Fall Style: Scarf-print Dress #OOTD
Colorful patchwork prints were hot this past Summer, opening the door to the re-emergence of scarf prints, which is similar in it's random color patterns and design. But whereas patchwork can sometimes come across as playful and eccentric, the satiny/silk fabric that generally accompanies a scarf-print looks and feels more luxurious and mostly associated with elegance. Most scarf-prints incorporate a nautical rope, chain, or Baroque theme, while others focus on equestrian themes of saddle straps and horse-bits. Think Versace, Hermes and Ralph Lauren.
Retailers like Zara and SHEIN have been heavy on these styles in a variety of patterns and prints; some crossing partially over into patchwork print, but the soft, fluid fabric and the flowy sheen of the fabric makes all the difference to elevating the look.
Of course, if I love the random patterns of patchwork, I was game for scarf-print, but in a price range more affordable than what you might pay for a Versace or Hermes item. While both Zara and Shein fall into that category, Shein was my preferred option. I'm inclined to believe these two use some of the same factories/manufacturers because not only does Shein have dupes of Zara items, but many times the items are identical, save for the label stitched into the neckline. The only difference is the markup in price, in which case I'm always going for the bargain. It amuses, though, how some rave about Zara, but turn up their nose at SHEIN, when it's practically the same thing, except one doesn't pretend to be something it isn't. The fact is, you don't always get what you pay for with everything. Sometimes what you're paying for is their overhead. SHEIN doesn't have brick and mortar locations, so they have less overhead (rent, salaries for sales associates, etc.), which translates into being able to charge less for their products. Economics 101.
I purchased a dress with this patchwork/scarf-print pattern for the Summer and loved it so much, I decided to get a second one in a midi-length for Fall; at least what passes for Fall and Winter in Miami. More fabric equals more coverage for semi-cool days and I envision pairing it, along with its shorter hemmed sister, with boots and layering with other items for more warmth, when needed. The dress featured in today's post is a wonderful new item from my Fall Wish List. It's flowy, comfy, full of host of colors I can play with when it comes to accessories and uber feminine. Besides being affordable, coming in at just $20, it's unproblematic as shirt dresses tend to be. Simple, easy dressing with maximum fashion sense. I wore it with the belt it came with, but looking forward to playing around with other belts to change things up and elevate it even more.
The buttons were a tad cheap looking, but if you're up for a bit of alterations, you can simply change those out for buttons of better quality. Overall, I consider it a quality item I plan to keep for as long as possible. Loved it so much, I'm considering adding a third dress of this type, but with richer, darker colors for the Winter season. This one, however, will absolutely take me into next Spring/Summer, making it a versatile item I can wear year-round.
My one regret is not wearing the green bag I initially considered for this outfit, but there's always next time!
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