Classic Polka Dot Dress

CLASSIC POLKA DOT DRESS – I love classic prints like this polka dot Loveappella “Aberdeen” dress from Stitch Fix. It came with a matching fabric belt, but I like to add my own. The belt is from a Target LBD that was handed down to me from a friend. The dress is long gone, but I kept the versatile belt.

I recently received a Stitch Fix box and the next two posts will feature dresses from that Fix to conclude my summer dress posts. After that, I plan to move into fall inspiration! Finding the perfect fit for a dress can be a challenge, so I’ve jotted down some notes for what to look for according to body shape in my stylist notes below. Please feel free to add your own helpful tips in the comments below.

CLASSIC POLKA DOT DRESS

Dress: Stitch Fix  “Alesia”|Clutch: Target Who What Wear Clutch |Sunglasses:Similar |Cuff: Similar | Heels: Kelly and Katie “Valdes” | Lipstick: Stila “Fiery”

STYLIST NOTES: DRESSES

1. If you are 5.4 or under and short-waisted, consider looking into petite sizes. Often they will fit you better in the waist.
2. Unless you are confident of your stomach, avoid dresses with an elastic waistband. Unless they fit at the slimmest part, they can accentuate your tummy.
3. If you have broad shoulders or a large bust, look for fabrics that have a little stretch to them – especially in the bodice. Avoid a high cut bodice (crewneck); instead, v-neck and scoop necks will look great on you.
4. If you are curvy on the bottom, get dresses that cinch in at the waist and flare out like a fit and flare or have an aline skirt.
5. If you have an hourglass figure, look for a dress with a fitted bodice with a mid-level neckline like a v-neck or scoop neck and one that has an a-line skirt or flared skirt.  The wrap dress was made for you.
6. Pear shaped figures look fabulous in an a-line dress with a boatneck, scoop neck, or v-neck and anything with sleeves to balance out your upper half. Also look for a dress that cinches in to accentuate your tiny waist. If there is a shift dress you absolutely love, add a belt!
7. Apple shapes or those who want to hide their tummy can look for cuts that tend to go straight down like shift dresses or structured/fitted sheath dresses that hit above  knee or shorter.
8. Inverted triangles look amazing in dresses with a fitted top, v-neck or scoop neck, and with a full skirt, like a fit and flare, circle or even an a-line cut.
9. Prints tend to draw attention to themselves so scale your prints to size and place big prints where you want to broaden an area. (i.e. pear shapes should wear big prints on top and inverted triangle shapes should place their eye-catching prints on bottom).
10. Buy the dress to fit your widest part and then tailor the rest to get a perfect fit.
11. Dresses that hit below the knee look best with heels unless you have long legs or are 5.7 or taller.

COMMENT OF THE WEEK:

“Shannon, this is such a beautiful classic and timeless look! You are so right about finding style that suits you and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Recently, I have been getting into thrifting more and I am finding some fabulous items in my local Salvation Army for next to nothing. And it’s so much fun to dig through the racks and search for those hidden gems!” SHELBEE from Shelbee on The Edge

Thank you for your comment on the Jackie O – Simple Style post, Shelbee! I keep going back to timeless and classic looks.

PLEASE SHARE: What tips do you have on finding the right dress?

We are linked up with:Jo Lynne Shane|  | The Pleated Poppy |The Mummy Chronicles |Shopping My Closet | Posh Classy Mom |Elegance and Mommyhood | Doused in Pink | Shelbee On the Edge | More Pieces of Me | Sincerely Jenna Marie

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