The all-seasons dress

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I strongly believe that all dress-wearing women should have a go-to dress they can wear in any season.  It's a safe choice you can always count on, even during a season transition.  This also speaks to the power of accessories, especially footwear! 

My all-seasons dress is a military-style shirt dress.  During the colder winter months I wear it with tights and knee-high boots.  I can also put a sweater or blazer over it, if need be.  In the summer months I wear it with my most favorite wedges (see picture--these are See by Chloe, and I'm obsessed).  

Right now New York is in the awkward transitional period, otherwise known as spring.  When I leave  my apartment in the morning it's in the 50s.  By midday it's a glorious 80 degrees.  This weather calls for my all-seasons dress, paired with gold smoking flats and a gold belt.

While footwear is most definitely my number one distinguishing factor for an all-seasons dress, there are other factors.  Length, fabric and print are just a couple.  I personally feel that for this style of dress, anything shorter is not appropriate for the winter months.  If it was to my knees, the boots and dress would overlap, which bothers me.  As for fabric, it's not too thin for winter or hot for summer.  If I had this dress in a bright color or floral pattern, I wouldn't wear it in the winter months.  I consider this army green color to be a neutral and always in style. 

The other factor that I feel strongly about is comfort.  I wouldn't be willing to wear this dress all year round if it wasn't comfy!  I like the way it flatters my shape by cinching at the waist (It came with a fabric belt in the same army green color that I sometimes wear).  If I happen to eat too much at lunch, I can loosen the belt!  The sleeves are also versatile for all weathers, though I tend to always wear them rolled up.

Flipping through all of the dresses and skirts in my app, I don't have many pieces that I would deem all-seasons, but this dress has proven to be a mainstay in my closet.  Another clothing challenge:  Stock up on as many all-season pieces as possible.  Then have fun accessorizing for every season!

Outfit breakdown (for my spring version):

  • Military-style shirt dress in army green:  Express
  • Gold smoking flats:  Kate Spade
  • Gold skinny belt:  Express

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