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Tuesday, June 8, 2010

White Sundress Quick Tips, Suggestions & Ideas!

White Sundress Quick Tips, Suggestions & Ideas!

The White Sundress; cousin of the little black dress, and know for its ability (if worn properly) to transform a girl into a classic summer bombshell.
So here’s a quick guide to Wearing White Sundresses. You might have your own tips. tricks, and hints, and if you do please leave a comment and I would love, love to hear them! :) Now on to the tips!
We all know that black is slimming, and white, well, can do the exact opposite, this brings me to my tip#1:

White Sundress Tip #1: Be Sure the dress you choose is fitted.The easiest way to do this is to follow my golden rule: Wear a sundress with a fitted waist and/or waistband.
Take these 2 beauties for example:

Eva Mendes in Dolce and Gabanna

Oscar de La Renta Spring Runway

These dresses are very different and create 2 completely different looks; one very structured and one very flowy. But they have one very important thing in common: they both have a well defined waist/ waistband.
A waistband helps maintain structure and fit by keeping the middle of your body (your waist) narrow and fitted. This can keep a white dress looking slim on you and prevents you from looking wide even when wearing the fullest of skirts.

Here are some great examples:
BCBGMAXAZRIA Pleated Stretch Cotton Dress, Nordstroms, $218

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Dress "Zeina" Eyelet Sleeveless Empire Dress, Bloomingdales

Heidi Alloy Dress, Alloy, $36.90

Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Pleat Detail Embroidered Cotton Dress,Nordstroms, $118

Calvin Klien Pleated Cotton Wrap Dress, Nordstroms

Now if your dress doesn't have a waist, or if you'd like a different look, throw on one of the white sundresses best friends: the brown belt. It can be narrow or wide, and the contrast of brown and white will help better define your figure. (A dusty pink belt would look great too!)
I love getting belts from Forever 21 - they do a pretty good job and their belts are so cheap that you can buy as many as you like and just have them around just in case!


All of these were in the $5.80- $7.80 range. And it looks like none of these belts are available online anymore. I'd check your local Forever 21- they did a great job this time- some of the belts in this medium brown shade could even pass as leather. You could also check out other belts online HERE.

Tip #2: Wear a length that elongates your figure. White sundresses that are either right above, or right below the knee are the most flattering on women.
Now that isn’t to say that you don’t look great in a mini (I'm sure you look fantastic!) but a few inches above the knee or just below the knee can not only lengthen your figure, but will create more of a feminine silhouette, giving off more of that classic bombshell vibe. Now if you disagree with this and swear by the white mini - that's ok, but I still think ever women needs a bombshell white sundress - you can hang it in your closet, right next to your mini. ;)Both our 2 previous examples (Oscar de La renta and Eva Mendes in Dolce and Gabbana) are also at or below the knee.

What shoes do you wear with a white sundress? You have many options here, but I will just give you 2 of my favorites;

Tip #3: Different shoes, Different themes: Grecian Metallic Flats or Classic Bombshell Neutrals
If you want to wear flats or flat sandals, wear metallics. Silver can look great, but bronze or gold can give your look a more Grecian look, particularly flat gladiator sandals. To give it a contemporary grecian look - try a summer side braid.
Victoria's Secret, Colin Stuart Chandelier Thong Sandal, Victoria's Secret, Sale: $49

AE Braided Sandal, in Light Gold and Pewter, American Eagle, $29.50

Multi Cross Gladiator Sandals, Wet Seal, Sale: $10

I was pleasantly surprised by the Victoria's Secret Chandelier Sandals, they are so delicate but at the same time rich and exotic. They look well made and like they could flatter anyone (I honestly can say the same for gladiator sandals ;)).

For a classic bombshell look, try brown, taupe, or natural colored wedges, like Eva Medes did in our previous photo.
Wrapped T-strap Sandal, Charlotte Russe, $32.50

AE Geometric Wedge - Leather - Saddle Tan , American Eagle, $29.50
Merona Maribel Peep Toe Wedge Shoes - Lavender, Target, $26.99

I really love these Merona Maribel Peep Toe Wedge Shoes from Target - They are more of a taupe than lavender and really lengthen your silhouette.

Tip #4: For the office, trade in your white sundress for a white sheath dress.
The silhouette is more professional but looks just as lovely. Choose one with a waist (Tip #1) or pair it with a brown belt if you like. Make sure the length is work appropriate (just above or below the knee = Tip #2), and pair it with some brown, taupe, or natural colored pumps (Tip #3).
Here are some suggestions, for work friendly white dresses, J.Crew is a great place to start.

Cotton Cady Alexa Dress in Light Pewter, J.Crew, Sale:$79.99

Superfine Cotton Emmaleigh Dress, J.Crew, $158

Now if you’re wearing your white sleeveless dress to the office you will probably need a jacket or a cardigan.
You have lots of colors to choose from here: camel /tan, coral, pistachio or mint, turquoise, white, and cream among others. My personal favorite is a natural color like camel or tan. I have this J.Crew featherweight cardigan in Weathered stone from last year that I wear with my white eyelet sheath with a thin brown belt.

You can find the J.Crew Featherweight Cotton Bling-Button Cardigan in 11 shades this Season HERE.
I particularly like color Sea Mist:
The v-neck is great as it doesn't hide too much of the neckline of your dress. The crystal buttons keep the look contemporary and fresh and this cardigan is so light it won't make you feel or look hot. Sizing Tip: For this Cardigan I seem to always wear a size smaller, as this particular cardi seems to run a little large.

Tip #5: Look Hot don’t feel hot! Remember, its summer, and its hot outside. Make sure your sundress is made of natural materials: cotton, linen blend, eyelet (which is cotton), poplin (cotton blend), etc. Avoid polyester, spandex, other synthetic materials, and some knits. They will make you very hot.

Well that's all for now. Have a lovely summer day :)

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