Dresses are an easy go-to outfit when you don’t feel like coordinating separates. Sweater/knit dresses can be especially great because you can usually dress them up or down. But beware: Not all knit dresses are created equal. Some can be very unflattering, add inches, or be too revealing, even if you are in good shape. Every time you try one on it is a gamble, so be prepared to lose – but don’t give up!   A few weeks ago in TJMaxx  I spotted this Theory dress and was attracted to the stripes, color, and super soft fabric; thought I would give it a go since I was trying on other things anyway.  Such a pleasant surprise!  Fitted but not skin tight, and a perfect length to look classy, not trashy. On this business casual day I wore Stuart Weitzman open toe booties, but shoe options with this dress are endless – a fashion sneaker would be fun for casual wear, a red suede pump for a night out. Love the versatility! The remarkably soft fabric is a viscose/polyester blend without lycra which is probably why it’s not overly clingy. It still calls for the right ‘smooth’underwear to avoid any lines/lumps/bumps…my favorites: a Cosabella lace thong and a Chantelle teeshirt bra.  (Go see Eileen at Bloomingdales in Chestnut Hill!)  Spanx undies would be another option if you prefer a little support. A thin black leather blazer was a good balance of dressy/edgy and for a change, no Burberry scarf!   Instead, another very special scarf:  it is a cashmere/silk blend by CHAN LUU, found recently at Revolve.  Fabric is deeeeliciously luxurious. To die for.

With so many choices, how to decide which scarf to buy?  My three simple steps:   First, choose a scarf that visually appeals to you, one that will be a good addition to the colors in your wardrobe. Second, touch it. Close your eyes and really touch it. Compare it to others. How does it feel? Just ok or soft as butter?  Finally, wrap it around your neck so you can see the color against your skin. Is it blah or does it brighten your face?  Just because you like how it looks doesn’t mean it looks good on you.  The color, the texture, the softness, the joy…and only $69 at Revolve for a scarf that retails for over $200.
We can’t control whether a day will be a ‘good day’ or a challenging one. We can control what we wear. Doesn’t it make sense to start the day wearing something that brings you joy?