One Dress = FIVE Great Fall Outfits!

Good Morning! Whew, I’m sure the lines at Starbucks today are going to be similar to those of the polls yesterday! I might have to cheat a little on my “one caffeine drink per day” just for today 😉 The good news is that I have a post for you that I’m REALLY excited about! You guys obviously LOVED the Fall Capsule Wardrobe post, but I did get quite a few questions about one item in particular and it was THIS dress. Did I really own a black body con dress? Is it flattering? It looks so versatile in the capsule, but I’m nervous to order? How does it fit? So, I decided to order a few body con dresses and give you my honest opinions and cannot tell you how surprised I was with the results.

Rewind a few months and the sheer thought of body con would have had me running for the hills. I’m a size 6 and definitely have some curves (add in there that I’m also a mom) and it never even crossed my mind that a dress like this would work for me. I ordered two dresses to try for you guys…THIS one (which ended up being too long even for me and I’m 5’9) and THIS one (which is what I’m wearing below and and the one I ended up falling in love with). First, I was impressed with the quality (especially for the price) it’s thick, double lined and stretchy, but still feels like a great comfy cotton dress. The length is also perfect…modest yet not frumpy. I could go on and on, but let me quit my rambling and SHOW you how versatile this dress is and why I think that all mamas should reconsider body con…

The reason I kept running for the hills when I heard the word “body con” is because in my mind the dress would be the outfit hero. Clearly I wouldn’t wear a body con dress to carpool, so I thought that it would never work for me. What really changed my mindset was when I started to think of the body con dress as the BASE LAYER upon which to build an outfit and not the focal point of the outfit. Imagine this inexpensive dress as a whole new way to wear your sweaters, tunics, ponchos, and blanket scarves…a great base layer for Fall transition.

First, I went for a true athleisure look. I layered a tunic turtleneck (covers the rump) over the body con dress and threw on my most comfortable sneaks and cross body bag, making this a perfect outfit to run around town with a toddler in tow. You can really layer any of your sweaters over this dress, which gives you endless ways to switch up the look. For casual wear, it would also be cute with your favorite flats.

Black Body Con Dress | Lightweight Turtleneck Tunic Sweater | Handbag |Sneakers | Earrings | Gold + Green Watch | Similar Bracelet Stack | Sunnies

Below you can really see the side ruching details, which actually covered a multitude of evils in my problem areas.

In the second look, I threw on this reversible cape and over the knee boots for a festive Fall look that I will have on repeat. First, I mean…this cape! For under $50 you essentially have two capes in one and both patterns are perfect for the Holidays. You can easily throw on tights with this look as the weather cools, too. The cape falls perfectly so that the dress serves as a great base layer, giving some shape underneath but letting the bold red plaid be the star of the show…

Black Body Con Dress | Reversible Poncho (amazing price!) | Over the Knee Boots (Now 25% off!) | Statement Necklace | Gold + Green Watch | Sunnies

If you guys haven’t snagged these boots yet, you should definitely consider them! Not only are they on sale but GAH they are flattering and fun to wear!

Don’t you think that this poncho would make a great gift, too? Its pretty high up on my Gift Guide list for ladies right now. Perfect for moms, sisters and girlfriends…and clearly as a #treatyoself gift, too 😉

This look might surprisingly be my favorite! I’m obsessed with this extra long cardigan that I got in this week (think great price, lightweight, yet still cozy and in the hottest color of the season) and love love how it layered over this dress. I added the leopard beanie (which I raved about in last weeks Friday Edit) and really liked the unexpected punch of pattern. I have on my comfiest booties and functional cross body, so I could easily wear this look for a day full of errands or a fun brunch with girlfriends.

Black Body Con Dress | Long Tunic Cardigan | Booties (Now 40% off!!) | Cross Body Bag | Leopard Beanie | Sunnies | Similar Beaded Bracelet Stack| Gold + Green Watch

Another outfit where the body con gives me a great base shape and allows me to layer over it without it feeling extra bulky.

So, you guys know that I’m always honest here, and I’ll tell you that this look was the one I was most unsure about. The reason why is because the moto jacket didn’t cover my rear, which I was a little nervous about. After wearing it for the photos, I actually really like the way it looks and love this outfit for Fall. Now, clearly I’m not wearing this for lunch at Chickfila, but I love it for a date night with the hubby or a girls dinner out! The mixing of the black and rich cognac is so yummy for the season and I love adding a pop of pattern and some on trend accessories.

Black Body Con Dress | Moto Jacket  (UNDER $100!) | Black Suede Midi Boots (On SALE!) | Similar Leopard Clutch (Splurge & Steal) | Black Felt Hat | Velvet Choker | Gold + Green Watch

Switching gears and back to a cozy and casual look, I layered a wrap front sweater over the dress and topped it with an oversized blanket scarf. Another look where the dress is really just the base layer and the Fall accessories are the stars of the show. I have my all time favorite flat booties on with this look, but you can also wear it with over the knee boots, midi booties, or even an athleisure sneaker.

Black Body Con Dress | Wrap Front Sweater | Similar Plaid Blanket Scarf | My Favorite Booties | Cross Body Bag | Similar Bracelet Stack | Felt Floppy Hat | Earrings | Gold + Green Watch

Fit Info:

-Overall, I feel like it’s true to size, but if you are at all on the border I would suggest sizing up. I’m wearing a large here, which I bought to grow with my belly. It’s big now but will work later on, so I would have been a M ordinarily, which is my normal size.

-Can you wear smoothing garments underneath? Yep!

-Machine washable? Yep, on cold!

-Can if be worn pregnant? Yep! I’m 16 weeks here and I sized up, which will probably take me to 27-28 weeks comfortably!

So, what’s the verdict?? Have I convinced you to reconsider body con? I was so very pleasantly surprised and this dress will absolutely be on constant rotation this Fall. Also, make sure to read the online reviews…all give it 5 stars! 

This post was written in partnership with Nordstrom. I truly believe that Nordstrom has the very best selection of on-trend clothing and accessories for Fall and offers you guys an amazing online shopping experience. All opinions are my own and I thank you for supporting brands who make Style Your Senses possible.