Ok, I think that worked.

Next is an AT LBD that has been sitting in my closet for years because I don't know how to accessorize it- other than just a necklace. Does the shirt work under it?
http://i654.photobucket.com/al.....ut/120.jpg

And here's the yellow cardigan from the swap- is it too casual for the dress? Too bumblebee?
http://i654.photobucket.com/al.....ut/121.jpg

Also- please ignore the black tights- I was out of sheers.

Sinead-I think the jacket looks cute with the skirt-definitely not too young. To my eye the skirt does look a bit too long. Others will probably be able to help with that. I think the dress looks good with the blouse and the cardi, but to me it is sceaming to be belted.

I think the skirt looks great. so does the dress and shirt. The cardi looks a little long to me, but that could just be the angle of the picture. I do not think the dress requires a belt. Your shape is pretty clear.

For me, the first and second outfit are beautiful as is. In order to wear the cardi with the dress, you can try a belt, like this:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com.....2bb4_b.jpg
It provides more waist definition.

Yup, these outfits work!

I like Bella's suggestion of adding a belt to the dress/cardi combo.

In the second outfit, I think the top works okay under the dress, but I think a collared shirt would be even better, or maybe you could try the addition of a necklace. I think the two crew necks together are just a little bit too "nicey" or something (I don't find the right word; but a collar or necklace would add interest.) Generally this is a great dress for layering!

Cute jacket in the first outfit. What are you worried looks "too young"? Nothing in any of these outfits suggests "too young" by any means.

The first outfit looks great. I also think a collar shirt might look more polished under the dress. Ditto to adding a belt or maybe just buttoning the cardi a few buttons.

Oh, and I thought sheer hose was out, and one should only wear opaque. ?

Well done Sinead! You are well on your way. I wholeheartedly agree with everything that has been mentioned. The first outfit looks especially wonderful :0)

Thanks everyone.
I will try a belt with the cardi. And Antje, I was worried about the jacket being too young because the sleeves have a sort of puff thing going on- (oh, and also it's from my 16 yr old daughter's closet). And I agree, the blouse and dress neckline don't quite work together- I'll try a collared shirt under.

Thank you, Angie- I'm in shock I put something together that works! So fun!

Is kh right about black sheer hose? I thought opaque tights would be too much with the black.

Hi Sinead. Great to see your pictures!

I love your first outfit with the embroidered skirt and jacket (it's beautiful and not too young at all). And I really like how the blue of the turtleneck adds a nice pop of colour.

The black dress is lovely as well, can't wait to see it paired with a collared shirt. (boots would look great too).

About the pantyhose: the opaque tights do look a tad dark. Have you tried the dress with patterned or micro fishnet hose? You'll get a different look then.