Even the most stylish women have days where they stand in front of their closet, a pile of clothes on the chair, feeling like they don’t have anything to wear. You know that feeling, right? I certainly do. I’ll know what I feel like wearing, but nothing in my closet matches that feeling. Or maybe I’m in a huge rush, and don’t really have the luxury of time to think about what to wear; I just need to get something on and get out the door. On these days when I have absolutely no idea what to wear, I wear a dress. “Stress less and wear a dress” (as Mary, one of my Instagram followers who really knows how to rock a dress with style, says). The nice thing about the right dress is that there is no belt, no scarf, no coordinating top, etc to fuss with. Just one item to slip on and you’re done… except for shoes, of course. It sounds counterintuitive, but if you’re a little bit of a tomboy at heart (I am) a simple dress is your comfortable, easy and chic option. I don’t do absurdly complicated layering (like you see at every fashion week!) and I don’t wear things that are uncomfortable. A few sleek no-brainer dresses that can be styled multiple ways are an essential part of my wardrobe.
This particular knit dress by Winser London (a brand you’ll know well by now if you read this blog!) is the perfect throw-on-and-go piece. I can wear it on the morning school run, out to dinner in the evening, and everything in between. The navy and black colour combination is stylish and current, the faux-leather pockets mean it isn’t a pain to wash (on a wool cycle) like genuine leather would be, the relaxed A-line fit is comfortable, and the retro-mod style is my absolute favourite. I have a lot of black in my wardrobe so this dress slots right in and works beautifully with a few coats that have leather trim, and many of my black shoes and accessories. A few weeks ago I wore it out to dinner with my black suede over the knee boots from M&S (probably in the sale soon), and it really looked the business. The retro style of the boots totally amplified the mod vibe of the dress.
Perfect details and finish as always from Winser London
Today, I’m wearing the dress with a beloved pair of Gucci boots which are seven years old. I wear them a lot, so at the end of every winter, I take them to a shoe repair shop to give them some TLC before they rest for the summer. I adore their swishy Cossack tassels and buckles; they really lift an outfit (plus the tassels make a satisfying swoosh sound as they whip through the air when I walk quickly!). I’m a big believer in buying less but buying better quality, and these boots, though expensive, have been worth every single penny. I’m certain I’ll have them for another 10 years, which is something I definitely can’t say about the few Zara shoes or boots I’ve bought occasionally. This is the same reason I buy a lot of Winser clothing. I wear their pieces a lot, but they still look brand new. I’d rather buy nice than buy twice. This dress comes in burgundy, navy, or grey, all with a black patch pocket. It has really become my go-to dress when I don’t know what to wear. It is available in navy only here and in all three colours here… so keep your eyes peeled when the sales start. I’ll get in in grey then! The Gucci boots are sadly long unavailable, but this pair is the closest thing I could find with a long swishy tassel.
It is Christmas Eve, and since I have a lot to accomplish today, I’ll wear this dress to dash around in (although I’ll change into something more sensible when I make a pecan pie later!). I wish you all a brilliant holiday, and I’ll see you in the New Year! xoxo
Dress: Winser London Boots: Gucci (similar) Bag: Hermes Sunglasses: ZeroUV Photos:LottieAnderson
Linking to: notdressedaslamb, notdeadyetstyle,
23 Comments
Laurie
December 24, 2016 at 12:38 PMThis is Gorgeous Lisa. Another winner from Winser London. Love how you styled it. Have a fantastic Christmas xx
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
Lisa
December 24, 2016 at 1:12 PMThank you Laurie; Happy Christmas to you too! xx
Mithra Ballesteros
December 24, 2016 at 2:31 PMThis just might be my favorite post yet. You look like you could stop traffic! Those boots, I mean, honestly. So I shall be a good soldier and get in line behind my fearless leader and attempt to recreate the look. On the dress, what size and color should I order, Lisa?
Lisa
December 24, 2016 at 2:50 PMOh, wow, thank you Mithra! These boots are dearly dearly loved. They are fabulous AND super comfortable.
On the dress, I’m a medium, so I imagine you’d be at least a small?? Colourwise, I love them all. I don’t look great in burgundy, so that is easy to rule out for me. I imagine with your skin tone, you could wear any of the colours. I’d say the contrast is greater between the black patch pocket and the navy or burgundy, so they both make more of a statement than the dark charcoal. I could see the burgundy one on you with a nice dark lipstick. xxx
Jess
December 25, 2016 at 7:44 AMLisa! I too, love the ease of a dress! So lovely on you, I love this shift dress shape and leather pockets. Goes without saying I love those boots and luscious bag. But I just said it! Have a wonderful Christmas with your family
Jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Lisa
December 26, 2016 at 2:58 PMThank you so much, Jess. You do wear dresses SO WELL! Happy Christmas to you, sweetie xx
Nancy Baten
December 25, 2016 at 10:35 AMVery elegant and stylish, I love An outfit like this! Merry Christmas!
Lisa
December 26, 2016 at 2:57 PMThanks so much, Nancy, and Merry Christmas! xx
Abby
December 25, 2016 at 1:49 PMI just love this dress! It looks super stylish, comfy and you notice the high quality from afar. Looking hot as usual, Lisa! Happy Holidays! xx Abby
Lisa
December 26, 2016 at 2:56 PMThank you Abby! Happy holidays to you too; hope to see you soon. xx
RetroChicMama
December 25, 2016 at 5:28 PMLisa you know I adore this outfit on you, it’s one of my favourite looks! So Emma Peal sexy especially with that gorgeous tousled blonde hair miaow Baby 😉
You’ve proved your point in one simple, understated yet stunning look.
xxx
Lisa
December 26, 2016 at 2:55 PMOh, thanks so much, sweetie! This 60s style is for sure one of my favourites. xx
Susan B
December 26, 2016 at 2:29 AMThat’s a fabulous dress, and the boots…divine! I agree about buying better and fewer.
Lisa
December 26, 2016 at 2:55 PMThank you Susan! xx
No Fear of Fashion
December 26, 2016 at 1:57 PMOK, I am going to try and comment again.
I think this is the perfect outfit. The dress, the bag, the fun boots, they all create this wonderful picture with beautiful you at the centre.
Cannot find anything wrong with it. You inspire me with your sequins. December 30 I will show my new blue sequined top on my blog with a link to you as you have inspired me.
Happy New Year dear Lisa.
Greetje
Lisa
December 26, 2016 at 3:05 PMHi Greetje! Thank you so much; I love these easy no-brainer outfits. Absolutely no thinking required, and it still looks polished. I’m so happy I’ve had a sparkly influence on you, my friend! I can’t wait to see what you wear on the 30th! Happy New Year to you too xx
1010ParkPlace
December 27, 2016 at 12:58 AMGorgeous! I agree about buying quality over quantity. The few times I deviate from that philosophy, I’m always sorry. Brenda
Lisa
December 30, 2016 at 4:09 PMI’m exactly the same Brenda; I sometimes get sidetracked and buy something cheap n’ cheerful, and it usually ends in regret!
Gail Hanlon
December 30, 2016 at 2:25 PMThose swishy boots are marvellous! “Stress less and wear a dress” is a good mantra as they are very easy to wear. Yours look fab.
Gail
http://www.isthismutton.com
Lisa
December 30, 2016 at 4:07 PMThanks so much, Gail! I also really love the boots and dress 🙂 xx
Patti
January 2, 2017 at 12:00 AMFabulous look – anchored by this gorgeous dress! Thanks for linking up,
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Anastasia Nicole
January 3, 2017 at 1:42 AMLOVE this dress and it has pockets!! It’s perfect for the days when I don’t know what to wear/ have zero desire to put on clothes. BTW I love your sunglasses. So fierce.
xx
A
Lisa
January 3, 2017 at 8:20 PMThanks so much, Anastasia. I can tell you, this dress gets worn on repeat in a busy week! Thankfully, I don’t see the same people all the time 🙂 xx