Wearing a Bright Color Dress

WishfulSpirit

Greetings Lovely Ladies

I have a quick question. I have a bright purple faux wrap dress I got at Kholes. It's cut exactly like the attached photo.

I love purple but I'm not used to wearing colors this bright (I tend to gravitate toward pastels or small prints). I'd like to know how to wear it without looking too flashy, especially in a business casual setting. If it isn't appropriate for business casual, that's OK (I am fine with wearing it just on the weekend).

-Melanie

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10 years ago

Dressing

6 replies

Latest reply was from WishfulSpirit

Kiwichik

Veteran

It's quite a muted shade so you should have no concerns about wearing it in a business casual setting with or any other for that matter. Depending on the accessories it would also take you from day to night.

10 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Is your dress brighter than this? I think jewel colors are even more versatile in business casual than pastels and florals. Pair it with nude heels or pointy toe flats, animal print or black. Add a light bag to brighten it up for the season. A navy blazer or light colored moto would look great, and if it's appropriate, a denim jacket.

10 years ago

fuzzylogic

Veteran

What a great, versatile piece!
I defer to Ingunn, who is clearly all over business casual!
Don't forget scarves, depending on your body shape and preferences. In terms of jewellery, I would keep the pieces simple but in keeping with your personal style aesthetic.
Very bright colours also look great with black and white for a business look.
Have fun!

10 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Not sure how bright it is but the simple style should help provide some "calming" effect. Start with subdued accessory colors - for shoes- black, nude, depending on your style, season.
Also I have sometimes used a neutral scarf( solid black or gray, for example) to tone down a bright top. That can be too warm or fussy for summer, though.

10 years ago

krishnidoux

Veteran

I have the exact same dress (from Talbot) in the exact same color and I don't think it's flashy at all. I also have even flashier items in that shade, and still don't feel "flashy" in them.

I pair the dress with cognac or brown knee high heeled boots, or with black ballet flats. Black or taupe booties would also look good with it. It looks very good with navy blue or ink blue against it.

I pair a slightly brighter tunic with dark aubergine pants and royal blue and get lots of compliments. People seem to like this palette.

For jewelry, try a bright turquoise or pink. Emerald green also looks good, depending on your complexion.

This is a great dress to pair with an oversize, thin sweater for a more bucolic feel.

10 years ago

WishfulSpirit

Active Member

It is brighter than in the photo but I couldn't find a pic of the one I have. It's a bright royal purple (though I also have the exact one in the photo and the suggestions for that are a great bonus).

I love the black or neutral scarf idea, I have a really light one I could wear in summer, and we're still having chilly days in Colorado so I can wear my winter scarves with this too.

10 years ago

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