I have so many clients who will love a cute spaghetti strap dress or fitted maxi but they want functionality to their pieces or they just aren’t comfortable with being so exposed. Here are a few outfits from this Portland boutique to inspire you and give you some ideas on how to still rock those fantastic dresses but still keep it fresh and maybe keep your shoulders covered while your at it.

The Slip

Layering slips like this Subtle Luxury Petticoat slip can be SO versatile. You can layer it under a shorter dress to create some length or better yet, why not wear it as a dress itself?  Just layer a fantastic piece like this Subtle Luxury Hi-Low Crop Tee OVER it and belt it to give it some shape. You KNOW I’m obsessed with the Ms. Wood Obi Belt. And voila! You have yourself a fantastic summer outfit!

The Form Fitting

Found a dress you love but it’s just a little too tight or form fitting for your comfort level? This Prairie Underground Sirenuse dress is not for the body conscience but it’s so comfortable, the most beautiful color and could be the perfect base layer for any outfit. Just layer with a long cardigan like this Free People Lima Cardigan that skims your body, covers up the bump or two you’re concerned with and yet compliments the colors in the dress. You don’t have to belt it but I mean look how amazing this orange belt looks with this outfit. Just takes it to the next level.

The Peasant Dress

Love a pretty peasant dress but have a large chest? Often times beautiful flowy peasant dresses come equipped with teeny tiny straps that don’t usually accommodate a wider bra strap, which is standard with bra’s for bigger ta ta’s.

Well here is a way you CAN rock your peasant dress AND your wide strap bra also.  Pair your fabulous dress like this Subtle Luxury Maxi Vintage Dress with a light weight and nearly see through top like this one from Free People, which will hide your strap but not your figure. I love being able to still see a silhouette through shirts in the summer.

Strapless

You know what I love about strapless dresses? They are SO functional! You can rock it on its own and let those collar bones shine OR you can layer OVER it and make it function like a skirt.  This Amour Vert  Maxi Dress feels like butter on but if you want a little more coverage or functionality to it, pair it with a slouchy LA Made tee. What I love about this particular one is that you can still see the pattern of the dress through it.  You could belt this or even continue the layering and pair a boyfriend blazer or cardigan over it, thus making functional for fall.  Yes, I said that…I’ll slap my own hand, I know we just started our summer.

So you see, style and fashion isn’t so black and white.  You can almost always find a little gray by making what you want to work, work. You just have to think outside the proverbial ‘closet’.