Here’s a little trick I thought I’d share- in case you hadn’t seen it before!
I can’t claim it as my own idea as I’ve seen many gals on blogs do this-which is why I titled my post un-original!
Rather than let this little summer dress sit in my closet unworn for 3 seasons, I’ve transitioned it to a fall piece by layering a sweater over the top. I then added my light brown Target boots and a belt to emphasize my waist. To complete the look (and follow my ‘rule of 3’) I’ve added a necklace.
For you newer readers, my ‘rule of 3’ is that I feel like the top half of my outfits must always have 3 elements to it. In this case, the sweater (1), the belt (2) and the necklace (3). It isn’t a hard and fast rule- but one that I usually try to stick to.
And, for you gals who hate wearing belts (ahem, Erin I’m talking to you)… here is the look minus the belt.


Ok gals- I want to hear from you- belt or no belt?! Please comment!
It’s been a while, so I thought I’d link to Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday. Be sure to check it out, there are literally hundreds of ideas!
Dress: Old Navy, Sweater: Banana Republic, Boots: Target, Belt: so old I honestly can’t rememeber!, Necklace: Stella and Dot
Sorry about the dreadful lighting- it was still dark outside when I took these photos.
This is not one of my favorite outfits. Erin and I say it’s the belt, it looks very dated.
Too funny since I think I got this belt in high school…which would definitely mean it’s dated! That being said, I do like the idea of a belt to emphasize my waist- maybe just not this one? Thanks for commenting!
Belt for you! No belt for someone (ahem, me) with a thick waist.
You look longer & more comfy sans belt. Agree with previous commenter that the belt itself is not super cute. Love getting inspiration from you–thanks!
Longer legs is my goal, so thanks for the input! I think you’re right!
No belt! I’m short waisted and belts at the waist are really uncomfortable.
Thanks Mary! It’s been a while since I’ve heard from you- how are you?! I miss you!
I have to agree with the no belt. . . . you do look longer without it. I wonder if its because the belt echoes the horizontal stripes in the “skirt” and essentially breaks your outfit into odd sized segments (too close to Halloween ~ this sounds very Dexterish!)
I prefer without the belt. But maybe that outfit with a black skinny belt and boots would be better?
A skinny belt might be better- but this sweater is actually blue (the lighting is so awful it’s hard to tell). I’m not sure about mixing blue and black… sometimes it works- but in this case, I’m not sure! Thanks for your comment. I think most people are agreeing with you- no belt is better!
Love this. I always make my clothes work in several seasons by layering. I like it better without the belt though, but that’s probably only because I haven’t mastered the whole belt thing though.
You look great!
~FringeGIrl
Cute and comfortable looking outfit, I like it without the belt!
I also like it better without the belt. I’m doing a major closet cleanout this week and put a few dresses like yours in my donate pile – might have to rethink now. Also, I got my CAbi shirt today and LOVE it – it’s the slouch tee.
I love the slouch tee- hope you enjoy yours as well, it is so comfy! Good luck on the closet clean-out. I need to do one myself.
Hmmmm…let’s drop the belt and add Birks. 🙂 Coffee soon? XO
Only if I can wear my Birks with socks! LOL! I’d love to do coffee! I miss ya!
I like the no belt look better. If you must wear a belt how about a skinny belt? They’re very fashionable right now.
Yes, a skinny belt would have been much better. Thanks!
I love belting so I would belt it. I always have a hard time wearing a statement necklace when i belt things though, it makes me worry I look too busy. I would probably go with earrings instead because that is my safe bet. But you pull this off well and have inspired me to try this with a cute sleeveless dress that I have. 🙂
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