This post is in collaboration with Freez Clothing
Over the years, I have fallen into the trap of dividing my wardrobe into “summer” and “winter”.
What belongs in the summer section, does not get worn in winter; and vice versa.
Black Pocketed Dress* available online from Freez Clothing
But lately I’ve realised that this limits my wardrobe options.
So when the good people at Freez – an online retailer offering a great range of affordable women’s dresses – sent me a black pocketed dress for review, I decided here was the perfect opportunity to test my new “smash the seasons” theory.
Now I must confess that I tend to overlook good fashion “basics” like a plain black dress when I’m shopping; I’m something of a magpie and tend to go for the bright, the pretty, the patterned, the bling (or all of the above).
But the reality is you can just do so much more with the basics, and style them to suit any occasion – or season! – with just a few well chosen accessories.
A Dress for All Seasons
Made of soft rayon, this black dress has a fashionable dolman shape with pockets. It washes and dries really quickly and you can definitely get away without ironing it (always a plus in my book). I’m wearing the size 14/L.
Summer Style
This dress makes a perfect beach cover up. Throw it on over your swimmers to head to the shops or out for lunch; gold/nude accessories give it a casual holiday vibe.
Autumn
When the weather turns a bit cooler, just add a colourful cardy and statement necklace and you’re ready to pick the kids up from school.
Winter
The weather might be cold but you’ll be warm as toast – and stylish to boot – wearing the same dress with layers: A mock turtleneck and jeans underneath, with a denim jacket, boots and brooch to finish it off. It’s also a subtle way to embrace the double denim trend!
Spring
Add some colour to your springtime look, and show off your figure, with a colourful scarf worn as a belt. This was the hubster’s favourite look π .
There aren’t too many dresses in my wardrobe that can succesfully make the transition through all four seasons, but this is definitely one of them. And it’s worth taking a look at your own closet to see what pieces might just be able to smash that seasonal barrier!
Do you have almost completely different wardrobes for summer and winter, or am I the only one that’s weird that way?! π
Liz Posmyk says
A versatile little number, for sure.
Janet Camilleri says
It was great fun experimenting with it – though very hot wearing all those layers! π
June says
I like the autumn and winter looks best. The colourful cardy lifts the black and I like the layered look – I could wear something like that I think. (and yes, I think you might be a ‘real’ fashion blogger now Janet! – congratulations!!)
Janet Camilleri says
LOL June, thank you for humouring me about being a “real” fashion blogger … I love that particular cardy, it gets a work out every winter π
Julia says
LOVE this dress. The shape looks so great on you! My fave is the Autumn outfit – looks great with a pop of colour. Very fashionable π xx
Janet Camilleri says
The shape is very different to what I would normally choose, but I was pleasantly surprised that it still worked for me!
Kylie Purtell says
I’m a big fan of clothes that can be worn year round. I don’t wear a lot of dresses but I always try to buy ones that I can layer stuff underneath when it gets colder. My favourite thing is tights and long sleeved shirts under dresses in Winter, with lots of scarves. It’s a bit nicer than wearing my staple, jeans, when I have somewhere a little nicer to go. Layering is also why I love winter, it hides a multitude of sins!
Janet Camilleri says
I’m longing for the cooler weather myself … it was SO hot and humid when I did all my photos, but I don’t think you can see it in the resulting picture (not even the “winter” one!)
Denyse says
Nice one Janet! I tend to think seasonally with clothing but this post demonstrates how flexible an outfit can be!
Janet Camilleri says
Thanks Denyse, I know, I do too, but I think it just goes to show that sometimes it pays to think “outside the box” x
Natalie @ Our Parallel Connection says
I love the way you have styled the dress with the winter boots and jacket. Looks fabulous.
Janet Camilleri says
Thanks Natalie – it was really hot though that day so I’m surprised you can’t see the sweat dripping off me!!!
Bec says
Ooh I love layers. And no you’re not weird for having different wardrobes for different seasons!
Janet Camilleri says
Well, I am weird … (I did a test on Facebook today that said I’m 100% weird!) but just not in the having different wardrobes for seasons way!!!!
Emily says
Love the styling! I wear all my dresses year in, year out. Well, except for my long-sleeved woollen one. That’s strictly for winter π
Janet Camilleri says
Yup I’ve got a couple like that too. Especially now I get hot flushes and have a higher thermostat from menopause …
Renee Wilson says
Nicely done, Janet. Nicely done. That little black pocket dress is uber cute. I love the pockets!
Janet Camilleri says
Cute – and pockets are so handy too!