Dresses on the school run have always been a struggle for me. Don't get me wrong - I love a great dress for Sunday lunch or work but on the school run, I feel too dressed up.
I think however, that this is more about me than the dresses so when Clare and Mary at Allium B challenged me to feature some of their dresses on the school run, I decided to accept. But I wasn't going to force it - was all done on the basis of returning the dresses if they didn't work so tags were left on until I was sure.
I know it's half-term for most of you so I'll fess up straight away that the photos were taken last week. I saved the posts until this week as the three dresses I'm featuring are now in the sale which started at the weekend.
Kicking off with the Edie dress...
I think it's the shape that makes this so wearable - it's not a dressy dress...almost more tunic like in shape. What attracted me is the way it's styled on the AlliumB website with a black long-sleeved top. Then I realised that I don't have a black long sleeved top, so a cropped cardigan took its place.
I didn't feel overdressed in this one at all but I think it's because it works so well with the ankle boots. Always tricky to find the right footwear for dresses in winter time but these dipped front ankle boots work well I think.
Wearing the right coat over the dress was also key - not too dressy or fitted so this ancient Zara one fitted the bill. Finally - I think I've been too flowery or patterned in my dress choices in the past. This is a great neutral coloured small geo print. Unfussy - so less dressy.
Edie Dress - ℅ Allium B
Grey Wool Mix Coat - Zara (ancient - similar here & here)
Black Boots - Clarks (past season - similar here & here)
Black Tights - M&S
Black Cropped Cardigan - H&M (past season - similar here & here )
Lariat Necklace - SGS Shop
Grey Leopard Scarf - eBay (past season - similar here but quality varies widely so read the feedback!)
I wore it all day and didn't feel overdressed on the school run at all. And I've worn it since these photos were taken with my Next grey gilet (getting LOTS of wear these days) and it looks great that way also. I'm coming round to the idea...will I be as convinced by dress number 2 & 3? Find out on Wednesday!
Ax
I think this looks really good and is quite a relaxed look - I find it easier to wear dresses in Winter thanks to opaque tights, but agree the right footwear can make or break the look & those boots are perfect!
ReplyDeleteNic x
I think this is a perfect day dress and you've styled it beautifully. I love it with that scarf
ReplyDeleteThis is a look I am definitely going to be wearing this Winter - a dress can be so much more comfortable than jeans, as long as it's the right shape. I also agree that it's the boots that really make it. I was hoping the scarf was from your shop so I could make a sneaky purchase!
ReplyDeleteBecky x
Ooohhh, can't wait to see the next two dresses! I love this on you. Such a great dress! I'm a huge fan of dresses and I wear them most days for work but I do know what you mean. I often don't wear them at the weekend, I think because I live in them during the week. I find them so easy to throw on and it looks like you've made an effort. Love your coat over this dress too, Avril. Lynne xx
ReplyDeleteI am desperately trying to find a day dress at the moment as it is the only thing my wardrobe is lacking!! This looks perfect Avril.....right up my street as it looks fab with your grey coat and I having purchased a grey coat this would work perfectly ;0) I'm off to check Allium B out! xx
ReplyDeleteFab dress which looks great for daytime. I must admit I find summer day dressing easy but winter not so much and never wear a dress during the day x
ReplyDeleteLovely dress - might even convert me!!
ReplyDeleteI love this dress, we had it in Yard and it was really popular. It's almost an all year round dress as it looks great with bare legs in the summer too!
ReplyDeleteAbbi x
I am so with you & really want to buy some more casual day dresses! I'm a tiny bit fed up of always being in trousers! This is a great dress & looks lovely on you! Ax
ReplyDeleteReally nice dress and I like the way you styled it. I love simple dresses, but avoid them in the summer because I don't like baring my legs, but come winter and opaque tights, they're back in business! x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress, love the style and the buttons up the back :)
ReplyDelete[…] To see what she wears on day 3 and get more styling inspiration head over to her blog […]
ReplyDeleteJust wondering how these dresses size? Are the a standard size. Never bought from here before. I would usually be a 8-10 in Boden. Would the sizing be similar?
ReplyDeleteHi Claire - I found these tunic style dresses came up on the bigger side so all the ones I tried are a size 10. The shirt style dresses with waists in them felt neater on me however (I tried some of them on while looking for the 3 for this project) so I'd have needed a 12. I'm between a 10 and 12 in Boden - would usually order 10's in their dresses unless the fit was very neat over the hips. Hope this helps! x
ReplyDeleteI love how you've styled this, Avril. The neutral palette works really well and you look great! xxx
ReplyDeleteJust Emma