8.17.16 16

Forever 21 Find

There I was, less than 48 hours before my flight to Charleston took off, and I had absolutely nothing to wear to The Blog Societies Annual Conference Welcome Party.

Of course, nothing to wear is a relative term. Sure, I have a closet full of dresses, skirts, and heck, even rompers that would fit the bill. But, I loved the excuse to buy a new dress. So I skipped class for one of the first times ever and headed off to the mall on a Monday night to scope the scene.

If you’ve been to a blogger conference/sorority gathering/any bar on a Saturday night, you know that picks from what I like to call the big three—J Crew, LOFT, and Banana—run rampant. So I knew I’d have to get a little creative, and stray away from my usual retail destinations. And because I just moved and was saving up for all that good food in Charleston, I knew this impulse outfit purchase could not break the bank.

So I did something I probably haven’t done since 2013—I went to Forever 21.

how to wear cutout dresses

how to wear cutout dresses

Now don’t get me wrong, my closet still has quite a few Forever 21 remnants from my going-out-in-college days, but I hadn’t added any new F21 pieces lately. They just don’t hold up over time, I’m not that trendy or boho, and usually, I don’t have time to dig through the racks and racks of disorganized fast fashion.

But for some reason, that particular Monday, I worked up the strength and sorted through hoards and hoards of crop tops to find a hidden gem: this Forever 21 Contemporary Floral Dress.

Usually, I’m not one for cutouts. But this number, which has both front and back cutouts, was very conservative, so I took it to me with the dressing room, but still wasn’t expecting too much.

(I mean, does one go into any Forever 21 dressing room expecting a lot?)

Forcing an open mind, I put it on, and bam, I knew it was the perfect under $30 look for the first night of TBScon. I received so many compliments on this number in-person and on the ‘gram, so if you’re looking for a cocktail chic dress, this one should shoot to the top of your list. Who knew Forever 21 still had it in them? My 2008 self would be proud.

how to wear cutout dresses

how to wear cutout dresses

how to wear cutout dresses

*** SHOP THE POST ***
Forever 21 Contemporary Floral Dress—similar here, here, and here
Michael Kors Chronograph Runway Watch—new version here
J Crew Factory Stacked Heel Sandal
OPI Alpine Snow
Revlon Lustrous Lipstick ‘Cherries in the Snow’

///

Photos by Monica Dutia

Leave a Comment

16 Comments

  1. Annie wrote:

    This dress is fab on you! Wouldn’t have guessed F21, but I love it – ours in Charleston is always my go-to the day before an event or trip as I decide I just have nothing to wear. Some of my favorite pieces this summer are from there and H&M – go figure!!

    Published 8.17.16
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Thank you so much! And yes – go figure! Guess I need to go “digging” more often!

      Published 8.20.16
      Reply
  2. Kathryn wrote:

    Love this floral print! And I so have the same sentiments towards F21 — don’t much go there anymore, but it is nice to get a great deal on something!
    Xx, K
    http://www.jassamineelaine.com

    Published 8.17.16
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Could not agree more! Great minds!

      Published 8.20.16
      Reply
  3. Brittany wrote:

    Very very cute! I get so overwhelmed in Forever 21!

    -The View From Up Here

    Published 8.17.16
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      I do too! Sometimes it is worth the digging around :]

      Published 8.20.16
      Reply
  4. I love a good Forever 21 find! Such a cute floral print for Charleston, hope the conference was amazing!
    xx Tess | Sequins are the New Black

    Published 8.17.16
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Thank you so much, lady! xo

      Published 8.20.16
      Reply
  5. sheila j wrote:

    girl im obessed this is soooooo cute 🙂 and now i want to go shopping not fair

    Published 8.17.16
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Thanks so much lady!

      Published 8.20.16
      Reply
  6. Kate wrote:

    Wishing I had known about this dress a few days ago 🙁 I’m going to an event tonight and it would’ve been perfect! So cute! Love the floral print and the tie in the back. And what a steal!

    Taffeta & Tulips

    Published 8.18.16
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Thanks so much, Kate! I am sure whatever you found looks FAB!

      Published 8.20.16
      Reply
  7. kelsey wrote:

    This dress is so pretty! I love little finds at forever 21, and I love how it looks like you’re wearing a choker! So cute!!
    xoxo, Kelsey
    nyposh.blogspot.com

    Published 8.21.16
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Aw thanks so much lady! xo

      Published 9.3.16
      Reply
  8. Abby wrote:

    That is a pretty find! I love the adorable floral print and the neckline!

    Abby of Life in the Fash Lane

    Published 8.21.16
    Reply
    • Katie wrote:

      Thanks so much lady! xo

      Published 9.3.16
      Reply