ways to style a dress title 2Photography: Jane Lee Photography

Capsule Wardrobe in Action: how I styled 2 Marie Hell dresses 6 ways

Wearing: ‘Flaunt’ Tunic & ‘Quiver’ Dress Marie Hell

Effortless style starts with an amazing capsule wardrobe – quality and versatile staples upon which all good outfits are built. The basic dress is about as staple as they come. To demonstrate, I’ve styled two gorgeously versatile dresses from Marie Hell six ways. And these are just the tip of the iceberg of the infinite styling possibilities.

Dress 1: The Off the Shoulder LWD

The LWD (‘Little White Dress’) is every bit as versatile as the LBD, as long as you choose the right one. Look out for a simple and clean design with a standout detail – this Off the shoulder Dress by Marie Hell is all kinds of perfect. Here’s how I styled it.

1Relaxed 

The off the shoulder style is simple and yet ultra-sexy, making this dress amazing all on its own. I’ve paired this dress down with converse sneakers and Celine tote for a relaxed but refined weekend look.

ways to style a dress-4 copy

2Edgy

One of my daily styling go-to’s is to turn a feminine style, edgy, by pairing it with leather and hardware. Here I’ve combined my Decjuba leather jacket and Proenza Schouler PS11 shoulder bag with this Marie Hell Dress for an effortless daytime look. Switch in a pair of heels, and this outfit can take you from day to night.

ways to style a dress-1 copy

3Smart casual

This Marie Hell dress is clean and softly structured, so it loans itself to dressing up for a smart casual occasion. Throwing on my POL coat, Tibi Mules and Celine Trio bag (sling for casual, clutch for dressy), this outfit is now ready to take you somewhere a little bit fancy.

ways to style a dress-3

 Dress Two – The Knee Length Shift

Never underestimate the potential of a simple shift dress. Knee length or below is office appropriate, like the ‘Quiver’ dress by Marie Hell, and you can style it up or down for the full occasion spectrum.

4The office

A basic shift dress can be dressed up for a professional setting by simply adding a tailored jacket and some office-ready heels.  Here I’ve caped a sleek Staple the Label grey coat (keeping the outfit tonal) and Tibi mules.

ways to style a dress-6 copy

5Cinched 

The silhouette of a shift dress can be instantly transformed by cinching at the waist. Here I’ve casually tied a jacket across the hips to create a haphazardly cinched effect.

ways to style a dress-9 copy

6Knotted detail 

A simple and chic shift dress is an absolute capsule wardrobe must have because it’s a complete outfit all on its own. However, you can always create your own makeshift detailing by tying an off centre knot. I’ve styled the ‘Quiver’ dress  with a statement Givenchy bag and some basic strappy heels for an evening look.

ways to style a dress-11

Shop Marie Hell’s range of versatile dresses – here.

Incredibly important minimal style tips to your inbox? Join my mailing list!

24 Comments to “ Capsule Wardrobe In Action: 2 Dresses 6 Ways”

  1. elza says :

    amazing looks, love them all – you’ve got a fantastic style!

    CLUB AVENUE / http://club-avenue.blogspot.com / instagram

    1. Jiawa Liu says :

      Aw you are so sweet!

  2. kurt says :

    wow i cant believe you have so many ideas on such a simple dress! how amazing ! can you please be my stylist ?
    http://bloggersBoyfriend.com

    1. Jiawa Liu says :

      haha I am so not worthy to be your stylist!

  3. Pam says :

    Both of the looks are so simple and chic! Love it! Also, your pictures are amazing. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Pam
    http://www.thegirlfrompanama.com

    1. Jiawa Liu says :

      Thanks so much girl! You are too sweet!

  4. Love your jacket<3 thanks for sharing, you look amazing
    follow for follow?:)

    xoxo
    http://hilarynirvana.blogspot.com/

  5. Maria Marques says :

    Girl, you did these so perfectly! Love all the outfits. Great work 😉

    Love, Maria
    marieroget.blogspot.pt

    1. Jiawa Liu says :

      Aw I’m so glad you liked them!

  6. Romantiquely says :

    LOVE how differently you styled the pieces, all the outfits look incredible on you! xxxxx

    http://www.romantiquely.com

    1. Jiawa Liu says :

      Aw thanks so much babe! I tried my best to make them as different as possible 🙂

  7. Michele says :

    Great style! Wonderful how you style 2 dresses 6 ways. Love the POL coat. 🙂

    http://www.chicuturnonglitz.blogspot.com

    1. Jiawa Liu says :

      Hehe I had so many ideas, it was hard to just cut them down to 6!

    1. Jiawa Liu says :

      So glad you liked them!

    1. Jiawa Liu says :

      Aw you are so sweet!

  8. Leftbankgirl says :

    So chic! The white is amazing with the gray coat!

    http://leftbankgirl.blogspot.com

    1. Jiawa Liu says :

      Oh I Love pairing white with grey!

  9. Alicia Fuller says :

    The ‘LWD’ is so cute! Also loving the grey dress with the knotted detail. Just found you from a comment on Club Avenue’s blog – I’ve followed you!

    x Alicia
    http://aliciafuller.com

  10. MIRJAM says :

    would wear all of these combinations exactly the same – love them!
    bisou, mirjam

    http://www.jeneregretterien.ch

    1. Jiawa Liu says :

      Ahh great minds think alike!

  11. Vera says :

    Loving this post Jiawa 🙂

    You and I both share the same sentiments about basics hehe

  12. Amanda Renee says :

    How did I miss this amazing capsule post? These ideas are brilliant and I’ve absolutely been needing them in my life since I want to create versatile looks when I travel and conference. You look gorgeous as always, Jiawa! 🙂

    Amanda Renee at http://www.academiquechic.com