You hear a lot of “what did you put in your hair?” and “I love your shoes!” around the NaturallyCurly offices. Personally, I am always finding inspiration in what my colleagues are wearing to the office and on their Instagrams, so we’re starting a new series to share what we’re loving with the rest of our community – beyond our hair!
Who doesn’t love a good off the shoulder maxi dress that is breathable, stylish, a solid color, and has pockets?! Talk about jack of all trades! This dress was the perfect outfit for my day, because it allowed me transition effortlessly from day to night! Without changing up my accessories, I was still able to be fully me in my comfort chic aesthetic, while also being on trend with my tassel earrings.
For this particular hairstyle, I chose to rock an updo, because this Texas heat ain’t no joke! Plus, whenever I’m serving a little shoulder action, I like to highlight the neck. It’s my best feature in my opinion haha. To achieve this style, I slicked my hair upwards using Eco Styler Gel, and then used about 50 million bobby pins to hold it in place (I’m still pulling out bobby pins”>.
The dress and earrings I am wearing are from Haute Dimensions, a black-owned and woman-owned boutique in Houston, TX, and my shoes are from Target, which are on sale right now!
As an evolved shopper over the years, my shopping habits have definitely changed than from when I was younger. If there is a clearance rack, I’m there. Lol Trust, I’m headed straight to the back of the store for the deals, and then making my way to the front to check out the new styles. I find that fashion evolves so much and history repeats itself, so I also look at my grandmother’s and mother’s closet for inspiration. Thrifting has also singlehandedly saved my wardrobe as well! I created a Pinterest board based on my personal aesthetic and how I would like to dress, and then from there I look for those items and similar silhouettes when I’m out thrifting. Always a win.
When I’m out shopping, the first thing I gravitate towards is the pants rack. I LOVE PANTS! Lol I’m such a jeans lady also, so that’s what I’m looking at. To wear this dress was HUGE! I went with this choice because 1. It has pockets, and who doesn’t dig functionality? 2. It’s black, which we know I dig far too much, and 3. It gave me the most comfort, while also being super stylish with the off the shoulder detail. Winning all the way around.
I also tend to be very casual in my dress attire, and will wear minimal accessories. I loved that this outfit allowed me to be a bit dressier in my style evolution, and also the color from the earrings plays along nicely with my skin-tone. I don’t mind dressing up, but I definitely prefer to go for a laid-back casual look that easily be switched from day to night with the addition of a bold lip or a bootie.
How do you dress for your style?
I’d love to know.
Follow Lauren on Instagram for more style inspiration @whatsuplauren_
Photos by Cassandra J. Klepac
