We asked our incredible stylist, Cat Hook (IG: @CatHook.Style), which pieces from the spring collection are the most versatile and why. These were her picks.
1. Sea Breeze Dress
Rarely would one choose a statement making dress when asked to name one of the 5 most versatile pieces in a collection, but Sea Breeze fits the bill. This navy shirt dress made in a net-like lace has all the qualities of a wardrobe hero. It is beautiful worn over its cotton voile detachable slip and cinched at the waist with its very nautical, rope-like belt. You can customize the look with your own favorite beIt or wear it without any belt as an easy a-line shift for a more casual feel.
Dress it up for an elegant evening out with the perfect shoe and jewelry or go completely casual with a flat sandal. These are all great ways to wear it as a dress, but don’t stop there. Allow it to double as a jacket. Wear it open as a statement topper over a pant or pencil skirt. While the weather is still on the chilly side, it can be layered over a long sleeve navy tee or lightweight knit, and when the temperature starts to rise, trade your long sleeves for a tank such as Rhodes or Converge.
With so many ways to wear, Sea Breeze is my number one pick for versatility.
2. Maritime Pants
Every woman needs a pair of navy pants in her closet even if it is for no other reason than to give her black bottoms a break. Spring calls us to lighten up, and if white and ivory are not quite right for your bottom half, then navy is the neutral for you. It provides a canvas for pop colors as well as pastels and whites, and navy-based prints, too. A column of navy is always chic and can be topped with a coordinating or contrasting cardigan or jacket. And since ETC’s spring collection is steeped in navy, Maritime will provide endless coordination options for you to choose from.
3. Nice Sweater
At first glance, this may look like just another ivory sweater. Not so! This polo style sweater is loaded with texture, dimension and interest. Its textural stripes with tiny accents of navy stitches give it lots of personality, and the navy is so dark it can be mistaken for black. So it makes a great match with either of our favorite dark neutrals. Nice can be worn as a sleeveless sweater, as a vest pulled over a crisp cotton shirt, or as an underpinning under your favorite jacket. So many ways to wear! So much versatility.
4. Nephele Blouse
A crisp white cotton shirt is always a good go-to, and Nephele offers a fresh update on the wardrobe staple. This silk-cotton sateen blouse is loaded with details and options. It has all the characteristics of a classic button front blouse along with a few twists. Encased bungees are tunneled through at the waist for adjustable shirring making your look and fit customizable each time you wear it. Loosen it up or cinch it in to suit your style for the day. Welt pockets, flap faux pockets at the chest and nickel hardware add to the interest level. And if a great white shirt isn’t enough for you, this blouse also can be worn open as a shirt jacket. Just pop it over your favorite tank as a lightweight topper for the warmer months.
5. Chatsworth Skirt
This floral jacquard wrap skirt scores major points for versatility. It’s the fabric that makes Chatsworth so right for so many occasions. The rich, textural jacquard is elegant enough to dress up for a party, serious enough to pair with a cardigan or jacket for the office, and comfortable enough to make it super casual with something as simple as a basic white tee. A crisp white cotton blouse or even an easy chambray shirt would also make a great casual pairing with the skirt. And let’s not forget this is a transitional piece, too. The olive ground popped with blues, reds and pinks makes this skirt a great go-to from early spring through summer and well into the fall.
Sea Breeze
Lace Shirt Dress With Rope Belt
$495
Nice
Nautical Stripe Sweater
$250
Maritime
Fluid Stretch Double-Weave Pants
$260
Nephele
Silk-Rich White Cotton Sateen Tunic Blouse
$350
Chatsworth
Floral-Jacquard Wrap Skirt
$275
