There are so many tales about wearing stripes – which direction makes you appear skinnier or slimmer? I’ll never know. Being totally honest, I don’t actually care. I like stripes no matter what direction they’re going in. I know I recently said I wanted to wear less black this summer, but when I saw this little number in Primark I couldn’t say no. I originally bought the shirt-style dress for a black-and-white-themed anniversary party and it worked perfectly. It’s chic, stylish and simple – just what I like. One thing I’ll always love about the monochrome trend, is how easily complex it is. Lemme explain.
So you have a basic pattern, but black and white is incorporated an all of a sudden it’s looking a lot more put-together despite being effortless. Get what I mean? If I bought this dress in one solid colour, I don’t think many would look twice and it’s just a colour (unless we’re talking violent neon orange). However, with a little stripe magic, the dress looks like a bit of a two-piece, and also has a high-waisted effect, which is perfect for someone with long legs like me. The fabric is floaty and flowy, meaning there’s plenty of room to twirl around and enjoy life.
Today, I decided to pair the dress with some sock boots I bought from ASOS over the winter. They’re a new essential for me, as they go with literally everything. Seriously, I’m yet to put together an outfit where the boots don’t go. They remind me a lot of the Yeezy sock boots, just not as tight and much easier to walk in. I’m no model, so heels aren’t my specialty. I prefer a block heel, or even a wedge when it comes to dressing up because (1) comfort comes first and (2) I like to actually be able to walk.
There are so many times when people tell me, “beauty is pain” or “it hurts to look good” – and sure, that’s true on some occasions, but as an individual I have the choice to be comfortable with what I wear. I like simplicity, and I like clothing I can actually move in, so this dress and boot combo works perfectly for me. Stylish in my eyes, and cosy enough to nap in – the only requirements needed.
Also featured in this look of the day, is the most adorable backpack/shoulder bag I’ve ever seen. It’s no secret that I’m in TK Maxx every weekend, so it was only a matter of time until I found this gem. The bag, made by Kenneth Cole is technically a shoulder bag, but has the shape of a little rucksack, and also a hook on the back so you can double up the straps and carry the bag on your back – perfect!
As the dress was mainly black (oops), I decided black accessories add that badass feel I wanted. You know, that awesome feeling you get when you start to dance-strut to the sound of your heels hitting the pavement? Bring on a night out in Leeds!
TGIF 🙂
Anika xo