ShopUniques dress (c/o)
Diego’s espadrilles (similar)
Ellen James handbag
RayBan sunglasses
Mango hairpin
Delphine Pariente ring (similar)
Urban Outfitters earrings (similar)
Location: Uffizi Gallery – Florence, Italy
I am not really a dress person. When I worked in an office, I embraced dresses because wearing them was simpler than having every pair of pants I bought tailored. But I’ve never loved them. I love the look of them. In fact, my closet is full of them – beautiful dress after beautiful dress, lined up side-by-side, mostly unworn. For me, pants just feel so much easier and more effortless. They are what I reach for, day after day, no matter what I have planned. But I knew I had to embrace dresses for our trip to Italy, where sartorial culture is much more refined than in Canada. It would be hot in Florence on our trip, and denim shorts would not be an option.
So I set about shopping – not a task I ever complain about. But finding the right dresses for travel can be sticky. They need to be easy to dress up or down. They need to not wrinkle much since they’ll spend time rolled up in a suitcase while en route. And they need, above all else, to be comfortable. Travel is full of unknowns and best-laid plans, but the fact is, you never really know what will happen when you reach your destination. And, whatever does, you’ll need to be able to dress for it.
Add to all of that the fact that I am picky. I prefer strapless and sleeveless dresses that hit a midcalf, but if a dress has sleeves, I’d rather it be a mini. Finding a single perfect travel dress is next to impossible for me. But – this one from ShopUniques proved to tick the most boxes. It’s lightweight and easy to pack, super comfortable and, with the button detailing, perfectly on trend for this season. (Confession: I bought a similar one from ASOS, but it didn’t quite meet all of my length-versus-sleeve requirements. I returned it when I got this one, and it was totally the right decision.) It looked just as cute with low heels and a blazer for dinner out.
I don’t talk much about affordability when it comes to fashion. That’s because the moment when I chose to focus only on buying clothes I truly loved, even if they came with a higher price tag, rather than restricting myself to clothes at what I perceived to be an “affordable” price point, my overspending on things I didn’t really wear decreased significantly. But the truth is, a good travel dress should also be affordable because luggage gets lost. And red wine gets spilled. As does chocolate gelato. So I feel compelled to highlight that this dress is so well-priced, I could have bought multiple colours… you know, if I wore multiple colours. If you have any upcoming trips to sunny destinations planned, I highly recommend you snag a travel dress of your own from ShopUniques – you can use code Cocoandvera20 for an extra discount on the already very reasonable price.
When it comes to travel style, what is your go-to look?
I am very much opposite you when it comes to dresses, I almost always prefer them to pants, even when simply lounging around the house or traveling. Also if comfort is anywhere on my list, then a strapless dress, or anything requiring a strapless bra will not make it. I’ve finally found a bra I can deal with and that has made me more apt to embrace bare shoulders, but when I think of a ‘travel dress’ I’d likely reach for a soft knit with some sort of sleeve which will require no fussing, and no pressing.
Which isn’t to say that the dress you chose isn’t perfect on you, feels as though it was meant for your Italian escape, and I also need a moment to mention how adorable your new short hair looks pulled back – I was convinced you’d pulled off a fancy up-do before realizing all it took was a simple barrette!
Chic on the Cheap
This dress was a really great find (I’m definitely in the camp of fervently believing that an affordable and easily packed travel dress that looks great is an essential). I love all the little details on it.
Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
I’m a jeans and tee shirt girl at heart, I like to dress up my outfits through my accessories and jackets. I’m totally with you on wearing skirts and dresses at work though, it’s so much easier!
Also, I’m loving your hair cut! The way you styled it in these pictures is so cute…. *feels the need to cut hair again*
Sarah
The most perfect dress! Love that pretty ruffle and those adorable buttons!! Also love how you styled your hair – that hair clip is the the prettiest! <3 And when it comes to comfort/dresses?! For me, it really depends on the day, and season. In the summer nothing beats a flowy midi dress & sandals for comfort. But come fall I love my stretchy skinnies and a pair of sneakers!! xo
http://www.girlandcloset.com
Beautiful dress.
My last suitcase had dresses and pants. I chose to leave jeans out, totally out and honestly I did not miss them.