UpWest Clean Cotton Jersey V-Neck Dress

An easy formula for everyday outfits

I am forever on a mission to look nice without too much fuss. One of my favorite formulas for this goal is a monochromatic base layer with a cute topper and good accessories.

I think this is why I find myself drawn to certain pieces over and over again, like t-shirt dresses, jumpsuits, and rompers. I also like combinations that create that monochromatic base layer, like black leggings and a black tank.

I ordered this cute t-shirt dress from UpWest almost two three months ago, and it’s been in regular rotation since then. It looks a bit like it was inspired by surgical scrubs, which doesn’t sound very promising, but I really like it. The material is quite thin (I think I would prefer something thicker), and yet I think it’s very comfortable, flattering enough, and it’s the perfect base layer for a few of my favorite layering pieces. The cool lavender color complements my favorite kimono (a gift from my sweet sister) and favorite cardigan. I feel very “me” when I wear either of these outfits.

I get really excited when I can wear either of these toppers, but I think the key to this outfit formula is that the base layer is comfortable and flattering enough that you aren’t trying to cover it up with the topper. Now, I know I said recently that not everything has to be flattering. I stand by that. There are different ways in which something can be not flattering to you. (And yes, flattering is subjective and in the eye of the beholder. Fashion and beauty norms change, people’s tastes change, even “trendy” body types change [LOLOLOL—I don’t even know where to begin with THAT nonsense].) The easiest way I can conceive of it right now is that there are artistic or aesthetic choices that aren’t flattering but bring us joy, and there are unflattering choices that make us want to conceal things. One is a choice that is meant to be seen; the other is not. I’m not here to tell you what is flattering for you. What I know for me is that when I choose a base layer, I tend to feel my best when it has clean lines, fits snugly to my shape, and doesn’t make me feel self-conscious about my tummy all day.

Product Details: Women’s Cotton Jersey V-Neck Dress

UpWest (available online)

Price: $48 (but currently on sale for $38!)

My Size: M (but I think I could size down to a small)

Fit: Somewhere between snug and loose. Very comfortable and airy.

Note: I purchased this dress in the color “purple ash.” The blue shade (called “stellar”) is so pretty; I want it! I also love the orange (“auburn”). Basically I want them all.

PS Totally unrelated to clothing: I came across this article about using a quarter sheet pan to organize your “flavor station,” and I absolutely love it. Here is my flavor station, complete with fresh lemon from yesterday’s grocery shopping. (Read the article, too, if you are at all into food. It’s very inspiring and reminds me why I like to cook at home.)