Taking a Dress from Day to Night

Day Look

Midi dress: H&M (similar here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here) |  Military vest: T.J.Maxx (similar here and here) |  White sneakers: H&M  |  Turban headband: Krza  |  Aztec cuff: Forever 21 (similar here) |  Aviator sunglasses: Ray-Ban

The great thing about simple dresses like the one I'm wearing here is that it's easy to dress them down. It's a lot harder if the dress is ruffled, sequined, embellished, or if it is primarily composed of tulle... or if it's a wedding dress. A military vest instantly dresses down an outfit, as do sneakers. I also went light on the jewelry to keep things casual. Wearing a sweater or boyfriend style cardigan over a dress like this would work too.

Night Look

Midi dress: H&M (similar here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here) |  Silver heels: Target (similar here and here) |  Crystal statement necklace: c/o Happiness Boutique  |  Crystal ring: H&M (similar here) |  Sunglasses: Tory Burch (similar here and here)

The other thing I love about dresses like this is that they are equally easy to dress up. Slip into a pair of heels and you're good to go. Want to be a little more fancy? Throw on any necklace you like. Any will work. Well, maybe not plastic mardi gras ones... but the vast majority will look great. For me, I like to wear my blingy-est of necklaces with simple dresses like this one.

Another thing I love about this dress is that it is not excessively form fitting. The cut doesn't hug your legs all the way down and it gives you a little room in the arms. So it's a little more forgiving and leaves more to the imagination than other bodycon dresses. Also, the fact that it is longer length, with long sleeves, and a high neckline, allows you to wear a dress this tight without making old women raise their eyebrows and talk about you in hushed voices.

I know that some people shy away from dresses like this because they feel like you have to have a perfect figure to pull them off. But I'm here to help you work through your bodyconophobia with a few tips.

1. Spanx are your friend. Yes, dresses like this tend to hug your hips and waist. I've had two babies, so my lower abdomen isn't as flat as it used to be. It's not terrible, but it's more noticeable in a dress like this. Especially if I eat a lot and especially if that food is salty and fatty aka bloat inducing. So shapewear gives me a little help and piece of mind. I can eat without worrying that someone will ask me when my due date is. Find some here and here.

2. Size up. If you're deathly allergic to spanx, or if the discomfort from wearing them makes you want to kill everyone around you, then this is a great alternative. The dress won't be so tight but it will still look great. Especially if you want a slightly more casual look.

3. Give yourself to the dark side. And by that I mean choose dresses in dark colors as they will be the most forgiving. Opt for black, navy, or dark gray. See here, here, and here.

4. Pick panels.  Some dresses will have different colored panels on the sides to give the illusion of a smaller figure. I found a couple of options like that here and here.

5. Wear when pregnant. If you still don't think you have the waistline for dresses like this, wear one when you're pregnant and your waist is supposed to be larger. Show off that bump!

6. Cover your midsection. Wear a vest, sweater, buttoned up cardigan over your dress to conceal the area.

7. Be confident. Don't worry if your body isn't perfect. Most people's aren't. Just be confident and you will rock that dress.

Linking up with: Watch What I'm Wearing, Let It Shine, Mix It Mondays, Sophisticated Style, How I Fall, LLALM, Style Sessions, Trend Spin, Confident Twosday, On Trend Tuesday