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One of the most interesting things about my choice of dress for this month’s challenge is that it almost necessitates pattern mixing. (Unless I only want to pair it with solids for the whole month, and that seems kind of boring.) For today’s outfit, I opted to layer a checked shirt, which, when combined with the striped dress, makes for a decidedly springy picnic vibe!
I bought this skirt towards the end of the January one dress challenge, but couldn’t quite make it work with that dress. (Though I have worn it a few times since then and always get tons of compliments on it.) But I really love it layered over this month’s challenge dress!
Admittedly, this is a lot more color than I normally wear, but that’s part of the goal of the challenge – to be more creative with my wardrobe. Plus, I love that I can show that even though my Contra Collection is mostly black white and grey, it works well even if your wardrobe extends beyond that neutral color palette!
After all the fun I had with the one dress challenge back in January, I decided to tackle it again for spring! So today I’ll be kicking the challenge off by introducing a new dress and a new set of rules.
In the first round of the challenge, I really didn’t love the dress, so I didn’t even count the dress by itself as an outfit. But for this challenge, I’ve chosen a dress that I really love, so I’m counting it as a look by itself. (With a statement necklace, of course! More on that in a second.)
Because first I want to talk about this dress. Even though I love it more than the dress I chose in January, it’s going to be an interesting choice this time around because it’s definitely not as versatile. There are no buttons, zippers, or wraps, meaning I can literally only wear the dress one way. So this month’s challenge will be all about creative layering.
I bought this dress a few weeks ago because it ticks a lot of my boxes – it has a high waistline (that actually hits my natural waist), it’s midi length, it has pocket, and it’s a bold floral pattern.
After wearing it to a craft show in Atlanta (and getting lots of compliments) I figured I’d come home and style it with a few different necklaces from my Contra Collection.
When it comes to picking a necklace for your neckline, you can go one of two routes – you can choose a necklace that echoes the shape of your neckline, or you can chose one that contrasts it.
I don’t think that one option is better than the other. Instead, it depends on the particular outfit and your mood. Somedays, I like to emphasize the lines that are already in a top, and other days, I like to play against them to create some visual interest.
I want to wrap up my series of posts on this Contra Composition Necklace by sharing one more way I styled it.
I realize that this outfit might feel a little more spring than fall, especially with the weather we’re having right now. (It’s about 37 degrees and crazy windy as I write this.) But I love the combination of this dress and sweater with this necklace.
It seems a little crazy to be sharing spring outfit ideas in May, but the last few weeks here have been cold and rainy, so it still feels much more like spring than summer. And truthfully, this outfit would work just as well for an early summer date night as it would in spring!
1/ blush top // 2/ cropped denim // 3/ monstera leaf pendant // 4/ faye bag // 5/ mixed metal stacking rings // 6/ nude sandal
1/ leather biker jacket // 2/ floral dress // 3/ leggings // 4/ contra bib necklace // 5/ cross body bag // 5/ mixed metal stacking rings // 6/ wedge bootie
When it comes to my own closet, I’m not really the kind of person who thinks in terms of “summer” or “winter.” (Maybe it’s because I’m not organized enough to put clothes away at the end of a season!) But this outfit proves that even pieces that feel particularly seasonal can be adapted for year-round wear. This summery floral dress becomes fall appropriate (and definitely edgier) when paired with black leggings, tough ankle boots, and a leather biker jacket.
1/ blush biker jacket // 2/ cami top // 3/ wool trousers // 4/ contra noir necklace // 5/ knot clutch // 6/ curve post earrings // 7/ kaden bootie
I like the idea of taking rocker chic pieces and toning them down with a softer color palette. (Plus I’m loving the blush and gunmetal combo with just a few hints of black.) It’s totally unexpected and a perfect way to show your edgier side at work without being, you know, too edgy.
1/ embroidered off the should top // 2/ distressed boyfriend jeans // 3/ contra noir necklace // 4/ cross body bag // 5/ mixed metal stacking rings // 6/ suede ankle booties
I realize it’s probably getting too cold for off the shoulder tops, but I just finished this bold, one of a kind necklace, and it would look totally stunning with an off the shoulder top! Plus, we have jackets and indoor heat, so maybe this look is fine even into the late fall. (At least, that’s what I’m going to tell myself! Anything to show off a great necklace, right?!?)
1/ bell sleeve dress // 2/ contra bib necklace // 3/ rose gold watch // 3/ mixed metal stacking rings // 3/ high heel bootie
I love how a great pair of ankle boots can take a pretty conservative dress and make it much more fun and funky!