How To Style Down A Dress

When I hear the word “dress”, I immediately think of dressing up. I’m more of a pants-wearing type of gal and have always been a bit of a tomboy. Since I was a kid, I would wear my brother’s clothes and I still prefer the men’s collections for my favourite brands.

But when I do wear a dress, I typically style it down. I found this AGAIN Parker midi dress and in all of it’s stretchy and comfy glory I’ll be wearing it all year long. Styling a dress casually doesn’t work for ALL dresses, you’ll want to make sure you’re not in a ball gown. In my opinion, you can dress down a dress made of silk, cotton, anything stretchy, most necklines but only a sweetheart neckline in the summer.

Here are my tips on how to style down a dress:

1. Pair the weight of the dress with your other garments. This dress is a bit more heavily weighted so a leather moto jacket compliments it. (But a moto jacket pretty much goes with all outfits let’s be real here)
2. Find a shoe that compliments the colours. The white Stan Smith Adidas pull the white from the dress. I would also go for a more minimal shoe.
3. Edit the accessories and only go with 1-2 pieces like a ring or bracelet.
4. Messy but styled hair gives that undone look.

Again Parker Midi dress | Zara moto jacket (similar)
Saint Laurent Kate Chain bag (similar) | Adidas Stan Smith shoes (similar) | All Saint fishnet socks

Photography by Vancouver Photographer Samantha Chan.