The Color I Swap for Black in Summer

(psst…it’s navy.)

I will preface this with I will always love / want / need a black piece in my wardrobe, no matter the season. However, I realized that as I was reaching for this dress during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale that navy is a great alternative to black in the summer. Navy brings about a coastal vibe and even though it’s just a few steps lighter than black, it just feels lighter for the summer. This dress here from Vince is actually navy — I know, I too thought it was a little black dress. But we would be mistaken as it’s actually a nice, deep navy in this smocked fabric that lays beautifully without clinging or being too tight. However, because the color is quite dark I went ahead and paired a few black pieces with it like this black and white striped sweater and this teeny tiny ridiculous bag that I can’t get over. (It holds a phone, keys and a small shred of my dignity.)

Shop My Dress On Sale!

If you click over you can see that this dress is actually longer; it hit me about mid calf. I actually hate that length in dresses, with very few exceptions in my closet. But for me it cuts me off in a weird way and I would prefer a maxi or a shorter length. I realized that if I belt and fold the fabric (it’s a lightweight stretchy fabric) under the belt, it stays at the length I want. I also realized that I will be getting this dress tailored because I want it to be this length all the time, without the belt. (If you’re a Nordstrom card holder you can get tailoring for free, depending on your level.) As far as sizing goes, it runs generously. In fact I sized down to a medium and there is still room! And it does not cling to me at all. I am wearing this pair of slimming shorts — some of the best I’ve ever owned by the way — under this dress and there was no issue with clinging or lines being shown.

As far as versatility, this dress fits really well and is very wearable, I felt comfortable all day in this dress and didn’t feel like I needed to pull at anything or cover my body. This dress is easy to layer blazers or jackets over, obviously a sweater and you can carry this dress into a warm fall and bring it back in spring. I wouldn’t layer anything under the dress, like a top just because of the nature of the fabric. It’s lightweight and would pucker and lay strangely. I also love the scoop neck and wider straps on this dress, as it’s easy to wear a normal bra with this look. (No strapless needed!)

This dress is on sale at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale which is live to the public today! And my sweater is sold out from the sale, but this Halogen one is on sale and so similar!  Both are in full stock, so that’s exciting! My sweater I’m wearing here is the Madewell one but I’ve linked a few different versions of it below, if you’re wanting a nice striped sweater for fall.