To me, what qualifies something as a “really great find” isn’t just how it looks or makes me feel…it’s how it allows me to express myself. My mood doesn’t necessarily stay the same from day to day; it can run the gamut from “confident” to “romantic” to “relaxed” based on what’s going on in my head and on my schedule. A study by T.J.Maxx found that many other women out there feel the same: nearly 3 out of 4 women agree that they dress to fit their mood.
Some pieces – like this bright designer dress I found at T.J.Maxx – do it all and can easily fit into different scenarios in my everyday life.
Initially, I didn’t think of this dress as particularly versatile; I sort of categorized it as “cocktail party” or “bridal/baby shower” attire. But I like the shape so much that I kind of want to wear it everywhere…so I started playing around with accessories (all in wearable shades of black, white and tan) and discovered that with just a few little tweaks this dress can go from work to date night to Saturday brunch, and the possibilities for me to express my personal style are endless.
For meetings, I like toughening up this soft piece with a zippered vest and a killer black-and-white bag (that bag! Isn’t it amazing?)…and nothing adds an extra dose of confidence like the perfect pair of leg-lengthening nude pumps (Kate Middleton wears hers with virtually everything in her closet for a reason.)
{Also pictured: T.J.Maxx heels, bag and sunglasses; DKNY vest.}
For summery date nights, I keep things easy and light: strappy sandals, vintage jewelry and a snakeskin clutch play up the dress’s sweet shape, and a loose up-do adds a little romance.
{Also pictured: T.J.Maxx sunglasses and bag; vintage necklace; DKNY heels.}
I love the idea of making a silk dress chilled-out enough for a Saturday brunch by adding a summery fedora and nude accessories (those flats have barely left my feet since I bought them).
{Also pictured: T.J.Maxx sunglasses, bangles, bag and flats.}
What is the summer wardrobe staple that enables you to express your style personas, no matter what the occasion?
