March 30, 2024

Drop Waist

Every now and again, a trend comes along that doesn’t totally agree with your body type — and you make it work anyway.

best spring dresses

… That’s my way of introducing you to the love affair between my petite stature and this drop-waist dress.

Sure, it’s not the most figure-flattering in the world (in that it doesn’t define your waist), but not everything needs to be skintight, right? Sunday brunch-goers, you know what I mean.

how-to-wear-a-drop-waist-dress what-to-wear-with-a-drop-waist-dress

My favorite spring silhouette is light and loose-fitting with a shorter, well-balanced hemline.

I love these floating fabrics for their cute, crepe-like texture and versatile style — plus, they’re just really easy to wear. Just grab your favorite heels and go! (And a jacket, I suppose, as it’s still freakin’ freezing ’round these parts.)

… Plus, they’re ideal for indulgent dinners.

jcrew-necklace cynthia-rowley-spring-dresses jcrew-statement-necklace

I walked into Cynthia Rowley‘s downtown boutique a few weeks back, and — I kid you not — made a bee-line for this dress. And then I grabbed the one in baby blue. (There’s also a sleeveless version, which is on sale. I’d suggest sizing down in all of these pieces — and just so you know, e-mail subscribers get 15% off.)

I remember initially seeing it over Fashion Week, wherein my obsession of pretty pale pinks and muted pastel shades sprang back into action.

While the look of this dress screams spring, the color-blocked booties and blazer are a necessary nod to winter weather. [Audible sigh.]

cynthis rowley spring 2015 dresses

On another note, you probably didn’t notice, but I quietly re-branded my Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest channels over the weekend. I’m still the same corals + cognacs, the only difference is that my handles are now my name (@halliekwilson).

… And on a semi-related wavelength, if my binge-like behavior over the last few days is any indication of me, myself and I as a brand, I’d be re-naming my blog rice cakes and rosé.

blush-drop-waist-dress

No, don’t worry; that’s not happening. I mean, in-person it is, but you know.

Really living on the edge, over here… But hey, at least I feel chic and cheerful doing it.

midwest-bloggers

*In this post:

Drop waist dress: c/o Cynthia Rowley (this version is on sale)
*Note: New e-mail subscribers save 15% on your purchase
Faux leather-sleeve blazer: Zara (similar here and here)
Necklace: J.Crew (more styles here, this one’s my favorite)
Booties: Rebecca Minkoff (old, love this style)
Lipstick: Nars Audacious lipstick in ‘Anna’

*More: Cynthia Rowley dresses | j.crew jewelry
*Click to shop this look (below):

how-to-wear-a-drop-waist-dress

*Shop the trend: drop-waist dresses

*Buy at: Nordstrom | Zappos
*Brands: Cynthia Rowley | ERIN erin featherston

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Lydia Hudgens Photography

Click to read more from corals + cognacs:

30 comments

  9. Who ever said a drop waist dress wasn’t figure flattering - didn’t know what they were talking about! You look great Hal! Also hope to take your SS class soon. Let me know when you’re on the schedule. P.S. Amen for owning your “name” brand.

    Reply

  14. Ok so the issue here is that it is not flattering on you. I am all for making things work, and I like the attempt to do just that with the jacket. But the attempt failed. It just make you look very wide. It seems like you are trying to sell a dress (a 300+ dollar dress) but not actually giving your readers style inspiration.

    Reply

    • Fair enough — thank you for the feedback. My personal styling issue with drop-waist dresses in the past is that if they’re cheaply made, they look and wear as such. I know this dress isn’t figure-flattering, but I LOVE it anyway for it’s versatility and comfortable material. Next time I’ll be mindful of including a few more options at lower price-points (in the round-up at the end, where there are more styles to choose from).

      Reply

  15. Been eyeing this dress and it is SO cute on you! Also Rice cake + Rose sounds like perfection for a diet if you ask me. You look beautiful lady in these photos - your happiness is giving you a real glow!!

    Reply

  22. I always feel the same way about drop waist dresses and I’m not really what you would describe as petite at 5’8″ but this one looks great! I completely agree with you on the fact that though that sometimes you just want to wear something that is comfortable…especially to brunch haha! Plus you can tell by your legs that you’re in shape so I feel like it makes a baggy outfit okay then.

    Also, if you don’t mind me asking, why did you decide to change your social media names?

    xo,
    Susie

    Reply

  23. There are so many comments to be left here.

    1. You look great! I love trying a style that isn’t “normally flattering” on my body type but just having fun with it anyway. I’m sorry, who said we have to look model-perfect ALL the time anyway? Sometimes style is just about what you LIKE wearing and have fun in — and you’re clearly having fun in this! That’s so great.

    2. I can’t believe some of the things people will say on the internet. You have a lot of composure and are very diplomatic. Props to you. :)

    3. Re: the rebranding — I went the opposite route! Just changed my blog name to be more fun and less ‘my name’ — hopefully this works out for both of us, haha.

    Thanks for a great post!

    Reply

  25. Pingback: Military-style jacket for spring | @halliekwilson

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