What to wear with a boho dress

For most of the year, I'd like to think that I dress in a pretty polished, minimalist-classic-yet-casual kind of way, but in summer, I've always gravitated toward a more boho look. There's something so effortless and appealing about light fabrics and a carefree vibe. This year, of course, things are a little different—for one, life is not so carefree, and pretending it is feels like a state of denial. But on the other hand, I'm dressing more casually than I ever have before, now that I don't have to go into an office, and while comfort is typically my number-one concern, I still want to look and feel pretty. So I've found myself gravitating toward midi and maxi dresses. They're super flowy and thus comfortable, but I don't feel like I'm letting myself go or succumbing to wearing athleisure all day (which I do do sometimes, so no judgment). I had hoped that this dress would arrive in time for my vacation, while it unfortunately did not, I found it worked just as well as a daytime dress to wear while working from home. Here's how I wore this boho dress out to dinner on Friday night. 

While I semi-joked about Woke Cheryl last month, I do take supporting Black causes and businesses seriously, so I'm happy to note that this gorgeous dress is from Lemlem, supermodel Liya Kebede's line, which is all manufactured in Africa. I love how lightweight and breathable the fabric is—it will be a perfect Wine Country dress—and the waist is adjustable, which is great if you're short-waisted like I am, because it allows you to tweak the proportions accordingly. The dress is beautifully made, with a lining to the knee, and the trim at the neckline feels really unique. I kind of wish I had some place more fabulous to wear it, but for now, Zoom calls will have to do. I am wearing a medium in this dress, which at first appeared a little large, but the sleeves are pretty narrow, so I think I made the right call. The midi-length style that I'm wearing is unfortunately sold out, but I've linked the shorter version below, and, good news, it's on sale! 



I've never spent so much time at home during the day up until now, and I'm finding that my apartment gets kind of warm, thanks to my south-facing bay windows. The tricky thing is that when I actually go outside, it can be kind of cool and windy, so I almost always have to layer on a jacket over whatever I'm wearing. I thought the army green of my go-to J.Crew jacket (last seen with a striped dress) would look cool with the soft pink of my dress, and I'm happy with how it all came together. Together, it's a little masculine, a little feminine, and perfectly balanced. For those of you who are new to my trusty field jacket, it's one of my favorites of all time, and I'm wearing a size small for reference.



Coincidentally, the last time we shot on this street, I was wearing the exact same bag and shoes, but what can I say? I like what I like. And I definitely do like this Staud bag, because it's clearly one of my summer go-tos. It holds just what you need it to, it can be carried crossbody (or on the shoulder) or by the shorter strap, and in spite of the fact that it's off-white, it miraculously doesn't get dirty. Plus, I think the shape is just so clean and classic. It's also on sale at the moment, and a worthy investment if you're looking for an all-around awesome summer bag.



I have been pretty much living in Birkenstocks and sneakers—I can't even remember the last time I put on heels—so my pink pair seemed like a shoo-in (pun intended) to wear with this dress. For some reason, I think flats just look better with longer dresses, and I love how Birkenstocks keep the whole look feeling casual. What can I say? Birks for the win. 





9 comments

Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom said...

This outfit is summer perfection! It looks nice and cool, comfortable yet polished! Boho is such a perfect style for the summer!

Carrie
curlycraftymom.com

Nancy 's Fashion Style said...

Love this relaxed boho look! And your wonderful bag!

Nancy 's Fashion Style said...

Love this relaxed boho look! And your wonderful bag!

Laura B said...

That dress is so beautiful! I love the boho vibe!

Mica said...

That is such a beautiful dress on you! :) What a great piece to wear to work from home, even if you didn't get to take it on holiday I can see you will get a lot of use from it! :) I'm looking forward to it warming up so I can start wearing dresses and skirts more around the house - lots of winter layers at the moment and a big blanket on my legs, haha!

Hope that your week is going well :)

Away From Blue

Shelbee on the Edge said...

Cheryl, this dress is fabulous! And the Birks are so great with a boho dress. I have been living in light, airy, boho dresses all summer as well! I love this look. Thanks for linking up!

Shelbee
www.shelbeeontheedge.com

Straight A Style said...

I love this style of dress! You nailed it. I have been living in my Birks too - so comfy!

Amy Ann
Straight A Style

Lucy said...

I love the Birks - they look so cute with this adorable dress! Please come link up your post over at my weekly Fabulous Friday's Linkup Party. Here's the link: https://lucybertoldi.com/2020/07/17/fabulous-fridays-linkup-dreaming-of-a-sunshiny-getaway/ Have a great weekend:)

Jessica Jannenga said...

Love the bag shape and the shoes, the gold buckles. THe utility looking jacket goes well wit the pretty boho dress!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com