With a massive heat wave passing through Chicago, I have been pulling out my favorite summer dresses to wear to work. Readers, you know I love denim (a lot). Given that we cannot wear jeans to work (and who would want to in this heat??), I like to get creative with denim. I found this dress at Nordstrom Rack for $20. I love the full skirt, zipper, pockets, and shoulder details. In other words, I love every part of this dress!
To dress up my denim, I added my handmade necklace by Zegna Jewelry.
I also added my “matches everything” polka dot shoes from Gap.
The final product is a work outfit that is perfect for a summer heat wave!
Dress: Love Ady at Nordstrom Rack ($20 marked down from approx $80)
Necklace: Zegna Jewelry
Shoes: Gap ($21 marked down from $50)
Fashion Huntress tips:
1) I like dresses that have a cap sleeves because they work for day and night, with or without a cardigan. It’s been so hot here that even with air conditioning, it is still pretty warm inside. As a result, it’s generally too warm for a cardigan. Thus, if I want to wear a dress, it needs to have cap sleeves (versus a tank top dress or ‘spaghetti straps’). When looking for dresses that work for day and night, keep a look-out for short sleeve or cap sleeve dresses. These are not the easiest to find, so I normally get them when I find them!
2) To transition this dress for cooler weather, I added a cardigan, tights, and/or leggings. I last wore it in slightly cooler weather.
Posted here: https://thefashionhuntress.wordpress.com/2013/06/01/denim-dress-day/
Without the cardigan and different jewelry, I easily created a new look for this dress to keep it fresh and versatile. Readers, you know I love to switch-up accessories to create new looks! Getting creative with layers and jewelry really adds to your ability to wear clothes throughout different seasons.
Regarding my necklace by Zegna Jewelry:
Zegna’s Etsy store can be found here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ZegnaJewelry
Zegna’s blog can be found here:
http://zegnajewelry.wordpress.com/
Speaking of accessories, I plan to post another ‘remix and rematch’ this weekend to further illustrate my affinity for rotating accessories and layering!
Happy mid-week! Thank you for stopping by today!
the fashion huntress 
It looks like the top of this gorgeous dress was molded on you ! XXX
Thank you! It is a very flattering cut with the full skirt, works wonders for the molded look! xo
I LOVE the silhouette of this dress…I’m a big fan of a full skirt 🙂 It’s so flattering, and you look great!!
Thank you! I think the full skirt is so flattering and forgiving. This one looked better with the wind blowing too :)!
You scored at the Rack, that was a steel!
Great look as always!
Thank you! It wasn’t even on clearance! Just marked down to $20, which was a total bargain!
Perfect look! Like it)
Thank you! 🙂 Your necklace really makes it fabulous!
So cute! This looks great on you! I love the black & white shot you added, makes me think of dresses on I Love Lucy, they were always tailored.
I didn’t think of that, but you are so right! I remember that show so fondly (and occasionally still catch reruns!). I love how some silhouettes live on well past their debut; I’m glad this one honors her and her style!
An adorable, flattering look. LOVE IT!
Thank you! And thank you for visiting!
So glad I found your site, you’ve got so wonderful pieces on there. Lovely!
xo from Chicago
I love this look! It’s equally hot in NYC and I’m struggling to find work appropriate clothes that I can actually make it through the day in!
-www.functionallyfrivolous.com
Thank you! It’s so hard in the summer to find something you can tolerate to wear at work! Especially when the AC at work keeps going out…!
This dress is RIDICULOUSLY adorable! I love the gathered look at the waist. Great find!
Aww, thank you! I think the tailoring detail on the waist really makes this dress because it makes the skirt look so full. Thank you for stopping by!! xo