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Dressing Your Best

- By Martini Severin

My love of day dresses was borne out of a strong preference for vibrant prints and getting out of the house on time without multiple wardrobe changes. Slipping on a dress is the easiest way for me to get out of the house in the morning. In case you're curious by how the process goes, one chooses a dress, dons it, selects shoes and accessories—a belt or maybe a bracelet—and there you have it. Outfit selection process complete.

No matching of bottoms and tops. No tucking of blouses into trousers. No decisions on which blouse, t-shirt, sweatshirt—you name it—should be best paired with your skirt, shorts or jeans. You put a dress on and you are done, my friend. In the winter, I opt for warm tights, boots and a cardigan with my winter or summer dresses. And voilà. How easy is that?!

And so, I'm very pleased to share the following guide to the best stores that will help you dressing your best here in Boston. As you start shopping, I encourage you to keep an open mind and to frequent shops you otherwise might not visit. You might find exactly what you want in a shop that is known to sell "preppy" clothes, though you are an "edgy" girl. Simply, you may be surprised that there is a look that will fit your aesthetic no matter where you shop. Lastly, as you are browsing, be sure to keep your tailor in mind. Hem lengths can always be shortened, longs sleeves can be taken off or made into cap sleeves, and darts can be added to make a dress that doesn't quite fit properly look as if it were made for you.

Below, I've listed a few boutiques at which you will find a day dress that will work for your wardrobe for years to come.

Helen Dress
(Photo Credit: Dress)

Dress

221 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 424-7125
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-6pm; Sun 12am-5pm
website

Here is a one-stop shop if you're looking for a dress for just about any occasion. Don't be fooled by the name though, Dress offers shoes, handbags, jeans and much more.

Outside Basiques
(Photo Credit: Basiques)

Basiques

172 Newbury St
Boston, MA
857-445-0144
website and info

The name of Basiques says it all. Here is where one goes to buy cornerstones to a great wardrobe for work and play. The dresses from Basiques are timeless yet of the moment all at once. I invested in a black wrap dress which Sheri Falk, the owner tailored specifically for my height and narrow shoulders.

Lyn Devon Dress
(Photo Credit: Louis Boston)

Louis Boston

60 Northern Ave
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 262-6100 ‎
Hours: Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Wednesday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Thursday –
Saturday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
website

Louis is the place to go for hard to find and up-and-coming designers. If you are interested in purchasing investment pieces that are full of drama yet are timeless, you can't go to a better place. Here you'll find well-crafted gems from designers such as Marni and Jonathan Saunders.

Clothes
(Photo Credit: Vintage Revenge)

Vintage Revenge

1105 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-498-0999
website and info

There's no beating the service at Vintage Revenge, the owner, Denise, is wonderful and will patiently help you find just the right dress. Every piece of clothing in her shop is dry cleaned. There's always something wonderful hiding on chock-full racks of clothes.

Martini blogs on the Boston fashion scene at BeyondBostonChic.com. She goes in search of the latest trends and snaps shots of men and women around the city who really understand style.

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