The Dress You Need: A Great Closet Basic

Today I’m featuring 1 dress, but I’m going to show it in 2 colors.

And I’m going to style each color in 2 different ways.

So you’re going to get two dressy looks and 2 casual looks: 1 dressy look and 1 casual look with each dress.

And by the end of the post, I’m pretty sure most of you are going to agree that this dress is a great fantastic MUST HAVE closet basic.

It’s a dress that you will be able to style in MANY different ways and wear to MANY different types of events/occasions. The sky is the limit, y’all!

LOOK #1 WITH DRESS #1

We’re going to kick things off with the white dress, styled for a dressy event.

dress / sunglasses / earrings / bracelet / clutch / block heel sandals

Gold jewelry, block heel sandals, and a colorful clutch instantly elevate this basic white dress.

dress / sunglasses / earrings / bracelet / clutch / block heel sandals

The dress has a bit of stretch to it, which I very much appreciate. You just slip it over our head to put it on, and there’s 1 button at the top of the neck in the back. I really prefer a dress without a zipper, so this is right up my alley. Both colors are fully lined, so you don’t have to worry about it being see thru and needing a slip.

The fabric if very lightweight and has a bit of a crinkly texture. It has a crew neck, a drop waist with a softly pleated skirt, and a subtle puff sleeve with elastic cuffs. The overall fit is relaxed, and the skirt is fun and flirty. For size reference, I’m wearing a small, but I think I’m going to prefer the fit of the medium (that’s already on its way to me). The small just felt a little snug across the back.

dress / sunglasses / earrings / bracelet / clutch / block heel sandals

The earrings are a great matte gold, and they are hollow, so they won’t tug on your ears. They are chunky, and big enough to make a statement. I will say, the online pictures make them look like a shiny gold, but in person they definitely have a matte quality (which I prefer).

dress / sunglasses / earrings

This cuff bracelet is big and bold! The metal is textured, and the individual bands all come together to make one cuff. I love that it appears that I’m wearing a stack, but I don’t have to deal with the noise from multiple bracelets banging against each other.

And y’all. This clutch is to die for!!! I first bought it a little over a month ago, but I never showed it because it was out of stock by the time I received it. Still, I kept it for myself because it is such a WOW piece. And then last week, I noticed it was back in stock! I love the matte gold hardware and the vibrant fringe. One reviewer said it reminds her of an “elevated pinata”, and I couldn’t agree more! It’s sturdy and is big enough to hold my phone, lip gloss, and keys; however, it is a bit heavy (for its size) even without anything in it. Usually empty bags that are already heavy are a deal breaker for me, BUT NOT THIS ONE. I love it. And I kept it. Now I just need an occasion to take it out on the town!

I think it would also look cool dressed way down with just a white tee and jeans.

dress / sunglasses / earrings / bracelet / clutch / block heel sandals

Okay, ladies. I’m thinking that these block heel sandals need to be named a MUST HAVE. And it’s not just me who thinks so. They have 280 reviews, and almost all of them are 5 stars. They truly are FABULOUS.

These are the “cream stella”, and they are a beautiful neutral. They have a chunky block heel and two chunky braided straps, but they somehow manage to remain super girly and feminine. AND THEY ARE SO COMFORTABLE. I’ve worn them for up to 5 hours at a time, and I still found them comfy. That’s saying something! I didn’t have any blisters or even soreness on any part of my feet. They are easy to walk in too! I wasn’t even worried about rolling an ankle, which let’s be honest, is sometimes an issue with me. 😉

And great news: they are ON SALE right now!

If you’re still on the fence, go read the other reviews. They will convince you!

True to size for me, but size up if between sizes.

dress / clutch / block heel sandals

 

LOOK #2 WITH DRESS #1

For the second look with Dress #1, I wanted to go casual. So I traded out the block heels for flat sandals, and I added a casual necklace and bag.

dress / sunglasses / earrings / necklace / green bag / sandals

I grabbed this necklace last year, and it has become a spring and summer staple for me. I actually grabbed in in 3 colors: the “balloon party” (that I’m wearing), the “blazing orange”, and the “fuschia red”. It actually comes in 37 colors and is super affordable with a price tag of just under $15! The wooden beads at the top of each colored necklace really stand out and bring a nice contrast and natural element to your look.

dress / sunglasses / earrings / necklace / green bag

I think it’s great styled casually here, but you could dress it down even further with a denim jacket and sneakers.

dress / sunglasses / earrings / necklace / green bag / sandals

dress / sunglasses / earrings / necklace / green bag / sandals

 

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LOOK #1 WITH DRESS #2

Okay, now let’s take a look at the black dress!

dress / sunglasses / earrings / green bag / cuff bracelet / sandals

I’ve styled it casually first. I’ve got another green bag here, but it’s more casual than the one above because of the canvas strap. The strap is actually 1/2 cream and 1/2 black, but the black portion is difficult to see up against the black background of the dress. I also love the cognac bag option with the tan, red, and blue strap.

dress / sunglasses / earrings / green bag / cuff bracelet / sandals

After years of resisting purchasing the famous Tory Burch Miller sandals, I finally grabbed them last year in the neutral “light makeup”. And then I loved them so much and wore them so much that I ended up getting the cognac pair this year. I size up a 1/2 in these sandals for the best fit.

dress / sunglasses / earrings / green bag / cuff bracelet / sandals

dress / sunglasses / earrings / green bag / cuff bracelet / sandals

dress / sunglasses / earrings / green bag / cuff bracelet

This colorful cuff bracelet is another item I’ve owned for several years now, and I keep on pulling it out each spring! For just $20, it’s a lot of bang for your buck. It incorporates just about every color under the rainbow, and I love the bit of boho flair!

dress / green bag / cuff bracelet

 

LOOK #2 WITH DRESS #2

And for the final look today, I’ve got a dressy look with the black dress.

dress / sunglasses / earrings / bracelet / clutch / block heel sandals

And I actually styled it here just the exact way I styled the dressy look with the white dress with gold jewelry, a colorful clutch, and block heel sandals.

dress / sunglasses / earrings / bracelet / clutch / block heel sandals

Just imagine how you could make it even dressier with black strappy heels and sparkly jewelry!

dress / sunglasses / earrings / bracelet / clutch / block heel sandals

dress / sunglasses / earrings / bracelet / clutch / block heel sandals

These accessories are everything.

dress / bracelet / clutch

And look! The clutch also has an optional strap!

It can be worn crossbody.

dress / sunglasses / earrings / bracelet / clutch / block heel sandals

Or it can be worn over your shoulder.

dress / sunglasses / earrings / bracelet / clutch / block heel sandals

 

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So what are your thoughts? Are you thinking white or black?

Personally, I have a need in my closet for both. But I’m curious, which dress do you need/want? Sound off in the comments!

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