The transition from winter to spring is a tough one. With temperatures and weather patterns all over the map (one day it’s borderline beach weather and the next you’re bundled up in your winter best), it might be difficult to justify packing up your winter style essentials just yet. But if the promise of glorious sunny days has you itching to step out in bare legs and flirty dresses, why hold back? You can totally have the best of both worlds with a bit of clever layering and a midi dress on standby. The wardrobe workhorse is one you can wear now and later no problem thanks to its optimal not-too-long, not-too-short length and limitless layering possibilities that work under any circumstance. Not to mention, it’s the ultimate desk-to-dinner piece. We’ve shown you how to style a midi skirt for spring, and here, in this week’s Style Resolutions, we’re showing you how to segue your fave midi dress into the new season. From pushing the envelope at the office to redefining athleisure on the weekend, here are three ways a midi dress can up the ante on your spring style.
HOW TO WEAR A MIDI DRESS FOR WORK
Break away from your blouse and tailored bottoms routine come Monday by embracing new season layering. Pull out a graphic midi dress and watch as the most effortless work-week outfit unfolds. Bare shoulders likely won’t meet dress code, but instead of surrendering to the standard button-down shirt, sub in a ballet-beautiful, high-neck blouse. Class, elegance and forward-thinking style all rolled into one — what could be better? And check out that print-on-print action. Streamline the look with a horseshoe belt, and pass on the black pumps for metallic brogues with serious panache. Bright color is sure to get the creative vibes going (and you need all the help you can get this early in the week), so weave in pops of high-octane hues through statement earrings, lips and outerwear. Forget power suits — THIS is how girlbosses do nine-to-five style.
& Other Stories Graffiti Print Dress ($115) + H&M Blouse With Standup Collar ($18),Mango Pockets Wool Coat ($170), Bauble Bar Menorca Drop Earrings ($34), Free People Horse Shoe Belt ($58), Zara Metallic Flat Shoes With Brogue Detail ($50),AARK Real Marble Watch ($189), Suntegrity Lip C.P.R. Natural SPF 30 Lipstick($28), Cuyana Structured Cinch Bag ($295)
HOW TO WEAR A MIDI DRESS FOR A NIGHT OUT
Between weddings, graduation parties and backyard barbecues, there are plenty of reasons to get your fete on this spring. Do yourself a favor and put this formula into play to make occasion dressing an effortless exercise: midi dress + statement shoes + classic jacket. You can’t go wrong. For a more laid-back affair, top off a graphic dress and playful pink platform pumps with a distressed denim jacket and sophisticated-meets-boho accessories, like an abstract porcelain bangle and oversized floral drop earrings. It strikes just the right balance of elegance and off-duty cool. Transition the look for a swanky soiree with a longline blazer and embellished minaudière. A killer mani and bold lip bring it all together.
& Other Stories Graffiti Print Dress ($115) + ASOS Happiness Heeled Sandals ($68),Zara “I Am Denim” Collection Jacket ($70), Mango Floral Earrings ($26), Matt & Nat Robby Clutch ($85), Dior Vernis Gel Shine and Long Wear Nail Lacquer ($27),Ruby Pilven Lustre Porcelain Bracelet ($88)
HOW TO WEAR A MIDI DRESS FOR THE WEEKEND
That dress you’ve been rockin’ at work and all those festive events? Yup, it can totally hold its own in those just-chillin’ moments too. Go all-out athleisure on your midi for the weekend by pairing it up with snazzy sneakers, an anything-but-average sweatshirt (how rad is that knotted detail?) and a trend-right metallic bomber jacket. Take a more polished approach to your add-ons, dressing up the getup with dainty stacking rings, new-age shades and a high-shine backpack to make the transition from brunch with the girls to jamming out at your favorite live music bar flawless.