Sleeveless Fit and Flare Dress

Happy Friday, gals! I’m especially happy for the end of the week because James is pampering me a little this Mother’s Day weekend. In fact, speaking of Mother’s Day, this sweet sleeveless fit and flare dress would be the perfect thing to wear to celebrate the give and take of this special Sunday.

A fit and flare dress is one that does just that: fits close to the body from shoulders to waist and then softly flares into a full skirt. It’s a dress that can be worn by most women because it helps create a distinctly feminine silhouette. And it’s especially forgiving for the woman with an ample derriere, hips or thighs. Ahem.

Hang with me and you’ll see that I do eventually slip the white shrug off and reveal the true beauty of this dress. But first let’s talk about this little white sweater.

If you prefer to cover your upper arms or tend to get a little chilled in a sleeveless dress, you might want to consider this sweet shrug. I love the crocheted detailing on the sleeves and around the hemline of this button-free sweater. It’s a lovely light weight, feels oh-so-nice on the skin and comes in a couple of other shades, too. I’m wearing a medium, so go with the higher of whatever two sizes you shift between.

I love the French blue floral pattern on this linen and rayon blend dress. While there are several other renditions of this same sleeveless fit and flare dress, which I’ve linked to in the shopping widget below, I think this simple elegant pattern makes this particular dress look more expensive than it actually is. Yep, it’s less than $35 with coupon code HERSTYLE.

Because I didn’t want to detract from or compete with the beauty of the floral print, I didn’t wear a necklace with this dress. Instead, I just wore my simple gold hoop earrings and my gold bangle. I think the more simplistic approach to accessorizing really works with this classic dress and helps elevate the look.

This leather and wicker shoulder bag is proving to be a classic accessory for my dressier spring and summer looks. It’s also available in an indigo blue or navy edition.

You could certainly pair white shoes with this sleeveless fit and flare dress. But remember, when you go with nude colored heels you’ll create a longer leg, and that always looks elegant.

Styling question answered – What about panty hose?

I recently received some questions about wearing panty hose with dresses. I don’t ever wear them, but that’s not to say I’ve ruled them out completely. If I were in a professional setting I might choose to wear them, especially in the cooler months. But if you do select to wear hose, only wear them with closed toe shoes, never with sandals like these. And I suggest wearing high quality, sheer hose like these in the same color as your shoes, nude hose with nude shoes and sheer black hose with black shoes, etc. Caveat: They do also make these toeless nude hose. So if you must wear hose with shoes like these, wear these toeless hose.

I think this sleeveless fit and flare dress is a wonderful option for any given Sunday, but also for a spring or summer wedding, bridal shower, garden party or other semi-formal affair. I feel like the fabric is thick enough to wear it without a slip, but even with a slip underneath you’ll feel comfortable and cool in this linen blend. And it’s definitely the kind of dress you’ll have in your closet for several years.

Shop the Post:

You can shop the look through the links in the copy above or through the shopping widget below. Sale prices are not always reflected in the widget, so click through to get pricing info. Remember, if you purchase anything through these links I potentially earn a commission, but at no cost to you. Thank you for shopping through Dressed for My Day. I am grateful!

Shopping alert: In Tuesday’s post I shared a great pair of black shorts (available in other colors, too) and a sweet floral top. Those items are now 40% off at Ann Taylor, just through today. Use code TREATMOM.

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Let me know if you have any questions about today’s post. And thank you so much for reading. I hope you have a lovely Friday.

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Blessed for My Day

Have you felt remorse over an action, word spoken or attitude harbored recently? Or are you weighed down with guilt over something you did or said and then dealt with years ago? There’s a difference, you know. One is a signal that we need to confess something and repent so we can once again walk in freedom and joy. The other is an oppression from the enemy meant to keep us stuck and frustrated with ourselves.

Conviction seeks to set free, while guilt intends to shackle. Conviction nudges you forward, while guilt reminds you of the past. Conviction leads to renewed hope, and guilt wallows in despair. Conviction reminds you that you’re a daughter of the King, while guilt convinces you that you’re a fraud.

If conviction comes knocking, answer, let it in and listen. If guilt lingers like an unwanted guest, ask your Father to show it the door.

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. ~ Romans 8:1-2

I’ve linked this post to Jo-Lynne Shane’s Fashion Friday Link-Up. Be sure to check out the other great fashion posts offered by style bloggers there.