new york really takes a beating during the winter. in what feels like the sixth straight month of cold, bitter weather… i think we’ve all thrown in the towel and have agreed to collectively freeze in spring clothing until mother nature decides she’s ready to join us… so this next look that i’m featuring pairs a (new) denim shift dress with some old accessories that help to keep this look transitional and functional (enough) for our current temperature situation. if you’re reading from a region that’s already warmed up significantly… forget everything i’m about to say, throw this dress on with your favorite sandals, and call it a day. but if you’re here in the tri-state… read on for some simple tips to mid-april-warmth.
this shift dress is a really great staple and in my opinion an important piece that every girl should have in her arsenal. it’s from my new favorite target collection: universal thread. what i love most about it is the length. as you can see from the photos, it’s nearly knee-length, meaning if i decide to wear it belted, it would still look reasonable! the raw hem is a unique detail and the sleeves are on the long side, which in my opinion, means they were made for rolling. this dress has pockets (WIN!!!) and it’s super soft. it’s structured enough for an office and casual enough to wear out to lunch. and for the price, you really can not beat having something like this in your closet.
to be practical, i opted for a closed toed shoe here. my loafers are last season sam edelman, but i’m totally in love with the similar pair that i’ve linked below. shoes in this color make a statement everywhere you go, and they’re not meant to be “super matchy” with every outfit, either, so don’t worry if you feel like they seem a little random… that’s the point!
my backpack is a last season vera bradley (similar linked below) and to this day remains one of my most functional bags. it’s perfect for ‘shoot days’ because it fits my camera perfectly and still boasts room for everything else in my purse!
to add another warm & cozy factor, i’m wearing a lightweight crepe floral scarf. in full disclosure, i bought this (from madewell) AGES ago. like i’m not exaggerating when i say this scarf could be anywhere from 7-10 years old. it’s a tossup… but as i rack my brain, i want to say it was purchased in 2009. with my college ID student discount. there are very few things i would even consider keeping that long… but i’ve always had trouble parting with this scarf. i don’t even wear it often!!! (although that’s probably why it’s in such good condition!). this was definitely the first time my scarf has seen the light of day in a verrrrry long time. the idea of wearing a lightweight scarf really works with this look. pattern will jazz up the solid dress, and because denim is a neutral you could wear literally any scarf you want! it’s thin enough to wear indoors but also gives you a little something to work with when you’re outside and it’s windy and bleak. (hello, nyc april!)
next time you’re struggling with what to wear this ‘sprinter’… definitely consider adding a thin light scarf to the mix! this instant outfit boost will also act as a bit of a weather shield. i know, i know… we shouldn’t have to at this stage in the game… but let’s roll with the punches, take a collective deep breath, and stick it out until spring is here for real. do you have something as old as my scarf inside your closet? do you keep MOST of your garments that long? comment below or follow on instagram to stay looped into the latest!
