Day to Night: Summer Dress

Every time I spy the bright print on this Muse Poet dress I instantly cheer up. This morning I decided to break the mold of what I consider appropriate work dresses and threw this one on. I paired it with a short-sleeved denim one-button blazer and weathered gold embossed Tory Burch Reva's, my fallback flats. (It is a muted gold, with a gold leather logo, not metal.) The blazer added a tailored touch to the outfit and lessened the carefree summer attitude of the dress just a touch. This Ann Taylor Loft denim jacket (a great find, by the way) would work great with the dress, too. Although I didn't have to change out of my flats for happy hour, throwing a pair of sexy nude heels like these on and removing the jacket would give you the perfect end of summer outfit.

These gorgeous Lillybee Raspberry wedges from Simply Soles happen to be the perfect color to draw out the pink in the dress if I want to look extra vibrant!

Creating a Waist

Conventional wisdom dictates that women with curves should highlight their waists. Although sometimes going against the grain can prove fashionable, this Target dress and sweater vest illustrate just how important it can be to cinch that waist! These loose, baggy layers are making this model look bigger than she is, demonstrating how many retailers still equate plus sized with matronly.

With just a simple twist, you can elevate your outfit and flatter your figure. Depending on your comfort level and your particular shape, try belting at the waist both over and under the sweater. Even the hint of the belted waist under an unbuttoned sweater will draw the eye inward to the center of the body.

Consider these styling tips:

• Wear the vest unbuttoned, belt over it with the dress peaking through
• Try different widths of belts to see what works best for you
• Use this as an opportunity to test out a form-fitting dress. The vest will both camouflage and add comfort.

Long Sweater Vests

I recently purchased not one, but two cardigan vests from Ann Taylor Loft. I had no intention of buying them when I entered, as I was going in to return, not to purchase, but I am sure glad that I snatched them up. They add instant edge, comfort and warmth all at once, making it a perfect transitional piece from summer to fall.

This morning I was lazy, desired comfort, yet needed layers to combat the cold morning and warm afternoon in store. My cuffed-jeans, graphic long-sleeved tee, gunmetal flats and antiqued silver jewelry made up an easy outfit; however, while it was fine for my casual workplace, it may not be for yours.

There are so many ways to style around this vest. From short to long, bright to dark, you can wear it open or buttoned, plain or belted. These are just some ideas of ways to wear them, and many pieces can be mixed and matched to create a style all your own.

Corporate: This won't work for the courtroom, but with the sweater buttoned and belted over a crisp button-down, it should be acceptable in most corporate offices.

Business Casual: Pair the same trouser and vest with a heeled oxford and a jewel-toned shirt and you will impress at any office. Or, switch it up with a shorter, lighter-colored version for earlier in the season.

Fun & Flirty: This adorable frock gets dressed down with gray flats and a gray sweater vest to wear open or belt with a color pulled from the dress.

Dressing Up: Combining bold colors with similar neutrals will give a fresh vibe to a dressier look. A vest in a thinner fabric will look less bulky.

Casual Comfort: A casual, comfortable, layered look. If you wear a tank as your first layer, you can even remove the tee and go sleeveless if it gets too warm.

Is it possible...

to style around this?

My first real post is a real challenge and definitely falls into the "things I thought I didn't want" category. Can you make me change my mind?

This is a batwing "hoodie" from American Apparel. It is unisex. I wonder how many they have sold. Apart from an 80's party, I am having a hard time figuring out how to wear it. It seems, however, that at least 20 people have figured out how to wear it and are thrilled! I must be too old to get it?

How would you wear it?