Achieving a Workable Wardrobe|One Sweater Dress, Eight Ways

You it heard right, today I’ve styled up one sweater dress for you, eight ways, with items found in my closet!

But, before we dig into this styling post, are you caught with the latest happenings, over at H&M?

No? Click over to  Fab Finds at H&M and Kohls, to get up to speed!

On my last visit, I was tempted, by quite a few pieces, but couldn’t leave without this ribbed sweater dress:

a midi length, space dye rib, the orange/blue/black color combo, 70’s vibe – I had to give it a try.

A few more sweater dresses, recently spotted:

Target $21.00| Lush $29.00|H & M $50.00 |Anthropologie $70.00| James Perse 245.00

One of my 2016 goals, buy and wear only what I love. To accomplish this goal, I must carefully choose what enters into my closet, as well as regularly purge what is no longer working for me.

Sounds easier than it is.

Why would I buy something, I don’t love?

Lots of reasons.  Sale temptation, the score of a great deal, picking up an item that doesn’t fit my  lifestyle, seeing something on someone else – that’s not really my style. For these reasons and more, many of us end up with “closet orphans” – items, as fab as they may be, for whatever reason, continue to sit in our closets -unworn.

My plan to try and avoid “closet orphans”:

-Shop with a list on my phone; an updated list of closet voids. Pieces that if I had them (i.e.: a great fitting black blazer), would allow me to have a better working wardrobe.

-If I purchase a trend item, not on my list – I take it home and as soon as I have the time, try to create at least 5 outfits, with the new piece. Do I already own; the shoes, accessories, jacket – pieces needed to make the new item work?

-Does it fit my lifestyle? I absolutely LOVE a stunning cocktail dress. But, the reality is, I don’t go to many black tie events. No matter what the price, or how fabulous that shimmery, lace, beaded dress may be – I won’t wear it, so pass.

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So, back to styling up the sweater dress.

Question is: It’s a great price at $49.99, but do I own the pieces to make it a keeper?

I always begin my outfit styling,

by first pulling out the shoes.

I grab any that might work.

As you can see, some work better than others.

I liked the black bootie, and tan western boot (top 2 right), so decided to work with those two.

Second, belt or no belt?

The blue belt was too classic, I prefer the more boho looking belts, with this particular dress.

Necklace, yes or no?

 I like it better, simple on the neck – but would add rings, bracelets and earrings.

Top Layer

Scarves?

Vest? Belted or not?

Jacket?

For me, this last piece was key. I knew in order to wear this dress, I would need a top layer. One, for warmth. Second, I like a top layer over a fitted garment – especially when wearing a sweater dress, for daytime. Now, this is just my personal comfort zone, and many would feel perfectly comfortable wearing this dress on its own, all day long. I on the other hand, need a 2nd layer, I can at least grab, before heading out the door.

As you can see, not every look here works. But how would I know, if I didn’t try them all? As you can imagine, if I didn’t do this little experiment, the morning I do decide to pull this dress out to wear, I’d be stuck. I would never have the time to try out different looks, therefore this dress would never make it out the door! I’d grab a go-to outfit, one that is already put together and this dress would just continue to hang, unworn, in the closet.

In the end, I was able to come up with 8 different ways to wear this dress, without having to buy, a single piece to work back with it.

Here, ya go!

One dress, 8 ways:

Here’s my top 4:

With Donald Pliner ‘Sesso’ booties | HERE | on clearance in brown HERE

Overland Sweater Coat by Dolan, Anthropologie (now back in stock and on sale in winter white and blue. Was $138.00, now $49.95 | Nicholas K gray jacket | Oryany croc hobo bag

Next, styled up, with my Alberto Fermini cowboy boots, Nordstrom Rack.

Eileen Fisher military vest, Nordstrom | Merona for Target loop belt | Anthropologie tie belt | H&M fringe bag

What do you think?

Is the dress a keeper?

Do you have a favorite look, of the above eight?

Anyone else love sweater dresses right now?

Anyone find any great finds, over at Kohl’s to Ann Taylor over the weekend?

How about Target? How is the new collab with WhoWhatWear? Anyone check it out?

Drop a comment down below, I love to hearing from all!

Have a great week!

XOXO

Suzanne

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