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Outfit Ensemble Trend Advice

Looking for some stylin' help...

merwoman

Veteran

While out shopping non-Nordstroms’ sales (le sigh…no Nordstroms in Canada…yet) I came across the perfect LBD. Happy dance!!!I’m keeping the dress – even hypercritical DD likes it, but I do have questions around styling it.
I think it’s a dress for all seasons even though the fabric is a little light-weight. In the summer I would wear bare legs – and in the winter I am thinking micro-fishnet (as pictured). Or is there a better alternative – nude hose, plain black sheer? And what about the necklace – too much? Maybe a couple of strands of pearls would be better?
Thanks for looking and all suggestions, comments greatly appreciated!

1

Dressing

20 replies
latest reply was from merwoman

Category

Dressing

Kari

(website)

Veteran

That dress is beautiful and is especially gorgeous on your figure. Wow!

I think that (especially as you wear a beautiful pair of glasses and a watch), I might tone down the accessories a bit and let the stunning LBD take center stage. Do you have a metallic purse, or something with a bit of sheen? I like the idea of a simple necklace - perhaps something that is simple, not chunky, and a few inches longer than this necklace.

merwoman

Veteran

Thank you for your kind words Kari - and great suggestions! I think I overdo the "pop" of colour at times. I have a lovely black Kate Spade shoulder bag with the perfect amount of sheen, but would prefer a clutch. Something to add to my shopping list. I'll try some simpler necklace alternatives too!

clearlyclaire

Veteran

That dress is incredible on you! I love the pink clutch with it, so much more fun than a black one. I'm trying to remember seeing all the ways of styling a LBD that I've seen on the forum, layering a white button down under, a pullover over (making it look like a skirt), blazers and capes over, with boots and tights, over leggings or skinnies, the list goes on and on. Have fun with it!

merwoman

Veteran

Thanks Claire! In the midst of a heat wave, I'm thinking Christmas party dress!
Love your ideas - they've really expanded my perspective on how to wear this dress. In addition to your suggestions, I'm seeing white button down over - maybe tied at the waist leggings and booties for a definitely more casual vibe.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

That dress is amazing on you! With or without hose, it's a winner.

I love the idea of a metallic clutch with this, and/or metallic shoes. Something to add a little shine to the black.

As for jewelry, I think I'd try a longer, simpler necklace. This one seems to compete with the neckline of the dress a little bit.

qpswan

What a charming dress! With your lovely long neck, I would suggest a pearl choker.

1

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You've styled it beautifully! What a killer frock!

How about NON-black shoes?

JR

What a lovely, lovely dress. You know what? If I were you, I would pull out virtually every necklace, scarf, jacket, and cardigan I owned and spend a good whack of time in front of the mirror, trying every wild, weird, and wonderful combination I could think of. I mean, the whole point of a LBD is the versatility, right? Although it's true that yours is so beautiful on its own, it does skew more to the formal side.

But I don't see any reason at all why you shouldn't vary the accessories according to mood and event, rather than trying to find a "perfect", one-size-fits-all combination. Pick your favourites and don't rate them as better or best, but as "elegant", "playful", "more casual", or whatever.

Have fun! I can hardly wait for the day when I find my LBD!

merwoman

Veteran

So many great ideas!

Janet - we are on the same wavelength - altho you can't see in the photo. shoes are rather shiny (some faux creature like material) with metallic loops. And I will definitely play around with necklace length - many thanks QPS for the choker suggestion!
And thank you Angie for the confidence boost - pre YLF this dress would never have come home with me. Love the thought of non-black shoes...red comes to mind, as well as a few other combos.

merwoman

Veteran

You're absolutely right JR! Once the temperature cools down a bit, it's back into the closet for me! Keep looking, your LBD is out there ( sung to the tune of "someday my prince will come...:)

JR

LOL! Well, like so many other things, it's on hold till I've reached a more permanent size and shape. Unless of course I get lucky at a thrift store or on a super-clearance.

Midwest Girl

Beautiful dress. You will get a lot of use out this purchase, and I can very much see this dress with a long strand of pearls knotted in the "Angie style."

KathyL

Awesome dress. Another vote for non-black shoes. Maybe silver or red for the pop of color (I just got a pair of red pumps and love pairing them with all black outfits).

April

Veteran

I like the chunky, "tough" necklace if you're looking to edge up this lovely dress. Pearls would certainly be more classic, but would also make it ultra-dressy. Great if you're wearing it in a dressy way, but if you're dressing it down a bit, I like what you've done.

Other ways to wear it in a less dressed-up manner: add a short moto jacket, or a jean jacket.

merwoman

Veteran

Thanks for your kind words and suggestions ladies!
MWGirl - I love how Angie does her pearls!
I agree Kathy - red shoes would be awesome - but need to switch the bag out.
April - I had similar thoughts about the chunky necklace, but seems to be a minority viewpoint. I've tried a jean jacket with a number of my outfits, just doesn't seem to work for me. Maybe I just haven't found the right jacket...

Deborah

(website)

Veteran

Great find. This is is beautiful dress on you;). Love your styling here and I think you have a multitude of options.

Meredith1953

Veteran

The dress is very lovely and you wear it well! I think that the fun will be finding all the different vibes you can give it by using different toppers etc. With the necklace you have on, it might be fun to try patterned sheer dark hosiery and short ankle boots with a leather jacket to top it. There is really no limit to what can be done with a LBD so just have fun!

JR

The chunky necklace is great when you want a bit of a funky edge, so it works well with the bright pink purse. The denim jacket would be pushing it with this dress, IMHO.

merwoman

Veteran

So true Meredith with regards to styling options...love the sound of the leather jacket and short ankle boots!
JR - you make a good point about coordinating accessories to match the mood they evoke. Always a fine line between creaing a delightful juxtaposition of styles versus a crazy mishmash.

merwoman

Veteran

Thanks again everyone for your kind words and sharing your stylin' wisdom!