Chiconomical

Full disclosure. This dress isn't mine. A red dress is a closet staple and I got mine from my mother who got it as a gift from my father when they got married. My mother has worn this dress on her honeymoon and it's easily more than 20 years old. However, it's such a beautiful piece I couldn't resist giving it a new life. Yes, I'm not the same body shape as my mother (who makes it look fabulous btw), but why let a little large size stop you right? I've always wanted to wear it and this post is all about my love for it. If you've got a hand me down (I love those actually!) or just an oversized dress you don't fit into anymore thanks to all the workouts you're doing (if this is true, then you go girl! And send me your workout too please!) or if you just bought something oversized because it was the last piece and you couldn't live without it, this post is for you!

Here are some of my favourite ways to breathe new life into a piece that you absolutely can't live without but doesn't look right at times. While I might not have the same dress to recommend for obvious reasons, I do have some recommendations in the post so keep reading! (Some of these are affiliate links and I might get a commission if you use them. However, you are free to not use them too. You can DM me on my social media and I'll be more than happy to share the normal links with you)

1. A Throwback Silhouette

If you're a longtime reader you're probably saying enough of this belt already and let me tell you...that will never happen my lovely! The easiest, most classic hack to wearing an oversized dress is to belt it. Since this belt has a drop waist on me (it hits mom right at her waist but I'm a lot skinnier overall so yea), I added this belt that you've seen several times before and then pulled at the top bit so that it hangs like a tucked in oversized top. I actually really like the detailing on the sleeves of this dress and think it has a very unique style. Anyway, that helps hide the elastic at the lower than my normal waist, waistline of the dress and still makes it look chic. Yes, belts are awesome. You're welcome!

2. Weekend Casual

My second favourite thing to do with dresses is to wear them layered under a skirt. For this look, I choose a denim pencil skirt since I felt it needed something structured to balance out the bulk of the dress. The denim skirt adds a more casual vibe is a great investment so you'd do well to buy one if you do find the perfect one for yourself. I like this one from Ajio quite a bit because it's just a great wash. If you want one with buttons down the front like mine, this one's pretty good too albeit a little shorter.

3. Red on Red



Right. Am I mental? Probably. Do I care? Not when it looks this granny sexy! So a hack I've used several times to layer a shawl over an outfit without it looking to shabby is to add a shawl and then flare it to make it almost look like those trench coats with cutout pieces of fabric at the back and add a belt to define your waist. It works wonders and instantly creates a new silhouette for the top. Try it, you might just discover a whole new avenue thanks to it! No links for this, essentially use any shawl you own, no need to buy new things for this look!

4. White Animal Polka Cuteness


Okay. This is probably my FAVOURITE look of all of them. This 'jacket' is actually a wrap dress, again in two sizes too big for me but for being super cheap on sale, I couldn't resist. It's never been worn as a dress because I feel it's a little see through but either way, it makes a great second layer. Next I added a printed scarf. While mine is animal print and since it cost an atrocious amount I'm making the most of it by adding it to every other thing I own. Wearing a scarf in my hair is probably one of those things I'll be obsessed with for a long time now. You can wear whichever one you own and my scarf isn't available online anymore. But this is very similar if you'd like to have something similar. (Psst...I'll buy you a coffee if you gift it to me! (nudge nudge wink wink))

5. Kitschy Casual

Quote tshirts. Can't live without them honestly! This one is from the H&M men's section that my coursin was very kind to purchase for me. It was on sale, it's the closest I'll ever come to endorsing Pepsi frankly.. seeing as I don't drink it but it does make for a very cool tshirt no? Anyway, this is oversized aswell for me but all I did is knot it at the side and then proceeded to fold the sleeves of the dress to keep them from showing. You can add a pin there if you feel your dress sleeve might roll down but mine had a sort of tighter bit at the bottom so they stayed put. Anyway, overall, it's like the dress is now a skirt with a t-shirt. Very casual, very cool and super wearable!


Well, those are my five favourite ways to reusing an old dress that hasn't been worn in several years. I urge you to find new ways to rewear things you already own before you go out and make that new purchase. It's so important to keep in mind that you can make the most of what you already own instead of just buying new things everytime a person recommends it to you. These posts are just an effort to make you be more mindful in your choices and if you think they're useful, please don't forget to share them with your friends. It doesn't cost you anything but it makes a huge difference in terms of helping me make more such posts! However, if you are in search of an affordable red dress you can check out this one, or this one, or this one with it's lovely sleeves! There's also couple of lovely valentine's day dresses under 1000 here, here and this maxi dress here.

PS: If you're a more visual person and prefer a video over a written text, I'd encourage you to follow me on my Instagram. I have a quick 1 minute video on how to create all these looks on my feed that you might like!

Ahhh Valentine's day... that time of the month when you have an explosion of those colours classified under cute and that means a whole lot of pinks, reds, whites and blacks. I know it's hard to sometimes work these colours into your wardrobe and that's why I've got you covered with 10 of my looks that are cosy (because let's face it, 14th February is still pretty cold in some places in the world) and still cute and make you look like a million bucks. These looks have something for everyone, from warm evenings at home by the fireplace to date nights at the swankiest restaurants. Read on and pick your favourites!

1. Classic Valentine's Day Look



Let's start with something that's super on brand when it comes to the day of love shall we? A pink jumper and a pair of red culottes. Now since we're trying to make this cozy, I added a coat in a tan (basically a shade of brown, let's be honest). I think this outfit embodies Valentine's day and is a simple look for Valentines. I added a pair of animal print heels to just incorporate a trend I'm a little bit obsessed with. Either way, this look is super simple to create using pieces you might already own!

2. Red Jumper and Animal Print


Animal print is possibly the MOST on trend thing this season. A good way to incorporate it into your Valentine's day look is to pair it with a simple jumper. A red jumper is honestly a piece that will instantly create those sexy vibes. Paired with a pleated animal print skirt (or even a slip skirt if you can get your hands on those somehow), this look is perfect for a brunch date with a pair of sneakers or heels the way I've paired it for a cosy evening date. BONUS points if you manage to work in another animal print piece such as a scarf or even a clutch into the look!

3. Colour blocking using Red Jumper



Animal print not for you? Well colour blocking is a trend that actually doesn't take much effort to create but still makes you look like a fashionista. A simple red jumper paired with burgundy (maroon) skirt in or even trousers in hot pink or darker shades will make it look like you are a runway diva but honestly just requires holding one piece of garment next similar shades to see what works. It's simple but striking!

4. Monotone in Pink



Red a little to loud for you? Why not try a baby pink. Yes, the other colour that is heavily associated with Valentine's day but makes for some lovely pairing is a pink jumper. You can go all out and pair it with blush trousers (blush is honestly just a fancy way of saying light pink in my book) and create a monotone look.


Add a statement bag or a statement necklace to complete the look. This is actually a super simple outfit and can work in any colour palette you choose to don for Valentines and still looks super put together. (Nobody needs to know that you almost didn't make it to date night because you couldn't decide what to wear!)

5. Flirty Florals


Right, I know you're looking at this and you're thinking it's not exactly cosy. Well, I know there's somebody out there who's got a tropical weather Valentine's day outfit to plan and girl, this look is just for you. Now I'm a person who thinks florals look good on pretty much every person depending on the print size. Believe me, if you haven't found your floral love yet, you probably need to switch up the print size you're working with. For this look, I paired a simple slip dress with a floral blazer. The blazer is to help you ensure that the

6. Power Dressing with a Punch




Okay, I know red on red is something not everybody can wear but I urge you to try it atleast once. For this look, I went for a casual yet dressy vibe. Take off the blazer and you've got a simple yet striking outfit. Honestly, I love how crazy this t-shirt is and it works perfectly with the single yet striking vibe that you'd want to go for if you're celebrating with your girls.

7. Dark Soul


A simple outfit for all those girls who don't want to wear reds, pinks and blues. An all black outfit, just like how dark your thoughts are is probably the way to go. A classic polo neck, a short a-line mini skirt and knee high boots and a hat is one of those looks that will look good no matter where you are in the world. I always think Parisian chic when I think of this look honestly, but you can rock it wherever you live. Don't own the pieces I'm wearing here? You can for sure create this look using a little black dress or even similar separates in black.

8. Metallic Statements



No Valentine's day lookbook curated by me can be complete without a metallic skirt. The addition of this pink jumper essentially makes this a little Valentines-y? No? Well we're counting it that way anyway! A metallic skirt can make any look party ready. This look is literally an oversized super cosy jumper paired with a metallic statement skirt and voila! we've got a party ready look. I actually created it more for a brunch date and that's why I've got the floral scarf and pastel colours. You can definitely switch out my pastel jumper for a black or a red one and swap the block heels for a pointier pair but girl, this is a look that's going to work for a lot of different events you may have lined up for Valentine's day!

9. Florals and Knits




Full disclosure, I've actually already worn this for a birthday party last weekend. It got such lovely feedback from my friend (yes, the one person because it was an intimate celebration) I decided I'd share this with you all. The maxi skirt is actually a maxi dress that I've worn about 3 times now and have been majorly obsessed with. I paired it with a simple oversized jumper and since there's a lot of volume at the top and the bottom and you never want to look like you're drowning in material, I added a simple statment belt to cinch in the waist.

10. Comfy Chic




Finally, no cosy lookbook can be complete without a look for fireside cuddling. A simple jumper and a pair of denims. The trick is to tuck the jumper and maybe add a statement necklace if you like. Tucking can make even the shabbiest outfit look nicer and there's something just so comforting about denims, am I right folks? Insert cosy socks, blanket and mood lighting and I assure you, you'll be having the most lovely evening.

I hope these looks give you a little bit of style inspiration for Valentine's day and you get to put your own unique twist to them. I don't think you need to get new things specific for Valentine's. It's absolutely okay to reuse things you own and that's why a lot of these looks have pieces that are reused. It isn't about things you don't own but about finding things that you already own and putting them to good use!

If you enjoyed this post, make sure to follow me on Instagram and turn on post notifications on there because I'll be doing a special style series for Valentines day. If you do try out some of these looks, make sure to tag your post with #Chiconomical so that I can see how fabulous you look!

With Valentines day just one day away, obviously I decided to do something pink. Wearing something that says Valentine's without looking like a red and pink mass or cotton candy is hard, especially when Valentines falls on a working day and you need to look polished. That's exactly what this look is about.





I love wearing all white with hints of color. I paired my pink blazer with its adorable heart printed lining with my white jumpsuit (yes, the very same one you saw in the last post) and my heels and we get a simple look that's season of love appropriate, but still professional. I think its smart to look for interesting lining when buying blazer simply because that gives you an added element of surprise, especially in a tropical country where you'll probably end up rolling your sleeves up by the end of the day. If you're working on Valentines day (and you probably are if you're anything like me) then go out, dress up in a muted outfit that's got some love and style!

Not really a dating person? Well, you don't need a man to celebrate Valentine's Day. I love the idea of having an all girls date and that's pretty much what I've planned for myself. Honestly, give the boy chasing a break and take sometime to relax, enjoy yourself and not worry too much about your love life. Oh, and aren't things always more fun with your girls? Think crazy days of shopping where the other person actually has a properly worded opinion when you try on an outfit instead oh, "Uhh, yea it looks good" and checking out those hot guys on the beach minus the awkwardness (no man wants their woman hooting for another guy, innit?) oh and of course, eating food while you compare who's gonna get fatter after it! Yep, that's my kinda day, so of course I have an outfit for it!

For the girl who likes to follow cupid's colorbeam



I love the idea of going a little retro for Valentine's day. A simple yet stunning skirt is pretty much a big addition to your wardrobe and this one was a birthday present that came a little late. I love the print since I'm a big fan of London and the red rose, well, I bought it for myself and I don't need to be gifted one to make my day. A simple tshirt can be jazzed up if paired with a pretty printed skirt or leggings.

For the girl who likes to follow her own colorbeam



I love the idea of wearing statement tshirts on Valentines day. Honestly, if you're a girl who doesn't like to wear pinks and reds, this look is laid back yet chic enough to go pretty much anywhere. Even if you are going on a date (a blind date maybe), this would be a good idea. Wear what you are on your clothes and warn the guy that this is me! You better learn to accept it!
(PS; I haven't yet found a shopping slogan tee, if I did that would be my perfect blind date outfit no? )

Well, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and call all your single ladies, because you don't have to be dating to celebrate being in love!

Valentine's Day is just round the corner and I know there are lots of people out there already planning their outfits or probably frantically ordering things online at the last minute for their better halves. Personally, I'm spending the week pampering myself with a bunch of presents for myself and these are all making me smile loads! However, for all those love birds out there, here's look 1 of my 3 part series on Valentines.

Every post will have two outfits for the typical and the not so typical girl for every kind of valentines day plan! Today's theme? Brunch date. Ohhh imagine those lazy weekends where you wake up smiling and just know its going to be a good day. And then you find yourself walking to a lavish brunch buffet..... ahh, that's exactly where today's oufit is going!

For the girl who likes to follow cupid's colorbeam





You can't go wrong with a nice bright dress and floral prints. This look doesn't need too much fuss but still makes you look chic and put together. A simple dress and a floral blazer are a quick way to add a bit of Valentine loving to your brunch look. Add a hat and some soft pink gloss and you're ready to enjoy a romantic day with all the food, erm..I mean your boy.

For the girl who likes to follow her own colorbeam





So you don't think you can do flowers and you wouldn't be caught dead wearing pink? Well, add a little chic to your outfit by wearing your shorts with a printed blazer. Personally, I love stripes and that's why I picked this lovely blazer but honestly, you can add any print you like, or even a solid colored blazer in a bright color to a simple shorts and vest look to make it brunch ready. Oh, and bonus point, if you're having brunch by the beach (I know I would personally love that this Sunday), you can shrug off the blazer and be ready for that spot of beach volleyball or walk in the sea. W.I.N!

• Pair a sequinned top or skirt with a cool jacket or cardigan to mute the all over shiny sequinned patterns. If you have a top, pair it with your well fitted workpants or skirt. 
• Wear a sequinned dress with workwear flats and a formal blazer in a color in the same pallette as the dress to mute the bling and make it workwear acceptable. However, don't try this with an all over sequinned dress, it might not work well enough! 
• Remember that any outfit with sequins will have to be balanced! Especially if its for daywear. Don't go over the top with loud accessories if you're already wearing a sequinned piece
• Wanna bring a little bling to everyday? Pair your casual jeans and tshirt looks with a cropped sequined jacket to get instant glam during the day! 
• If you feel you can't yet take the plunge into wearing clothes with sequins, add a little bag or heels with sequins to your everday look, then build up the courage from there!