Tuesday, October 22, 2013

An Original Vision

A styling trick that I never tried before blogging is taking a dress and instantly turning it into a skirt by layering a top over it. I have done this at least a dozen times now and has taken my dresses to a whole new level. It's a fun way to stretch our wardrobes and mix and match things we already own, especially when transitioning into cooler months.


Top: Wallis c/o // Dress: Target (similar here and here) // Boots: Wallis c/o // Clutch: Forever 21 (similar here) // Belt: Forever 21 (similar here) // Earrings: Kendra Scott (similar here and here) // Ring: Kendra Scott The Jeweler's Wife c/o

I originally visioned this flowy blouse from Wallis paired with trousers and heels for a polished, streamlined look. As I was playing around in my closet, getting other ideas on the ways I could incorporate it with pieces I already had hanging (remember I am not shopping during the month of October), this lace dress I have had for over a year screamed, "perfect match".

I have a soft spot for bohemian inspired styles. I thought it would be fun to take a classic top that could easily be found in an office environment and give it a feminine, boho, chic twist by adding lace detailing, suede ankle boots and gold feather earrings.

This might sound cliche or even strange to some of you, but to me, being able to create outfits from my closet is a form of art, a stress relief and it gets my creative juices flowing. 

Taking new pieces (top and boots) and partnering them with the old (dress and earrings) confirms that sometimes hanging onto items in your closet doesn't categorize you as a pack rat. Recognizing which tried and true staples to save is the part that gets a little tricky. 

Have you purchased something lately and knew exactly how you wanted to wear it, but it ended up being the polar opposite of what you intended?

SHOP THE LOOK

Shanna

46 comments:

Darcy said...

I love this idea. And I totally agree that finding new ways to wear clothes helps get creative juices flowing! I love doing this, but so far have only tried it with my chambray shirt! I need to give a shot with more items in my closet :)
www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Great outfit Shanna! I am suppose to only buy things that are holes in my closet but I am not very good at that. Or not shopping for that matter.

I am like you, I do get excited pairing old things with newer items.

Alice
www.happinessatmidlife.com

Unknown said...

So smart! :) And it looks great so hope to see this more often! x

http://lovelifelovefashion.be

Becky M said...

Ah! I am in love with that clutch!

agirlandhersparkles.blogspot.com

Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/) said...

Well done, love this look.

xo
http://pinksole.com

Nina Piccini said...

Very boho and very chic! Great look!

xo, Nina
afterthe40barfinish

Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} said...

Every single time I see that clutch I want it. It's fantastic.

Wine and Couture said...

Great pairing! I do this all the time and try to use what I have before I purchase new!
xo, Lee
edfbylee.com

TaraMixandMatch said...

Super cute Shanna! I still have not mastered the look of layering a top over a dress lol

Kimberly said...

I love wearing dresses like skirts too & I completely relate to what you said about the rush you get from creating new outfits! Sometimes it's frustrating at first but when you finally come up with a good (& new!) combination, like yours here, it's so fun :)

www.pennypincherfashion.com

Anonymous said...

I should really give this a try. I have a dress and top I think it will work with too! Thanks.

Lauren {By Lauren M} said...

I had never though of wearing dresses as skirts until I started blogging, but it's such a great way to get more wear out of your clothes! Loving this blouse on you!

Erin LFF said...

LOVE this combo! Blogging also taught me the 'dress as a skirt' trick ;)

Alyssa said...

Sometimes I tuck dresses into skirts, but I've never done the reverse like you have here. It looks great!

Unknown said...

Love this top! It is such a gorgeous peach color and looks amazing on you!

TheTinyHeart said...

Wearing dresses as skirts totally doubles your wardrobe! It's fun making outfits with pieces you already own...it's like a whole new outfit without spending a penny :)

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart

Helene in Between said...

I have never tried this either but it works soooo well! especially perfect for cooler weather!

The Style Storm said...

Love this looK! Those booties look amazing!

The Style Storm
xo, Christina

Because of Jackie said...

What a cute look and a fun idea! And I agree, I swear I think in "outfits", constantly trying to come up with new ways so wear something...glad it's (sorta) normal:)

Unknown said...

I love layering tops over dresses! So cute Shanna! : )

Kayla
www.lovelucygirl.com

Unknown said...

LOVE. I see this everywhere and always say I'm going to try it and then never do! Looks like I may need to bust some things out this weekend :) xo

ps: you look fab.

Just Another Shopaholic said...

Lovely and so hippy chic!!

Unknown said...

This is a great outfit. I love the lace with the bright top. Very cute.

Lindsay

pinkandnavystripes.com

Niki {Glossy Blonde} said...

I agree that shopping your closet is an art form! I love what you did with the top and dress, and that color is beautiful!

Carly said...

Love this, layering is one of my fav ways to reinvent pieces!!!

Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com

Sheila said...

Cute look! I need to try the same too with a dress. :)

xo – Sheila
www.sheislovelyblog.com
Find me on BlogLovin!

Always Maylee said...

This is so cute. I love the blouse over the dress, such a pretty color on you too. You look gorgeous!

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

Cece @Mahogany Drive said...

LOVE those boots!! So cute and they look really comfy.

Nikki said...

I love taking dresses and making them into skirts. I feel so clever making my wardrobe do double and triple duty! This is a great look!

Nikki
thefashionablewife.com

Unknown said...

Love this! I've never tried a top over a dress before but maybe I should. The belt really helps it keep a nice shape.

J is for Jessica said...

For some reason I have never tried this! But I have a top like this would totally work, where have I been!?!

Sybil@PeaceitallTogether said...

That lace dress of yours is one of my favorites! I am still on the hunt for one of my own. Your make-up looks different...maybe it's just the coral color of the top. I love it!!

Katie Did What said...

Love the look! I also am currently loving putting a sweater over a dress! Same idea, just as totally cute :)

xo

Ashleigh said...

I too, love a bit of Boho. I love your boots! You still manage to look classy and boho, like Rachel Zoe! Not like the music festival goers in bikinis and fringe and boots....
You're gorgeous and the boho look suits you. Love!
-Ash
www.thestylizedwannabe.com

Rebecca said...

I'm so with you in transitioning good old closet pieces to a whole new level....& those pieces you added to the dress/top like the purse, the lace skirt & the booties perfectly nail the entire look together!

Rebecca
www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

Stesha said...

Hello Lady! I am loooving this look! I tend to take a dress & make it a skirt as well... getting creative with the closet is inspiration & you are right, it is like creating art! Plus it helps my wallet! Love the look & miss your face pretty!

xxS

Anonymous said...

You look gorgeous Shanna!! Love the color on you.. :)

Unknown said...

The blouse and clutch are awesome , very sweet style :D


www.gloria-agostina.com

www.gaweddingdresses.com

Unknown said...

I have a green lace dress that I do the same thing with and I love that clutch. I'm so glad I bought it I use it all the time.

I was driving home from a trip just last night thinking of ways to take summer dresses and put tops over them! Crazy!

Kathrin@shopschoolsleep said...

i've done this a few times with dresses, but i love your take on a belt with a long shirt and the dress....will have to try that!!

TaraMixandMatch said...

Love, love, love the print of your dress...you look gorgeous!

Penniless Socialite said...

I am obsessed with those tassel bracelets. I just wish the shipping wasn't $10...haha.
Tara
Penniless Socialite
$50 thredUp Giveaway!

Ladies in Navy said...

prettiest top!
kw ladies in navy

Katie said...

love the leggings! and this outfit is so cute!

Misty, Handbags + Handguns said...

I love this outfit. I never put tops over dresses before blogging either. Who knew?

Unknown said...

Love your clutch darling!

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