Dress direction: How to take your summer sundresses into fall

Sundresses are the perfect to-go outfit for summer weather: You can just throw them on and head out the door. The best part is that not much thought needs to go into pulling your outfit together, so you can hit the beach, the pool or the park in a moment’s notice. However, sundresses also are great pieces that can easily transition into your fall and winter wardrobes. OFC spoke with Clare Strouss-Tallman, resident stylist at Fancy Tiger, about what to look for (and what to avoid) when choosing a dress, as well as for tips on how to take your dresses into cooler weather.

The Right Way

Stay on Trend:Hot trends this summer are bright colors, tribal prints, cutout backs, asymmetrical hemlines and sheer fabrics. Choose one (or a few) of these options for something really stylish.

Hide your Hiney: Check out a local lingerie store for a pair of “hot pants” – they are similar to a boy short, but a little longer – to wear with dresses that are just a little too short.

Dress ’em Up: Summer dresses are super easy to incorporate into any wardrobe. “Just add your own accessories,” Strouss-Tallman advises.

Join the Band: While you’re at the lingerie store, also be sure to
pick up a bandeau bra (they come in all kinds of colors, lace, cotton-spandex, the list goes on,) and are perfect to wear with sheer dresses.

It’s a Cinch: Buy a few dresses with empire waistlines. “They are universally flattering,” Strouss-Tallman says.

The Wrong Way

Go for Class, Not Trash: Avoid low-cut dresses at weddings and other
formal summer events.

Skip the Synthetics: Cotton and cotton blends breathe better than synthetic fibers, so if you want to be comfortable, go the natural route.

Color Craze: Beware of colors that wash out your skin tone. You want something that flatters your look rather than detracting from it.

No Short Cuts: Skip the really short hemlines, especially if you’re older than 35. Instead, choose a dress that falls at least three inches above the knee.

Map Out Your Patterns: Small prints flatter more petite figures,
while larger, bolder prints are more flattering for fuller figures.

Dress Detour Into Fall

Light Layers: In the fall, pair your sundresses with tights, cardigans and flats for an easy route to looking great.

Heavy Hitters: In the winter, switch to leggings, boots and
blazers for a well put-together look.

Color Coordinate: Choose your sundresses in colors that can be
easily worn with other items already in your closet. Also, be sure to choose colors that will work year-round – avoid pastels and neon

Bold Baubles: Add stronger accessories, such as scarves, substantial bangles and leg warmers for a strapping look that merges right into winter.

Dress it Up: For more formal events, you can dress up your sundress by adding a jewel-toned trench.