Sometimes a gal just wants to slip on a pretty dress for a change. Can I get an “amen?” During the spring and summer I often wear dresses for everyday running around. But I don’t want the dress to be fussy or itchy or fru fru. Just simple and pretty. That’s why I’m sharing this black and white gingham dress. Paired with a simple cardigan, it’s perfect for brunch, lunch with friends or a daytime party.
Honestly, I’ve had a little trouble with fit lately. I’ve lost a considerable amount of weight and my body shape has changed more than I thought. So I’m not sure this dress really fits. Remember, in this post about Fitting Room Tips I mentioned snapping pictures of yourself in the mirror and stepping away from the garment for a while to determine if the fit is good. Today’s post is point in case! But a couple of weeks lapsed between the time I bought the dress and when these photos were taken, too. So. Ok! Enough about that! But I wanted you to know the dress is definitely worth trying, even if it doesn’t appear to fit me. For reference, because I haven’t mentioned this in a while, I’m 5’8″ and weigh 145 pounds, and this dress is an 8. I probably need a 6.
I love the pleated circle neckline on this gingham dress. I think it frames the face in a flattering and unusual way. Otherwise, the dress is a simple, loose-fitting sheath dress. It zips up the back for easy on and easy off. And it’s extremely comfortable! It’s mostly cotton, but also includes considerable percentages of nylon and spandex for great stretch and mobility.
In my subtle attempt to mix patterns, I paired my black and white thread-wrapped ball drop earrings with the gingham dress. I got my “Sugarfix by Baublebar” earrings at Target on clearance a while back, but here are some other Baublebar earrings at Target and here’s a link to the Baublebar website earrings (a little higher priced, but really adorable!) I’ve added a few fun choices for similar earrings in the shopping widget below. I resisted the urge to wear a necklace because I didn’t want to detract from the neckline.
It might be fun to pair this simple black and white gingham dress with a pair of colorful shoes. Red, teal, yellow or hot pink sandals with coordinating earrings and handbag would be fun. But I chose to wear my black strappy sandals and keep the ensemble two-toned instead.
My white cardigan is accented with black edging and buttons. I love a 3/4 length sleeve for the cardigans I wear with summer dresses. And I really like this dress equally with or without the cardigan.
I think this gingham dress is pretty enough for a casual social outing, but also simple enough to wear on a shopping trip or to run errands. Sometimes a gal just wants to wear a dress in these warmer months. And I’d definitely slip this one on for everyday wear (as longs as I wasn’t cleaning house or doing yard work!).
I’ve included some fun accessory options in the shopping widget, so be sure to check those out. And I found a couple of other gingham dresses you might like, too.
Do you wear dresses just to run errands or such? I’d love to know. And what are your criteria for such a dress if you do?
Blessed for My Day
Do you have a situation in your life that feels less than ideal? And as much as you’ve tried to change things or improve them or get out of them, you can’t? This is the new normal? I can relate. I’ve learned over the years that the best way to come to terms with the new normal is to develop and practice two biblical attitudes that lead us to contentment and even joy: acceptance and gratitude. When I accept that this is indeed God’s will for me…in this season at least…then I can embrace it as good…because God is good and He is good to me. And when I thank Him for what He is doing in me through this difficult new normal, He even turns my acceptance into joy.
In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18
I’m all about dresses for any time of year, but it’s so much easier in the warmer weather!!
And I don’t know how women post every day either. Of course, in my defense, I end up writing three posts in one when all three of us are in the post….ha ha!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
But you post a lot, Jodie! I’m working at finding the sweet spot. I guess that will come with a little more time.
I love the gingham the blue one reminds me of the one I had as a child. My mother embroidered all my dresses
I too have lost week. Went from 152 to 125
I feel so much better
Great! Congrats on the weight loss, Debra. That’s tremendous!
I’m new to your blog, so forgive me if you’ve talked about this, but how have you lost the weight? I haven’t been successful.
Hi Anne. I’m so glad you’re here. I signed up for the FASTer Way to Fat Loss with Amanda Tress in January, and have done two rounds. They advertise the rounds as 6 weeks, but they are really 7 weeks each if you do the prep week. The program consists of intermittent fasting (I only eat for a 6-8 hour window, usually 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.), full body weight workouts three times per week, limited cardio (1-2 times per week), carb cycling (just two days a week of low carbs) and clean eating. She doesn’t tell you exactly what to eat, just to eat a balanced diet. You can find out more about the program here: https://fasterway.samcart.com/referral/nwhCcoUv/7nreGLvqei2AQBEr
I have loved this program because it really is a lifestyle, not a diet or exercise plan. It does include exercises for each day, which can be for gymn workout, at home or beginner. But the best thing for me was learning to track my protein, carbohydrate and fat intake with My Fitness Pal (an app that is free and easy to use). You do the program through a Facebook community and all the women you keep accountable to (usually about 50 per group) are so friendly, encouraging and transparent. If you’re interested, I encourage you to check out the website at the link above and then email me with any questions you have. I used my Christmas gift money to pay for the program the first time, and my husband gave me the second round (which is at a reduced rate) for my birthday. Best use of gift money ever! I feel healthy and strong and lean. More energy than I’ve had in years! You can email me at kay@kayharms.com.
I’m new to your blog and you were recommended by Jolynn Shane..I think!! I love your style and hearing about your daily life. This dress is super cute and I love the versitility of it! It would work for the office as the cardigan makes it professional looking for a business casual look!! Thank you for your style advice! Check out my website for vintage and modern style jewelry at savvy prices! I think you’ll find some fun pieces!
I love reading your posts. Beautiful dress ( just wish I could wear sleeveless ?). Your “Blessed For My Day” was just what my heart needed to hear today. I have been dealing with a dizziness illness for over 5 years and today seems to be one of my bad days. Your reminder of acceptance and gratitude were perfect for me to hear today. Thank you❤️
Oh, I’m so glad these words ministered to you, Pam. I’m sorry to hear about your illness. I struggled with vertigo when I was a teenager for some unknown reason. I know that’s very frustrating. Bless you. ?