The Casual Day Dress
I am so over winter sweaters and long sleeves. I have therefore decided to only buy clothing for the spring and summer. To that end, I am on the hunt for casual day dresses. Though I am always looking for this needle in a haystack, I tend to get distracted by fine frocks that should only be worn on nicer occasions, not for running errands. But the vast majority of my life is casual so I really need to bulk up that side of my wardrobe. I found a few items I am thinking about purchasing and paired them with some of my new favorite shoes. It is kind of like virtual window shopping.
I adore pattern and I think the cut of this dress (here) is incredibly flattering on most figures. Though the last thing I need is yet another pair of yellow shoes (here), I really like the heel height on these, plus I am a sucker for a t-strap.
I don’t usually wear wrap dresses because they always fit me funny across the chest, but this one (here) has such a pretty cherry print, I might try it. And those shoes are divine (here).
Speaking of dresses, I found this vintage one and after a long pause, I decided to buy it. Isn’t it a beauty? I just couldn’t pass it up. But the shoes are still available! (here)
I love red. It is just so cheery, especially when paired with polka dots. (dress here) (shoes here)
I have exactly one 1940s rayon knit printed dress and it is by far my most comfortable garment. I have yet to find another in my size with a pattern I love. This one (here) is too big or I would have snatched it up. Isn’t it darling with those bright green shoes? (here)
I don’t wear solid black very often because I feel like it is a little too fancy for daytime, but I think navy (here) is perfectly appropriate. I have been looking for a pair of navy shoes and Miss L. Fire just came out with a pair! (here)
There is something about this dress (here) that reminds me of Gwyneth Paltrow in The Talented Mr. Ripley. Don’t you just adore that film? And these flats are so cheeky (here)! Full disclosure: I bought them. Pretty sure I will be wearing them all summer long.
I have a few Fleur dresses (three to be exact) from Heyday and I love them. So I thought I might try a new style (here) and pair them with these wedges (here). Why does the UK have all the best stuff?
Isn’t this a perfect casual dress (here)? And that teal is such a pretty color, especially paired with these floral flats (here)
What are you ladies looking at these days? Are casual dresses on your list of items for this summer?
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I agree that many vintage-inspired frocks are awfully fancy for everyday, but I plan on purchasing a few Heartbreaker cotton dresses (in fact, I have the cherries wrap dress above already in my wardrobe) to add into the rotation: easy, breathable and can work with heels or flats.
Vintage dresses are a must for summer! ModCloth is my favorite for these things! I am aching for warmer weather! I am so ready to purchase a new dress and show my legs to the world again! haha! These dresses and shoes you’ve picked are just adorable! I love them all so much!
I too have been on the hunt for day dresses. I have found a bunch of vintage dresses on ebay for cheap, especially for something that will be worn a lot, around the house, or while doing housework, I don’t want to spend a lot, $150 is fine for special occasions but not for everyday wear! I love the navy Asos dress and the Heartbreaker one is gorgeous. The hardest part is finding full skirt, day dresses. I have been after more of the “New Look” style but have only managed to find a few. Good luck with your search
Love (!) this wonderful fashion filled post and ode to one of my all-time favourite garments. My wardrobe would suddenly feel lost if I didn’t have my beloved vintage day dresses, especially come spring and summer. All of these frocks (and shoes) are so, so pretty – so much great inspiration for the months ahead.
♥ Jessica
Some lovely things. I was wondering, could you possibly do a post with suggestions for dressing well on a budget? Some times, people don’t have a lot of spare cash for clothes. or maybe they’re losing weight so don’t want to spend too much on a transitional wardrobe.
Oh, and also options for those of us who are slightly more, erm, statuesque
Ashleigh x
The Monte Carlo blue dress is my favourite. I’m not ready for summer because we’ve not had much of one last year so I’ve not needed to show my legs for around 2 years now!
i did this too – buying or sewing fancy frocks and then i had nothing to wear to the supermarket….
but things changed. once some of the “good” skirts and dresses got a little worn and with no or simple accessoires i wear them now for casual.
and last summer i only sewed daywear for me. not a single evening dress. even its just a little boring, but they are much easier and faster to sew. win!
the most important thing with day dresses – they have to be machine washable!
looking forward in which of the above dress you will show up next time
p.s.: after seeing the talented mr. ripley a cried like mad – he is killing all the people he loves….
I am in love with these! I know you aren’t a plus size girl, but any chance on doing a post on plus size vintage? This curvy gal would be FOREVER grateful!
The 1940s dress is on the larger side, you should check the measurements.
Thanks, I will!
Oh my, I can completely relate to this problem. I have a closet filled with amazing evening/fancy dresses, but nothing nice to wear during a regular day. I love the dresses you showed here, unfortunately they’re still a little bit above my budget, but gorgeous!
These are all wonderful dress and shoes. I really like the red cut out shoes but they are a bit out of my price range.
I’m trying to expand my blouse count and add a few one piece dresses too.
I love all of these dresses! If only fogville wasn’t so darned cold all the time, I’d wear nothing but summery dresses all year long. And green shoes! GREEN SHOES!!
I love these dresses and shoes you chose. I looked through them with my daughter. So pretty.
~FringeGirl
FYI–I received the red dress as a gift, and while it IS super-cute, the fabric is very thin. It doesn’t seem like it will withstand very many washings or dry cleanings. Just FYI if anyone wants a review…
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I love nothing better than a good day dress, preferably with a 60s style shirt-waist cut! I’m a university student so a lot of my wardrobe is too flash for going to class in so I always like to buy a nice day dress when I see one. Lately I’ve got some nice ones from Modcloth, and Pinup Couture has some really pretty ones too. The Heartbreaker ones you’ve posted are gorgeous, I love their stuff!
What a great selection. It’s funny, because while we do have some fab vintage repro here in the UK, I’m always hankering over the items we can’t get here, like that Heartbreaker dress with sleeves. Bernie Dexter items have recently become more available, but Trashy Diva items are still few and far between. I’m just going to have to visit the US soon!
P x
First time commenting on your blog. Love when you do posts like this. Just ordered the green shoes to go with a dress I ordered from the UK. I live in Australia so I much prefer buying things from the US and UK so I don’t go to events and end up in the same thing someone else is wearing (though that has still happened).
I adore your choices. Especially the red dress. Dying for spring and some warmer weather and new clothes to wear
Melissa
Loving this post – I like taking your cues to sew up something similar.
Is there a way to follow your blog via email?
he! if can i make a suggestion? when you click your sponsor links, it goes to their site and replaces yours. it’d be much easier to come back to you if there was some way they could open in a separate window.
k, i meant “hi!” not “he!”
Such adorable dresses! I am LOVING your blog! New follower!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof
I love your blog so much! It’s nice to see someone trying to live, dress, and entertain with a little glamor and style. I am remarrying soon and think it would be great for you to give ideas for a vintage/retro glam wedding and reception.