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Yes, this personal stylist is advocating for the wearing of a dress that does not fit. Fashion rules dictated that you really should only buy and wear pieces that fit you well. You have also heard me harp on the importance of a good fit. Thus, to hear me say that your dress doesn’t always have to fit should come as a surprise to you. However, this is not an open invitation to embrace all ill-fitting clothing.
During a Goodwill visit in Annapolis, MD, I spotted this beautiful dress. I love the old-school look, and the various color lines that run down the entire dress. Best of all, the price after my military discount was a $1! I honestly assumed it would fit, as the size 6 on the tag was my exact size. Therefore, I did not believe I needed to try it on.
When I got home, I immediately tried on the dress. While the arms fit perfectly, this dress could barely reach together to button up. I am convinced that it was a vintage 6, which probably means a size 2. I was so disappointed, but rather than place it in the donate pile, I hung it up, determined to find a way to get my dollar’s wear out of this dress.
As the summer ended and the fall season rolled in, I pulled this dress out as a last minute option while heading out to a garden party with some friends. I had originally planned on simply wearing an all-white outfit. Before you say anything. Let me just put it out there that you can wear white after Labor Day. In fact, this is probably the first time that I have seen white worn after Labor Day as just another thing. So, don’t stress yourself about those antiquated fashion rules.
My all-white outfit consisted of a simple white tank top and some awesome white skinny jeans from Old Navy. I love the distressed look with these jeans and got a lot of wear out of them this past summer. And, I as I looked at the outfit in the mirror, my $1 dress popped in my head. Why not simply wear the dress over the entire outfit, and keep the buttons open. No one needed to know that this dress definitely did not fit me. The look simply came together, and appeared as though it was meant to look like this!
I could have worn any color heels to bring out the white, but wanted the dress to do the speaking, so I finished the outfit with these thrifted Nine West heels that I picked up from Buffalo Exchange in Washington, D.C. for $9. Finally, to complete this look, I went with this Kate Spade clutch that I got from an estate sale for $2. I LOVE estate sales. You can definitely get some amazing and beautiful pieces at some ridiculously low costs. If you are not busy on the weekend, simply google estate sales in your area. I promise you that they are worth the drive to check them out.
Do you have a dress in your closet that may not fit that well anymore, but can easily be salvaged if worn over some jeans and a tank?
I would never think to put a dress that didn’t fit into good use but man does that outfit look beautiful on you.
Love this! I do dresses with leggings a lot when they are shorter and make them kinda like a tunic but love this idea with tank and skinny jeans!
You make a dress that doesn’t fit, fit. I love those ripped jeans too. You have such a great fashion sense and on a budget.
I’m all about a good deal and I’ve never thought of this. Kicking myself for turning away from really nice dresses that I could totally have worn like you have. Lesson learnt. Thanks
As always you make everything look so chic! I have actually done that too when I have a button down dress and I use it as a coverall! Love it! I like versatile pieces!
I’m a fan of all white & it surly looks good on you!
I do like that look. White is so fresh and delicate. I love that the dress print, too. Makes the whole outfit pop.
OMG that is a brilliant idea. I never would have even thought to wear it like that, but I love how you came up with such a great idea.
You totally rock this dress! I wouldn’t have guessed that it was too small. And what a deal!
You are so beautiful, as always. You can wear any type of clothes and still rock it. I really love your taste in fashion!
Oh dang, look at that! I love that and I don’t know that I would have ever thought to wear a dress as a duster.
What a fabulous idea! I didn’t realize it was a dress until I was reading through the post! I would never have thought to do that!
I think it is awesome how you styled this ill fitting dress. You can’t even tell that it isn’t the way it is “supposed” to be worn. I think you look fabulous!
Ahhh, that is a great idea! I wear button up shirts like this, that are just a bit too tight around the chest area. I would have never thought to do this with a dress.
This is so awesome! I have so many dresses that don’t fit anymore! Thank you for sharing
I love this! I mean personal style is all about being creative, right? You took that to a whole other level! Kudos to you!
What a fun idea. Adding the dress to your all white look is perfection. It really makes the outfit pop and standout amongst the crowd.
I am so jealous at how easily you pull off white! I am loving that long shirt/dress!
This is a great idea! I love wearing dresses over jeans as coats anyway, so it’s the perfect solution for a dress that isn’t the perfect fit. Nicely done!!
Fabulous look. I’m gonna check my closet right now.
I would have never thought to even keep a dress that was too small – you make it look like it was supposed to be that size. You are gorgeous by the way!
I love what you did with this dress! This look is so pretty! I don’t think I have one, but I could definitely keep my eyes peeled when thrifting!
I love this Idea, your outfit looks so good and chic and you have given me the best way for those dresses that have decided to go against me and not allow me to be great.
such a brilliant idea! And it looks so good, and stylish. I would have never guessed that you did not buy this outfit, just as you are wearing it, in these pictures. Thanks for reminding me to think outside of the box, even when it comes to fashion. Blessings!
I am head-over-heels for this look! Incredible! I didn’t even realize that was a dress until you said something. Well done!!
How is tha goodwill in Annapolis? I was wondering if it’s worth the hours drive? Thanks and this outfit is gorgeous
What a great solution! I think I like this look better than if you were able to wear it as a dress!
haha i love the title of this post! how creative of you to wear it as a kimono/jacket instead!
http://www.layersofchic.com
This look turned out great! Beautiful styling. I love doing this with dresses—actually did it for a Halloween costume last year. 🙂
I like the overall outfit. It looks very nice on you. I wouldn’t have thought of that! Great idea!
This is such a good idea that makes for a stunning outfit!!
I do this to clothes ALL the time because I’m a very small person. LOL! I love turning big sweaters into sweater dresses and long t-shirts into mini dresses. Love how you styled this xx
Kit | THINGS SHE LOVES
I sometimes do this with button down shirts but haven’t ever thought to try it with a dress. I just had an aha moment thinking about something specific hanging in my closet right now! Thanks for the excellent fashion idea.
I often wear dresses like this and I add a pair of leggings to the mix as well. Comfortable and easy outfit.
love the all white with the pop of color!
http://www.layersofchic.com
You look beautiful and you really made that dress work. I have never heard of estate sales but I will definitely check them out.
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