Gingham Outfits For Spring – How To Decide If You Should Keep A Retail Purchase
I generally prefer shopping thrift or secondhand clothing however I’m still not 100% immune to the lure of retail. This gingham dress is one of those exceptions that caught my eye when I was taking some home decor back to TJ Maxx. I need blinders on when I go into that damn store to stop me from straying.
Of course it had to be gingham for spring. The feminine length and retro vibe of this dress was right up my alley. I was crossing my fingers it would look awful in the fitting room. Needless to say it didn’t and I felt obliged to bring it home so I could make a better informed decision…in front of my camera.
As a rule with retail purchases, before deciding to remove price tags and eliminating any possibility for returns, I like to “play” with the piece to ensure it works with the rest of my wardrobe. I want to see just how versatile it is going to be for me and my wardrobe.
So let’s play!
Here are three of the gingham outfits for spring I’ve created.
Gingham Outfit #1
Paired with two gifts from hubby, the bee belt and the bag.
There were a couple of concerns I had initially with the dress. The skirt is extra full, with additional panels which can look sloppy and add weight to my frame.
The length of the dress is in-between maxi and midi, kind of “ankle grazer” which is a bit odd. It is the ideal length to avoid tripping on your dress when climbing stairs or getting up from a seated position but can visually shorten someone that is already vertically challenged like myself.
Of course all of that is mute when sitting.
My man servants aren’t currently available to carry me on my chair everywhere so I had to create more outfits and take even more photos to convince myself the length and fullness weren’t deal breakers.
Gingham Outfit #2
This may be one of my favourite looks I’ve created so far.
It’s an ideal transitional outfit and it breaks up the print giving the eyes a place to rest.
Special thanks to the hubby for allowing me to borrow his red tie.
That’s what happens when you’re on the other side of the world…your closet gets raided.
Gingham Outfit #3
Here a larger belt creates a more defined waist.
A little recap…
Which was your favourite of the three outfits?
Are you a fan of gingham outfits for spring?
Come back later this week when I share more of the outfits I created with this gingham dress.
If you like gingham you will probably like these other posts as well…
How To Wear A Touch Of Gingham For Spring
Linking up with the lovely Patti over at Visible Monday
and Judith over at Hat Attack
I love outfit #2. You’ve added your own unique spin to it and it looks fabulous.
This is such a yummy dress, and even though it’s long, it still lengthens you. Gingham forever, Gucci forever, and my personal favorite is #3 with the wide print belt. Looking gorgeous, you. xox
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Lately I’ve been so drawn to gingham too!!! I can totally see why you snagged this dress. But I have to know—are you keeping it??
I do love the length only because it’s nice to have some variety in our closet. And especially for those times you’re sitting more than standing!! But even so–that’s such an easy fix if you wanted it a little shorter!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Now you’re making me reconsider the vintage gingham maxi I’ve had for eight years that I’ve just added to the stockroom rails!
You look fabulous in each and every combination.
I quite like that odd length , it’s perfect for showcasing great shoes – like the ones you own and, if you live in climate like ours, won’t get dirty and rain sodden when you leave the house! xxx
PS You’ve got problems commenting on my blog. I’ve got problems with yours updating in my feed both on Blogger and Bloglovin’. What’s going on?
Oh I do love a bit of gingham too Suzanne and have to say that your second styling nails the potential of this dress. I understand and agree with your reservatations about the length and fullness of the skirt but by wearing the vest it does away with those concerns. Surely you convinced yourself to keep this if we have even more stylings to come?
Anna x
woww, I do love gingham, and I love your dress, particularly that second outfit, and you look particularly gorgeous in it!. I like that sleeveless sweater which looks like a vest, and the cute tie, those details rock!, absolutely lovely!
Looking forward to see more gingham! (and more you!)
besos
woww, I do love gingham, and I love your dress, particularly that second outfit, and you look particularly gorgeous in it!. I like that sleeveless sweater which looks like a vest, and the cute tie, those details rock!, absolutely lovely!
Looking forward to see more gingham! (and more you!)
besos
I love your ingenuity with fashion. It’s no surprise given your general creativity in everything. I learn from watching you explore style.
Fabulous gingham ensembles! Love it broken up with the vest and accessoried with the tie.
It looks fabulous, every which way, I hope you keep it..it is fabulous on you despite the challenging length.
Where are our man servants when we need them !!!
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
I’ve got the same problem as Vix in that your posts are not updating in my feed on Blogger. I’ve just found out that I missed several of your posts that way. I’d been kind of wondering but wasn’t unduly worried as you’d mentioned in one of your comments that you had flu … I hope you didn’t think I’d abandoned you! Anyway, I’m going to backtrack and read them all. I’ve also subscribed by email now … Although I love gingham, there weren’t any gingham items in my wardrobe until very recently, but as it’s a Summer dress it still has to make it to the blog. I’m loving your ankle-grazing, full skirted frock, and my favourite outfit is the same as yours, without a doubt. How clever is the addition of your hubby’s tie! xxx
Not a gingham fan, but you make it look cool. Bravo! Enjoyed your fab styling.
Cheers, Deborah
Oh yes! This is a keeper. The outfit with the tie and black vest is my favorite, but really, they all look amazing on you. I could see you wearing them all to a variety of events, such as tea, museum exhibits, a matinee. This dress has your name written all over it–in gingham.
Hugs,
Sherry
Gingham is never out of style! It reminds me that spring is coming! I love the second outfit.
Brilliant dress. If the sleeves were over the elbow, I eould say, buy one for me and send it. (And then hope it would look as good on me as it does on you. Gosh those sock boots are good, right?
I have no preference for a look. I think all three are equally brilliant. And that doesn’t happen too often.
Cannot wait to see the other stylings.
Greetje
I love the wider belt- it keeps the dress from looking sloppy and creates a nice shape while also breaking up the pattern.
Gingham is timeless and who among us is immune from the lure of retail? I think the dress looks great all ways, but of course #2 with the black beret and layering is my favorite. Thanks for sharing with Hat Attack!
I’m not a big fan of gingham, but the black and white may just win me over. I think this is a great dress, and I hope you decided to keep it. The addition of the vest, belt and tie is my favourite styling of the three.
What a classic silhouette and fabric! I just love the version with the vest and red tie. I’m so curious about whether or not you kept this cute frock!
OMG I love this dress so much — I have a lifelong weakness for gingham — and I have pinned outfit #2 for style inspiration. I also love outfit #3 for the obi belt detail.