No two people are the same and the same sentiment goes for style. We see similar 'vibes' all the time, but, ultimately, style is a very personal thing. To spotlight the eclectic tastes that make us who we are, and the stylistic nuances that hold the power to transform looks, our Two Takes series sees the Because team stamp their style on key pieces. This week, Editor, Josephine Platt, and Fashion Assistant, Carmen Bellot, take on summer dresses.


Pump up the volume


Josephine says: "Cecilie Bahnsen's midi dress makes me want to skip through the city (albeit imagining I'm skipping through rolling meadows) – and for such activities, trainers make for its best bedfellows. Unlike Carmen's open-toe sandal look, I'm opting for multicoloured Salomons (FYI the trekking shoe is tipped to be the new 'dad' shoe), which teeter on the louder side. Balancing out the boldness, I've gone busy up top too, care of Loeffler Randall's bucket hat with a leopard print twist. Meanwhile, Aligheri's classic Dante-inspired gold pendant lends itself as a delicate focal and conversational point.



Carmen says: "With a dress this cutesy, it’s easy to get swept away in the innate prettiness of its volume. To bring a new dimension to the ruffled number I’ve layered it over a Ninety Percent Tie Dye Bodysuit, and added some Le Specs Sunglasses to give the look a bit more 'edge'. In the shoe department, I've kept things summery with Aeydē siren red sandals that bring the whole look together."



Retro Revisited


Josephine says: "The personification of 'throw-on-and-go', Loretta Caponi's Italian-crafted and retro-in-feel maxi dress makes summer dressing a breeze – literally and figuratively for its loose design and the minimal thinking time when slipping it on. Teaming it with Staud's netted bucket bag and & Other Stories' sandals (that offer a head-to-toe tonal look) sends me to Riviera reverie."



Carmen says: "To give Loretta Caponi's daisy print smock a modern styling update, I’ve looked to a Bardot-style shoulder to breathe new life into the silhouette. Furthering this modern predilection, I've contrasted the hue with Yuul Yie's electric pink sandals; throwing Scotria's innovative colour-block 'rocket bucket bag' into the mix, alongside a Maria Black necklace to elevate this vintage design for 21st Century London life."



Button up


Josephine says: "If you know me personally, you'll know there's a theme with my footwear: trainers. They're my failsafe default. Adding my stamp to an otherwise trés girly plaid maxi dress from Urban Outfitters, here I've opted for a chunky iteration from Acne Studios – throwing in a chunky silver hoop for good measure."



Carmen says: "I wanted to hero a button down that ticked all the boxes for the upcoming festival season: playful, flattering and lightweight. And, without a doubt, this Urban Outfitters number is all of the above and more for all-night dancing. To make the look all the more festival-apropos, COS' bucket hat steps in for much-needed UV-ray protection (while delivering style kudos), and Alexa Chung's military boots make like a partner-in-crime for stomping around mud-filled fields."


Also on Because Magazine:

These are the totes giving Mary Poppins a run for her money.

Dara Huang is crushing hard on this week's #WomanCrushWednesday.

Danish skincare brand Ecooking is saving us from chip-strap tan lines.