I Wore This Dress 4 Times on Vaca & Nobody Noticed
Over the past year, I've taken the same dress with me every time I've hopped a flight to a sunny destination - it's the perfect vacation outfit, and I get compliments every time I wear it.
I'm not telling you this to brag. I'm letting you in on my secret getaway weapon: the Mara Hoffman Tie-Front Midi Dress.
RENT NOW Mara Hoffman Tie-Front Midi Dress, RENT THE RUNWAY, $65 to $80
I love its somewhat unexpected color scheme and knotted cutout feature, which reveals some skin without showing it all off. I also like it because I can usually get away with wearing it more than one way (without anyone noticing it's the same style) while I'm traveling - a super valuable aspect in any piece of clothing you take on a trip.
To prove its versatility to you, I embarked on my latest journey - to Cairns in northern Australia - intending to wear this one piece in four very different ways. I enlisted my best friend Megan, who was along for the trip, to document all the looks. Even she, at one point, thought I was tricking her: "Wait, is that really the same dress?!"
Yes it is, and yes, it's awesome. Scroll on to see if any of the styles fool you.
1. As a simple dress, just as the designer intended
This is the go-to way I wear this piece, and it's also the way the designer meant for it to be worn. When I slip it on in its regular form, I take care to tie it in a double knot super slowly, so I can control how the tails lay. I like them to be flat and show the contrasting yellow lining. I also like to show a little leg, so I usually button the skirt only about halfway, but you can button it all the way down, no problem. Slit, no slit - your choice!
2. As a duster
You can completely untie and unbutton this piece, meaning it easily can be worn as a floor-sweeping vest. When I wear it like this, it's usually because I want it to serve as a flowy swimsuit coverup, but you could also use it as a replacement for a duster, pairing it with a cute top and jeans. Just drape it over your shoulders, tuck in the front ties, and head out the door.
3. As a dress, with a sweater underneath
OK, this option isn't the most mind-blowing, but lots of people forget that you can slip dresses over other pieces. At night, when the weather cools down, instead of layering a jacket over this cute look, I pair it with a white mock-turtleneck crop top, which makes the other bright colors in the outfit pop and highlights the fun cutout.
4. As a midi skirt
This is the outfit that made my friend think I was pulling her leg, but I swear it's the same dress. All I did was untie the top part, and fold it beneath the skirt to hide it. I then twisted the skirt so the buttons cascaded down one leg instead of down the center. I also kept more of the buttons undone, to create a higher slit. Add a cropped tee, and you've got a cool, semi-casual look for dinner out.
Because this dress is a few seasons old now, it's sold out at most online retailers. But it's still available on Rent the Runway in the colorful pattern I have and in a more neutral pink shade that's also very pretty.
If you're not a Rent the Runway girl, you can try out the same styling tips on another button-down dress. Mara Hoffman actually makes quite a few pieces like this one, and other brands are into this look too. Button-down dresses, FTW.
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