3 Simple Ways to Wear This Chic $89 Dress for Fall

Black Dress for Fall

We talk about the wardrobe basics all. the. time. These are the foundational pieces that create a functional, stylish wardrobe and allow you to get dressed each and every day almost effortlessly. Well, what if I told you that we found a piece that serves the function of TWO wardrobe basics in one?? Well, we did! And I’m sharing three ways you can easily wear it now and into fall. Quick note: The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale ends in ONE WEEK. Prices go up on 8/7 so make sure to grab your wardrobe basics or specialty pieces while they’re discounted. Find more info about NSale dates and all of our favorites here.

For more wardrobe basics (on sale), make sure you check out our NSale Capsule Wardrobe here.

 

Open Edit Cardigan Dress

Before I get into the three ways you can wear this stylish piece, I wanted to share a little more about it. This awesome Open Edit cardigan dress has a gorgeous, ribbed texture and the weight of the fabric is perfect for fall. It’s not too thin that it shows lumps and bumps, but it’s not so thick that you’ll get too warm. I love the collar and the buttons down the front. You can unbutton a few extra buttons and add a lacy bralette for some extra sexiness. Or keep it buttoned up a little higher if that makes you more comfortable. Oh…and the best part is… it’s only $89!

Keep scrolling to see how I’d style this for fall…

 

#1) As a Dress

The first outfit is the simplest way to style this piece…as a dress! A chic LBD is a must-have wardrobe basic and because this one can be worn and styled so many ways, it is a really wonderful, basic option. Throwing on a black dress and booties is such a classic, simple fall outfit idea and since this dress is so versatile, you can swap the shoes to make this appropriate for any occasion.

I’m wearing a pair of beautiful Schutz booties that I loved so much I bought them in black AND white. Schutz makes high-quality, comfortable, stylish shoes that are affordable ($120 during the sale and $178 after). If you already have your everyday black booties covered, these would be a great dressier option to add to your wardrobe. The stiletto heel and pointed toe make them very sleek and sophisticated. I’d wear this look to dinner, but a quick shoe swap could make this dress more casual (with sneakers) or even dressier (with pumps).

#2) As a Cardigan – Casual

You can also style this Open Edit dress as a cardigan. I completely unbuttoned the dress in this look and threw it on over a sweater and jeans. I love the look of a longline cardigan, especially for petite women because it really elongates the frame.

This is a look I’d wear to a casual lunch, running errands, or even to work if you have a more casual dress code. Under the cardigan, I’m wearing a very lightweight, white sleeveless sweater by Paige that has a fun flutter detail around the arms, which you can see pictured in this post. My jeans are the Mother Hustler ankle jeans in a really deep, dark blue wash that almost looks black. These jeans keep going in and out of stock, but this style is SO good I have them in a few other washes too, and linked more options below. The fit is wonderful, I love the frayed hem, and the length is perfect on me (I’m 5’4”).

On my feet, I’m wearing a pair of Dolce Vita loafers that are so cool. They’re super lightweight, unique, and VERY comfortable! If you need new work shoes or just want a stylish pair of flats, these are great. They run a little big so I would order a half size down from your normal size.

#3) As a Cardigan – Dressy

Lastly, I wanted to show you how to style the cardigan dress for something a little dressier like date night or dinner with friends. In this look, I’m wearing the same Mother jeans but I swapped the shoes for a sexier, dressy pair of pumps and the sweater for a silky cami. The cami I’m wearing a little older but I linked a few similar options that will give you the same look. You might already have a silky cami in your closet that will work too! The black Reiss slingbacks I’m wearing are from this year’s NSale and are so chic. It’s hard to tell in the photos but these heels have sexy mesh panels that make them a really cool basic-with-a-twist. They’re really comfortable, the heel is easy to walk in (~3”), and the pointed toe is very flattering and elongating.

Now can you see how versatile and flattering this dress can be? Which outfit was your favorite? #1, #2, or #3? Let us know in the comments below!

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