One Dress Two Ways: The Mini Dress From Summer To Fall

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So I’m back with another One Dress Two Ways post. Last May I highlighted the peplum dress and how to take it from day to night. This time it’s all about the mini dress. When the weather starts changing from summer humidity to the crisp winds of fall, one of the hardest things is figuring out how to get leverage out of those amazing dresses you’ve been wearing through summer and keep up the love affair in the fall.

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It’s not possible with EVERY dress, but there are certain dress types that look great as a “minidress” in the summer and awesome as a “tunic” in the fall. T-shirt and shirt dresses are a great example.

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You don’t have to throw that dress in the “Summer” pile to be locked away in the storage closet abyss until next April. Get more bang for your buck and style the dress with a few extra layers in the fall. Here I styled mine with Zara gladiator flats and an Aimee Kestenberg crossbody bag from Paula & Chlo.

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I always opt for flat shoes when wearing a mini dress. I don’t really live on the edge and I will smack a “peeping Tom” in a heartbeat. So there’s that.

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This Aimee Kestenberg bag is great for transitional weather. It’s suede but it comes in a bright punchy color so you can wear it all seasons.

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For the fall, it’s as simple as adding a few layers. I added on this cape that I snagged at LightInTheBox, a pair of black leggings and suede ankle boots from Nine West. Simple and chic.

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A great neutral cape is perfect to layer over your favorite looks during in-between weather. And it automatically makes the look more sophisticated.

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The jewelry and handbag I kept the same as these are easy to transition between seasons. The only accessory I switched out was my footwear.

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It’s almost impossible to wear a crossbody bag over a cap successfully so I just tucked it underneath. Great way to keep everything close to you.

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Quick Tips For Buying A Multi-Seasonal Mini Dress

Look for a classic print.

Stay away from neons and florals and prints that are very specific to the season. Leopard is an all-year-round affair. You can wear it anytime. You can also aim for neutrals like black, white and navy OR classic prints like houndstooth, plaid and polka dots.

Shop Similar Leopard-Print Dresses:

 

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Dress: Zara | Cape: Light In The Box | Leggings: H&M | Booties: Nine West | Bangles: Street Vendor | Bag: Aimee Kestenberg c/o Paula & Chlo | Hair c/o Indique | Watch c/o Caravelle by Bulova

Look for a figure-flattering shape.

So this is not the time to shop for the Rihanna-inspired bodycon dress that shows a little side boob. Though that’s super cute & sexy, it won’t last you two seasons. Pick a dress shape that is classic and that you KNOW will work for you. I’m a girl with curves and I despise my midsection, so I always aim for A-line dresses like this one.

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I scored this leopard printed dress during the Zara sale, so it probably is no longer available.  I’ve chosen a few great options in different colors for you to shop below. Good luck and happy shopping!

SHOP Perfect Mini Dresses For Summer & Fall:

Christina Brown

Lifestyle influencer and digital mompreneur Christina S. Brown is a New York native, LA resident, and the founder of LoveBrownSugar.com and BrownGirlsLove. She's an award-winning storyteller, a motivational speaker and an advocate for confident millennial black women.

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