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How To: Shop for a Dress

May 8, 2014

HAUT-WD222_V2

Haute Hippie

It’s approaching summer, which for many of us means it’s wedding season!  And, what better occasion than a wedding to don a dress? Given our more casual daily lives (I’m as guilty as the next – notice all the posts on t-shirts and lounge pants?!), it’s nice to step-it-up notch and wear something special to celebrate such a significant occasion.

I have 3 family weddings in the coming months. Therefore, wedding preparation has inspired me to create a 3-part series dedicated to shopping for and styling a dress based both on body-type and wedding venue.  Stay-tuned, more to come in the coming weeks.  This first post; however, will focus on selecting the best dress shape for your figure.

Because I am focused on wedding-worthy frocks, you will see no black or white dresses in my selections.  That being said, depending on the event, a black or a white dress can be perfectly appropriate wedding attire.  Black can look great for an evening wedding or a more formal affair.  White can still be tricky.  While I’m definitely not one to adhere to “fashion rules”, I would generally stay away from white unless specifically stated in the invitation (a black & white event, for example) or you know the bride well (and she thinks it’s ok).  Wearing white can still be considered rude and the last thing you want to do at a wedding is anger the bride!

Sheath: The sheath is a classic shape that can be universally flattering. In particular, a sheath dress can compliment a straight figure, as it hugs the body with well-placed darts or seaming to enhance curves.  Likewise, a sheath in a structured material with strategic tailoring can be absolutely stunning on a curvy figure.  And, a strapless version would look excellent on those with a larger bust – just be sure you have appropriate undergarments for care-free grooving on the dance floor!

Anthropologie
J.Crew
Mason by Michelle Mason

Anthropologie | J.Crew | Mason by Michelle Mason

Shift: Characterized by it’s loose shape, the shift dress can be perfect for those with a straight figure or an athletic build.  Although the dress is meant to be roomy, be careful of the volume and show off some skin (shoulders, legs, or both).  A curvy shape can get lost and appear bigger (especially if you have a large bust), while a petite frame can be overwhelmed by the material.  Unless you are tall, I would generally do a mini version rather than a longer dress.

Piperlime
Velvet by Graham & Spencer
Trina Turk

Piperlime | Velvet by Graham & Spencer | Trina Turk

Fit & Flare: An ideal cut for a curvy figure, the fit & flare style flaunts your assets by accentuating your curves while whittling the waist. Meanwhile the skirt glides away from the body, disguising hips.  But pay particular attention to the neckline.  For example, if you should have a larger chest – a v-neck or strapless dress will be the most complimentary.

J.Crew
French Connection
Shoshanna

J.Crew | French Connection | Shoshanna

Maxi: The maxi dress is perfect for showing off shoulders, while still disguising your lower half (and remaining comfortable).  A maxi can work for any body type, just be mindful of proportions…especially if you are petite.  Choose a strapless version, a slim tank or small straps on the top; showing some skin while the skirt gracefully falls to the ground.

Anthropologie
Parker
Amanda Uprichard

Anthropologie | Parker | Amanda Uprichard

Let me know your favorite – I welcome your feedback.  And please stay tuned…next week I will be styling several outfits based on different wedding venues.  Thanks for reading!

Comments: 0   //   Category: How To

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Comments

  1. Laura Nichols

    May 9, 2014 at 12:36 am

    How about a special on post partum/nursing mother wedding attire 🙂 or “I’m 39 weeks pregnant with cankles” wedding attire?

    What – too small a market?

    Sent from my iPhone

  2. kirsty

    May 13, 2014 at 10:02 pm

    love hate hippie, nice choices!!

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Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted t Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted the new year feeling inspired with a renewed intention for my account; to share with you the goodies I love, wear, try. Unfiltered and honest. That’s what I’m here for. But then...2021 arrived feeling much like her older sister, 2020. Instead, I’ve avoided a lot of social media; choosing to tune into various news outlets and into my family. So, HERE WE ARE. A post proving that I got dressed yesterday, wearing some of my new favorites (these @flamingosshoes white boots!) and steady stand-bys (year 2 wearing this @notmondaymercantile beanie on repeat). I took the kids out after school to run a couple of errands and connect with a business I love to support; we made plans for a spring share. Man, it felt good to get out! And now, I’m posting early before I’ve read the morning news. So, it’s happened. 
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Please stay safe, remain respectful, and true to yourself. Social media is a beautiful way to connect, create, and inspire...but can also be a dangerous rabbit hole of misinformation and an opportunity for people to behave in a way they ordinarily wouldn’t in person. Off my soap box. Have a lovely Friday!#wordsfrommyheart #realoutfitgram #flamingosshoes #whiteboots #notmondaymoments
Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you all but enjoyed a nice long break. Heading back home after some snow time and I’m feeling re-energized (for now). Isn’t it funny how a change in the calendar can make you feel different? Are you a “new year, new you” kinda gal or more indifferent? I do like a good reset. Even though we’ll be doing more of the same early this year, I’m feeling more optimistic. For now. Cheers to 2021!
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Also, posted in stories a nearly identical photo of us from last January at the top of @schweitzer_mountain. While the photos look the same, it’s fun to think that we now are Sandpoint homeowners! A positive outcome of 2020. #newyearonthemountain #snowbest #schweitzermountain #skifamily
Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all the boxes this year. Thinking of everyone not able to spend time with loved ones this year. I’m so grateful for our little family but really missing my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, my in-laws.  Over a year seems far too long to be apart; but we all need to continue to be safe. It matters. #christmassweater #christmas2020 #staysafestayhome #vintagesweater
Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions ma Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions may look different this year; we have an opportunity to get creative and share in new experiences. Like the new-to-me homemade marshmallow recipe, @thekirstyfiles and I have the pleasure of bringing to you in partnership with @pacific_place. We encourage you to invite a few pals to a zoom date, pop a bottle of bubbly, and create these delicious confections together. I promise they’re relatively fool proof (I pulled them off!) AND a sugar-high afternoon spent with friends (even virtually) will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Tune in to Pacific Place’s IGTV or YouTube to see the full tutorial, including my gaff when my marshmallow began moving into the “hard ball” territory (note: this recipe does require a candy thermometer and the ability to read it!). Cheers to making the most out of holiday 2020! #homemademarshmallows #pacificplaceseattle #craftingtogether
Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a frie Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a friend. The belly laughs, chit chat, and groans (as we tried on a number of jeans) provided the escape from reality that I needed. Sometimes you don’t realize just how much you miss something until you get to enjoy it again!
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Other things I love? Soft luxury cashmere, designer denim that fits like a glove, and packable hats (yes, packable!). All can be found @willaseattle; a small, women-owned boutique located in the heart of the Queen Anne neighborhood in Seattle. Be sure to check out our stories as @thekirstyfiles and I share holiday-perfect gifts for your sister, mother, girlfriends...yourself! Lucky for Kirsty and I, our husbands also know the lovely owner, Liz (and she has our wishlists on file)! 
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Also very near and dear to my heart, Willa is the epitome of shopping local. The shelves are stocked with unique, small business designs; including many Seattle businesses. When you shop local, you not only support your community but also curate a look all your own!
#shoplocalseattle #seattleboutique #seattlestyle #happytoshare
Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for you Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for yourself, aka #stayathomestyle. Sure, 2020 may be the year of the sweatpant (combined with a sleeping bag-like coat, as seen here). And yes, a mask chain is this year’s hottest accessory. BUT I still take care to actually get dressed each day. And while lipstick may no longer be a part of my daily routine (I mean, was it ever??), it’s still important to be pulled together..if only for my own mental health. And even if no one else sees it but the grocery clerk. #whatmamaworemonday #sweatpantsseason 
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PS. Did you know I usually tag everything that I’m wearing? It may not all be current, but DM me if you want more details.
A few days late but still so grateful. We’ve spe A few days late but still so grateful. We’ve spent a lot of quality time as a party of five, braved a few big changes, and (mostly) survived 2020. #dontjinxit #partyoffive #practicegratitude #seattlefamily 
photo: @chelseamacorphotography
On the eve of Black Friday sales bonanza, I hope t On the eve of Black Friday sales bonanza, I hope to inspire, remind, urge, and even beg you to ignore all of the crazy cyber sales that have been creeping into your inbox for the past week and instead SHOP SMALL this holiday season. Yes, perhaps it’s less convenient and even less of a “deal” but this pandemic is putting an even greater strain on the small and local businesses that are the absolute life blood of our communities. And, in addition to supporting an entrepreneur and neighbor, you’ll likely find more creative, individual, and unique gifts for your loved ones by shopping a small business.
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Are you in the Seattle area?  Hit me up with questions about my favorite local haunts and finds. I’ve got so many ideas to share; together we can help blow your holiday giving out of the water this year! #shopsmallthischristmas #supportsmallbusiness #shopsmallseattle #seattlestylist
This sweater is at the top of my wishlist! Come ch This sweater is at the top of my wishlist! Come check out @sskein.co knitwear for yourself and visit with designer @e_for_elisa tomorrow during a private trunk show at Emry Boutique in Madison Valley. Simply dm @shop.emry to schedule your visit (attendees are being staggered for safety). Not in Seattle? Check out Elisa’s amazingly cozy, baby alpaca designs online. These knits are the perfect gifts for your mom, sister, boyfriend...self. Because 2020. They deserve to be snuggled in luxury! (And so do you). #sskein #smallbatch #ethicalfashion #shopsmallseattle

welcome to my blog

Thanks for reading! I began this blog in early 2014 as an outlet to share my styling tips and tricks, and disseminate shopping wisdom. I am honored when readers make a connection; whether it’s learning how to make the latest fashion trend your own or finding the perfect new addition to your wardrobe. Thank you for stopping by and spending a few minutes of your day sharing in my passion for fashion and style! ~Jenn

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