How To Transition From Dressy To Casual In 1 Minute
How many of you have been social outing hopping this summer? When you’re a girl-on-the-go, you might have a baby shower brunch followed by an outdoor concert. Or maybe you have a christening followed by a casual friend get-together. Whatever the occasion, I am constantly finding myself in scenarios where a transitional look is necessary! No more hobbling around on one foot in a public restaurant bathroom trying to perform a quick-change before your next event. No more lugging around extra bags with alternate outfits. And best of all, no more down playing your should-be-fancy look to be somewhere in the middle so your look fits both occasions.
How, you ask? The answer is simple and it only involves two very simple, versatile pieces. Read on to find out all of the details!
This happens to be one of my all-time favorite dresses! For an impulse buy from New York & Company years ago, I’ve really gotten a lot of use out of it. It’s comfortable, it’s cute, and you can easily take it from pretty brunch dress to casual summer dress in an instant.
How To Transition From Dressy To Casual In 1 Minute
So, the answer? Add 2 casual accessories. It’s that simple! To accomplish this without question, my recommendation is a denim vest and a summer hat. The key that often deciphers between dressy and casual accessories is the material.
Vests:
Vests aren’t always casual- namely, sleeveless blazers- so when it comes to dressing down a look, consider the material very carefully. If you’re dressing down, think boho-chic! The go-to materials should be denim and crochet. Anything with a tribal print is game, as long as it’s not a silk material.
Hats:
Who doesn’t love a good summer hat? It’s a sure way to dress down a look. Popular summer styles include the fedora, wide-brimmed fedora, and floppy hat. When choosing the material, try to stick with straw or woven.
The Perfect Piece For Both Looks
So far we’ve learned that all it takes to transition a look from dressy to casual is to add a few casual accessories. Notice how we didn’t need to take anything away from the ‘dressy’ look? Here’s why!
Embellished Sandals:
Now, these embellished sandals are truly the stars of the look because they can play both sides! Instead of wearing pumps, try a pair of embellished sandals. The sandal silhouette and low block heel makes it a little more casual, while the jewels dress it up. Leave that change of shoes at home and rock these sandals at both events!
THE LOOK
The Limited Ruffled Floral Dress (similar: Topshop Floral Print Ruffle Slip Dress) // LC Lauren Conrad Denim Vest (similar: Gap 1969 Denim Vest) // Express Wide-Brimmed Fedora (almost exact: Express Beaded Wide-Brimmed Fedora) // Express Colorblock Snakeskin Crossbody (similar: Merona Snakeskin Detail Envelope Clutch, Target) // DIY Statement Necklace, Michael’s (similar: BR Art Nouveau Fan Necklace) // Julie Vos Crystal Drop Earrings c/o Julie Vos (no similar, Julie Vos Earring Collection) // White House Black Market Jeweled Sandals (similar: Nina ‘Kelisha’ Sandal, Nordstrom)
What are your favorite style tips for transitioning a look from dressy to casual?
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Linking up with these fabulous ladies!
The Fashionista Momma // Rhea Et Cetera // More Pieces of Me // On the Daily Express
Claire Justine // Pink Sole // Style Nudge // Still Being Molly // Fizz and Frosting
The Fashionista Momma // Rhea Et Cetera // More Pieces of Me // On the Daily Express
Claire Justine // Pink Sole // Style Nudge // Still Being Molly // Fizz and Frosting
Love how you transitioned this dress! That bag is amazing!
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
I like how you added two trendy pieces to take your look from dressy to casual, this method makes the transition a lot easier, awesome work! love it.
Lovely print on a versatile dress!
Marie @ In Our Happy Place
I must say, I was interested to hear what your suggestions would be when I saw the title and first photos, and I was honestly very impressed to see such a successful transition. It looked like a completely different outfit, and as I love boho vibes, the second look really inspired me to create something similar from my own wardrobe. Nicely done!
Xoxo,
Shian | The Fashion Investigator
What great dress, just gorgeous. And I love the hat. Thanks for sharing.
Love the clutch! Can't believe it's from Target 🙂
xx
Mercedes Marie
http://www.beyondherreality.com
I love that necklace! This look has the perfect boho vibe to it! 🙂
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Great post! Love that bag.
xo
A
http://www.greigemarket.com
Great tips! The hat and vest definitely take it from dressy to casual! I like to go from heels to flats to make it more casual too, but your sandals are the perfect in between!
The print on this dress is really cool! Very unique! Love that bag!
~Sara
You look adorable!! In love with how you transitioned this dress! So cute with the denim vest!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
I love how you added a vest and hat to this dress. Very good tips 🙂 Thank you for linking up to "Bloggers Who have Inspired me". You are welcome for the feature 😉
Rachel xo
Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me is now LIVE here
Garay Treasures
great idea!! love the tips.
I really like that dress and the way you transitioned it from dressy to casual, denim vest and hat are such a perfect versatile pieces.