This quote seemed very apropos because layering my white button-down shirt under a dress would have never been on my radar before blogging. But, it seems like the perfect marriage to pull out those sleeveless dresses, and not have to cover them up with a cardigan or jacket.
Quote of the day: “What’s the world for if you can’t make it up the way you want it?” Toni Morrison
These exact same shirts were put to the test as jackets previously. Because as much as I LOVE trying new trends and styles, I also yearn to make what I already have work in many different ways.

The funny thing is I didn’t tell my moms they should wear the white button-down shirt under a “sleeveless” dress. I just told them a dress, yet that’s what we all chose. I guess it helps that the weather is getting warmer. However, this shirt would be great under a long-sleeved dress or even a short-sleeved dress.
We did provide some variety though since I chose a solid colored dress, and both mom and Nancy picked print dresses. It’s also nice that my mom wore a longer dress for something different. We’re also wearing dresses with different necklines. Even though none of our dresses are v-neck, I think that would also work perfectly especially if the “v” was a little too low for comfort by itself.
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Related post: White button-down shirt styled with dichotomy
Ronnie

I’d also like to introduce Ronnie. She just commented on our white blouse as a jacket post that she was on the same wavelength about working on a post about this theme. So I told her to join us for this post!!
Ronnie describes herself as a 51 yr. old wife, mother of 5, and grandmother of 5. Recently she received her certification as a Personal Stylist and looks forward to seeing what the future holds.
Jodie: White Button-Down Shirt Under a Blue Dress
I fell in love when I saw the color of this dress on their site, and I was ecstatic when it ended up fitting so well. Since it’s a knit material, I plan to take it to the blogging conference we are going to next month (Everything Food Conference) because it won’t get wrinkled in the suitcase or sitting all day. Of course, I find that conferences end up being on the cold side, so I’ll need either a shirt under it or over it (or both).
I even found the same dress on 2 sites on Poshmark, if you’re interested. The links are below my last individual photos.

One of the things I’ve been trying to do more often is incorporate a third color into the mix. I have plenty of blue shoes and accessories, but I thought it’d be more fun to put some yellow with the blue and white.
These sunglasses have definitely been a favorite of mine since I impulsively bought them during one of LOFT’s famous 70% off sales last year. I will say that fun sunglasses can make any outfit jazzier.

It’s no secret that I have a shoe addiction.
I ended up purchasing these yellow print heels when I was writing a post last year. In my defense, the pair I had been wearing were a tad too high to walk around in comfortably.
Yet I will tell you that yellow shoes are a must have especially for spring and summer. We’ve tried to prove that a couple of times on the blog.

One of the tricks I’ve learned while reading blogs is how to camouflage the buttons or details of a shirt under a knit. I talked about it last year, and I even showed how I did it. And I did the same trick here because the dress isn’t a heavy material. I like this idea because it almost acts as Spanx yet isn’t as restricting.
The other thing I wanted to say is you won’t see me moaning about my white legs or lack of sunless tanning products. It’s taken me 50 years, but I’m embracing my skin color as it is. I’m sure the sunless varieties are relatively safe, but it’s more work and money that I’m not ready to use right now. Trust me, this has been a struggle my entire life. I grew up in the tanning era and have tried everything. I figure the best part about life, is we all have a choice. My legs may be pale, yet they are strong and functional! Yay for that!

Nancy: White Button-Down Shirt Under a Black & White Print Dress
I think this is a perfect choice for this trick because there’s white in the dress. I bet many of you would feel more comfortable if there is the color of your shirt in the dress.
This might be a good trick if you love a dress but it’s one of those that your bra straps would show otherwise. Another consideration is if you just don’t love the idea of having your arms exposed.

I love that Nancy incorporated another color into her outfit too. Actually 2 colors if you want to get specific because her necklace & earrings are red. Yet her purse and shoes are more burgundy.
This necklace is reversible. It’s black & white on the other side. Don’t you think that’s the smartest detail for necklaces?

The other piece de resistance has got to be the flower pin that Nancy added to the bottom portion of her dress.
My mom made this flower pin for Nancy years ago. It’s made so there is a clip on it along with a pin. This enables Nancy to clip it to items also, and even in her hair as she’s also worn it in on her head before.
And let me give another shout-out to the ankle straps on shoes. This pair of Nancy’s shoes are quite old, yet they are so perfect for many outfits both summer and winter. The ankle straps keeps your foot more secure so it doesn’t slide around when you’re walking.

A little detail about this dress. When I was first helping Nancy with her closet over 3 years ago, she wasn’t sure about this dress. Part of the issue was it was too long. There was actually another ruffle at the bottom, which I removed. I think that an easy alteration has made such a difference in the fit and feel of this dress. And the proof is that she’s worn it at least 4 times on the blog, here, here, here, and here.

Charlotte: Print Maxi Dress Layered Over a White Button-Down Shirt
This dress came with a matching short-sleeved sweater to wear over it originally. Of course, I’ve twisted my mom’s arm to wear it other ways, and I think this is a wonderful option for this theme.
And since maxis are synonymous with the warmer weather, why not start wearing them even when it’s chillier? The other way we tried to keep warm with spring items is with our denim jackets over them recently.

My mom took this opportunity to wear her garnet jewelry. Since the dress has shades of rust and burgundy in it, the garnet pieces match it nicely.
The reason my mom loves garnets so much is because it’s her birthstone. Anyone else have that kind of addiction?

My mom wore her beige ankle boots with the outfit.
I think this works nicely to lighten up the dress and go with the white shirt. Of course you wouldn’t have to wear ankle boots. You could also try some white shoes which are very much on trend right now. There are the ever classic loafers, the wedge sandal, a slide sandal, or you could even wear sneakers.
She did opt for a purse that matched the dress. This is a good way to keep the focus on the dress instead of creating a diversion with your bag.

This dress has one of those belts that is attached and made of the same material. It’s a great way to give the dress a little shape, yet it can sometimes disrupt the vertical line of the dress. So my mom tied it in the back.


So where did we go on this little excursion? This structure behind us is the historic Elitch’s carousel dome built in 1890. Of course, after this, we had to enjoy a wonderful meal at the restaurant, BraZen that you can see glimpses of in some of these photos!

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Welcome to Jodie’s Touch of Style. I’m here to prove that it’s never too late to look great. Clothing and style are meant to showcase your inner personality. So let’s have fun and try new things.
It’s not just about me on this blog, but also my mother and friend. We get to showcase not only different decades of life but also different body shapes and unique personal styles.

