The Everything Dress for All Occasions

A versatile dress is wearable for different occasions, depending on how you accessorize the outfit. Putu Prawira Adi Duta

When you look through your closet, which are your favorite dresses? I bet they get worn over and over again. Are they basics or more fancy? They have definitely earned their spot in your closet in terms of cost per wear.

You might be pondering what to wear in the new normal of a post-pandemic world. The past year has taught us that being uncomfortable is out of style. Life is too short for complicated dressing. Today is all about ease, comfort, and style.

I know we’ve been all too consumed with loungewear, but as the pandemic eases and we slowly return to more social activities, consider investing in what I call the “everything dress.”

So what is the everything dress? It’s a dress that can be dressed up or down and will work for multiple occasions. It can be a print or a solid.

Draped midi dress by Theory Courtesy of Theory

For example, this comfortable draped midi dress by Theory is appropriate for the beach or hopping on a video conference call. The flirty skirt will work for dancing, and the V-neck is universally flattering.

The stretch knit will also allow you to move and be comfortable. It can be a workhorse dress in your wardrobe.

Here are some tips on how to wear the dress for different occasions:

Beach Day

Grab this Cult Gaia Rattan bag, throw on a baroque pearl necklace by Stephen Dweck, and head to the beach with a Eugenia Kim sun hat—decorated with an elegant tie.

Rattan handle bag by Cult Gaia. Courtesy of Cult Gaia

Pearl necklace by Stephen Dweck. Courtesy of Stephen Dweck Jewelry

Sun hat by Eugenia Kim. Courtesy of Eugenia Kim

Girls’ Night Out

Dress it with Kate Spade high-heel sandals in the coral rose color, a pearl statement necklace by J. Crew, earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, and a nautical belt by Etro.

High heel sandals by Kate Spade. Courtesy of Kate Spade

Pearl statement necklace by J Crew. Courtesy of J Crew

Alhambra earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels. Courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels

Work Mode

You can also throw on statement jewelry to dominate your video conferencing call. A Kenneth Jay Lane coral necklace and Marco Bicego stud earrings will make your outfit memorable and eye-catching.

Polished gold coral branch necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane. Courtesy of Kenneth Jay Lane

Mother-of-pearl stud earrings with 18K gold rim, by Marco Bicego. Courtesy of Marco Bicego

Alexandra Suzanne Greenawalt is a best-selling author and personal stylist. Her photoshoot styling work has been published in the Japanese Vogue, New York Times, InStyle, Marie Claire, and many more. She has also been a guest style expert at several media outlets, including CNN Money, Yahoo Finance, and Real Simple. She has also worked with celebrities such as Jennifer Hudson, Duran Duran, and Antonia Bennett.