I found this cotton dress on the Gap sale rack last week for a whopping $15 and yes, I was this excited when I found it. Why? Because it’s a blank canvas with so many different styling options, three of which I’m going to share with you!

Basics are making their way in to my wardrobe more and more and it is truly because of the versatility, plus they become closet staples. As long as you take care of them with proper laundering and storage, you can wear basics season after season. This dress from Gap caught my eye because of length (I’m a tall gal) and because it has pockets. I mean, how can you beat that?

Here are some of my favorite ways to style this dress – and this is just the beginning! 🙂

1. The “Cool and Casual”

It’s the weekend and you have a full list of errands to get through. There’s no time for fuss, just time for functionality. Add a crossbody bag, some comfortable sandals (I opted for Birkenstocks), and hoop earrings to complete your look. If hoops aren’t your thing, try an earring that dangles. With a crossbody bag, your necklace may get tangled and you run the risk of damaging it. No fun!

2. The Socialite

There’s nothing I love more in summertime than happy hour on a patio, mixing and mingling with friends. This look easily transitions from day to night with a light layering piece and some statement jewelry. Because the dress is a bit longer, I balanced it out with my long giraffe and tassel necklaces.

Concerned about footwear? A wedge sandal gives you a bit of a lift, but it is still functional in case you and your crew decide to trek a few blocks to another spot.

3. The Lady Boss

Work attire in summer can sometimes be a struggle depending on where you live, and here in Sacramento, we know what to expect June-September. Cotton is an office-acceptable fabric in summer, but it’s all about how you wear it. This dress was an easy start: it’s a darker color, it’s lined, and the perfect length for the office.

But not all office settings are created equal! Some dress codes don’t allow for sleeveless dresses, so add a structured top layer to class it up. It’s also nice to have if your employer cranks the AC all the way up ;). Because I love a splash of color, I had to sport my orange blazer. The only thing left is to throw on a pump and you’re good to go!

TLG Tip: You don’t have to stick to a dark colored dress for all of these styling options. Have fun with color! My favorites this season are magenta, turquoise and yellow. If you love the dress that I’ve featured, I encourage you to check online for availability at your local store. The price is much lower 😀

What do you think about the different looks? Which is your fav? Leave a comment below and let me know!

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Photos by Christie Spencer Photography