Rainy Day Patterns + Tip for getting more wear out of dresses

rainy day spring outfit floral dress petite

True Decadence petites dress, Ann Taylor sweater (similar), Tri-Coastal umbrella (similar), Madewell bag, Talbots sandals (similar)

Here we have a dress I bought over a year ago (see on me), back when either my weight was distributed differently or perhaps I liked my clothes much tighter. Either way, I can’t zip it up all the way anymore and my bust looks a bit indecent stuffed in the V-neck. It’s also a little dressy worn by itself for everyday occasions. I couldn’t bear to part with it yet, so re-styled it simply in a way that addressed all of these issues!

how to style a dress as a skirt casual outfits

I’ve shown styling a “dress as a skirt” several times now – it doesn’t work with all dresses like bulkier ones, but I do love it in general as a way to stretch more wears out of some pieces. There are several ways to create this faux look:

1. Wear a cropped-length top or cardigan over the dress that ends right at your natural waistline, as shown here in the last photo.

2. Wear a button-up blouse over the dress, with the ends of the blouse knotted at your waistline (belt and additional tucking-in optional) as shown here.

3. Tie a pullover top or sweater by your waistline and tuck the excess end in underneath as shown above and here. This last way works best with looser, lightweight tops or knits that don’t button down. As demonstrated above, gently loop a hair tie or elastic around the excess fabric at your waistline, then loosely tuck the knotted part in. This will result in a little bulge at the waist which is why it works best with looser, airy tops that would billow a bit anyways. This brought me back to high school days when I used to do this with my oversized tops (since Mom was always buying me 2 sizes up, anticipating growth that never happened ; )

Note: I don’t recommend the twist and tuck on delicate sweaters since it might stretch out the material.

spring fashion_extra petite floral dress outfit

navy striped umbrella rainy day spring outfit

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42 Comments

  1. Kate wrote:

    The sweater tip is great, stealing it!!

    http://www.kategetsdressed.com

    Posted 1.5.17 Reply
  2. Neha wrote:

    Been looking for these sandals for ages! Looks like the Talbot one is no longer sold though 🙁

    Posted 1.3.17 Reply
  3. Myy Dulcea wrote:

    Wow, I just watched all your videos on YouTube!!! I've been following your insta, blog and snapchat for a while now but never knew you actually started on YouTube! You are so pretty and talented, I know I'm a bit late but wanted to congratulate you and Nick on your gorgeous wedding, the vows actually brought tears to my eyes. ❤️ from very big admirer

    Posted 4.30.16 Reply
  4. Jean wrote:

    I actually have one of these in size 2, didn't fit me and I had to go up a size. I messed up the return, so I still have the dress. Hit me up if you wanna by it!

    Posted 4.12.16 Reply
  5. Jean wrote:

    I actually have one of these in size 2, didn't fit me and I had to go up a size. I messed up the return, so I still have the dress. Hit me up if you wanna by it!

    Posted 4.12.16 Reply
  6. Jean wrote:

    I've only gotten a Japanese straight perm but never a curled one! Hope it goes well for you!

    Posted 4.9.16 Reply
  7. Jean wrote:

    Huh so odd they used my photo there! My umbrella isn't from there…it's from a brand that begins with an R that I can't recall unfortunately and it seems like the one they're selling is made by their own brand so I can't speak to it at all…

    Posted 4.9.16 Reply
  8. alessandra wrote:

    this is genial!

    Posted 4.9.16 Reply
  9. Lex @ Flecks of Lex wrote:

    What a smart (and cute) idea!

    Posted 4.8.16 Reply
  10. Leah wrote:

    I love your floral fit-and-flare True Decadence dresses – but they're both sold out. Do you have any recommendations for similar-looking dresses?

    Posted 4.6.16 Reply
  11. Maria wrote:

    Your outfit is so beautiful 🙂

    Posted 4.6.16 Reply
  12. Anonymous wrote:
    Posted 4.6.16 Reply
  13. Sapphire Greene wrote:

    I remember the hair tie trick from middle school but you made it look way better. I just received the sandals you mentioned in the mail today and was pleased with the quality. I wear a size 5 and they fit me well. The front was a little narrow but that might be since my feet are on the wider side.

    Posted 4.5.16 Reply
  14. Sapphire Greene wrote:

    I remember the hair tie trick from middle school but you made it look way better. I just received the sandals you mentioned in the mail today and was pleased with the quality. I wear a size 5 and they fit me well. The front was a little narrow but that might be since my feet are on the wider side.

    Posted 4.5.16 Reply
  15. Sapphire Greene wrote:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Posted 4.5.16 Reply
  16. Pamela Gonzalez wrote:

    This is so cute! I love the entire outfit♥

    http://www.pamelayaquelin.blogspot.com

    Posted 4.5.16 Reply
  17. Mlle Coconath wrote:

    You look so pretty! Love your dress!
    xx
    Mademoiselle Coconath
    http://mllecoconath.com

    Posted 4.5.16 Reply
  18. IT Girl wrote:

    I love the way you do your hair but I am too lazy to use an iron. Have you ever tried a Japanese digital perm to achieve a similar look? Would love you opinion as ill be seeing my hairdresser soon. TIA!!
    Also, as always, I love you style and outfit ideas. I wish I had a wardrobe like yours 🙂

    Posted 4.5.16 Reply
  19. Melissa wrote:

    Thanks for the tip on the sweater. Would've never thought to use something as single as a hair tie.

    Posted 4.4.16 Reply
  20. Anonymous wrote:

    Cute outfit! I realize it's a whole different price point, but do you like your Pasotti umbrella featured here? http://loveallseasons.myshopify.com/collections/umbrellas/products/extra-petite-bloggers-favorite-umbrella

    Posted 4.4.16 Reply
  21. Aditi wrote:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Posted 4.4.16 Reply
  22. affecionada wrote:

    I still love this dress! I was sad to see it sell out, though I'm not sure how it would have fit in the bust area.. Anyway, it's gorgeous!

    http://www.affecionada.com

    Posted 4.4.16 Reply
  23. Jenn wrote:

    I love this look! it's also one of my favorite ways to style dresses, especially when I don't feel like sporting something sleeveless. Throwing a sweater on top is easy and keeps me warm in the spring when it's still breezy.

    a small bit | bloglovin | twitter | latest post

    Posted 4.4.16 Reply
  24. Amanda Heurich wrote:

    Love the dress! I do that all the time with my dresses, so cute on you 🙂

    Satin Sundays

    Posted 4.4.16 Reply
  25. Yonosoyunaitgirl Sandra Cuiña wrote:

    I love your skirt! XX

    Posted 4.4.16 Reply
  26. Helen Veyna wrote:

    You look gorgeous in shades of pink! I love the pattern on that dress and I like how you made it work for every day!

    -Helen
    Sweet Helen Grace

    Posted 4.4.16 Reply
  27. Alice wrote:

    This is so creative, love this look! The sweater and dress combo is gorgeous!

    xo, alice / T Y P E N U

    Posted 4.4.16 Reply
  28. Daniela DT wrote:

    Love all these tips, I'm gonna try them out. Great post!
    xx Daniela / Fashion Shower Blog

    Posted 4.4.16 Reply
  29. Thuy | Dress Up, Chow Down wrote:
    Posted 4.4.16 Reply
  30. Julie Hiller wrote:

    I love that technique of using a hair tie to wear a billowing top over a dress. I'm so trying this!

    Lifestyle by Joules

    Posted 4.4.16 Reply
  31. Lilli wrote:

    Such a lovely post 🙂 The last picture is my favorite, you look so happy 🙂

    x Lilli | http://www.LilliFerreira.com

    Posted 4.4.16 Reply
  32. Happy Tiffin wrote:

    I'm in love with the style. I'm just curious if this will fit on me.

    Posted 4.4.16 Reply
  33. BAMBI BOHO by Sylwia Badora wrote:

    AMAZING Sweetie.
    I love this photos

    Posted 4.4.16 Reply
  34. Amanda Lim wrote:

    Loved your tips – thanks so much for sharing 🙂 I remember those days when I had to tie any shirt promoting my school/clubs/organizations because a standard small is always too big :/ That sweater and dress go perfectly together by the way! Beautiful.

    – Amanda
    http://thesimplepetite.blogspot.com/

    Posted 4.4.16 Reply
  35. Trang Do wrote:

    You looks so pretty dear! Love your dress so much!
    Hugs,
    Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}

    Posted 4.4.16 Reply
  36. Dressed With Soul wrote:

    Love the cute spring looks you wore! My favorites are the outfits with the floral skirts 🙂
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

    Posted 4.4.16 Reply
  37. Sasa Zoe wrote:

    Such a great way to re-style the dress:P

    Shall We Sasa

    Posted 4.4.16 Reply
  38. Shridevi wrote:

    Haha, so, my mom wasn't alone! She always bought my clothes in one to two sizes up, highly anticipating that I'd grow into them but that never happened. I got so used to wearing large clothes, that now when I buy stuff that actually fits me, there's a light nagging feeling in my head like I'm doing something outrageous.

    Posted 4.3.16 Reply
  39. Carla Krae wrote:

    If the bodice no longer fits, you could turn the dress into a skirt if you love the fabric enough. Or, in an obviously more expensive fix, figure out a way to let the bodice out with a tailor, maybe by adding some fabric panels.

    Posted 4.3.16 Reply
  40. Michelle Lu wrote:

    Great post! What a fun way to spruce up a dress!

    Posted 4.3.16 Reply
  41. Jubetanya LeSar wrote:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Posted 4.3.16 Reply
  42. Jubetanya LeSar wrote:

    I just bought the sandal! I'm excited!

    Posted 4.3.16 Reply

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