bags, see?


I have to buy a pair of nude dress shoes every spring. They are my favorite shoe to wear with skirts and dresses because they make the leg line look long. I’ll wear them almost daily until October and then they will be (mercifully) retired. I think this year’s pair is especially cute with the fun buckle on the toe.

Sweater Girl

Pink shrug, Moda International. Black sweater dress, Melton. Black, lace-edged cami (under dress), New York & Company. Black tights, Danskin. Black pumps, Michelle D. Crystal earrings, Delia*s.

I don’t wear this sweater dress enough! I love it, but I have to carefully fold it over a hanger to keep it from wrinkling or stretching and then it tends to disappear behind everything else in the closet. With spring approaching, I need to make up for lost time and allow it a few more appearances.

I’m always stumped as to what to wear over this. The straps and neckline are too revealing (and chilly) for work. My black shrug didn’t look so good. A white sweater was nice. I think I like this fancy pink shrug best of all.