The Most Forgiving Dress Silhouette
I’ve mentioned many times that I was not someone that got fit during the past year+ working from home and staying at home in general. I actually thought that saving myself the 40 minutes every day not commuting would mean that I’d get a workout in, but that dream died very quickly. I’m historically very bad at keeping a workout schedule. I just don’t like it that much! I miss the adult ballet classes I did back in Utah. Dancing is a good workout that doesn’t really feel like a workout.
I’ve also mentioned many times that I went up about a full size from my pre-pandemic size. (Turns out that doing the stairs at work every day really did keep me somewhat in shape, haha!) I want to reiterate that it’s TOTALLY NORMAL to have gained weight! Or lost weight! We all process trauma differently. Mine manifested in me being lazier in general, working way more on my computer, and just not really moving that much. Honestly, I spent most of my time worrying.
The most annoying thing about the size change is that a large portion of my closet is not comfortable to wear, and I don’t want to repurchase much because, well, that can get expensive quickly. (And I’m holding out hope that maybe I’ll fit into everything again…) Fortunately, I rediscovered one garment in particular that I’m happy to report is the most forgiving when it comes to weight gain and that I’ve been wearing almost nonstop: the shift dress!
How to style a shift dress for summer
An A-line shift dress is narrowest around the top and flares out towards the bottom, making it perfect if you’re like me and hold extra weight in the midsection. It camouflages a softer tummy and wider hips well! My dress features the cutaway-style straps, which means whatever bra I wear will show. Might as well wear something pretty! (Or…sporty, in this case!)
The shorter length lends itself well to heeled sandals, but I love the moss green paired with the soft pink flat sandals that act like a neutral on my skin tone. I kept the rest of the look simple as well, only adding in some bling with my earrings and ear cuff. It’s the perfect throw-on-and-go summer outfit!
Since this dress is linen (with a cotton lining), the wrinkles are inevitable. I’ve learned to love ‘em! I look rumpled but at least I’m comfortable and cool (or at least, trying to stay cool!).
I’ll be honest: This dress was on the chopping block. I had only worn it once, back in summer 2018, and I didn’t think I’d reach for it again. On a whim a couple of weeks ago, I tried it on and am sooo happy I still have it! It’s my best fitting dress in my closet right now. I’ve already worn it twice since rediscovering it, haha. I love wearing my new Amazon sports bras with it; I prefer the black or navy colors with this dress, but white was a fun change of pace.
Are you a fan of shift dresses? What other garments are most forgiving of a lil pandemic weight gain? I’ve been reaching for A-line everything (and swingy everything) as of late!
OUTFIT DETAILS
Grana dress / old; similar by Lands' End (last seen here)
Amazon bra / exact (review here)
Everlane sandals / new version
AUrate earrings c/o / exact (last seen here)
AUrate ear cuff c/o / exact (last seen here)
Minnie + George bag / old; similar from Macy's
Le Specs sunglasses / exact via Shopbop or Nordstrom
Dior Lip Glow in rosewood / exact