{Michael Kors Trench Dress via RueLaLa (similar here, and I LOVE this one!), Uniqlo Cashmere Sweater, Prada Baroque Sunglasses, Hue Tights, Thrifted Boots}

Next to pink maryjanes, I don’t think there’s a clothing item I love wearing more than a proper trench coat dress.  I’ve had some version of this silhouette on major rotation in my closet for the past 10 years.  They’re timeless, polished, and a little bit playful. And the best part is that you can wear them year-round: you can go sleeveless in the spring and summer time or layer them up with a sweater and blazer in the cooler months.

Trust me, I know what I’m talking about…

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{Miss Sixty Peacoat (similar), Banana Republic Striped Dress, Forever 21 Knit Beret, Target Red Patent Belt, Prada Baroque Sunglasses, Dooney & Bourke ‘Happy’ Bag, Zara Red Patent Shoes, Bulova Watch, Bracelets via Henri Bendel and TJ Maxx}

I know I always sound like a broken record this time of the year, but I really am soooo over winter!  We got a brief hint of spring last weekend when the temps climbed to a steamy 50 degrees (hence the nude stockings in these photos), but we were quickly snapped back to reality when the temps plummeted back below freezing this week.  Ahhh, c’est la vie!

At least I have a new dress to cheer me up.  Speaking of which, I’m kind of in love with it.  The contrasting pleats remind me of a cheerleader’s uniform, plus they make pretty cool twirling effects (not that I would know first hand, of course).  And since it seems like I’ve been wearing black and dark colors all week, I decided to throw in a touch of color with red accessories.

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This post is linked up with Trend Spin.

{H&M Blazer, Uniqlo Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, Zara Faux Fur Stole (similar here and here), Club Monaco Hat, Banana Republic Stripe ‘Sloan’ Pants, Prada Baroque Sunglasses, 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target Handbag, Moda Patent Pumps}

If someone told me that horizontal striped pants could be flattering a few weeks ago, I seriously would have given them the side eye… but then again I’m a skeptic by nature, so I’ve probably given everyone the side eye at some point. Even when I used to watch Sesame Street as a child, I refused to believe that Big Bird was always that cheerful.  To me, Oscar was the only trust-worthy character on that show…

Ok, back to the outfit!  I was very pleasantly surprised when these pants arrived in the mail.  My narrow hips combined with a full seat and thighs can sometimes make it challenging to find slacks that fit to my liking.  I’ve tried Banana Republic pants in the past with no luck, but their Sloan fit might just be my new best friend.  According to BR’s site, they’re made from a “power stretch” fabric that has “amazing recovery”.  Marketing jargon aside, I will say that the pants do have a nice stretch to them that doesn’t lead to SBS* by the end of the day.

You can believe that I’ll be checking these out in other colors!

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*Note: SBS = Saggy Booty Syndrome