Every closet has one: a scene-stealing dress, look-at-me coat or statement top that was just *too* good to pass up, even though its wear-everywhere potential is questionable. Your latest splurge? The party-approved midi dress below. You had NO idea how you planned on wearing it, but what you did know was that you just had to have it (color-block paisley and a slinky slip silhouette — we’re so there). But now that it’s made its way into your wardrobe, a sartorial intervention is seriously needed. We’ve got your back, girl, because this week’s Style Resolutions is bringing you three fabulous ways to wear this patchwork number, whether you’re headed to a swinging holiday soiree or a stand-in Sunday brunch date with the girls.
HOW TO STYLE A PATCHWORK DRESS FOR DAYTIME
With so many hours spent on the job, you need every piece in your wardrobe to work overtime to keep your style #onfleek. To keep a satin slip dress feeling daytime ready, play with layers to create a look that toes the line between classy and cutting edge. A zip-front turtleneck sweater lends the dress a modern-meets-sports-chic vibe that falls right in line with your fuss-free style sensibilities. Velvet ankle boots and statement gold earrings add a punch of extra polish, while a bright red lip weaves in a touch of don’t-mess edge — something we could all use when Monday morning rolls around.
Zara Long Studio Paisley Patchwork Slip Dress ($149) + Mango Zipped Cardigan ($60), Zara Velvet Bow High Heel Ankle Boots ($70), Gas Bijoux “Wave” Double Drop Earrings ($173), Yves Saint Laurent Vinyl Cream Lip Stain in Rhythm Red ($36), Zara Mini City Bag With Split Suede Flap ($50)
HOW TO STYLE A PATCHWORK DRESS FOR AFTER-HOURS
After-hours schmoozing is where this patchwork stunner shines, turning heads like a boss thanks to its fusion of boho babe and ’90s grunge styling. A classic pair of ankle-strap heels and chandelier earrings on their own would certainly do this frock justice, but sometimes you just have to go all out — know what we’re sayin’? Go full throttle with a sock-and-sandal pairing (unicorn glitter socks come highly recommended) and sleek modern jewelry with minimalist appeal. The result? A getup that would do any street-style goddess proud. The icing on the cake comes in the form of a pale blue faux-fur coat that’s just as cozy as it is show-stopping.
Zara Long Studio Paisley Patchwork Slip Dress ($149) + Topshop Unicorn Glitter Socks ($6), Topshop Star Motif Coat ($170), Anthropologie Mirabell Clutch ($88), H&M Platform Sandals ($50), & Other Stories L’Amour Ring ($19), & Other Stories Golden Globe Hoop Earrings ($25)
HOW TO STYLE A PATCHWORK DRESS FOR THE WEEKEND
A weekend uniform — be it a t-shirt and jeans, sweater dress or cashmere joggers — has its merits, but we like to mix it up. Saturdays have a certain level of built-in spontaneity that needs to be taken into account when getting dressed, and the ensemble above is ready to take on whatever the day brings. The balance created by adding an oversized sweater and suede boots to the mix means you can stay out from dawn to dusk without needing a costume change.
Zara Long Studio Paisley Patchwork Slip Dress ($149) + H&M Knit Sweater With Lacing ($35), Madewell Lonnie Boot in Suede ($210), Karine Sultan Split Cuff ($78), Zara Mini Tag Crossbody Bag ($30), Mango Faux Fur Padded Coat ($150)
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It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.