Each morning, I stand with an empty stare before my closet. I feel lost, alone, confused, and at times, even overwhelmed as the daunting question lingers through the hallways of my tired mind … "WHAT am I going to wear today?" At this point, I have yet to have my coffee and my brain is still adjusting to basic thought, like placing one foot in front of the other. I am having trouble finding inspiration to start another day. Then, the question resounds … "Man, what am I going to wear today?" I sigh, I yawn and then play through the wardrobe options in my head, crossing off the pieces that don't fit the qualifications I have for a typical work-day outfit. See, my work outfit has to be comfortable enough to stay on my body for eight to 10 hours, have wide enough straps that adhere to a tactful and professional dress code, be made of a breathable fabric that moves with me, makes me feel good about my body (despite the ½ pint of Ben and Jerry's I devoured last night before bed, which I am still feeling so guilty about), be easy enough to put together in 15 minutes, and, with all things considered, has still got to be super cute because, well, I'm a woman and women are expected to be fashionable. The biggest downfall of this morning routine is that it is, sadly, all too often the cause of me running late for work. However, I'm happy to share with you a recent epiphany! In a moment of clarity, or maybe pure brilliance, I solved the dilemma … the answer my friends is the DRESS! I know, I know, it was an ingenious thought, please save your applause till the end of my saga.
Dresses! How simple! How easy! How totally "IN" this season! Wearing a dress does not have to be validated by a special occasion, or a super-professional work place. Choosing the right silhouettes, fabrications, prints and colors during your shopping excursions can provide you with a dress fit for just a normal day on the job. It's one simple garment you throw on and go. Bam! Just like that, you are out the door. No searching through your dirty laundry to find the only dress slacks that actually fit you right or trying on jean pant after pant to find one that's going to retain its shape throughout an entire work day. No matching, no layering, it's just you and the dress.
The good news is that finding a dress that fits all of your qualifications is going to be easy for you this summer. The fashion industry is catering to this need and is providing us with fabulous choices right now. Two of these dress trends are the Blouson dress and the strappy sundress. I tell you, designers and forecasters must have had me specifically in mind this season when designing as these styles personify femininity as well as function. The Blouson is a billowy, blowsy dress that forgives all imperfections as the fabric rests loosely draped around the body. This dress should really be worn with a belt for a flattering fit; bringing the fullness of the shape in at the waist (this is to avoid being viewed as one wearing a moo-moo). You'll be seeing these dresses mostly with a bubble or kimono sleeve at elbow length and it is the perfect day dress as it can be dressed up or down by simply changing your shoes: heels for work; flats or sandals for play. Another dress you'll be seeing this year is one a bit more familiar, the strappy sundress. This dress's annual femininity and comfort remains but has been amped up with crochet details, ethnic appliqués, tiered gathers and wide ruffled hems. It's a fantastic choice once again for work or play. Just add a lightweight cropped cardigan or shrug for work and take it off when you punch the time clock for an outdoor dinner date or happy hour cocktails.
You are going to be able to find both of these styles sewn in the season's hottest hues, dip-dyed fabrics, tribal- and ethnic-inspired prints, hand-painted-inspired florals, modernized retro graphics, and tintsy chintz florals. Whatever your personal taste, I have every confidence you'll find your perfect dress this summer. How am I so sure? I'm sure because I have already found more than one of mine! Xoxo, Rhonie Chinika.com's “Rhonie’s Corner” content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of Chinika, LLC. |
Dress It Up
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
