Let's Play Dress Up

Fall fashion is certainly fun and all, but I love spring and summer fashion. I suppose it’s because I’m a dresses-and-skirts girl. Here’s a pro tip: people often say I look so “pulled together.” Well…when you’re wearing one piece (a dress) plus a couple of accessories, it’s hard not to! Trick of the eye. I shop for my job, I shop for myself, and sometimes I’m not sure which one I’m doing when. I’ve been calling that “fantasy shopping,” drafting pieces into my wardrobe, adding them to my virtual cart, and then letting go or making a purchase as needed, all in hopes of a winning wardrobe season.

The other day, I spotted a few beauties at the Gap, especially for someone who wants to update her style but might not want to drop a couple hundred on each dress. So here’s a little tour inside my mind while I shopped. (The dress on right is the perfect spring color, and the structured, feminine shape will flatter a lot of figures.) Here are a few more:

This nautical number caught my eye first, naturally. Love stripes! Could be super cute with a shrunken blazer, or belted with a men’s style cognac-leather belt and wedges. Or, cute Keds and a cardigan with a men’s watch. You could even add hot pink or citron for a fun shot of color. $70.

This dress screams brunches or baby showers or any other spring gatherings you may have to attend. Plus, you may have heard by now that orange is the color of the year. $70.

I’ve already spotted a few lovely ladies wearing this dress in the skyways. It’s oh-so-Diane Von Furstenberg, and the color combo just jumps right out. $65.

I am a sucker for dresses with sleeves or pockets. You too? Probably, judging from comments I get. If only there were more featured them, right? That’s why you have to jump on it when you find cute ones. Plus, this is my favorite color. I’d add lots of chunky gold jewelry. $70.

Another sleeved dress! Love the ’60s shift styling, both in silhouette and print, and not unlike a Trina Turk. I’d probably rock a belt with this one, and some strappy sandals. $60.

This is a great transitional-season dress. Pop it up with a neon scarf or floral patterned shoes for a spring look. If it’s still cold, or to transition to fall, add a chunky sweater, boots, and tights. Love ponte—practically indestructible and flattering to your shape. I have a couple of ponte-fabric dresses from Gap, so that’s a personal testimony. $60.