I think it’s fitting that I end May with a major statement piece after spending the month, well, making a statement about postpartum depression (I plan to keep it up, so bookmark this page to read the latest stories or to go back and check out our whole series). This dress is a little like PPD in that it’s true potential is hidden by the standard of a black dress. At first glance, it looks like a simple, basic piece. It’s simplicity is beautiful in and of itself but it’s a different kind of beauty than the unlocked potential created by a few well chosen accessories. Like the face of motherhood, this dress can be many things but none of them are simple, basic, or insignificant.
Let’s take a look at the un-enhanced lines of the dress. It drapes beautifully and cascades down the leg giving a little peek of skin beneath a knee length slit. The skirt is not full so the slit allows for an amazing amount of movement. Also, it has pockets. Have I mentioned how much I like pockets? If pockets are your thing you need to check out this new online boutique. Almost all of Gozon’s dresses have, you guessed it, pockets.
Here’s the thing. The dress is made of a stretchy jersey material- think yoga pants in a dress. Out of the box, you might think it’s a casual piece and it can be. It’s beautiful and comfy and did I already say it has pockets? I could have easily throw this dress on for a day at the pool and it would be perfect. Give me a straw hat and a margarita and some sun and I’d be set. But, the forecast was rain, rain, and more rain, and when I saw this dress the drama hit me. All I needed was a belt (from my closet), some great shoes (from zappos), and some subtle jewelry. I checked the weather hoping for clouds but grabbed my umbrella just in case.
As we left the house, it was pouring, go figure. Just my luck. But, here’s what transpired: drama, beauty, and glamour.
“Last week, I featured a shirt that emphasizes hope after the storm. But, sometimes, you just need to throw your hands up and dance in the rain.”
How to turn any dress into a statement dress:
1. Choose a solid color and a simple design. It doesn’t have to be black but keep it solid (no pattern, stripes, or lace for this look). If you love red or pink or pale blue: go for it. The cut and flow of the dress are more important than the color. For my base layer you’ll note three things: the rounded edges of the skirt which give the dress interest and a unique shape, the dramatic slit that creates movement without the excess fabric of a full skirt (though full skirts are beautiful too), and the surprise cut out in the back that balances a little skin with the modesty a maxi dress provides.
2. Add accessories. The accessories transform this dress from pool side to oscar ready. The belt, I had chosen for another dress and threw it on almost as an afterthought. I mean, it’s brown. When I think glamour I don’t think brown on black, but it worked. Which brings me to another point: experiment. You can never be sure how things will look just hanging on a rack.
3. Pick a theme and go with it. This dress could have easily gone edgy with a spiky belt and some large reflective earrings. I’m a vintage girl so my first thought was to romance it up with antique clip on earrings and vintage inspired heels (yes, I’ve traded in my flats- but I still keep it at a knee-safe 2 inches or fewer). Keep in mind that shoes in a funky color can add visual interest and help dress up your basic wardrobe items.
4. Hair and makeup. You can take any look (yes even yoga pants or a graphic tee) from blah to wow with the right hair and makeup routine. I’ll be honest, I spend less than 10 minutes on my makeup on any given day (see my routine here). My hair here may have taken about that long here as well (one quick tip for hair styling, save your curls for day old hair, it holds shape and syle much better than freshly washed locks). I wanted to go for romance, glamour, and drama with this outfit, so I paired a red lip with tousled flapper-esque hair.
There you have it. Making a statement doesn’t have to be about straying from the basics. It just takes a little effort and some creativity.
Dress: c/o Gozon
Belt: Mossimo
Shoes: Earth (on sale now!!)
Umbrella: Totes
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Love that dress! So sophisticated. The back is just beautiful…..
Love it!!!
Beautiful dress and beautiful message!!
Thank you! It has been a long road but I’m embracing my struggle and the beauty that has come out of it!
Adore that dress on you!! It’s beautiful, and the fact that it’s comfortable to wear – is a huge plus for this mama!!! 😉 Thanks for the post!
Yes all the Gozon dresses are made of the most comfortable fabric. I’m loving them! It’s like yoga pants feel with a put together look- can’t get any better than that!
Beautiful dress. I adore the back of the dress.
Me too! The back just adds so much drama! But, it would be a comfy beach cover up too- I love the versatility!
Love the styling and great tips on other ways to wear it! Spiked belt sounds like a fun way!
Yes- I may have to buy one just to see how it looks!!
Looks great! You could make several
Different looks with the same dress!
Yes, the versatility of this one is just so awesome!
Thanks for sharing all the most important details on this dress! You write beautifully. I’m going to go check out that boutique now. xo
http://www.mominmotion.com
Oh thank you ❤️❤️❤️
Love the tips!
The back of that dress is just awesome and you have me intrigued by a dress with pockets AND yoga pants material! ?
Yes!!! A lot of the gozon dresses have pockets so I’m like…I’d like them all please. Haha. My husband isn’t so sure about that one…he thinks we should pay bills. Dream killer!
I love reading your “tips”. You’d look great in anything, but I love reading about the other options you could use to dress up or dress down the dress. Another great article, Jamie!!
Thank you Larissa! You will be seeing more of this dress for sure!
I love love this dress!!!! The pockets are so nice!
Yes I’m in love with pockets in dresses! Pockets pockets and more pockets please!
That dress is gorgeous! I love the back of it!
Thank you! It’s the perfect base for so many great looks!
I love this!! So beautiful❤
Great dress& photos to show it off! Love the umbrella too
Thank you ❤️ it was just so much fun!
Jersey with pooooockets!! Great styling. Love the shoes and keeping the accessories simple so the back of the dress can really show off!
Thank you!!! These are one of my favorite pairs of shoes right now! They go with everything! If you’re looking- Zappos and they’re by Earth.
This dress is a perfect combo of chic and function! Love the lipstick and belt!
I love your tips and that dress is just beautiful on you! the belt defines your wiast perfectly and the bow/twist on the back is such a great little detail!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
So flattering! Great photo shoot, too.
Thank you! It was so fun! And this dress would be perfect for any shape I think! So many ways to style it!
Love this dress! I wonder if it comes in plus sizes? Beautiful!
Right now I think they carry it in standard s-xl but it is a generous fit dress. If you click on the link- they should have more specific sizing info! Stay tuned though because I have another Pink Blush feature and they do carry all sizing!!
Can never go wrong with a black dress! I absolutely love the back of this dress! Awesome pick!
Thank you! I’m loving it too. The back was a fun surprise element to the look. It definitely adds drama!
Love all the photos, and these were great ideas!
Thank you!
I love that dress, it’s so simple and looks great styled with the little belt. Super photos too.
Thank you! It was such a fun (if very wet) photo shoot!!
You look great! The dress is awesome and the rain actually made for some amazing photos 🙂
Yes! It was so much fun shooting in the rain. May have to do it again soon as it’s been gloomy out lately.
I really love that dress. It’s very sophisticated. It looks very formal yet Could dress it down and wear it somewhere casual.
Yes! It’s super comfy too. I’ve worn it out and just around the house so many times!
Wow that dress is gorgeous! I adore the back! That is so so pretty. I live that you added a belt.
I wish I wasn’t a shortie; I can’t wear long dresses. But I so very much want to.
You should check out my other posts on that! I’m um…vertically challenged too and I’ve come with all the ways to wear maxis this season. Knots and belts are our friends!
Love the back on that dress! I’m a little short to pull off a maxi unfortunately.
That’s where the belt comes in! I’m too short for maxis too. I’d trip over them even with heels! But, when you belt it you can fluff the top until it fits perfectly and everyone will think it was meant to be worn that way!!
I love how you made it pop with yellow! I love accenting black outfits with yellows and reds!
Yes! Pops of color are so much fun!