My go-to wardrobe “cheat”

dressing up a simple dress with a chic obi belt and jewelry

Ok,  I admit it: there is a whole section in my closet of separates that I ignore. Even though I am a talented stylist who can make outfits up in my sleep, I too, would rather have an easy time getting dressed in the morning (just like all of my clients). So my current wardrobe “cheat” consists of simple, figure-flattering cotton dresses that I own in several colors. They don’t wrinkle so I don’t have to waste time ironing, and I can easily add accessories based on my needs for the day.

For example, I can throw on a dress over leggings and go to yoga, change into a t-shirt, and then later put on jewelry and make it to a meeting still looking pulled together. In the photo to the left, you can see how I glammed up this really simple Lauren by Ralph Lauren brown cotton dress that I found for under $100 at Lord & Taylor. I swapped out the thin, cheapie belt it came with for a obi belt by Sylvia Maiz from Art Else boutique in Paris, added earrings and a ring from my favorite jewelry haunt, Sam Shaw, and completed the look with shoes by Isola (not show in the picture).

Here are some examples of great dresses from the following designers:

 
Trina Turk
Velvet by Graham and Spencer
Splendid (although they tend to stretch out faster than others)
Clu (for something a bit more hipster)
Catherine Malandrino (if you don’t mind splurging when it’s worth it)
Bailey 44 (super soft, but often dry clean only)
Laundry
Sandmaiden
Heartmycloset
Kenneth Cole
Ann Taylor

I guess I know which part of my closet needs the next big purge!