So I finally did it; I wore a maxi-dress. To work.
It's probably not the most flattering look for me, and it's not nearly as cool and breezy as I had hoped it would be (could have been the cheapo non-100% cotton material), but I've been curious about the look since last year so I went for it.
Hilariously, my boss said I looked like a hippie, but then I noticed she was wearing a maxi-dress of her own so we both bust out laughing.
Details:
Dress: red-pink-brown multi, Target 2010
Camisole: coral, Caslon Nordstrom 2009
Sweater: brown short-sleeve, LOFT 2009
Sandals: Clarks Laguna Reefs 2010
Necklace: gold-and-yellow stone, J Crew Outlet 2009
To be honest, I don't know that I will wear this again. It's a freaking lot of fabric, and it feels very un-me. But I did it at least once!
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You guys were asking about the need for leggings yesterday: I wanted to include them just to finish off the outfit a bit. I know it was fine as it was, but without that little bit of extra modesty (as it were) it leaned a little too far into the casual look. That dress is tough to style because it's jersey and very flowy. Without a cardigan on top or leggings underneath, it just feels unfinished to me for the office.
But that's just my personal instinct; business casual is so tricky to get right, and I just try to rely on my gut feelings about whether it's appropriate or not for my particular situation on a particular day. I suspect I may be starting to lean too far over into the too-casual side of the spectrum lately, and I may need to do some correcting.
Probably why the maxi-dress won't be worn again, now that I think about it...
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No bento again today; Coworker and I went to Panera. I was so good, getting the black bean soup and the tomato-basil-mozz salad -- and I resisted the blondie, woohoo. Then I went back to my desk and ate a giant trough of watermelon and blackberries. Considering I WANTED to eat a bag of pretzel M&M's, that's a pretty good victory for me. Slowly but surely I am getting the hang of eating better again.
Now I have to kickstart Project Dupa a little more, and I will be in business!
I love the dress with the short sleeved cardigan. It probably does seem like a lot of fabric but it looks feminine and summery.
ReplyDeleteI am a maxi dress fan but have had a hard time finding any that would be office appropriate, mostly due to the cut on top. I've been wearing them every weekend though.
ReplyDeleteYours looks great and I think the cardigan did the trick!
Love the colors of that cardigan!
ReplyDeleteI like this dress a lot, but agree that it looks a little too casual for the office (which is also why I won't be wearing mine to work).
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful colors in the dress!
ReplyDeleteHey, I think you look great! I suppose it depends on your office, but I think many offices would find it to meet summer business casual standards. The cardigan and cami keep it modest.
ReplyDeleteNow, I'm about to COMPLETELY disagree with you: what's wrong with the maxi dress?! You look so beautiful and womanly in it! I think long dresses are evocative of femininity and these colors are so gorgeous for you. I say it's a win!
ReplyDeletexo
Oh man, I totally LOVE this outfit on you! I get what you're saying, but I really don't think this looks extremely casual because of the cardigan and dressier looking sandals. Now if you went without the cami and sweater and threw on some Birkenstocks, THAT would be too casual! ;)
ReplyDeleteThat's a nice looking combination!
ReplyDeleteCasual in the workplace has a lot of variables. If you feel it's too casual then I think save the outfit for after hours.
I think it looks stunning on you ... but i know the feeling when you feel a look is 'just not you'. Maybe give it another try in a couple of weeks ... you may grow to like it yet.
ReplyDeleteI do not think you look like a hippie.
ReplyDeleteI like this on you !
The colors are very flattering and you stand out positively :)