Sorry about the yellowishness that comes and goes. I gave the camera a stern talking-to after finishing this vid …
Video Tutorial: Dress Layering
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Sally McGraw
Minneapolis,
MN
Blogger, freelance journalist, communications professional, style and body-image writer. Click here to learn more about me.-
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Site design by Mary Plautz
{ 47 comments… read them below or add one }
Sal- I love this post! Kinda goes with my layering post today- except I talk about layer under- I love the idea of layering over!!!
Loved this tutorial! I've been considering trying the whole dress layering thing, for exactly the reasons you state at the end of your video. So thanks for the tips–I find myself browsing TJ Maxx often, and I'll bet I can find a good shirtdress there! Good job!
Great idea! Shirtdresses are not normally flattering on my shape, but wearing one as a long cardigan would probably work. Hmmmmmm…..
I've spent the last week or so reading just about everything there is to read on your blog and want you to know how awesome I think you are. This video is no different and if I get brave enough, I'm going to try this now that the weather has finally cooled off down here in the South. Thanks for all your inspiration – you rock!
I love this video. I'd really like to try this!
This is so helpful! What I particularly love is how you show us the before – the dress not quite working for you – and then you proceed to remove the obstacles you present. Very effective tutorial. I think many women have things lurking in their closets that they cannot give away, but that aren't fitting optimally. It goes back to that idea of transitional shape – moving through the change phases of your physique. It doesn't make sense to get rid of everything the minute it doesn't work perfectly. But it's terrible to let it take up space in the closet if it's not being worn!
Awwww! Sal, you are too cute – I was smiling throughout the entire video! What a nifty idea – I'll definitely have to try it!
Great job! More videos!
I really see how dress layering can extend our summery dresses into the fall.
I have a halter-style sundress in light, summery colors. Do you think it's best to just pack it up for next year, or can a dress with a definite summer feel still be worn in the fall?
Yay! A Sal video! Is it weird to admit that I just love hearing your voice? I have always enjoyed hearing the voice of the writer I am reading x
love the idea of making something work that doesn't. the best point is that you are only putting time & energy into doing this for items you LOVE- therefore not recommeding purchasing items that don't work, but working what you already have!
Yay! Great idea! I know I have dresses that I love but are just a tad too snug or revealing for every day, I'll have to thrift for some shirt-dresses and give this a shot!
Not only is this a great tutorial, but jeez Sal, you are just cute as a button!
This was wonderful- what a great idea! It was really helpful to see you actually transform that dress into a cute outfit. Now I must go out and find more dresses!
Also- have to tell you- your warmth and kindness comes out in your video. Really approachable style.
AMAZING job on this. Truly haven't seen one as clear an inspiring yet.
Oh my dears, I'm SO GLAD you found this valuable!
Kim: Thank you, beautiful! I'm just floored to hear you've been poring over ye olde archives and enjoying them.
Kacie: I bet you could throw a cardigan over that halter dress and just make the neckline look like a deep-v. Might be a bit dicey for true winter, but fall? Totally. Make sure your outer layer tones down the summery-ness – in color or fabric choice.
Anonymous: Thank you, doll! I'm blushing over here …
ACK! Also, as I was driving to work this morning, I realized that dress layering can also be accomplished with WRAP DRESSES. I've got an outfit planned for later in the month with a strapless dress under, and a wrap dress over.
Wrap dresses generally look a mess on me, so I've only ever thrifted one. But I think they could make a great top layer. Anyone tried this type of dress layering?
Such a great idea and tutorial! I rarely wear dresses but I do this a lot with slinky tops. Love the vid!
Sal, this is awesome!!
I love how you're such a natural in front of the camera…
I really like the idea of reworking old dresses that don't get enough wear… you're lucky you have the hips to pull off the belt-over-shirt dress look!
The black definitely adds a nice contrast to the bold print of the dress… such that it's not too loud and just a lot more toned down
great great job!!
Sally,
This is so helpful. I have some old, too tight dresses hanging in my closet, that I'd love to recycle into some new ensembles. I just have to find the right outer dress. Will hit TJ Maxx this weekend with your tutorial in mind.
Sal – great video!
I've kind of done wrap dress layering. I haven't done a strapless dress under but I do chemises or spaghetti strap dresses all the time (today, actually!) to cover up some cleavage and make them work-appropriate.
Great to video a post saves typing!
Cute video – you are so lovely! I really like shirtdresses, but I can't wear them because they never fit around the ribcage/bust/upper arm area. It's just my shape. (Button-front shirts don't fit either.) I layer dresses UNDER them and wear them unbuttoned almost to the navel, so I can move. I love wearing a lacy dress underneath.
Wrap dresses – I always wear a slip underneath because it's windy where I live. So wearing a sleeveless dress is basically the same and I am totally trying it. Probably tomorrow!
Funny you should post this, Sal, because I just started layering dresses (and skirts).
I only have one wrap dress, but that's the one I layer the most. If i wear it alone, the flap blows open, so I love layering it with a crinkly, poofy skirt underneath, like a crinoline. It's also kind of low cut, so I've paired it with a frilly blouse and also with a knit top that ties in a bow at the front.
great tutorial! i can't live with out layering…
Thanks for another helpful video.
It's funny, I was just thinking this morning about my forthcoming Halloween costume (I'm thinking about sewing the top of a black t-shirt onto a red jersey dress, pairing it with tall black boots, and calling it a Star Trek uniform), and I was wondering if there would be any way I could get more use out of the dress without looking like a dork. I think this dress laying thing would work great for that!
Ooooh I love this! I love seeing bloggers videos.
awwww great tutorial!!!i absolutely love layering
oh and btw i think all the other readers were like.. who's metallica.. haha
Great idea! And you look so lovely in the video. I had a good time watching this clip and actually learned something.
Actually shirt dresses work very well for me by themselves. They can be flattering for people with a strong shoulder line and small waist. Meanwhile they are more forgiving on my thick thighs with the straight skirt and the fact that upper body gets most of the attention.
Final words? I guess I will be even more motivated now to buy more shirt dresses!
This is a great post!!
Love the idea of layering over!
Hanh,
Great tutorial.
Loving the video tutorial! You're awesome.
The first post you did with a picture of the bright dress with the black shirt dress over is what prompted me to buy a denim shirt dress I found and to try it over a stapless dress I bought (thinking it was a skirt…) It turned out so cute and I got a ton of compliments. Thanks for taking the time to do the video, you do such a great job with them.
I loved this video, mostly because of your super-cute pert hairstyle!
Fabulous! I have several dresses I feel inappropriate about wearing on their own to work, I'm going to try this soon!
Great vid! As you know, I'm a big fan of dress layering; it's really the only way I can wear wrap-style dresses, since I don't have the bust to make them work by themselves. But Sal, that patterned dress all by itself is HOT! It might be outside your comfort zone, but I think it would look great for an evening event, perhaps with a long black wrap.
You do very well on camera. Great post!
I'm in the process of changing my style and I like the idea of something new to try.
This was a great tutorial. You looked comfortable in front of the camera so it wasn't painful to watch.
Sal, I love the video tutorial! I don't buy a lot of print dresses as I find solids more versatile but I will definitely try one just so I can layer it; love that look. Your blog is full of great tips. Love the idea of an obi sash to use as a soft belt.
You can fix the yellowing on your camera easily – just change the white balance to indoor. I don't know how to do it on every camera, but I know first you have to set it to manual, and then there should be a button either right there or in the menu. Hope it helps with your next vid
-Piksi
layering dresses is great. i like to mix up the lengths, putting short dresses over longer dresses, and fitted dresses over dresses that are way too big. it adds a lot of visual interest!
Nice tutorial. I've been toying with this idea for weeks now. I find this daunting considering I might wear a dress once a year for a wedding or something. Thanks
This is just brilliant! I have dresses that don't quite fit me perfectly or are frankly a little boring on their own and I'd love to see what I can do with them now. Thanks so much for posting this! Now I'm off to check my closet!
So useful,Sal! your tut posts are ultra-clear and easy to follow. And as for the video, I always enjoy seeing clothes in action – and it's so personal too – as if I have been "invited into your closet". . I feel privileged. Many thanks!
Well done layering tutorial! Nicely described, love your example, beautiful!
I also love layering of all sorts…even the sort of billowy blouse, cropped jacket, longer jacket, scarf look. Throw in a few different length necklaces and there's lots of interest and layers to both keep you warm, but also chic…would love to see your ideas in this regard.
Thanks for your post!
A few months ago I picked up 2 spring/summery dresses from Target for layering and it was because of your blog! They just seemed to jump at me from the rack! They’re too small now, were way small then because I’d just had my son, but I’m hoping they’ll fit ‘better’ this year. I’m looking forward to implementing all this info into my wardrobe wear.
Thank you so much for the video! I bought 2 dresses at target weeks ago without trying them on and it’s too late to return them. I just got around to it and they are too tight even though they are my regular size- still don’t know how that happened… anyway I’m off to the thrift store in search of shirt dresses!