Cardigan Empire

Salt Lake City Fashion Stylist

3 Ways to Wear An Overall Dress

Typically I have a rule: if I’ve assumed a trend once in my lifetime, I need to think carefully before riding that wave again.  And having paraded overalls (typically with one strap unlatched) during its peak in the nineties, I hesitated before revisiting it again.

But when I saw the overall’s sweet cousin, the overall dress (aka bib dress, aka denim pinafore), I felt terribly nostalgic.  It was durable yet feminine, an irresistible if unexpected combination.

 

OUTFIT ONE: OVERALL DRESS + BODY SUIT + CHOKER
For my first look, I decided to assemble an appropriate homage to the 90’s.  Body suits play well with overalls, slim and secure (other tops have the potential to bunch up or even peek out the sides).   The choker revisited with layers of suede and finished with a bow, left me feeling just enough separated from my junior high years.

 

OUTFIT TWO: OVERALL DRESS + STATEMENT SLEEVES + BANDANA
I wanted to try two of my favorite current trends with the overall dress next: statement sleeves and a square scarf.

 

I love how the broad ruffles of the bell sleeves contrast with the slim silhouette of the jumper.  And the view is just as darling from the back, the exit is just as cute as the entrance. I put my sons in suspenders all the time (it makes them easier to catch 😉 )

Accessorizing with a statement bandana, leans the denim dress further towards its western roots.  And there are so many fun ways to tie it.

 

OUTFIT THREE: OVERALL DRESS + BUTTONDOWN
For my final look, I took the button-up, which you could also wear buttoned underneath, and tied it over top.

It’s a less conventional version of a cardigan.  It’s polished, slightly masculine, and carries some disheveled structure.

To keep the look casual.  I rolled up the shirt sleeves and flipped the collar.  Bonus: the knotted detail narrows and showcases the waist.

 

You could also play off this same idea with a t-shirt tied to the side of the waist.  It turns the bib-dress into a sleek denim skirt.

So which look is your favorite? Have you tried out overalls yet?  And how do you feel about revisiting the 90’s?

Photos by Chrissy Blake of Let Me See You Sparkle

The Statement Necklace is Dead

I learned of the passing of one of my dearest friends as I was helping two teenage girls pick out cluster wardrobes. “I’m so over statement necklaces.” one quipped “Yeah, they’re like chevrons.” the other agreed.

At first I clutched my own neck, from which hung a statement necklace. Was I hearing these fashion prophesiers correctly? After I calmed down, I decided that it might be time to experiment.

Layered Dainty Necklaces
First I tried a dainty necklace. Now don’t get me wrong, I think they’re darling. And if I layer a few necklaces , I feel less naked. But they’re constantly getting tangled, and I go through them too quickly with four small children confusing them with pull-up bars. However, given the right lifestyle, I think these are exceptionally simple yet chic.  I’d recommend buying them cheap or finding one you really love and never taking it off.

 

The Kerchief 
The next item with which I adorned my neck was the kerchief. This felt like me. I love scarves and it was fun playing with tying variations. I like that it was big, durable, and added an immediate point of interest. I could layer it with a variety of necklines from an open collar, to a v or scoop neck, or even on top of a crew. It’s best to keep the shirt simple as the kerchief does most of the talking. And cowgirls and frenchies like things chic and simple.

 

The Choker 
I have to admit that I’ve done this one before.  I remember buying many a tattoo illusion choker as well as a cross gothic grunge version in the late 90’s.  And I have a rule that if I’ve done it once, I have to think twice before doing it again. I had a hard time finding one I really liked. Most of them reminded me too much of my adolescence.   But I really liked this one: leather with a bow, sweet yet strong. Pairing the necklace with a neckline turned out to be a bit tricky. It needs a bit of skin to properly showcase it. It would work great with strapless and cold shoulder options in the summer, but as my shoulders are only exposed when I swim, I went with a square neck. Pairing it on top of anything higher made me feel a bit suffocated.

 

Statement Earrings
Statement earrings are a strong contender to the statement necklace. The only problem is they can be a bit heavy and tend to add more glamour than I prefer to add for carpool. But I love it for date nights and even work. And while the full arm party may be hibernating in peace alongside the statement necklace, A single statement bracelet could also work.

 

So, there we have it, my accessorizing options for Spring 2017. Which is important, because as layers die off in Summer 2017, I’m going to need some visual interest. But don’t be surprised if you see me with a statement necklace too.

Photos by Let Me See You Sparkle