Full spring ahead in a floral babydoll dress.
This post contains affiliate links.
I’m in a major floral mood over here, guys. And this dress is perfect for a mood like this! Bright flooms, floaty chiffon, and a short hemline. A babydoll dress is just the dress for some springtime twirling.
Here’s what I love about a babydoll: there’s lot of room. Sure, you’re showing leg, but it’s offset by all that volume in the skirt. So the dress doesn’t end up seeming as short as it is. Balance, baby!
The orange pops in this floaty babydoll dress inspired me to grab these orange heels I scored over the winter from Amazon– you could call ’em a quarantine purchase. I’ve been snapping up quite a few pairs of shoes with a translucent feature (peep these blue snakeskin slingbacks from last week) and I couldn’t resist these under $40 stunners. They come in a ton of colors, too! A quick swipe of an orange-y red lip (Selena nailed it with this shade) and the outfit was late-April perfect.
Shop the look:
By this point in the spring, I’m normally back on my self-tanning routine. I’m usually all bronzed up and ready to go. But there’s something about this year coming out of COVID (metaphorically if not actually, as we wait for vaccinations to go up and cases to go down) that has me not in any hurry to pick up that part of my beauty routine. (Hello, super pale legs!)
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good (fake) golden tan, but I’ve also learned to embrace my natural complexion a bit more. Even though it’s nearly translucent and not the beauty standard I grew up with (or one that jives with the current Instagram Filtering Method of Choice), it’s kinda nice not having to have 4 different foundation shades on hand to rotate as your tan fades, DHA-stained sheets, or the fear of wearing white and the dreaded tan transfer.
Come to think of it, there are a few things I stopped doing in quarantine because I didn’t need to anymore– self-tanning, wearing makeup every day, always having a pedicure– that I haven’t picked back up as things inched back to normal. I realized I never needed to do them; I just felt like I did. And when I didn’t “have” to, I realize I didn’t want to. At least not every day or because society deemed it appropriate.
So now I’m looking at those once-omnipresent rituals and reevaluating where they fit in my routine. Do I still love a full face? Yep. Just not all the time. And if you love to wear a full face every day? Do it, go for it, that’s awesome. But, for example, I’m not sure I’ll ever wear a full face of makeup to the office because I feel like I have to. And maybe I don’t have a perma-tan April through October without fail for fear of someone seeing my bright white calves.
What has fallen out of your beauty routine over the last year?
Linking up with Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, The Fashion Canvas, I Do DeClaire, Style Splash, Straight A Style, Living on Cloud Nine, Effortlessly Sophisticated, Curly Crafty Mom + Doused in Pink, Mummabstylish, Elegance & Mommyhood, Nancy’s Fashion Style, Confessions of a Montreal Styling Diva, Lizzie in Lace, Shelbee on the Edge, The Grey Brunette, My Random Musings, Glass of Glam, and Away from the Blue.
Looking beautiful and natural, in these colors, nice flowy dress
Thank you!
This dress is so dreamy! Love how flowy it is! And those orange heels are fabulous! I’ve worked from home for years but with quarantine, there are more zoom calls so I feel like I’m wearing makeup more than I did before at work but less on the weekends.
Jill – Doused in Pink
That’s a good point, Jill! I actually don’t wear makeup on my Zoom calls, lol. Blue light glasses seem to make a huge difference in not making me look “tired” without eye makeup. I’m sure I’ll modify that a little bit when we’re back in the office, but I don’t think I’ll be like full-face all the time, like I used to be.
That is such a great dress, the pattern is so perfect for spring/summer and I love the relaxed fit of dresses like this. They just have so much movement in them! There are honestly so many things I’ve stopped doing during the pandemic (like regularly painting my nails) and I’m not totally sure I’ll ever really pick them back up again.
Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
The movement is really fun to play with- bodycon has its time and place, but lately I’ve been reaching for things oversized + with lots of room!
I love that we’ve refined our beauty routines over this last year! We should do the things we LIKE and that make us happy/feel good, and ditch the rest. That list is going to change over time and that’s okay- just do what’s right/feels good for you, right now.
Since I didn’t have much of a beauty routine before, things haven’t changed much for me. I am getting a pedicure this week though, it has been 7 or so months!
Pretty in florals: love this dress paired with these fun shoes.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
A pedicure will be so lux + relaxing!
Suas postagens são ótimas, estou seguindo seu blog e curtindo bastante!! Parabéns!
Thank you!
I’m a sucker for anything floral print, so it’s no surprise I love this dress. Those heels are hot hot hot, too!
I just loved the explosion of blooms on this dress- and the color palette is so pretty! 🙂
So effortlessly pretty, loving all the fun colors for spring <3
Green Fashionista
Thanks, babe! Happy Hump Day!
You are springtime personified in this dress!
I don’t know that I gave anything up specifically during covid/quarantine…I’d given up a lot of things already, ha ha. But my VIBE is definitely more casual and boyish now.
I am finding I’m having to GIVE UP some things I started during covid/quarantine that just don’t fit easily in the “go to the office to work” mode. Sadly. I miss late morning freshly-made breakfasts, lunchtime showers, mini-exercise and stretching breaks throughout the day. And music. As loud as I want it. And chair dancing.
Boo.
I am with you- when we have to go back, I’m going to miss not being able to do a spin class between meetings and then grab an afternoon shower! Those are SO. NICE. And having a lower-key, slower morning (even though I’m obviously checking work email and addressing anything pressing) is something I’ve found I really enjoy.
Fabulous outfit! I’m a big fan of florals, and this dress is no exception. The orange heels are so fun and flirty. Beautiful!
My beauty routines have changed with different life events. After getting badly sunburned a couple of times in my teens, I decided to embrace my pale skin. In fact, I’ve toyed with bringing back parasols. LOL!
When I retired, I quit coloring my hair, getting my nails done, and wearing makeup. For years, makeup had irritated my eyes, but due to work, I felt it necessary. In hindsight I realize that was dumb. I was glad to be done with it. I don’t miss getting my hair done, but it turns out, I do miss getting my nails, so I’m renewing that practice today. 😄
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
You know, I might just be on board for a parasol revival! Ha! I love that big hats are in and they shield your face from the sun- I just have to remember to wear ’em!
I love that you have refined your beauty routine over the years to suit you! That’s beautiful! Whatever we do, it should make us feel good and not be something we feel we HAVE to do!
This dress is so pretty!!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer!
I adore this feminine dress! The heels are perfect with it.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
These heels are new faves, for sure- and now that it’s warm enough I can finally wear ’em!
Ooh LA LA! So twirl worthy and ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!
Gotta watch those spring wind gusts, but yes! Such a fun dress to twirl around in! Hope you’re having a lovely week, babe!
It tickles me pink to hear you say that about your skin Ashley. Once I gave up the need to be tan, I felt like it’s been so freeing (and easier). It makes me sad to think we feel the need to be a certain color in order to look better!! I wrote a post about it years ago, and haven’t looked back since!! (and my legs are way whiter than yours, haha)
Love the dress. It reminds me of the tunic the three of us are wearing on my blog next week!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Yes! I remember that post! It was so freeing for you, and I love that. I’m experiencing something similar- at least for now. I’m all for anything we can do to feel GOOD in our own bodies, period! 🙂
This dress is the absolute cutest on you! Love those gorgeous orange heels too! So fun!
Thank you, Laura! 🙂 Hope you’re having a great week!
Well you know that I am all about a minimalist look and it is trending for sure. I think it is refreshing and LOVE these shoes they look so luxe and expensive and for some reason they feel very much like from the Mad Men era.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Yes! I’ve been seeing lots of “how I did my makeup before” and “how I do my makeup now” comparison vids and it’s wild! I think we’re all trending toward that super minimal, fresh look and it’s so nice!
Yessssss to these colors and this dress! You are almost summer ready 🙂 I’m getting a pedicure soon, since I’m fully vaccinated today. Gosh, my toes need it after a year of nothing!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Oooh a pedicure! That will be so relaxing! Right in time for sandal season, too!
I adore this dress on you, so very pretty and feminine! Those orange heels are gorgeous!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
I am loving the heels, too! Super fun. And will be just as eye-catching with a pair of jeans!
Yay! Spring must have arrived because Ashley is wearing pretty floral! That’s how I keep track of the seasons — by watching how you dress.
And you’re right — the disruption caused by the pandemic has given us a perfect occasion to examine our choices with makeup and grooming. We should, going forward, do what we WANT, not what we believe society says we should. And that’s different for every woman. Smart point!
Haha, that’s so sweet of you to say! And I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one reevaluating my routines (beauty and otherwise) as we’ve been in this pandemic over a year now. Doing what we WANT- like you say- is really the key. Whatever makes you happy and makes you feel beautiful- go for it! If that changes, that’s okay!
You look fantastic in this floral dress and those heels are wonderful!
Thank you! Aren’t these heels fun?! 🙂
This dress screams SPRING and I love it! Such a perfect dress to twirl in.
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Thanks so much, Rach!
Love this look and especially how your lip color ties it all together!
XX Angelica
https://eraenvogue.com
I love this outfit so much! The dress is so perfect for spring/summer!
Molly xx
https://volumesofbeauty.com
I’ve never self tanned and I’m super pale because I make sure to be sun safe – it’s definitely easier that way than spending hours trying to fake something, haha! 🙂
that’s a cute dress, I like the washed out look of the print, really fun with the bright heels!
Hope that you are having a nice week 🙂
Away From The Blue
Perfection. I love it for Spring.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
I have olive skin, so I don’t really feel I need to using tanning products as I’m never super pale. I have stopped wearing makeup daily and it saves me SO much time. I do put it on if I have something going on, though.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Oops! I sent the comment before I was done. I really love the flow of this dress and I agree it doesn’t look too short. I don’t wear a lot of orange, but these orange heels work so well with it!!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
I love this outfit! And I’ve def been wearing waaaaaay less makeup than I ever have. I feel like I’ve learned to embrace my natural face more. I still love makeup but just not as much as I used to!
Tracy
https://www.findyourdazzle.com
Love this floral dress! You look gorgeous!
xx, Jane
http://www.fitfabfunmom.com
Love babydoll dresses, they’re adorable!! And your orange shoes are sooo fierce. I’d love a pair! Xx
Such a breath of fresh air! the hair, the shoes and the dress of course. Just gorgeous !
Edwige | http://www.hypnozglam.com
Hi
Ashley you look wonderful in that dress, but you have to be careful with a windy day ahahah !! When I was younger I didn’t like seeing my skin color so pale, but as you say I learned to accept my body just as it is !! And, you have plenty of time to sunbathe when this terrible nightmare is over !!
xoxo
marisasclosetblog.com
good question and honestly I pretty much stopped doing everything other than just dressing up haha!
I absolutely enjoyed the year of no make up, no hair styling, no getting nails done and the list goes on. I miss going out like crazy but not the getting ready routine.
You look fabulous in prints and the shoes are fabulous xx
Elegant Duchess xx
https://www.elegantduchess.com/
OMG, that dress is so cute!
Love,
Alexandra |FERBENA Fashion Blog
Ashley, you look freaking gorgeous! That dress is super cute. I’d probably have to wear jeans with it though, because I don’t have legs like yours!!
Hugs
Suzy xx
P.S Don’t forget to come and link up today!
Beautiful Ashley!
Omg same here… I am usually tan by now, but haven’t gotten the urge to do a self-tan.
http://www.fashionradi.com
Such a great combination. I love the look!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk
Some days I just let my skin “breathe” and dont wear makeup, especially if I am not going anywhere.
Love this dress! I have a few like this style and I love it with a heel. Those are some cool shoes!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
This dress is so flowy and playful, I love how it looks on you! <3
http://www.couture-case.com
This dress is so flowy and playful, I love how it looks on you! <3
http://www.couture-case.com
Amazing floral dress ❤
You look flawless, as always, and the photographs are all gorgeous! What a LOOK!!
You look stunning in this dress! I love how you match it with the shoes. Absolutely loving our body, even without makeup, without a hairstyle, is always the best choice to make for ourself 🙂
Love the print of this dress, and the cut as well! The length and neckline make it look flattering for many body types!
Your dress is very pretty and I love your shoes!
https://chicchedimamma.com/
You look very beautiful!
Your floral dress is so beautiful. I love it!
https://itslizzie.space/
Absolutely beautiful, Ashley!! Love the color of the heels with this pretty dress.
Make Life Marvelous
Such a pretty dress! I love how you’ve picked out the orange with those fabulous shoes and lipstick. My legs are so pale, but the weather isn’t great here so I’m in no hurry to slap the fake tan on! Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com