OK this is clearly not rocket science but I do believe the argument for buying at least one incredible dress is sound. With a little extra thought & money you’ll add something very precious to your wardrobe…
A go to outfit, a no brainer, a wow factor – What’s more, this dress will become your first call for any event & will endure a lifetime. It won’t date or fall apart because it’s cut from beautiful material & made with attention to detail. An investment, hand stitched & finished to the highest standard. Using my Ridley London dress as today’s example, the long-sleeved maxi is such a garment.
You may have heard me sing the praises of the long-sleeved maxi dress before? To me there is no comparison when it comes to curating a wardrobe for life. This single item has transformed the number of options I have for pretty much any eventuality, it’s THAT adaptable. I kid you not. If you haven’t worn a long sleeved maxi, then why not? There is a shape to suit any figure & height, you do not need to be tall & slim to wear a maxi dress but the dress has to be the right one for you. This is where the cost comes in. It absolutely must be well made. Your maxi has to fit you like a glove, cheap simply doesn’t cut the mustard. Plus, it should suit the rest of your wardrobe & therefore your style. So if florals aren’t your thang, try stripes or colour blocking. Naturally it’s easier to get the perfect specimen when your dress is custom-made. That’s why I love Ridley so much, not only did I choose the style & fabric but my specific dress was made to measure as well!
Scope out the most beautiful print
Ring – Olly M
THE RIGHT PRINT FOR YOUR CLOSET
Look for a print that includes all your favourite colours. By doing this you guarentee your accessories will automatically compliment the dress. Therefore a different focal colour can be picked out of the print & highlighted just by changing your bag & shoes! Effectively altering the overall look with absolutely no effort. Another important style point to consider when choosing your forever dress is how it’ll look with a belt. Perhaps it already comes with one like my Ridley dress? If so don’t be afraid of switching it for some instant impact. A sexy wide waist belt like this one will add drama especially paired with black high-heeled boots! Alternatively a feminine chain belt or an extra long, tan leather skinny belt both tell different sartorial stories.
Naturally your jewellery will also alter the tone of your outfit. Although today I kept mine simple with just rings & hoops. However going big with bling will also work a treat. See my Chanel statement necklace here or these Swarovski earrings for a couple of examples.
Moving on to other less obvious styling options – If your maxi has a split it’ll dress down perfectly with jeans by revealing them underneath & also allowing the neccessary movement. Here’s one I made earlier wink. Equally, layering over the dress can change the tone of a maxi from formal to casual with the switch of fitted blazer to chunky knit cardi. Perhaps a leather biker is more your style? Whatever your preference, remember the forever dress is supposed to be worn a million ways & worn often. The whole point of spending a lot of money is to get your money’s worth. REWEAR IT! We’re not focusing on the initial outlay, you be wanna be able to see the cost per wear over time is very low indeed.
Shoes – Mango
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!
So gorgeous girls that’s my third & final Christmas party outfit for 2017. I hope you enjoyed the three very different party looks I styled including cocktails & afternoon tea.
Arrgh!!! I can’t believe another year has flown by. It reminds me of my childhood when I was in such a rush to grow up & my Dad would say “Don’t wish your life away Princess”. How true. Naturally I’m saying these exact words to my children now, Oh boy….
As I sign off for Chrissy, I wanna thank you all for the love & support that you’ve shown me since I started blogging almost three years ago. I feel the blog & brand is finally coming into it’s own & I see big fun times on the horizon. If anyone has missed my mention of our family move to New Jersey next February, guess what? WE’RE MOVING TO NEW JERSEY NEXT FEBRUARY! Wahhhh I’m so excited I can barely contain myself. This has been the longest period living in the same place of my entire life. Needless to say it was time for a change for this old gypsy. Although it’s true I’ll miss all our wonderful friends here I know from experience that distance doesn’t ruin friendships. Rest assured I’ll keep you all in the loop & blog the hell out of our move…
Until 2018, have a marvellous Chrissy & we’ll catch up in the New Year! Lots of love to you & yours, Mx
*Thank you to The White Horse Pub for giving me carte blanche to shoot this post
*Thank you to Ridley London for gifting me this dress
Comments ( 24 )
Susan B.
That’s such a pretty print, and you look fabulous in that dress!
MT
Thank you Susan xx
Emma Peach
Such a beautiful dress Michelle! I love the fruity floral print. I’m on the lookout for a long sleeved maxi dress that I can wear with boots in winter – wearing trousers (usually jeans) everyday is getting a bit samey. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
MT
I hear you Emma 😉 I get so bored of the jeans outfits. If it’s really cold I still wear them but throw a dress over the top for a change 😉 I bet you do that too? xx
nancy
Oh what a fabulous print , and those colors are so very pretty! I also always love a wrap dress.
MT
Too true Nancy, I also love a wrap dress! x
Rozanne
What a happy and unusual print. I love the idea of having a bespoke dress, it is like getting back to the notion of clothing as a considered art form rather than just a mass-produced, soulless commodity. Having clothes that are lifetime companions is certainly something to aspire to. Personally, I am so wedded to trousers that I no longer feel like me in a dress, but I had a look at the website and there are some fabulous shirts on there too. Anyway, you look stunning in your dress. Happy Christmas XX
MT
Wise words, as always 😉 The shirts are lovely Rozanne, are you not tempted to try a dress over your trousers? Such a fabulous look xx
Abby@Midlifecrisisnut
Looking fabulous there Gorgeous Mama! Happy Holidays and an Amazing New Year to you and your loved ones! New Jersey, OMG! How come? I’ve missed this news somehow? That’s so exciting! Lots of love! xx Abby
MT
Hi gorgeous girl! Yes NJ here we come 😉 So basically Abby, it’s down to Marks work that we’re able to do this. His head office is there & since I’ve always dreamed of living in New York he asked if I’d like him to put in for a transfer. Naturally I was thrilled at the prospect but it was a very long process of getting approval & we didn’t know for sure until just recently. That said we still haven’t actually got our U.S visa’s yet so it could all crash & burn at the last hurdle. Although you know me, ever the optimist. As far as I’m concerned we’re already there Hahahahaha! Rest assured, I’ll keep you posted Abby xxx
Petite teacher
Hi Michelle. I do remember a ruffled summer dress you showed that I loved a lot as well.. I think this one has got an even higher WOW factor. Probably because it was tailor-made and probably also because I just love flower dresses. A bit tricky sometimes maybe, since I am so small, but like you pointed out: if you know what works for you, a lot will work for you. You look absolutely stunning in this dress! Wishing you a Merry Christmas.. It will be a special one because of the upcoming move, so enjoy it to the fullest. Love, Lieske
MT
Oh yes Lieske that was the striped wrap one right? I must have warmed to the ruffle since that one worked so well. I think it’s like most things, if the cut suits you anything goes.
Happy New Year! xxx
Fatima Truscott
I love this Michelle! Sound style advice. Looks stunning on you and that print is magical- it’s perfect for all the seasons. Bravo girlfriend FT xxx
MT
Thanks darling girl xxx
Bettye L. Rainwater
What a great suggestion to choose a print dress as your “forever dress,” with all your favorite colors in it, so it’will always match the accessories in your closet!
I just came across your blog from the Not Dressed as Lamb link-up…now I’m looking forward to reading about your move to New Jersey. I live on Long Island so we’ll practically be neighbors 🙂
Happy Holidays.
Bettye
https://fashionschlub.com
MT
Welcome Bettye…Oh wow you live on Long Island! I have been there but it was 25 years ago, has it changed much? I’m so excited about exploring all the surrounding areas. Of course we’ll have family holiday options galore too. There’s so much to see in America & the landscape so diverse. Also the kids haven’t been to the States yet, I can’t wait to show them around.
Maureen
This is a beautiful dress and outfit. Love how you accessorized with a yellow clutch and pink mules to color contrast with the print of your dress. You look great! A forever dress is definitely a staple. Looking forward to your updates to your move in NJ. Happy holidays!
http://www.littlemisscasual.com
MT
Hi Maureen, I’m so happy to hear you like my bright choices of accessories. The beauty of a fabulous print is being able to contrast or blend, both are good options. I look forward to hearing from you again x
No Fear of Fashion
It is a lovely dress. Lucky you!! I am one of these women who does not own a long sleeved maxi dress. Just never crosses my mind. And I never have parties so no need to buy one for that either. That yellow bag of yours is something I am still swooning over. I even bought something like it but much less nice. Are you sure it will fit into your luggage/removal container?
Greetje
MT
That’s cheeky! 😉
xxx
No Fear of Fashion
Cheeky is my middle name 😎
MT
I like it 😉
Beauty in insanity Keit
Oh you are such a gem in this dress. I happen to have some dresses which have the same purpose you mentioned here and after reading this post I just realized that 😀 I do not have a floral one like yours though, you are looking so precious with the cute shoes too!
MT
That’s it, I figured most women have at least one or two dresses that they’d call a forever dress. It certainly doesn’t need to look like mine, it’s as you say the “purpose” of it that’s important.