For many of us, Spring isn’t quite here. We not seeing warmer temperatures yet, unfortunately. So you might be easing into spring, right? One way to do that is with a long sleeve floral shirt dress.
I know some of you are not quite as enthralled as I am with bright spring colors. But you can still show some spring spirit with a print, even in muted colors. This black and tan floral is a great way to do that. And neutrals are also a trend this spring so you’ll be right on trend.
My Story with Florals
Whenever I buy or style a floral print I think of my husband’s reaction back in the ’80s. Laura Ashley prints were big. They had stores in almost every mall. (You know, when we used to have to go to the mall to buy our clothes?) Does anyone remember that? Well, I just had to try one on! So into the store and into the dressing room I went with a very pretty pink floral print. When I came out and asked my husband what he thought, he said something about how great a tablecloth it would make! Lol! Will I never learn not to ask him his opinion on fashion?!
Unfortunately, I agreed with him. On me, at least, heavy prints are not a good look. And the fabrics then were heavier in a bit of a prairie dress look. Since I tend to look better in things that are at least a bit tailored, I never did get a Laura Ashley dress. Now, of course, they are totally vintage and very expensive to buy!
You can see some examples of the prairie and grannie dress on this Pinterest page.
Even though the Laura Ashley dress wasn’t for me, however, I can still wear a floral dress as long as it’s a bit more fitted like the shirt dress I’m sharing today.
This dress makes a great transition piece with the black and tan floral print. It’s the kind of dress you can style with boots or sandals so you can wear it year-round.
After a lunch date, we headed for the nursery to pick up some spring vegetables for the garden. The plants and flowers are glorious after all the rain! So, yes, you can even wear it to the nursery! Lol!
Here are three other spring-ready, affordable floral dresses with a black background: Sleeveless | Short Sleeve | Maxi | Wrap Style
This dress has a bit of a high-low, being a tad longer in the back. While this isn’t usually something I like, I think it works with the rounding at the side seams.
The shirt dress style also makes it suitable for work wear, and you could layer it under a blazer or tailored cardigan for work.
I’m showing it today with low-heeled suede sandals. You can pick them up in tan or navy: Knotted Wedge Sandals. You can see I’m styling my legs bare even though they are not ready for show. I’ll quote a friend once again, who said, “These are the only legs I’ve got, so I’m wearing them!” My mantra as well.
The cute shoulder or crossbody bag is a bit bigger than some so holds my most important things well. The “griege” color makes it very versatile. It comes in several colors but is going fast at Nordstrom Rack, so take a look here: leather crossbody bag.
I hope you’re ready to sprout some spring regardless of your weather! It’s easy to do with a black and tan floral shirt dress!
Jacqui Berry
March 25, 2019 at 2:46 pmComfort to the max – you look amazing in this. Great casual outfit and love the sliders. Thanks for sharing on #chicandstylish Jacqui Mummabstylish
Darlene
March 25, 2019 at 3:48 pmYes, a shirtdress is SO easy to throw on and go, isn’t it” Thanks for continuing to sponsor the Link Party, Jacqui!
xx Darlene
Lise
March 20, 2019 at 3:44 amGreat dress!
Darlene
March 20, 2019 at 5:16 pmThanks, Lise. The price–under $30–is right, too! Lol!
Have a great day!
xx Darlene
Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies
March 20, 2019 at 1:58 amI love dark florals! Haha aren’t husbands great!? My hubby looks full of fear/bafflement when I ask his opinion about my outfits xx
Darlene
March 20, 2019 at 5:15 pmI know, right? When will I ever learn?!! The baffling part is that he’s often–but not always–right!!
Happy Wednesday, Maria~
xx Darlene
Maureen
March 19, 2019 at 3:01 amI never seem to learn my lesson as well when it comes to asking hubby about his opinions regarding fashion so I am on the same boat but in a few rare cases, he was spot on. I love the longer sleeves on this dress Darlene. I am not much of a tank top type so a shorter or longer sleeves really work for me. The print is absolutely gorgeous because it’s a nice contrast to the black background and while I am also not a fan of high low hems, I do like them on shirt and sweater dresses. Beautiful look and perfect for the sunshine we have been seeing lately. I hope your week is off to a great start and happy Tuesday!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Darlene
March 20, 2019 at 5:12 pmHi Maureen. Thanks for the nice comments. I know–will I EVER learn not to ask my husband?! But like yours, he is often right! lol! A New Day by Target has really stepped up their game and this dress is really well made. I expect to wear it a lot!
And darn–where did our beautiful, sunny weather go? This has been an unusual year with all the rain and cold and I’m really looking forward to some warm weather!!
Enjoy the rest of the week~
xx Darlene
Nancy
March 18, 2019 at 4:29 amI used to love Laura Ashley dresses but never bought one! I love your dress, it’s perfect for spring and summer! I always love black dresses!
Darlene
March 18, 2019 at 6:40 pmI love it when you comment, Nancy, cause you really read the whole post!! Lol! It’s good to hear I’m not the only one who remembers Laura Ashley dresses!! Haha!
Thanks, my friend.
xx Darlene