This week it is finally supposed to start feeling a little bit like fall here in Oklahoma. NYC gave me a tease as it was 70s/60s while I was there. This rust color is one of my must haves for fall. It reminds me of the colors of the leaves, all things pumpkin, and just transports me to my favorite season. That’s probably why I loved this dress so much. The color along with the asymmetrical hem sucked me in immediately. Here’s the thing, I don’t really need ultra dressy dresses in my everyday. So today we are talking about how to dress down a dressy dress.
One of my favorite things about dresses are their versatility. You could easily add a strappy heel to this dress as-is and wear it to a fancy night out. My regular week looks a lot like time with Ivy Jean as a mom, work, and then either a family dinner date or a group hangout with friends and church on the weekend, so I loved the idea of dressing this down. I also have dresses in my closet that can now be worn more! Here are three easy ways to style a fancy dress more casually. Doing so allowed me to wear this to work. Win!
How to Dress Down a Dressy Dress
- Add a Layer Over or Under – Whether to add a blouse underneath or a jacket over (or both!), adding a more casual layer instantly dresses down a dressy dress.
- Wear Casual Shoes – I opted for my current favorite sneakers for more of a street style look, but a loafer, slide, fun boot, or just about anything will do. I’m linking my sneakers in several places below as sizing is limited in some.
- Consider Adding a Belt – Adding a belt to visually break up the dress will also make it more casual.
Rust Colored Dress for Fall
Thank you to Banana Republic for sending me this dress and sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
71 Comments
I LOVE this post! I have so many time splurged on a fab dressy dress, and then felt to rubbish when I can’t wear it often, the other day I layered one up with a t shirt and it was such a transformation! I am totally going to be doing this more!!
http://www.georginahart.co.uk
https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/georgina-hart-14234891
This dress is so cute dressed down with those sneakers and I love the color for fall. Just love this post too!
xx, Tyler
http://www.girlmeetsgold.com
Fantastic tips! Casual shoes are one of my favorite ways to dress down an outfit, the ones you’ve chosen here are perfect!
Luciβs Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
I really like how you dressed down this dress and paired it with sneakers! It looks great on you!
Nicole
Nicole to the Nines
I love how you dressed down this dress! I would have never thought to pair it with Adidas superstars!
xo,
Angela
I always like to dress up and outfit but I’m really liking this dressed down version, with the added sneakers and Jacket.
Bernie, xx
The Style Fanatic
Hi Amy, I love this look so much. The dress really looks so well on you especially when it is cinched in on the waist
http://www.sindisosdiary.com/2017/09/a-day-in-my-office-wear-post-7.html
I totally agree about how versatile dresses are! What I love doing is wearing a turtleneck under my dresses! Keep me warm and it looks pretty!
When I saw this on Insta, I almost died! This dress is phenomenal and you styled it so perfectly!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Ahhhh you scooped up the rose gold superstars! Aren’t they super comfy?! Love how you paired them with this dress <3
Green Fashionista
I love how you styled this with sneakers. I am with you on the color – it makes me think of fall.
Lisa
Daily Style Finds
I love how you dressed it down with adidas! it seriously looks so fresh!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
This is such a gorgeous look babe! Love dressing a dress down with some layers and a pair of sneakers – you’ve done this perfectly!
Ashleigh x
http://www.ashleighdmello.com
This is a super fun mix of pieces, you’ve got lace and sparkly earrings and sneakers and denim, and it all feels quite harmonious!
Chic on the Cheap
You have the best tips Amy! I love the color, especially on you. I think I like it even more dressed down, probably because I would get the most wear out of it, that way!
Brooke
pumps and push-ups
These are such great tips! Adding casual layers and switching up accessories can really make a dressy dress much more versatile!
I have a few dresses that are too dressy for me to wear around and I have no big events coming up! I bet your tips will do the trick with them. Thanks so much!
Kim
Simply Lovebirds
I love your outfit! You look lovely π xx
http://www.nevenakrstic.blogspot.co.uk
You look lovely. I totally loved your shoes.
https://zunera-serena.com/fall-off-shoulder-black-lace-dress/
Well done !