I love Lilly. I really do. I essentially have an entire separate wardrobe that is Lilly Pulitzer dresses. I didn’t really wear them to school when I was in high school, but they were my go-to for dinners with friends, events, and any sort of special occasion. Over the years, I’ve build up what is essentially a library of the bright dresses.
When Kathryn came over to do style consultations, I think she was honestly surprised at the number of dresses I had, but hadn’t worn. She was trying to tell me that if I haven’t worn a dress in a year, then I shouldn’t keep it. (Ha, like I could get rid of my favorite dresses!!! I just love looking at them at the very least!)
Wearing Lilly in the city is a little tricky though. It’s definitely much easier now that it’s summer because bright colors are obviously fair game. However, there are just certain Lilly styles that look amazing and work well in beach-y places, but don’t quite do the trick in an urban city. I definitely try to wear some Lilly now and then to work… but not all dresses work.
Certain shift dresses work great with blazers and the belted Lillys work well too. (Of course, your work environment and the industry you’re in will largely dictate what is appropriate and what’s not appropriate to wear.)
One of my favorite Lilly dresses is one that I’ve been really trying to make work for work and other city adventures. The only thing I had been doing is wearing it with a simple blazer or sweater, but oh my goodness… I just love this layered look!
Warby Parker Eyeglasses // J. Crew Button Up (similar) // Lilly Pulitzer Dress (similar) // Eadie Bag (different colors on sale) // Etta Pumps (on sale!)
I got my dress from a Lilly Pulitzer Rue La La sale… There are Lilly sales every now and then, but they almost always include Lilly dresses in different events that round up various designers. You have to have your eye out!!!
Do you wear Lilly to work? How do you style it?
xoxo
As a fellow Lilly Lover living in NYC I can relate! I’m in a business casual environment and I’ve learned how to pair a navy blazer or pumps with my dresses to make Lilly more business appropriate. I may be the only one in my group wearing pastels, bright colors and prints but I’ve embraced my love and am well known in the office as the girl who loves Lilly.
I love love LOVE how you layered your dress – it gives it a whole new look. Your eyeglasses are just darling too. x
I had so many "old" lilly dressed that I didn't wear as often, I finally started throwing shirts under them and blazers on top. I just can't part with them!
I love that I'm going to be teaching, because some Lilly dresses are perfect for working but wearing bright colors. I LOVE bright colors, and Lilly is clearly the perfect choice for that.
Kate
katethealmostgreat.blogspot.com
That's a really, really cute dress!
That dress is gorgeous! And the bow is precious. 😉 You look great!
xoxo
Kelly
kellyinthecity.com
so cute! i never thought to layer under my dress.
Love it!
xoxo,
aHc
chicandpeonies.blogspot.com
This outfit is so great, love it!
AKB
asouthernbrunette.blogspot.com
I love the layered look in your picture. I'm going to be teaching next fall and I might definitely steal this look from you (with a slightly longer dress of course) I envy that you have the freedom to express your style at work.
Katie
casually-obsessed.blogspot.com
I actually wore Lilly to work today! Most of the work I do allows me to wear whatever, so I am able to choose Lilly! I usually like to make what I wear more dressed up so today I wore a Lilly skirt, a Ralph Lauren shirt, and some Jack Rogers.
Hunter
preponabudge.blogspot.com
Love this look! You're a total fashionista!
xxoo,
Jordyn
Do you remember the name of that dress? I tried it on in the Saratoga store when it was new but I was waiting for it to hit a sale. Then life got busy and I forgot to go back. Now I'm trying to find it in my size but can't remember the style name.
KK
http://www.preppypinkcrocodile.com
you're adapting your LP to the city very well – cute!
I love how you transitioned what is typically a less-city-type dress into a more city-appropriate attire. Really fantastic look – you look awesome!
Love this! I could not even wear Lilly to work this past Friday on the "national day" bc it doesn't fit into my office environment at all BUT had I thought to do this MAYBE I could have pulled off a "tamer" pattern. Cute!
This is one of my favorite outfit posts of yours! So so cute.
xo
Courtney
The Hunter-Gatherers
Luckily, my office is fairly laid back and I'm able to wear my Lilly pretty frequently (although I do layer with a solid cardigan to tone them down a bit). I always get comments about how "bright" I am, but a Lilly always makes me smile on a Monday! 🙂
I absolutely adore this dress! It is one of my favorite Lilly prints to date 🙂 I styled mine here:
http://perfectlypetiteprep.blogspot.com/2014/07/its-always-summer-somewhere.html
but never thought of layering it with a button down! I might just try it to bring some color to this gloomy New England winter 🙂