One Dress - Three Looks

Are you struggling to find an outfit to wear for photos Let's start by shopping your closet, because I'm betting that you do have something in there, and with a little styling, it can be picture perfect.

I challenged myself to use one dress and style it three different ways to create three unique looks. The dress I chose was a light pink fit and flare dress with a white collar off Amazon. I toyed with going with a long-sleeved black dress, but that was giving me Wednesday Addams vibes, and I wanted the dress to be versatile. Photo pictured is from Amazon listing.

Once I got the dress, I realized how similar the dress was to Eleven's dress in Season 1 of Stranger Things. Could I shop my closet and re-create Eleven's signature look? Absolutely I could!

Millie Bobby Brown slays as El--the patient who escaped from Hawkins Labs. Re-creating this retro look was a lot of fun--keep in mind the show takes place in the early 1980's--a few years before I was born.

I had two choices for El's blonde wig, but neither was an exact match. I opted for the gray ombre wig that I used for our 2021 Halloween photos, since Garth's wig had bangs that I wasn't feeling. I did edit the gray to give it a bit more of a golden blonde tone.

My denim jacket is at least ten years old, but I found a more accurate 1980's jacket off Amazon. I definitely wore socks, just like El's in Junior High and High School in the late 90's and early 2000's and I have been rocking these since I got them. My rainbow Puma sneakers were thrifted, and I couldn't find an exact match on Amazon, but I did like these rainbow sneaks. I also debated wearing my white hightop Converse (also thrifted), but I was really feeling the retro rainbow vibe.

El loves Eggo waffles, right?! Mike gave her Eggos, Hopper gives her Eggos. I needed Eggos for this shoot. Unfortunately, my husband did not understand the importance of the actual name brand, so I have store brand frozen waffles, so no photos with the box.

I love the yellow seamless paper I used for El's photos. Although, an orange would likely have been a better fit to symbolize Hawkin's Middle School--I'm still really pleased with how the photos turned out--especially considering I took these with my tripod and remote.

Next up, I wanted a preppy 1950's vibe for the photos. I wanted cute and innocent. I think I nailed it with this look.

I searched high and low for my white Old Navy cardigan that I have had for 14 years (it's a staple!) But it must have made it in the donation pile during my last pregnancy/clear out the entire closet de-stash. Luckily, I have the world's best neighbors and they lent me this open front cardigan with lace accents. I found a very similar one on Amazon. I paired the look with some knock-off pearl earrings and my favorite oxford heels. I was really hoping to wear a cross necklace for this look, but I don't have one. Instead, I wore a green crystal necklace that my husband gifted me for Christmas while we were dating. I found similar one on Amazon.

The third and final look for my Pink Dress Challenge was a punk rocker look. In high school and college, I was a bit of a punk. I was grounded on more than one occasion after coming home with a new facial piercing.

My absolute favorite item from this portion of the session is the faux leather bomber jacket. I had been eyeballing them for months, but I made the purchase on Prime Day--definitely worth it! In high school I rocked a pair of black combat books that I had ordered from the Wet Seal catalogue--yes kids, back in my day you sent a check with an order form in the mail to get your clothing items. I wore those for about ten years before the sole detached completely from the boot. I grabbed a new pair from Wal-Mart, but these from Amazon are similar.

I think the accessories really make the look for this outfit. I had bought the belt to wear for a steam punk session, but it hasn't happened yet due to schedules, so I thought I'd give it a try with the Pink Dress. The earrings are difficult to see against the dark backdrop of the photos. I'm also wearing a faux septum piercing in the photos. I has originally bought the multi-pack to see if I'd like me with a nose ring again--spoiler, I did. I also learned that although the septum piercing was fun, it's not for me in the long run. Again, in high school, I went to a lot of punk concerts, so fishnet stockings were always very common. I still love them. Maybe someday I will grow up--but that day is not today. Tomorrow isn't looking good either.

So, what was the point of this experiment? Well, I challenged myself to create three unique looks based off one simple dress. I changed the entire photos by adding layers (jackets, sweaters, jewelry) and brought in texture. I changed my hair style from a wig, to straight, and even space buns. I swapped out sneakers, to heels, to combat boots. If I would have added a scarf, I could have concealed the collar of the dress completely.

If you have an item in your wardrobe that you love and fits great--with a bit of styling assistance, it can become your go-to outfit for photos. Reach out anytime if you need styling assistance.

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