We all know the downsides of fast fashion, and how we should do more to reduce our carbon footprint by buying less and making more use out of the items we own.
But when it comes to certain pieces, you might struggle to see how they can be used for more than one season. Take summer dresses for example: these pretty, floaty, lightweight garments really can only be worn over the warmer months, right? Well actually, styled well, your summer dresses could get you right the way through the year and still look seasonally appropriate. Here’s how you can do it.
Choose The Right Summer Dresses
If you think you’ll want to try and get as much wear out of your summer dresses as possible, start off by buying must-have pieces that are easy to style. Slightly darker colours will still look cute in the summer but will be easier to transition through the months compared with white or very light pastels. If you go with something with short sleeves as opposed to completely sleeveless for example, again it will be great for the summer but easier to carry through the year once the weather cools down.
Summer
During the summer you can wear your dress as it was intended. Pop on some stylish summer footwear, anything from inexpensive flip flops to luxe Celine sandals depending on what you own and wear. A floppy sun hat, oversized sunglasses and you’ll look cute, chic and your summer dress will keep you feeling cool and breezy. Bright statement jewellery and/ or a bright bag, a summer manicure and pedicure and a tan will finish the look and have you looking stunning while it’s warm.
Spring/ Autumn
These are the transitional months. Spring and autumn can range from cool to warm temperatures but for the most part they’re mild enough to make wearing a summer dress easy. Add a jacket, this could be anything from a blazer to a leather jacket or denim jacket depending on the look you’re going for. Skin coloured tights will keep your legs warm, then for footwear something like sneakers or pumps will keep your feet dry if it starts raining but without making you too warm. On colder spring or autumn days, pair up your summer dress with a thick chunky knit cardigan and a beanie and you’re good to go.
Winter
Winter is of course the trickiest month to style a summer dress but it can definitely be done. Thick black tights will instantly make your summer dress look more seasonally appropriate. You could bring in a chunky waist belt that matches the colour of your boots to tie everything together, and you have a stylish look. Depending on the style of your dress, you might be able to style it over the top of a plain long sleeve top or turtleneck jumper, with a coat over for extra warmth. Layering won’t work for every piece, but give it a try and see if it looks good with the dresses you want to wear.
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