How to style one dress for five events
Investing in one perfect summer dress can get you through everything if you’re savvy about it. From weddings to work, here’s how to get the most out of your frocks.
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I’m a big believer in making your wardrobe work hard. There’s no point spending hundreds on dresses, jeans, shirts and skirts if you’re wearing each item once in a blue moon, you know? Enter the perfect dress. An item that can be repurposed for almost any event, and will constantly feel fresh if you accessorise it the right way.
To show you what I mean, I’ve styled a great dress for five different occasions. I selected all my pieces from THE ICONIC, given they have such an extensive collection of items available. Seriously, you can build a whole outfit in an instant there, and often you’ll find the pieces you love are on sale.
THE DRESS
I chose a white cotton midi dress from THE ICONIC by the brand The Fated.
The Fated Maelle Midi Dress, THE ICONIC, $112.46 (RRP$149.95)
I chose this dress because it’s so versatile – the waist tie can be left looser for a more casual fit, cinched in if you want the shape. The detail of the buttoned bodice and puff sleeves keep it from looking too casual so you can dress it up if you want to, and the midi length means it works well with heels. It’s also light and breezy for summer.
Some other options? See below.
The Fated Tome Midi Dress, THE ICONIC, $83.97 (RRP$$139.95)
This dress is great for cooler months or if you prefer a longer sleeve. The waist and neckline lace keeps it from looking too much like a smock, while the tiered skirt is really sweet and bohemian.
Aere Tie Detail Linen Midi Dress, THE ICONIC, $180
This might be my favourite dress of the bunch! It’s so beautiful with its double waist tie, and can be worn off-shoulder or as short puff sleeves.
The Fated Edee Wrap Dress, THE ICONIC, $104.96 (RRP$139.95)
If you’re partial to a cinched waist, this flattering wrap dress is the one for you. The neckline is cut just right, and it’s lined so you don’t have to worry about anything while it's on.
White By FTL Louise Dress, THE ICONIC, $209
A relaxed silhouette is perfect for the warmer months and this linen number is one you’ll reach for time and time again.
OUTFIT 1: A CASUAL PICNIC
This was an easy one – this dress is basically made for picnics! Just throw on a denim jacket and you’re set if the weather turns, plus a tote bag that’s washable is key - if you spill in (or on) it, you can just chuck it in the washing machine. A pair of slides completes the look – I almost went for sneakers, and you could, but I like to throw my shoes off so I can feel my toes in the grass.
Levi’s Original Trucker Jacket, THE ICONIC, $112.46 (RRP$149.95)
A classic, and still one of the best. This jacket will live on in your wardrobe for a lifetime.
Aere Brunswick Leather Slides, THE ICONIC, $90
Classic leather slides that are sturdy and will make your dress feel a little dressier.
Aere Prahran Leather Slides, THE ICONIC, $90
Another great option for slides if you prefer a darker chocolate hue or a little more support when you’re walking.
Atmos&Here Elsie Tote Bag, THE ICONIC, $35.99 (RRP$59.99)
Made of jute, this bag is sturdy and washable. It also features an inner zip pocket to stash keys and smaller items.
Lu Goldie Mia Sunglasses, THE ICONIC, $189
My favourite brand for sunglasses at the moment, these Lu Goldie shades are really well made (read: you won’t sit on them and snap them) and have the ‘70s vibes I love.
OUTFIT 2: WEDDING GUEST
A white dress? To a wedding? Yes you absolutely can, if you make sure the dress isn’t too formal. That’s why this frock works so well as a wedding guest – it’s a casual dress, but we’re making it dressy with some tan strappy heels and a statement bag. Cinch it a little tighter to add definition to your waist and you’re set.
Topshop Satin Weave Grab Bag, THE ICONIC, $41.21 (RRP$54.95)
An adorable yet chic bag for taking to formal occasions! It’s small enough to feel clutch-like, but roomy enough to fit the essentials in.
Therapy Prinn Heels, THE ICONIC, $52.46 (RRP$69.95)
Classic strappy shoes with a block heel so you won’t sink into the grass? I’ll take them.
Aere Knotted Strap Heels, THE ICONIC, $160
If you prefer a lower heel (and won’t be on grass) these are a very stylish option.
OUTFIT 3: THE OFFICE
I used to avoid blazers over dresses as I felt they made the outfit frumpy, but a well-cut oversized version will actually make you look quite stylish. I went for an oatmeal shade to keep the look summery – a black blazer with a white dress can be a bit jarring. Team your look with comfortable leather slides and a tote to carry everything. Voila! New work uniform.
Tony Bianco Gia Handbag, THE ICONIC, $59.97 (RRP$99.95)
This bag is an Iconic exclusive, meaning you can only buy it from The Iconic. I love the hardware and classic design – you’ll fit everything in here, even a slim laptop if you need to.
Aere Oversized Linen Blazer, THE ICONIC, $150
This is such a great piece to have in your wardrobe – so stylish and so versatile, you can wear it for work or with some faded jeans and sandals during autumn.
Atmos&Here Farah Sandals, THE ICONIC, $119.99
If you’re more a fan of black sandals, these chunky ones are a great office staple for summer.
OUTFIT 4: THE BEACH
Thanks to its versatile tie waist, this dress can also work as a beach throw-over. It’s likely going to be too much of a staple in your wardrobe to become your beach dress, but if you’re headed to a beachside picnic or party, it could suit. I added a big, floppy hat in a sunny pattern and a Turkish towel – my new favourite for the beach as you can just throw it in your bag without it filling all the space.
Miss April Flamenco Turkish Towel, THE ICONIC, $55
I really love the colours of this towel - plus, you’ll never lose it at the beach, right? Thinner than a terry-towelling beach towel, Turkish towels don’t soak up water the same way, which means they dry faster as you hop between the waves and the sand.
Havaianas Slim, THE ICONIC, $29.99
You can’t see my feet, but I’ve slipped on a pair of these Havaianas thongs. Such a classic in Australia, the Slim version feels a little more feminine and dainty, plus they come in some gorgeous colours like this rose gold.
Faithfull The Label Frederrike Sun Hat, THE ICONIC, $59.40 (RRP$99)
Another Iconic exclusive, this summery sun hat has a great, floppy wide brim for protecting your face, plus it gives a bit of colour to your beach outfit.
Morgan & Taylor Dot Floppy Hat, THE ICONIC, $59.95
More of a straw hat type? This sun hat is so pretty with its soft ribbon detail, and will work just as well for a day event as it will at the beach.
OUTFIT 5: BBQ AT HOME
This outfit can easily be interchanged with your casual picnic look, but what I did here was slightly dress up the frock with a cute headband and retro sunglasses – easy additions for a BBQ at your house when you’re frazzled with preparations!
Witchery Lucy Twist Headband, THE ICONIC, $29.95
The Cult Gaia headscarf I wore is unfortunately not available on The Iconic at the moment, but this straw option from Witchery gives the same effect – it’s a statement piece you can pop over either a sleek low bun or tousled waves to add a little something to an otherwise casual outfit.
Marle Nonna Hat, THE ICONIC, $90
More of a hat person, or need some shade? This cute hat from New Zealand label Marle will keep you cool and the gingham print adds some fun to a white frock.
Atmos&Here Jane Basket Bag, THE ICONIC, $59.99
Going to a BBQ at someone else’s place? This basket bag is stylish, yet practical – it’ll fit whatever you need, plus you can use it day-to-day as a sweet summer handbag alternative.
Soda Shades Marilyn Sunglasses, THE ICONIC, $89
These retro cat-eye sunglasses are so flattering, and feel dressier than other more simple shapes.
Le Specs Air Heart Sunglasses, THE ICONIC, $69
Another cool retro style, these sunglasses will also level up your outfit.
Atmos&Here Valley Leather Slides, THE ICONIC, $65.99 (RRP$109.99)
If you prefer a less chunky sandal style, these light tan leather slides could fit the bill.
WHAT IS THE PERFECT DRESS?
In my opinion, the perfect dress is white. I just find white goes with everything – denim, neutral tones, brights, the works. A good black dress is great too, but in certain scenarios black can feel too heavy, corporate, or formal.
Secondly, the perfect dress is a midi length – this length works just as well with flats and sandals as it does with heels. It’ll be loose but with some shape, it has sleeves and a neckline that isn’t too low, so it can feel work appropriate, too.
HOW DO YOU STYLE ONE DRESS FOR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS?
Accessories are your friend here. A dress that is simple and flattering can be dressed up and down with the right heels, flats, bag and headwear. Jewellery is also a great way to transform a dress – wear statement jewellery like big earrings or bangles to make a casual frock feel dressy.
Want more summer style? We’ve got a great round up of summer dresses here, and a wrap of summer’s most popular pattern, gingham, here. Plus, shop CC creams for easy summer makeup.
To get the best deal on every purchase, be sure to check out news.com.au Coupons, where you’ll find discounts on brands like Country Road, The Iconic, and many more.
Melissa is news.com.au’s news.com.au checkout Fashion Writer. With more than a decade of experience in the Australian media industry, Melissa’s words and opinion pieces have appeared in print and digital publications including ELLE.com.au, Vogue.com.au, marieclaire.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, and Mamamia.
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