Visible Monday #72: A Dress Is A Blouse

patti 47 Comments

Welcome to Visible Monday #72! If you want to participate, it’s so easy: just go to the bottom of this post for the easy how-to.

What to do with a too-short, but otherwise cute dress? Layer it over leggings or tights, or even jeans. Or – turn it into a blouse by layering it under a full skirt.

I like the print and cut of this thrifted Karin Stevens dress but the best part of it is the bodice. So I slipped my trusty Talbots silk skirt over it and got a whole different look. My sparkle-suede belt gives it a waistline and black booties pick up the dark background of the top.

I see now that the dress is ever-so-slightly visible (heh, Visible) under the skirt in the top pic, but blends away in the second picture. So my advice is to choose a skirt that has some body and will stand away from the dress.

I like being able to stretch my wardrobe this way. Before blogging,
I rarely colored outside the lines!
A lacy scarf gives more modesty for office hours.

Now, let’s see what you’re wearing, Visible Women!!

The guidelines to participate in the Visible Monday Link-Up are so simple!

  1. Whoever wants to can join in! Just compose a post that includes any outfit, accessory, piece of jewelry, hairstyle, cosmetic or other adornment that makes you feel more confident, alive and visible that day.
  2. Include a link to Not Dead Yet Style somewhere in your post.
  3. Go to the bottom of this post and click on this cute little link:

In the “Next Step”, you crop the pic (easy tool) you want to display, and you’re done!

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patti

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47 Comments

  2. Lovely to find your site!  I love to find style blogs that, like mine, aren't written by a 19 year old.  I'm your newest follower and I'd love it if you checked me out, and of course, I'd really appreciate a follow back.  Thank you! 

    p.s.  I look a lot younger than I am 😉

  4. Hmmm, I've seen the dress as a top option on several blogs, but haven't tried it myself. 😉 I love this look on you. The print of the dress is so pretty and you're right, it works beautifully as a top.

  5. Smart idea! I love that olive skirt. I would be thrilled to find one just like it. 

    Thanks for continuing to put on Visible Monday! I always look forward to it. 

  7. I didn't do a VM post this week, but I love looking at everyone's posts! I get so much inspiration.
    I actually read (I think it was in the current InStyle, which I subscribe to) about wearing a dress under a full skirt.  I never thought of that, but it makes sense!
    Yours looks lovely!

    Cindy at Notes in the Key of Life

  9. I think the hint of dress showing under the skirt will come across as a slip, which is always highly correct! I'm glad you still wear this dress, it's beautiful. Great idea, great look.

  11. Why do I never remember you can, in fact, layer clothes any way that you want to, and there are no rules stopping me from doing something like this? Plus it's like having a built-in slip!

    You look lovely; clearly this is a GREAT idea you're working here. 

  12. I thought you were wearing a top and skirt at first – very clever! It's a gorgeous print so this is a great way of getting to wear it more often.  Love the sparkly belt!

  13. The dress makes a perfect top! I usually just avoid tunic/short dresses, but this does seem like a good way to wear something of a difficult length.

  14. I too love doing this with dresses! Such a great way to extend your wardrobe by making everyone think they are separates. Such a beautiful pattern!!! ~Sarah

  17. Very cute! And what a creative idea. Btw, I think I *just* understood your blog title. I have been thinking, "not dead, yet style" but you mean "not dead yet" style, don't you? Just got it, LOL!

  20. Way to go Patti!  I love me some layering, the more the merrier!  Now that I'm thinking on it…I don't believe I've done this particular one.  I have left the shorter dress outside with the longer skirt or dress under it though.  I want the fact that it's layered to be visible!   Meanwhile, you look lovely in your version today, Patti.

  21. Great idea!  I usually layer dress over leggings/jeans, but this opens up a new option. You're looking very stylish today!

  23. I'm a big fan of 'making do' when it comes to clothes I love.  I figure there must be something I'm drawn to (the color, fabric, etc.) and do my best to find ways to make use of them. Well done on turning your gorgeous dress into a top. I'd even layer a long-sleeved top under it to wear it when the weather is colder.

  24. You should call your Mondays: "Fabulous Skirts Days", Patti, because every monday I stop by here you have one gorgeous skirt, on. =))

  25. You have us all hooked on Visible Monday, dear Patti.
    Loving your skirts, of course, and wanting your top.
     Thank you for having the chance to meetold and new friends.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

  26. That's such a good idea and perfect for us North Europeans, that double layering will help keep the cold at bay and is far sexier than my usual thermal long johns! x

  28. that's such a good idea! the dress looks like a beautiful t-shirt. with a dress below even a summer skirt is better prepared for winter time. you look amazing, patti! 

  29. You are very clever!
    That was a great idea and it looks so good!
    I would not have picked that you are wearing a dress under that skirt.
    Thank you for allowing anyone to join your link-up.
    I just found you and am enjoying your blog very much.
    Patricia 

  30. Clever idea!  I have bypassed so many dresses that are too short.  This is a great idea.  I love your booties Patti!  Thanks for hosting Visible Monday.

    Sue

  32. It's a clever trick Patti, one I employ frequently too.  It amazes me at what people try and pass off as dresses … err, no it's top!  Hey, but I can talk eh?  I'm wearing a leotard as a top/dress hahaaaaa!! xo

  33. Beautiful outfit, as always!  I so love Visible Mondays!  Thank you – Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

  35. I'm glad you're coloring outside the line!  Isn't it fun?
    Love your idea and the second photo with the scarf looks great!
    I'd love to see this dress with a black legging & those booties…I'm thinking you'll rock that look, too!

  37. Great trick, Patti! I do love that skirt. 

    Thank you for your kind comments on my blog, and for having us all over for another fabulous Visible Monday (I edited my post to tuck in the link!). 

  39. It has such a pretty print, it was definitely worth finding ways to wear the too-short dress. I can't see it under your skirt in the first pic, Patti! You look lovely. xxx

  40. This is so cool.  I haven't really experimented with this idea but it's genius.  Of course the booties put it over the top!!  

  43. Hey Patti!  Any way we can extend our wardrobes or tailor whatever messes are out there to work is brilliant–as you did in this ensemble.

  44. I love this idea.  The first time someone suggested it to me, I thought it was genius.  Good choice for your challenge.

  45. I love how blogging has opened my wardrobe too. i remix things in different ways now that i would probably never have considered before. This top/dress goes perfectly with the skirt and the booties are a great way to add a modern twist. i need some more booties in my life lol!xx

  46. That's such a good way to get the most out of dresses, Patti – wearing them over leggings or under skirts – genius! I love yours with the scarf and booties (you always rock a great pair of booties, hun)!

    Thanks as always for hosting a great link up party 🙂

    Catherine x
    notdressedaslamb.com

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