There is nothing I love more than versatility. I have a few questions I ask myself when purchasing something new to add to my wardrobe (scroll down to find out how to build your year-round wardrobe at the end of the post!) Case in point? This TopShop Leopard Dress I snagged at Nordstrom on a cold winter’s day. It was not on sale, but for $85 this dress has definitely been working the CPW (cost-per-wear) formula that keeps my wallet happy. Originally purchasing it as a spring dress, I paired it with gray denim and black leggings, threw on a leather jacket, tied on a scarf and started wearing it in the dead of winter instead. This dress has already become a part of my wear-year-round-wardrobe.
TopShop Leopard Dress // JCrew Pixie Pant // H&M Scarf // Vince Leather Jacket // Steve Madden Boots // Madewell Transport Tote
Banana Republic Trench // Vans Slip-ons // Madewell Skinny Skinny Jeans (now on sale!) // Vince Kelan Wedge Sandals // Madewell Mira Heels
One Dress – Spring
For spring, a fun jacket in a delicate pink (I love ballerina pinks!) or a classic trench coat make this a transition piece I’m already loving. The pattern of the dress is leopard, but the colors keep it neutral; this makes it a perfect candidate for print mixing – a la checkerboard Vans. A word of caution though – it is leopard, so easy does it when print mixing here. I always throw a jacket in my bag during the Spring – it can get cool out there, especially when the sun starts to set.
One Dress – Summer
Summer is super easy. Rayon can mimic silk’s properties, and I love nothing more than silk in Summer. Pair it with a fun neutral sandal, a black strappy pair, or add a hint of metallic with a fun open-toed bootie!
One Dress – Fall
Ah, Fall. One of my favorite seasons, and the time of year I get to start wearing black again (I’m such a sucker for blacks and grays!) It’s also jacket and scarf season, and this like-buttah leather Vince jacket I scored at Nordstrom Rack during their Clear the Racks sale has been on major rotation in my closet ever since. I always have a scarf in my bag (if it’s not around my neck!) in the fall. The crisp autumn air is refreshing, but cozy scarves are super comfy!
One Dress – Winter
Oh Winter. How I hate thy cold, dry days. The worst part of winter is definitely dressing up for Church on Sundays. I mean, it’s probably the only reason I even shave my legs. lol. Never one to enjoy conformity, I break the rules just a smidge by replacing tights with leggings (real, legitimate leggings like the JCrew Pixie Pant) and adding a heel to stay warm and stylish. One thing I love about winter? Layers, layers, layers!
How to Find Versatile Pieces For Your Wardrobe
For that Year-Round-Wardrobe (no matter where you live!)
- Can it be worn as a tunic with pants or leggings?
- Can it be belted?
- Can it be worn with heels and tennis shoes while looking stylish?
- Is it neutral enough pair with at least three other colors?
- Could it be worn with a skirt over it (used as a top)?
- Could it be worn with a top (used as a skirt)?
This has been a Fashionista Events Opportunity
this is so genius. I rarely even look at dresses when shopping because I don’t see the versatility in them. now I need to go find some year round pieces!!