Switch Hits

Posted by Rachel Lexier, Style Intern

Sometimes I think the hardest part of my job is picking out my clothes in the morning. Between working in the style department here and the (friendly) competition of two very well-dressed fellow interns, sometimes the ensemble that looked cute in my hallway mirror starts to feel a bit dowdy by the time I hit my desk. Outfit repetition, while not formally against the rules, is somewhat undesirable. Luckily, I’ve found a solution that doesn't involve debt or theft: the jersey bandeau dress from American Apparel.

This little number may not look like much -- and it's much less revealing on me than this model! -- but with help from the website’s handy (and fascinating) video, it transforms into a tube dress that's knee-length (and work-appropriate when layered with a tank top); or a high-waisted, swingy skirt; or a halter top that looks great over jeans. I’ve sported it as a skirt to the office and then whipped it into a dress before dinner. And at $36 with 13 cute colors to choose from, the possibilities seem almost limitless.

While the cottony material and an unfinished hem make it a bit casual, my fellow intern, Kim, recently introduced me to this convertible Calypso dress: a satin beauty that, while similar in concept to the American Apparel one, makes more of a statement.

The sweeping fabric and elegant twists and folds make it not only flattering, but unique. Twirl the straps in the back and pair it with some vintage-y silver sandals for an evening wedding, or tie it into a halter, throw on some flip-flops and hit Soho for a day of shopping. It can even be made into a kimono-sleeve wrap dress for more conservative occasions. Of course, you’ll have to shell out a little more cash for this one ($270), but divide that by the number of potential outfits, and it's a smart investment.

Comments

[Irvina]

What a cute find! I love it! They should make something that is "Winter-changable." Thanks!

[tintallie]

The wrap dress made of satin is actually from Butter by Nadia and she sells her dresses through Benny and Shaw (http://www.bennyandshaw.com/index.html).

It is also less expensive there and they sell the satin version, a jersey version, and a gown length version.

[Rachel L]

Hey guys,
Just thought I'd let you know that the American Apparel dress is on sale in white, brown, raspberry and teal for $15 on the American Apparel website. Even more of a reason to scoop one up!
Thanks for reading!

[tintallie]

I just bought 2 of the AA bandeau dresses and I can empathize about the bra issue. However, there are a few styles of wearing the dress with a strapless bra that won't reveal it.

Here are two examples:
1. Turn the dress around so the back of the dress is at the front. Criss cross the straps behind you and tie under your bust for a bandeau strapless dress.

2. Turn the dress around so the back is at the front again. From behind, criss cross the straps and place them over your shoulders. Next pull the straps underneath your armpit and tie on your back.

[sami k]

i tried on the AA bandeau dress a little while ago, and it's brilliant. i just get so nervous when it comes to something i can't comfortably wear a bra under. :(

i did, however, also fall in love with the tshirt dress, which looks equally good over a pair of jeans as it does over opaque tights and cowboy boots, with a string of pearls. and dark sunglasses. especially when it's evening and they're no longer necessary.

[Devvy Altman]

I'm so glad to know about these great dresses. Got to get at least one of them.
Thanks, Rachel!

[Nina]

I an a big fan of convertible dresses and have even made a few of my own--here:

http://www.rockyou.com/show_my_gallery.php?instanceid=53366135

I have had my eye on the AA one for awhile now. After seeing it here in that turquoise color, I HAVE to get one.

[Jail Diet]

I've owned the American Apparel jersey dress in teal (I believe they call it forest) for about a year and a half now and I absolutely love it. It's nice for casual wear as well as making it a great layering piece. I love to use a rusty colored Michael Stars tube top under the top of the dress and twist the straps so a hint of color comes out where they criss cross. However, I am even more of a fan of American Apparel's jersey pencil skirts along with their racer-back thong-a-tard. The two pieces in black, worn together make for a knock-out Hollywood ensemble that is also very comfortable. Look out Victoria Beckham.