How To Effortlessly Style Your Favourite Classic Dress

I’m not a person who gets dressed up.

Rarely do I wear make-up, or heels, and I repeatedly wear my hair in a two styles.

Two braids or a lazy up-do.

Jeans, t-shirts and trainers were pretty much my uniform. I’m not just talking any old t-shirt and jeans – I had my own ’90’s flavour mixed with minimalist vibes going on!

Easy, versatile and I can generally fit into any situation.

But when I started to really get into dresses, that’s when I founded KATE&FRANCES.

Dresses are my new jeans and tshirts.  But the trainers stay.

And one of my favourite dresses is the Emerson Dress. 

I’m wearing it as I write this and this morning as I went to an appointment, I wore it with my white converse that I bought on my last trip to NYC, my leather shoulder bag I picked up in Morocco and an African print headscarf. 

Outfit complete.  It was that simple.

It was 15deg C out, so I dodged taking a second layer, of which I was grateful because carrying my denim jacket or favourite cardigan, that both happen to sit just as easily with this dress, was just one thing I didn’t need.

It’s also one of my favourite pieces to travel with.  Dresses take up less room than pants and tops and it’s so easy to change the vibe of your outfit with just accessories.

This dress also sits well with sandals and flip flops.  It makes the outfit that much easier!  You are dressed and out the house, literally in minutes.  It means that I have time to do other things in the morning without worrying about my outfit. 

Less decision fatigue.

But it still doesn’t mean I have time to apply make-up! Or even feel the need to!

But if you do work in a more formal setting, then adding a suit blazer, hose, pumps and your favorite gold necklace creates a professional look and it transitions easily for dinner or drinks after work.

It’s like loungewear, but in dress form.

 The scoop neck sits at the base of your neck so your scarf or necklace can sit over the dress to add a hint of interest and detail.  The shoulder seam has been extended to provide a modest sleeveless cut, but it’s cut on an angle that flatters all body shapes.

The body fit is relaxed through the torso and tapers at the hem with an inverted pleat detail.

Below are my favorite five ways to style this versatile dress.

Styling Tip #1:

The Informal but Chic Look.

Less is More.  Always. 

For those days where I have appointments or teach, and I kinda want to look fashion and chic, this is the dress I pick and depending on the weather, patterned hose/no-show socks, and a pair of converse.  That’s my base sorted.  Add onto that a cardi & jacket, a few pieces of jewelry, a bag (backpack or shoulder bag) and I’m good to go. 

Easy. No fuss and I look professional.

Styling Tip #2:

Working From Home Chic.

For those days where I’m working from home, but want to feel a little fancy, or have a zoom call, this dress is my go-to.

It’s only 1 piece that I need to change if I want to be a slob again.

Plus, if I do need to dash out to grab a snack or just get in some fresh air then I just need to slip on my flip flops (jandals to those in the know!), grab a tote bag and credit card and I’m good to go.

Styling Tip #3:

Dating Chic.

When I would go out on dates, I never knew if I should be all casual or a little dressy and so the Emerson comes along for the ride.  Perhaps with a belt so show a little effort, and the weather decides my shoes, but it’s usually converse or slides and a bag.  Outfit complete.

Is anyone else noticing a theme here?

This dress gets a lot of wear.

And yes, I do have more than 1! Also in different colours!

Styling Tip #4:

The Travel Dress.

Yup – it saves on space in my suitcase (don’t need to pack tops and jeans!), and I can walk all day exploring and still be presentable when I go out for dinner in the evening (deodorant is a staple in my handbag!).  Again, it’s minimal jewelry and maybe a headwarp, and of course comfy trainers for all that about-town walking.

Styling Tip #5:

The Feel Good Factor.

If it doesn’t feel good within 3 mins of putting an outfit on, change it.

Your body will tell you if it’s feeling an outfit or not and it’s your job to recognize this and to change.  But it may just be your shoes or your jewelry that need switching up.  So, before you change your entire outfit just switch out the headscarf or necklace.

If you have your favourite dress, that item that you pull out of the wardrobe when you aren’t feeling anything else and it’s your back-up piece, try different ways of styling.

Think about switching up your jewellery; if you usually wear gold, try chunky costume pieces, or just one statement ring.

Try different make-up colours; if your make-up is normally neutral tones, try a pop colour of turquoise eyeliner or a brighter shade of lipstick. 

Shoes; low heeled boots, sandals or trainers are my go-to, but you will have your own personal favourites!  Try switching up the colour of your shoes, or the style to create a new look.  They could match your make-up or bag, but it’s also not a hard and fast rule – although some may have you thinking that your shoes MUST match your bag!

Go out there and have fun.  Start small if you are unsure, or go big if you are unsure!  Your outfit is an expression of who you are and you get to decide who that person is.

No matter what you do, or what you wear, ensure that you are comfortable and feel good.  Everything else stems from there.

And your smile and attitude, really are your best features!

So, no matter if you love dressing up, or prefer to be smart casual, the addition of the Emerson Dress will elevate your wardrobe and your personal style.