Joanna Avant is a personal stylist in Richmond, VA who strives to make wardrobe choices clear and easy for women who are short on time, overwhelmed by their closets, or transitioning from one period of life to another. She helps women feel confident, creative, and put-together and believes that styling can be personal and achievable. Connect with Joanna through her blog, JoannaAvant; Facebook, on Twitter @joannaavant, Instagram @joannaavant
It was June of 2011, and I declared it “The Summer of Dresses,” a decision that turned out to be one of the best I’ve ever made. Let me tell you why:
5. It is HOT and muggy in Richmond in the summer, and most sweaty mornings, pants are simply out of the question. Shorts just aren’t always right for the occasion. Dresses are almost always appropriate, and they let a little breeze in from time to time!
4. At the time, I was a mother of two preschoolers, so in the mornings, I had time to EITHER put on deodorant OR choose outfits that matched. Given the aforementioned heat and sweat, deodorant won that battle. Dresses are no-brainers and take less effort than Garanimals!
3. I was complimented on my outfits almost every day. Trust me when I tell you that I didn’t get all dolled up in heels and full makeup, either (again, heat/sweat). Give it a try. Just throw on your Karina Ruby, instead of your ratty shorts and wrinkled tee, and it will instantly take your style a notch or two above the other moms at the children’s museum. And I promise, people will notice.
2. We ate a lot of corn dog nuggets at the pool snack bar that summer. You know how it goes. You order the salad, but the kids can’t finish all of those nuggets, and you can’t let them go to waste, right? My pants would have protested, but my dresses kept my secret and stayed with me through thick and thicker.
And the #1 reason dresses are awesome: Not a single person saw my thong all summer, even when I bent over to pick up the french fry my son dropped on the ground. (I swear I didn’t eat it.) Success!!
I think “The Summer of Dresses” is going to be reinstated this year. Who’s with me?