The Queenslander in me still loves a colourful frock (even though my New Zealand wardrobe seems to be gathering more and more navy haha).
I guess my internal battle then, is to work out how to work a colourful, summer-looking dress into a cooler climate so I can get the most out of the colour and the print.
One such dress is the playful “Feeling Free” dress in parrot print from my gals at Brisbane label inBLACK {which they very kindly gifted to me to play with}. It’s made from a glorious cotton spandex, so it feels heavier than it looks. The jersey won’t crush, is machine washable, AND this little beauty has POCKETS!! *actually does a happy dance every time she remembers this.
Now because I love this dress so much, I want to wear it now, so I’ve put together four end-of-winter/spring looks that you can apply to most any summer dress to wear it in the cooler months (and no black tights in sight).
1. Layer UNDER the dress
Vary the layer depending on how cold it is. This could be a cotton top, or even a merino. This fab dress has a high neckline, so the neckline of the top underneath won’t matter, but the key is to keep the top quite fitted so you’re not adding any extra bulk.
(extra styling tip: It sounds real classy, but I try to tuck my top into my undies so it doesn’t ride up during the day, especially if you aren’t wearing tights too)
GET THE LOOK:
InBlack “Feeling Free” dress in Parrot $129.00 AUD size 8-18 available. I’m wearing a size 12, dress is a standard /loose fit.
Portmans long sleeve tee – similar here $39.95.
Mi Piaci boots – similar here $340
2. Long Layers
We often default to a shorter jacket when wearing it with a dress, so why not play with proportions and go for a longer line jacket like a trench.
I’ve purposely not worn any black with this dress is any of the looks – there is no black in the print of the dress, so matching it back with black won’t do the print, or the black, any justice (ironic that it’s from a label called inBLACK then though haha).
The navy in the trench and the grey in the boots is a much more subtle compliment to the pink in the frock.
GET THE LOOK:
InBlack “Feeling Free” dress in Parrot $129.00 AUD
Zara navy trench (old season) similar here from The Iconic $169.00
Mi Piaci boots – similar here $340
3. Over The Top
One thing I keep forgetting I can do to REALLY change the look of a dress is to put a jumper over it and turn it into a skirt. Seems so simple once you get your head around it right?
A knit is also a great way to give a little more shape to a shift, or swing-style dress as it will bring you it at the waist a little more.
If it’s still a little chilly where you are, you could definitely add tights and boots to this look.
GET THE LOOK:
H&M knit (grey one here) $49.95
InBlack “Feeling Free” dress in Parrot $129.00 AUD
Ziera “Jinx” mules in Ocean Suede $229.95 {kindly gifted}
4. The Classic Casual Look
You know I love to add a denim jacket and trainers to pretty much any look and this dress is no different. It’s just SUCH an easy way to add dresses into your mum-uniform / casual Saturday wardrobe rotation.
If the thought of bare legs still scares you, then just whip out some of my fave Little Honey fake tan, and, trust me, you’ll feel a million bucks baring those pins of yours.
GET THE LOOK:
Just Jeans denim jacket $119.95 AUD
InBlack “Feeling Free” dress in Parrot $129.00 AUD
Betty Basics “Freedom” Trainers, similar here $69.95
(cat photobombing in the background does not come with the outfit)
So while it still may be a little chilly where you are to pull of some of these looks now, its a great time to start thinking about what to wear for Spring, and how you can get the most versatility out of some of your more summery items. Plus this dress was just too gorgeous not to show it to you!
