Do you ever look through your closet and feel like you have ample dressy clothes and plenty of jeans and shirts, but you come up short on the casual and pretty? You know, the kind of ensemble you’d wear to an afternoon baby shower, a birthday party, a church picnic or a girls’ shopping day? I think a colorful printed shift like this one makes a smart addition to your wardrobe for spring and summer outings that call for something easy-breezy and pretty.
This Zig-Zag Printed Shift dress from Talbots has a jewel neckline with knife pleats for added interest. It’s made of a comfortable 100% cotton interlock knit and slips easily over the head. The manufacturer says you can machine was and dry the dress, but I would probably hang it to dry.
I slipped on a pair of strappy pink patent leather sandals I’ve had for years. But even white or neutral sandals would work perfectly.
Because there is so much color and pattern in the dress, I wanted something simple and dainty as far as jewelry. The Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant necklace is from Rocksbox, a jewelry membership service through which you can rent and/or buy jewelry that has been selected for you by your personal stylist for just $21 per month. Have you tried Rocksbox? I’d love to hear about your experience. The necklace I’m wearing is actually one a friend was wearing on loan from Rocksbox, so I haven’t actually tried the service myself. But I’m considering it.
My soft petal earrings are also on loan from Rocksbox. While I normally gravitate toward larger, sturdier pieces of jewelry, I’m trying to learn to appreciate the delicate and dainty.
I think the big take-away from a dress like this is that it reminds me of the importance of color. Many older women gravitate toward black and neutrals, and I like those colors myself. But these photos show me that color awakens my skin, hair and eyes. As we get older it’s all the more important that we wear pretty, brightening colors around our faces. The colors in this dress especially brighten my eyes, skin and hair.
Can you go wrong with a dress like this? Yep, I think so, if you over accessorize or add too much bling. This is the kind of dress that calls for subtle accessories and simple, but pretty shoes. Otherwise, it can look like you’re trying too hard.
Sometimes a girl just needs to slip on a dress, don’t you agree? And this one is pretty, simple and easy. Perfect for a cruise or a quick trip to your favorite ice cream shop! Versatile and striking every time you wear it.
I’ve provided some links to this dress, but also to other cotton shifts and fun sandals. Have a happy, happy day!
Hi Kay, I am loving your blog and I am a big Talbots fan as well. I am more of a dress girl than a pants girl, though. I also have many nice cardigan sweaters. How do you clean yours? Woolite in the washer? Woolite in the sink? Dry-clean? I want them to last as long as possible. Thanks, Becky
Hi Becky. I generally wash mine in the washer with the Woolite that is made for the washer. And on delicate cycle of course. Then I definitely lay flat to dry. I may have dry cleaned them some, too. But honestly, sometimes I’ve noticed a lot of button breakage (and/or disappearance) when I have cardigans dry cleaned. So I think they do better with me washing them either on gentle cycle in the washer or by hand. Also, I do hang mine in the closet on hangers that work well for cardigans. You know how some hangers can leave little indentations in the shoulders, well I try to choose hangers that leave the shoulder smooth. But I think just hanging them out helps to air them out so they don’t have to be washed as often. I probably only wash most of my sweaters once, maybe twice during a season.
Thanks!
I totally agree that color is a girls best friend (next to good skin care, great shoes and a glass of wine…ha ha)!!
This dress is totally up my alley, and I love that you have shoes that go with it perfectly, Kay!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
You are so right Jodie! Thanks for sharing ???
This is a very cute look, Kay! Classy AND easy- my favorite! <3
Thanks so much Maryann. It’s interesting how sometimes the simplest pieces make the biggest impact. ?
Great reminder about wearing color as we get older.
This looks so pretty on you!
Enjoying your classy style?
Thanks so much Carla. I’m enjoying doing this more than I ever thought I would. Yes, color makes a huge difference doesn’t it? ?
Love your Blog! That’s really a pretty dress! I have a dress something like that, but the color of yours is a lot prettier!!!
Love this outfit! You look gorgeous!
Thanks, lady! And thanks to you!