When Reformation opened their store here in Atlanta, I ran, didn’t walk, to shop. Trying things on in-store is actually my favorite. It allows me to find the things I really love and not have to deal with shipping and returning and all that mess. While shopping, I saw this brown silk dress on a hanger and didn’t think anything of it. But when another woman in the dressing room area came out wearing it, I ran to grab my size.
As soon as I slipped it on I snapped a mirror selfie and set it to my girlfriends and said “we have to go hang out at a bar this dress is so sexy”. It’s SO good. I instantly fell in love. Like with all Reformation dresses, they are just cut so well for a woman’s body. Hugging your curves in all the right places. You can read more about my Reformation dress sizing guide here if you’ve never shopped the brand before.
I know the price point is a tad high, so I did want to share a more affordable similra option. To be honest, it’s almost too similar and kind of rubs me the wrong way that there’s so many Reformation knock offs. But it is what it is. This A&F version is very similar and comes in a few colors. I can pretty much guarantee you though that it will not fit as beautifully as this one. Period. You get what you pay for and that’s a lesson I have learned the hard way by wasting money on things I don’t truly love just to save a buck.
Two Ways To Style The Reformation Provence Silk Dress
When I bought this dress, I knew it was a bit pricy for my usual shopping habits. But it’s Reformation, it’s so good, I just loved it. And I felt so good in it. So I was determined to figure out ways to style it. Obviously it’s perfect for sitting at a swanky bar with a cocktail alongside friends. And for that, I’d do a strappy nude sandal or these Larroude raffia platforms. For the winter, I’d just swap the shoes for a black strappy pair and a black leahter jacket. And yes, YES, you can mix black and brown together (learn more here!)
Dress It Up
Let’s Dress it Down
And for a more casual look, my go-to addition is always a denim jacket. I would actually suggest swapping this more fitted one that I’m wearing (while a classic, it’s starting to feel a little dated to me) for something more oversized and cool. Definitely what the cool kids are wearing these days. Add a simple strappy sandal and you’re good to go. But honestly, you can totally wear a cool sneaker here as well. I’d do my platform chucks, or even my new high-top versions too.
Since this dress is so versatile, it may be my new must pack item for trips. I love when pieces can so easily go from day to night or casual to dressy. And as a perpetual over packer, it’s something I need to do more of. And it can easily go from city to countryside too. Wear it with a leather clutch and cool sneakers for a more edgy look. Or for a more summery laid back vacation vibe with sandals and a straw bag like I did here.
Dress It Down
What To Wear Under A Silk Slip Dress
Anytime I wear a silky dress like this, I always feel better with an extra layer underneath. I forgot to put them on when I shot this and I can totally see my granny panty lines (guilty!). I’m not a big fan of super heavy duty shapewear unless it’s absolutely necessary for an event or something. But I do enjoy what I like to call my Lazy Spanx. They’re a lighter shapewear that just sort of smooths you out and lets you move about and feel more comfortable and confident. There’s a bit of shaping in there, but you can totally wear them all day and breathe and feel like you’re just wearing a comfy pair of biker shorts.
Since silk can show every little thing underneath, it can be helpful to add these to your lingerie drawer to have on hand. I have a whole post on my favorite things to wear under dresses here.
