(What to wear is a continuing series featuring outfit suggestions for various occasions. It seeks to provide solutions to the age old question: What am I going to wear?!)
The unofficial graduate student dress code is open to interpretation. No one will bat an eye if you roll into lab in repeat motifs of flowers and bunnies on your pants, but will look at you in distinct alarm if you are wearing a button down shirt or *gasp* a dress. Your colleagues across the hall mistake you for a sales rep and are suddenly ‘beyond swamped,’ and your own lab mates consistently ask who your date is tonight until you invent one just so they’d shut up (does not work, by the way). Hence I always take advantage of occasions that allow me to don a pretty dress, and Easter is no exception.
Easter brings visions of candy and pastels, spring and flowers, eyelets and lace. Whether you’re going to Church, brunch, or both, florals and lace can be both conservative and stylish.
Pictured: French Connection Lark Rise and Lizzie dresses. Topshop dress, Kate Spade Meadow bag, Steve Madden Bpandora bag, Banana Republic Trish wedge, ASOS Harlot stilettos, Kate Spade Karolina pumps, J.Crew Collins peep toe platforms
Pictured: ABS dress, ASOS dress, J.Crew cardigan, Navy blazer (find great affordable ones at H&M or Zara), Steve Madden Bpandora bag, Kate Spade Vivienne wedge, Kate Spade Karolina pumps
Lace: A lace dress in a solid color with a conservative neckline is perfect for any occasion. Personally, I’m a fan of white lace for its endless pairing possibilities, but any color that complements your skin tone would be appropriate.
Pearls and lace are a classic combination, and I would wear the red French Connection dress with a multi-strand pearl necklace. To add interest to a white lace sheath, don a statement necklace like the blue one shown, choose a colorful spring bag, or add spring to your step with a bright pair of stilettos.
Let’s talk shoes. I’m partial to nude sandals in spring. A pair that is close to your skin tone creates a continuous line that gives the appearance of longer legs. This versatile neutral is also easily paired with any color or pattern. Invest in a coordinating beige clutch and you’ll rarely have to ask the question- “does this match?”
Florals: While I abhor this trend when it’s plastered all over pants, blazers, or shoes, I love it in skirts, dresses, and even preppy shorts (J.Crew anyone?). A flowery dress is so simple to wear. The busy print eliminates the need for neck or wrist adornments. Dress it down with casual sandals and a cardigan for warmth, or make it office appropriate with a blazer and pumps. And of course, you have a ready made Easter outfit!
-M
Now is the perfect time to stock up on winter boots and booties! I can’t tell you how many pairs I’ve seen online on sale for dirt cheap prices. LastCall, the Neiman Marcus outlet store is giving 40% off any one item, making these Seychelles Suede Thrill Booties only $29.70.
