now & then: how i wore a denim dress this spring & fall
today, we’re continuing on with our new series now & then. the idea is simple: all this week, i’m showing you how i styled the same spring outfit again this fall. we got lots of positive feedback as i think most of us are looking to reuse some of our favorite outfits. in case you missed it, yesterday was our first installment, and i showed you how to wear a khaki jumpsuit in both spring and fall. we’ve got a fun one for you today. i dug into my Instagram archives and found a denim shift dress i wore on a Caribbean cruise a few years ago. turns out that that same dress works beautifully for fall. so here’s how i wore a denim dress this spring & fall.
then
a warm-weather getaway comes just in time as our temps have been chil-ly this past week! guess who won’t mind a warm island breeze or two? and while there will be lots of fun in the sun onboard the ship and our port stops – st. johns, tortola, and nassau, i honestly had to stop and think, “what do i wear on a cruise?” days at sea are filled with a variety of activities from art auctions to hanging out on the open deck enjoying the ocean waves. so lightweight mix and match attire came to mind – shorts, lightweight pants, tees, and skirts make up the bulk of my attire with several formal outfits geared towards cocktails and dinner. although the dress code on most evenings is fairly relaxed, there’s between one to four semi-formal occasions headed our way. otherwise, cool and comfortable is the key.
now
so how do we transition something as simple as a shift dress into fall? on the face of it, there’s not much you can do to shift a shift dress. but in reality, it’s all about accessories ladies—bags, shoes, and jewelry. we all love accessories, no doubt. but sometimes their importance is overlooked. accessories are going to take that old dress that’s been collecting dust and breath new life into it. if you compare and contrast my two looks, you’ll see that something as simple as an open toe bootie totally changes the dynamic of the dress. add a new bag and a statement necklace and you’re ready to take fall on head-on.
shift dress | open toe bootie | shoulder bag | necklace
I love this wear it then & now series….. We are all trying to economize and wear more of what we already have and update with accessories. Hope you had a great vacation!
Love this new series you are doing!
Growing up in the 60s, denim is an important part of my wardrobe. I don’t wear dresses often, but denim pants & chambray shirts all day long. Loving the chunky heel, just maybe I can start wearing heels again!!! That would be a boost my under 5′ height.
I’m loving your new series, it’s great to see that with a few updated accessories, you can completely change the look of items we already own.
With highs in the 60s this week, I would add tights and a scarf to your outfit. My then and now goes back2 years. I didn’t wear real clothes from Labor Day to Thanksgiving last year because I was either in the hospital having surgeries, in rehab or recovering at home. I’m rediscovering my fall clothes and am enjoying your ideas on updating them
What a great series! I live on the Coast so transitioning for us could be a long time before cold weather sets in for a month or two. It’s good to know how to keep favorite Summer pieces going.
Bought this when you first showed it. Lobe it! Thanks.
Very cool dress. Where did you get the espadrilles? I like the way they look with the dress.
Hi Beth
You look really smart in the blue denim dress. How about showing us how you wear the blue denim dress with other pieces and colours, and how one can co-ordinate the main piece i.e. blue denim?
Thanks
Deidre
Love your blog! I am 70 years old but do not feel it. I even got my hair cut like yours and I love it!!
Hi Beth
I love the fall look with the denim shift. The accessories are neat. I like this new series of then and now. I like to see how you accessorize your outfits. Blessings to you and your family. Thanks for posting.
Such simple changes – such an impact. Love both looks. That denim dress is a real classic, just like your khaki jumpsuit. Superhero neutrals!
You are amazing. Love your style. I’m a 62 yr old, retired grandma of 5. I hate shopping so your posts are my “personal shopper” go to!
I love this dress and think it would be perfect for……everything. But I prefer fabrics that have some stretch in them. Do you know of any you could recommend. BTW, I know the last year has been difficult for you and I want to say that you are carrying on wonderfully.⚓️⚓️