Like many of you, I just returned from Spring Break with the family and just cannot shake the fun carefree vibe you get from a great vacation (more about beautiful Seaside, Florida, to come)! Getting back to work was tough, and I  just did not want to slip back into my winter suit phase with this gorgeous Houston weather that followed me back from Florida! So off to my closet I went in search of something that shouted Spring, but was also appropriate for work (why oh why can’t palazzo pants, tanks and sandals be deemed business attire?!). I was immediately drawn to this cheerful mixed print dress — it just makes me smile.  However, since I do work in a busy law office, I paired it with one of my favorite tailored black jackets and a multi-strand beaded necklace to make it more “corporate” friendly.

During the working hours, I usually have to keep my fashion fairly conservative, yet stylish! I can’t teeter into the courtroom with my sky high heels or fun and flirty dresses. So when the chance arises to mix it up, I adore throwing on color and patterns. Mixing stripes and floral is not a new trend, but it has worked well for years and never gets boring.

I love this sleeveless striped tank dress with a bold floral pop — it makes me feel like a walking piece of art. I like how the stripes tone down the pops of crazy color, and with this super cute open style jacket, I can even wear this to Sunday brunch or a Springtime wedding shower. Take off the jacket and change up the jewelry, and this would be a fabulous outfit for an al fresco dinner date or girl’s night out. This dress is truly versatile, and I am smitten with the hidden side pockets in the skirt.

The on-trend Vince booties (which, by the way, are so incredibly comfortable!) give the dress a little edge, but sandals and and a ponytail would be the perfect accessories to take this look to an outdoor barbeque or yacht party! Re-purposing an outfit has become de rigueur – Kate Middleton has become the queen (no pun intended) at re-inventing her to-die-for wardrobe. This stylish dress can give you many looks this spring and summer without even trying too hard. Delight everyone around you in this ensemble.

Dress: Nordstrom (also here) | Jacket: TopShop  (also here) | Booties: Vince (also here) | Clutch: Similar here (more fun clutches here, beautiful splurge  here, and here) | Necklace: Similar here (also here, here, here, and here for similar) | Bracelet: John Hardy (without diamonds here)

Photos: Kelli Elizabeth Photography