Ways to Wear
3 Ways to Wear the Pinafore Dress
by Hannah Rose, Copywriter
Coming a long way from its school-girl stereotype, the pinafore dress has become a wardrobe staple. And, it’s easy to see why. From its cute appearance to its versatility and ease, there’s more to the pini than meets the eye. Combining smart with effortless, it’s one of those rare pieces that can nail every single dress code. Whether you’re wanting a low-key look for casual affairs or something more sophisticated for the office, the pinafore dress works for whatever, whenever.
With button embellishments, buckle details, statement prints and Insta-worthy colours, the stylish silhouette is now way too cool for class (unless you’re in Gossip Girl, of course).
But when it comes to the pinafore dress, the hardest part is working out how to style it. We’ve taken one of our favourite styles of the season – think trending dogtooth print, flattering square neckline and a colour palette that goes with everything – and shown you three ways to wear it.
1. Queen Bee
Want to look like the ultimate Queen Bee? Say 'hello' to a dreamy outfit even Blair Waldorf would be jealous of. This matching dogtooth pinafore and hair band combo gives us serious *heart eyes*. To steal the look, layer a pinafore dress over a shirt to take it to a whole new level of preppy. For extra style points, choose a shirt with cute details, such as puff sleeves and a collared neckline. Throw in a pair of super-shiny loafers (the more polished, the better) and some frilly socks for a look that was literally made for the Upper East Side.
2. 90s Casual
For an instant mood boost, layer a monochrome mini over a colourful tee that’ll make you feel amazing even when it's cloudy. The addition of a faux-croc bag, retro sunnies and gold hoop earrings give the look a cool ‘90s twist, while chunky boots add some serious attitude (and comfort). And, when temperatures drop, simply trade your T-shirt for a long-sleeve top or a fluffy knit.
3. 9-to-Wine
After spending the last year and a half in our loungewear, the thought of even getting dressed to go into work can seem a little daunting. But fear not, we've got an outfit that's perfect for those non-virtual office days (and the after-office occasions, too). Layering a dogtooth pinafore over a white long-sleeve shirt is a simple route to sophistication. Add some height with a pair of courts and some sparkle with a pair of silver hoops. And, don’t forget the most important part: the super-cute notepad that will make the return to reality that bit more bearable.