It’s a Cinch
On a daily basis, I usually reach for whatever outfit is most flattering and easiest to throw together. I know that might not be what you would expect from a fashion enthusiast, but for day-to-day errands and appointments, I don’t have the time or patience to put together intricate ensembles. I love the built-in belt on this Elizabeth and James dress since it makes the process of getting ready that much quicker without sacrificing any of the style. I’ve decided that a few more of these double duty dresses should make their way into my closet immediately.
1. 3.1 Phillip Lim Shell-Embellished Cotton-Voile Kaftan, $250
2. Antik Batik Silk-Chiffon Silk-Back Mini Dress, $335
3. Single Printed Jersey Strapless Dress, $295
4. Theory “Speckle Idalia” Strapless Printed Dress, $295
5. Forever 21 Blooming Floral Dress, $22.80 (no longer available, but here’s an alternative)
6. Diane von Furstenburg Solar Macrame Dress, $595
7. Theory Wool-Blend Belted Dress, $335
8. Carven Ruffle-Skirt Taffeta Dress, $595
9. Acne Lou Lou Wrap-Front Satin Dress, $300
10. Forever 21 One-Shoulder Silk Dress, $29.80









120 comments
Great picks. Aqua always has a great selection of cinched waist dresses too.
my life in style
I love the looks of these dresses! I am not a big fan of belt (feels a bit too constricting for me) but these look great!
6 is my absolute favorite! Of course that is the most expensive one….
http://gypsy-diaries.blogspot.com/
Love them! No. 3 is my favourite so vibrant!
http://www.fashion-food-life.blogspot.com/
I always end up loving the most expensive pieces in your collages. Sigh
http://acozykitchen.com
All of these would be easy to through on and run out of the house with. All figure flattering.
I like to wear a lot of dresses in the warmer weather too.. These dresses you picked out are so pretty.. I can’t pick a favorite!!
http://www.fashionofmysoul.blogspot.com
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gosh! I want each and every single one of these dresses!!
http://revi-pinkillusions.blogspot.com/
Love 1, 5 and 6!
Dresses 2 and 6 are my favorites!
Great post Emily!
x
ah, love the dress from diane von furstenburg. i hate when beautiful dresses are expensive like hell; (
LOVE #3….. Its pattern and color scheme are almost identical to another, slightly longer dress already hanging in my closet, though. Would it be too much of a sin to duplicate? I’m thinking no.
http://bonbon.typepad.com
oh wow- usually my faves are the most expensive (sigh!) but this time i picked the two from forever21!
love numbr 4,5,6 and 10~! it`s beautiful!
Ohhh I love #8 it is so cute!!!!!!!!
XOXO,
http://outfitid.com/
those are fabulous. there is nothing more flattering than a cinched waist!
Ohhhhhhhhhh!!! Looooooooooooove the green one!!!
love the phillip lim one…but i must say nothing tops the elizabth and james one!
http://www.dailymixla.com
I love # 5
http://beautifulandamazingthings.blogspot.com/
I LOVE #3 and #5. #1 is cute but too Grecian for me. The pattern on #3 almost looks like a butterfly or floral! Cute
1-10 I want them all please
http://iwouldsorockthis.blogspot.com/
I adore these! the DVF is amazing, could imagine wearing this to a summery wedding with some pearls!
xox Vicky
Bikinis & Passports
WOW Those are expensive!
I love them all!!
#1,2 & 6 are my faves. I love belted dresses/anything nipped in at the waist. It’s a really flattering silhouette.
http://ginamichele.typepad.com/
i love a bunch of these. belted dresses (at the natural waist) are always superflattering and a good way to hide any bloating on bad days (or drinking hours;). i bought this vintage one recently: http://www.lovelifeandlollipops.com/2010/05/summer-lovin/ and i’m loving it!
these are great picks and i’m a firm believer that it’s so so important to have grab and go things in your closet.
eve
http://www.lovelifeandlollipops.com
4, 5, 7, 9… i wish i could have all those dresses on hand. of course, only one of them fits my wallet. why do we always choose the most expensive ones?
http://www.eurotriptips.com
That acne dress is beyond fantastic!!
I love number 1. The drapey white fabric like a dress a greek goddess might wear. So pretty!
Yep, 6 is the best. But timeless, so really it is very inexpensive if you divide the price by the number of years you could own it.
Yikes! Only 2 things I can afford on that list! What about girls that are chunky? Can we pull off the cinched look?
Ooh I love too many of those!
Nice!
I’m loving # 1, 3, 4, 7 & 9.
A.Co @ A.Co est. 1984
lovely dresses!
http://www.saturdaystylebykaye.blogspot.com
http://www.saturdaystylebykaye.blogspot.com
Emily! You need to answer me! Help me! Please, please, please!
How do you get the picture you are the focus and the scene becomes blurry? Got it? (My English is so bad, better reader than writer) can you reply here in the blog? or send me a email (liviacfalcao@gmail.com)????? PLEAAASEE!!!
Oh and what camera you use? These things!
I Love you!
Kisses
I agree .. dresses are a great go-to when you don’t want to fuss over creating an outfit. Great picks! xo -karrie
http://www.hellopretty.net (blog giveaway, check it out) Cheers!
#s 2 and 4 had me at hello.
Totally with ya. Just thrifted a jersey knit dress with a built-in belt and it’s my go-to.
I heart #2, the color is gorgeous and i looove the drop waist!
http://www.indramaticfashion.com
I love this Rachel Rachel Roy dress….been wearing it like crazy since I got it.
http://www.rachelroy.com/Illusion-Dress/110049677,default,pd.html?cgid=110004705&itemNum=32&variantColor=JJI76XX&variantSizeClass=
oooohhh I love number 8.
Ooh I love 1, 5, 6 and 10!!!
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/
Oh these are so so beautiful. I just wish you would post more affordable options! Not everyone can drop $100+ on one article of clothing. I guess that is what Cheap Chica is for!
Ohhh that Diane Von Furstenburg dress is absolutely divine. I know exactly what you mean about loving pieces that don’t require a lot of thought or planning in the morning!
xoxo
J
http://www.talkprettytome.blogspot.com
number 5 is my fave! and it’s cheap! yes!
Love 3 and 4!
hummmm 3 and 9 ! lov color cant help it
Love 1! I really been all about the white dress for some reason…
http://jammer10am.blogspot.com/
I love #9 and #10. The Forever 21 blue dress looks surprisingly simple and well-made. Great picks!
http://seejaneworkplaylive.blogspot.com/
That purple dress is pretty cute!! So tomorrow is the big debut of your bag!!!!
http://blankwhiteframes.blogspot.com
These are all fantastic. I will take two of each. But mostly #8. In every color.
i looove #5, but alas, i cant find it on the website…. is it no longer available already? yikes
I love all these dresses! x
http://www.fashionsnag.com
I love, love, love the Acne dress.
hey, the forever 21 links dont work. How did you find these dresses?
Love # 10…gorgeous color and style.
this is a great choice and I espcially like 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 10!!!! I know that is almost all of them…
http://www.iletaitunefoisundressing.com/
Great dresses! I can easily see you wear any of them! The first 2 are my faves!
xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com
P.S. Be sure to visit and enter my First Giveaway!!!
Love the forever21 dress.
D e g a i n e
http://www.fashiondegaine.com
Couldn’t agree more! Love #1, 2, 6, & 9
http://www.meg-land.blogspot.com
xx
I am in love with number 3, the colors are amazing!! Looks comfy too which is always a plus!
xx, Christy
http://christylucius.blogspot.com/
I love that you include Forever 21 finds! My friends tell me that I have a talent with finding items that look expensive there so I love seeing your finds
I picked the most expensive one…
But they are all gorgeous!
Gorgeous selections! I especially love the first and second one! Great post!
http://hayleygolightlystyle.blogspot.com/
i love the last silk dress so much – such a pretty, pretty color (and affordable too) !
Loving the Forever21 dress. Theory’s is so classic to- naturally.
http://www.littleblogofstyle.com/
I love them all! I wouldn’t even know how to choose JUST one!!!!
xxMK
Delightful Bitefuls
#1 is so sex and the city! love it!
http://asequindressatbreakfast.wordpress.com
Yes, I agree, I wore one out this past saturday and it was effortless. I think that is the only way to go
I agree, I always look for something comfortable, easy and flattering to throw on for errands. I love all of these! The Acne Lou Lou wrap dress is my favorite. The vibrant color with the black sash is so pretty.
xo
Valerie
Lovely post… I love the DVF and single dresses…. they keep making the rounds in my outfit post… multi use dresses are the best…….
xxx
CEO
the theory dress is super cute!
Great collection of dresses, I love black, so naturally my eyes directly went to the belted theory and carven dresses!
Really likeing the forver 21 one shouldered dress though!
http://tinatangblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.tinatang.com/
I thought of you when I saw that DVF yesterday. So cute!
i love #1o … i was so surprised that it was Forever21!
http://www.economicalfashionista.blogspot.com
the DVF dress is wonderful! not surprising
i completely agree, comfort is a must when doing day to day activities!
heelsandinspiration.blogspot.com
A cinched waist is an absolutely MUST for me in a dress. I love every one of these dresses! Numbers 3 and 8 are my favorites, though — stunning!
xxoo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com
Love # 6! And kind of sad that I seem to have an unerring knack for choosing the least affordable option when you do these round ups.
I love the black and white print! It’s SO chic and lovely!!
http://stripedandspotted.blogspot.com/
What brillant finds! I can see u wear all of these
6 and 9 are my fav!
Wow, these dresses are so pretty, i love them. maybe i find something similar in my town!!! I hope so, cause they are amazing. Especially 2,4 and 8!!! And i love the colour of number 9!
http://readingpassion.wordpress.com/
Yet all your outfits are amazing.
Never underestimate the flattering abilities of a cinched waist.x
Love the acne dress! so cute. check out this dress…would be great on you! http://www.shopconfederacy.com/shop/womens/dresses/cascading-ruffle-dress.html
brittin
http://www.dollyandangel.com
Great dresses! love the acne dress! look at this adorable 3.1 Phillip Lim dress…would be great on you! http://www.shopconfederacy.com/shop/womens/dresses/cascading-ruffle-dress.html
brittin
http://www.dollyandangel.com
I simply adore #8–the ruffles are my fav!!!
Ashley
http://honeysucklechic.com
I totally agree. I love cinching in a dress and if it’s already built in, even better! I love the green and floral the best.
I love the philip lim white one, and i love the simplicity of throwing on a dress and being good to go!xx
fashion clocked blog
kisses katie.xxx
#6 and #9 are both beautiful!!!
Fernanda Lucila
I like #9 a lot for the summer!
I wish you picked some in between price points rather than super high and Forever21
These are all gorgeous dresses. But, I’m boring and have to say that my fave is a black dress. The Carven ruffled taffeta is my pick!
Lila Ferraro
Queen Bedroom Sets
I love 4 & 5. The best thing about summer (or life, I guess if you live in CA) is that its so easy to get dressed: step a – sundress, step b – sunglasses, step c – sandals.
Thank you for answer me! I have not read the answer yet, but I saw your email! I will read! Kisses
I love you Emily!! really! you are so beautiful! Congratulations!
Dresses are fantastic for their ease in looking pulled together. I love the fuchsia.
why hello #6, will you be mine?
http://cookieandkate.com
Gorgeous, I love the F21 dress, and it’s cheap, bonus! Lucy Laucht
I am the queen of throwing comfy outfits together. I love these because they are comfortable, quick and still very stylish. Thanks for the great ideas!
(I am on the phone with Coach right now! I may be able to swing an early pre-order)
I just got to pre-order early!! I can’t believe they are only releasing 250 bags! I am the proud owner of one.
Marcie
2, 3, 7, & 10. love, love LOVE!
Oh my gosh I love them all! I think I love number 5 and 10 the best! Just stunning! Alexa
Beautiful dresses! Especially love the color of number 9.
http://amusebouche-caitlin.blogspot.com/
these are such cute dresses! my favorite would have to be number 5. your posts never cease to amaze and inspire me. keep up the good work! you’re the reason why i started my blog.
xoxo
http://sweatshirtdressshirt.blogspot.com/
I like them all. I have gone into the dress world this season. It is just so easy to do and really why not! At this point there are so many great dresses out there so I just feel inspired to sport them. Anything but a pair of 3/4 length cropped pants..bleh!
xoxo
KC
http://www.letterstobetsy.com
Hey! This jacket reminded me of a post you did a little while ago about blush/nude colors. I thought you might like it! Keep up the good work, I love your site.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220608223641&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_500wt_1154
of course i love the most expensive items here!!!! champagne tastes on a beer budget….isnt that the old adage? sigh…
heyy when you first started blogging a couple years ago (and i had a different blog) we emailed a bit and now i came back to visit and your blog is amazing and super successful! i loveee it :]
sooo true! some days you just need to be able to toss something on but still look put together, and that’s why half my closet is basically dresses… even tops and skirts take too long to coordinate.
love your blog.
[v] hobovogue .
The fourth dress is gorgeous! Love, love.
Xx
I want some of those in my wardrobe too, and love the dress + belt!! Muak
Love 3, 5, 8 & 10! Great dresses xx
Hi Emily! First of all, I’d like to say that I love your blog!! I drop by every time I can!
I have a dress very similar to the second one (the green dress), but it has long sleeve. I’d like to know how can I use it in the winter, If I can…
Thanks!!!
So many lovely dresses! I especially love number 6
I love these dresses. I’m surprised i really like both of the F21 dresses, but of course they are gone.
http://eatshopbake.blogspot.com
Love them! Esp. #1 and #3. Of course I like all the $$ ones the best
http://lindsaylovesitall.blogspot.com
i love 1 & 7…truly great choices
I shall be dreaming about dress #5 tonight
i love all of these!! especially 4 and 10. theyre so flattering too. love them!
xoxo
I love the belted look on a strapless dress. Adds dimension to a dress that could end up looking boxy!
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