Tiered maxi dress…
Somewhere along the line, I read that tiered dresses were out of style or not on trend. I don’t know about you, but trends don’t really bother me that much. I sorta think of trends as something that sticks around a bit longer than a fad. A fad, in my opinion, is something that’s here today and gone tomorrow. Wait…isn’t that what’s happening with fashion pretty much all the time these days? But, I digress. I’m going to wear my tiered dresses for a couple of reasons. Lots and lots of my dresses are tiered. And, apparently, the retailers didn’t get the message! I’m still seeing tiers in lots of places.
Styling vs wearing…
I remember reading a blog post or an Instagram post, and the poster was railing against the use of the word, “style.” They posited that putting on clothes was just that…putting them on. Styling was just an affectation used by influencers (have I influenced any of you…just curious). But, I have to disagree. For the most part, I put clothes on every day of my life. But, I don’t always style them. Styling is a conscientious decision of wearing specific items with others. I don’t think it’s an affectation at all. It’s a way of making or, sometimes, breaking an outfit.
How to style…
I don’t think there is any magical formula to styling an outfit. To me, the most important thing is discovering what you like and what likes you! Right now, lots of my clothes don’t like me…not one single bit. That’s OK. They’re in timeout right now. Once you pick your base outfit…in my case today, a dress…you then select jewelry, shoes, maybe even a scarf or completer pieces. Here’s where it gets fun…you get to decide! That’s right…you are the person who decides if this scarf goes with this dress. You get to decide if these earrings go with this sweater and so on!
Completer pieces…
Completer pieces are where life gets fun for me! A completer piece is just what its name implies. It completes your outfit. Examples of completer pieces are cardigans, vests, dusters, dresses worn open (AKA dusters), kimonos, ruanas, etc. Basically, it’s anything you wear on top of your basic outfit. Don’t worry if your outfit doesn’t ask for a completer piece. Some just don’t need them. They’re fine the way they are. There are times, for me anyway, when my completer piece may just be something extra. It’s not really needed, but I want it there for those “just in case” times.
Types of styling…
Maybe, you’re a really laid back, minimalist person. You put on a dress, a necklace, and footwear. You feel gorgeous and happy. You are done, my friend! Don’t let anyone convince you to add more if that’s not you! Maybe, you’re a maximalist. You put on a dress, a necklace, another necklace, statement earrings, bracelets, patterned tights, boots that aren’t subtle. Then, you add a completer piece that, on its own, is quite the statement. You feel gorgeous and happy. You are done, my friend! And, don’t follow Coco Chanel’s advice and take one thing off before you walk out the door. You loved what you created…go with it! And, you know what? There are the styles that fall between these two “extremes.” And, if you are there and feel gorgeous and happy…guess what? You’re done! Obviously, or maybe not as obviously, I’m one of those who moves up and down this scale of styling. It may not be obvious because I almost always wear lots of jewelry and fabulous (if I do say so myself) shoes on the blog. In real life, you’re just as apt to find me in jeans and a tee shirt! I do tend to dress up a bit more in the summer for some reason, though.
Styling this tiered maxi dress…
I received this beautiful Cornflower Sundress and this cute Memories Cropped Sweater from April Cornell. The sweater also comes in a beautiful orchid color. Along with these cropped sweaters are the Jane sweaters in blue and white. This dress is a little unusual for April Cornell. Most dresses feature a button tie to fit the dress a little tighter or a little closer. This dress has an enclosed tie. I’m still experimenting with how I like it best. One of the hallmarks of an April Cornell dress is embroidery, and the bodice of this one is gorgeous! And, of course, it has pockets! I think it’s becoming more and more rare to find a dress without pockets…thank goodness! The square neckline is not one of my favorites, but the cardigan helps to offset that. It has a lovely full skirt just made for twirling! You can also use my code, MARSHA15, for $15 off $100 at aprilcornell.com. I’m not sure if you place a phone order if they will use that or not.
The Lewk!
I thought I was crazy when I bought these Willow sandals a few years ago, but I have definitely gotten my CPW down on them. I don’t track things so I really couldn’t tell you what it is, but I know it’s lower than some of my other shoes. I not only mix my patterns, I mix my designers! I’m wearing David Yurman (ring), Lagos bracelets, (here, here, here), and John Hardy earrings and necklace. The earrings are too old to find a link. You could probably find them on a resale site. Nigel bought the necklace for this past Christmas.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
You may have noticed my photos are a bit wonky. Nigel has to sit to take my photos so the angle is a little weird. He is struggling with his hips. We are on a bit of a journey right now. When I have his permission to share more, I will do so. But, prayers, positive thoughts and vibes are definitely welcome! On a positive note, my biopsy was benign! So, can we talk? Do you think tiered dresses are passé? Do you wear or style your clothes? Are you a minimalist, a maximalist or somewhere in between? Please leave a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
Thank you!
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Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
There are always people who think something of women that are interested in clothes right? I think something of people who aren’t interested in what they wear. Don’t get me wrong, even I have lots of days that I just put on something comfortable. Buy even them trying to give a bit more attention to the look. Why not? Life is to short to not look your best! And I adore tiered dresses! And love the cute cardigan you are wearing on that beautiful dress!
I just love you, Nancy! You are right. Life is too daggone short to not look our best…even though I love being a slob some days, too! I really do like these shorter cardigans because they’re just the right length for me!
Thanks, Nancy!
Tiered maxi dresses are my favorite so on trend or not I’ll still be wearing them. I tend to be more of a minimalist when it comes to most of my outfits and find that I too tend to dress up a bit more in summer.
What do you think it is about summer that makes us feel more like dressing up? Maybe because we don’t have to worry about staying warm? I’m with you on the tiered dresses. Mine are not that conspicuous so I’ll just keep wearing them.
Thanks, Joanne!
I will certainly keep both you and Nigel in my prayers! And, I’m glad you had good news regarding your biopsy. I absolutely adore that you have clothes that are in “timeout.” What a fantastic way to look at it — I’m going to adopt that phrase because I certainly have my share that are in timeout. Because of that, I’ve had to up my game when it comes to getting dressed every day. I’ve found new ways to style my outfits (I’m definitely a styler) and accessories are my best friend. Love that tiered dress on you. In my opinion, nothing is ever passe if it looks good!!
Thank you so much, Beth. We need lots of prayers, but I’m confident it will all work out. It’s just the getting there part.
Oh, yes, those nasty clothes went and shrank so now they’re in timeout until they grow up! Hahaha!! Don’t you love how accessories can make the same basic outfit look completely different? The other good thing about them is they rarely go out of style! Thank you again, Beth!
I think it will be a while until tiered dresses are really not around. I still love them and see them everywhere. But the advantage is that if and when they go by the wayside, you can always alter them.
I love how you wore a cropped sweater with this longer dress. Great proportions.
And lots of love and hugs for all of the things going on,
OXOX
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I’m hoping we get some answers soon.
I do think tiered dresses are here for a bit longer. And, it is true we could alter them, but then they’ll be back around anyway! I really do love the cropped sweaters because they’re about the perfect length for me!
You look great. I will admit I do more wearing that styling. But i do get compliments in the street a lot – last night a lady in the theatre complimented my socks! Ha!
Oh, Lydia…I love that someone noticed your socks! They must be pretty spectacular. I would say you’re doing something right if you’re getting compliments in the street!
In love with this maxi dress! The color is so pretty and I like cropped cardigan on top. Sending prayers for you and Nigel my friend!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I am hoping we get some answers this coming week. His surgeon’s appointment isn’t for a few more weeks, but it could be moved up depending on the results of this week’s tests. I deeply appreciate the prayers…many have been answered already. And, thank you for the compliments.
I don’t think tiered dresses are out of style – I’m seeing them everywhere. I love the color and print of yours! So cute with the cropped cardigan layered over it!
Jill – Doused in Pink
I know I’m seeing them everywhere, too. But, this blogger is one of those semi-famous ones who seems to always know. Anyway, thank you so much, Jill! I really do love the cardigan. It will get lots of use!
This dress is adorable on you! I love it, it is very summery and light and airy looking.
I am not a styler – I throw on a pair of shorts or leggings or overalls and a tshirt most days just due to the needs of my life, but I love the rare occasion that I can dress up. 🙂
Thank you, Erin! I pretty much do that most days, too! But, when I get dressed up, I go all out.
I happen to love a tiered maxi! I think they are classic and look so good so I’ll keep wearing mine. In fact, just got a cute tiered dress from Amazon and it’s so cute. I really like the cardi with this dress too – it is the perfect length! Blue is so pretty on you, Marsha!
xo,
Kellyann
Thank you, Kellyann! I really like this cardigan because it hits at just the right spot. I doubt I’ll give them up anytime soon!
Great photos, Marsha, always looking very stylish. I love maxi dresses but don’t feel I can wear them because of my height. I love the sandals and accessories you’ve chosen. Maybe I’ll give the maxi another try. x
Thank you, Sue! You always make me feel so good! I don’t recall how tall you are, but I’m only 5’1” and wear them. I hope you find one that speaks to you.
This is such a beautiful outfit Marsha! I love the dress and cropped cardigan together. I agree with you – styling is all about how you put an outfit together rather than just haphazardly throwing on clothes. It’s a bit like a recipe I guess – the art is balancing everything and getting the right proportions. Thanks for linking!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thank you so much, Emma! I just can’t think of any other word we could use. Getting dressed is not the same as styling your outfit. Oh, I love your analogy to baking! And, thank you for the compliments on the dress and cardigan!