Decoding the Dress

As I mentioned, I'm working on a personal style makeover. In accordance with my own advice, I printed out the awesome little worksheet from Real Simple's recent "Never Buy the Wrong Thing Again" story and hopped in the car this weekend, bound and determined to check one thing off their wardrobe-essentials list. I thought I might start with a dress. I love dresses. Easy, right? Then I looked at the list. The sundress part I get - I think. Cocktail dress? No problem - maybe. Sheath? Um, I'm getting confused. Shift? I'm lost. This might be why I have very little personal style...

So - I'm doing some research that I hope will benefit all of us. I'm "decoding the dress."

Sheath - according to Wikipedia (thanks!), a sheath dress is designed to tightly fit the body and is often made of thin material, typically falls around the knees or lower thighs, and can be strapped or strapless. Good to know. Here's a look I like, that I think is totally "work-worthy," as suggested by the shopping list. Thoughts?

Calvin Klein
shop.nordstrom.com

Sundress - the sundress is meant for warmer weather (brilliant naming convention!) and is typically informal or casual. It's made of lighter material and can come in a wide variety of cuts. Wikipedia says it's meant to be worn without a layering top, but I'm voting for a light sweater or jacket to be prepped for Colorado weather. Here's a look I like, but I'm not sure it fully embodies the "sundress" feel. Any fashionistas care to weigh in?

JCrew
jcrew.com

Little black dress - this is an evening or cocktail dress cut simply and often quite short (per Wikipedia... but I think it could be longer). Coco Chanel is attributed with inventing this look, which is intended to be long-lasting, versatile, affordable and accessible. I have to admit, I have this awesome black dress that I got years ago at Target (not kidding) for like $30 (also not kidding) that is washable and has pockets (get out!) AND gets huge compliments every time I wear it. That said, I am certain I could use a new dress... Here's a look I like, although I might prefer a different material. Might need to work out a little more before venturing into a dress like this, too!

Xscape
shop.nordstrom.com

Shift - last but not least, the shift. This is a short dress which is suitable for all body types (yeah - equal opportunity!) and is defined by the simple, straight lines. I actually saw the dress below in a catalog this weekend. Wasn't sure it was called a shift - but I think this is right on and real cute. Not sure how the overall yellow would look in real life, though, since I'm not 6 feet tall or a size 2... But I am totally sold on the idea of a shift (or two!) for my wardrobe.

Boden
bodenusa.com

So there you have it. Dresses decoded for today. Whew! Now off to shop...