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Accessorizing my LBD - how?

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Dear all,
I recently bought an LBD, and I would like to wear it to a party I'm going to in early April. However, I find it very versatile as an everyday, smart casual dress, but when I try to dress it up, I seem to lack accessories that have the desired punch. The party is going to be "casual dressy", but not formal in any way. A lot of the guests will probably be trendy/modern. Jeans and a trendy shirt for the guys, a dress and party shoes/boots for the ladies. I'm including a few pics of me in the dress - not very happy with any of these combinations. I would also need a topper, either a blazer, a shrug or another jacket for indoor use. They should preferably come from my wardrobe, but I'm inclined to buy a new statement piece if necessary. I have black pumps.

Please help me accessorize the dress so it is appropriate for a "Modern Classic Queen with and Arty strike" If you have links or photos, that would be awesome. What kind of statement piece would suit this neckline - and me?

Thanks for reading! I rely on you.

ETA: I've added a couple of toppers, but the moto is really a bit heavy for indoors wear. I do have a black leather bomber, too. All these err on the casual side (maybe not the blue blazer), which is okay.

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39 replies

Latest reply was from harmonica

Sona

Veteran

I like #2 and 3 a lot. they look appropriate for casual dressy to me. you could do some bracelets with your watch for an arm candy artsy look. or try an artsy pendant -agate, something like that if you have one. if you have a scarflette you could try that around your wrist as an alternate look as well?

Kalli

Definitely get a more statement necklace if you are going for pizazz without much money. I have a very dressy bolero that I use a lot to add interest to my plain black dresses. I don't know if you are a sewer but I've been making these short jackets to amp up my wardrobe. Or even invest in a more statement shoe if you can. Tights also add more visual element.

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texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I really think #2 is classic and very nice - not sure what type of topper though - I can't remember if you have dressy ones - something more "spring" color might be nice for April (if that's appropriate for teh weather where you live)

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ingunn, I'm wondering....which topper/ jacket would you wear? Your leather one might work with look 3. Without a topper, I find the booties and hose a bit heavy (with bare arms) but WITH a topper, it might look great.

The dress looks sensational on you, by the way.

With my LBD for "dressy casual" events I sometimes added my denim jacket. (But it depends on whether the emphasis is on "dressy" or on "casual" in your particular environment.)

If the emphasis is more on "dressy" then maybe it would be a fun idea to consider buying a different kind of topper -- a "statement" jacket that was a bit less classic and a bit more artistic eclectic. Maybe something like the Ella Moss moto, even, or some of the other jackets that Angie has recently showcased. Perhaps something like the floral Club Monaco moto that Shannon tried, or even a bomber.

I think when you have a very classic piece like this dress, if you want it to look current, one of the other elements in the outfit should be less classic and more purely modern, or, for your style, perhaps eclectic.

AJ

Veteran

A paper doll for you. This blazer, scarf, and clutch with the silver shoes. Maybe the yellow belt too to show off your lovely waist? Is it too much of an office look?

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Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Sona, I really like your suggestions for arm candy or a statement pendant. Would something in aqua colors look good?

Kalli, I think a dressy shrug would be great. I can both sew and knit, and I've been thinking about knitting this one: http://www.pickles.no/grace-jones-bolero - but what color? I really like all your suggestions!

Texstyle, maybe a springy floral blmber would be a modern contrast? Good idea!

Suz, you are spot on. I don't like the booties without the moto either. I also agree that a classic piece looks at its best paired with something modern. I don't want to wear blazer/LBD, really, as this combo reads as office wear to me. A blazer is great, but not with this dress in this setting. Maybe the denim jacket is a good choice, too? I'll have to play a little with these ideas. Great input!

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, AJ! How fun that you did that. Have a look at #6 - I added that one later. It IS a good look, but I worry that it is too formal/office for this particular setting.

AJ

Veteran

#5 is really fun with the green jacket and tan boots. Do you have a necklace or scarf to bookend the boots?

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I have a silk scarf that bookends the boots very well:

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kellygirl

Veteran

I'm terrible at styling but I love the sheath. It fits you so well. I can't wait to see the finished outfit. I really do like 3 and 6 though.

REFINING ONESELF

Dress fits you great. How about some fun tights maybe print or DOTS? Arm candy and a bright jacket from your closet. Let us see your final choice. Sure it will be Fab.

T-Rex

Veteran

I like #5 the best, but with the tan scarf you just posted.

How warm will it be in April? I would add some arm candy to keep the interest level up if/when you take off the jacket. Something colorful that includes the tan color.

AJ

Veteran

Can you make a necklace out of that scarf? See my example. It's just 3 knots, then tied in the back.

Or drape it like you did with the blue scarf?

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T-Rex

Veteran

If the colors in the scarf doesn't work with the green in the jacket (hard to tell in an online pic), the denim jacket works just fine. But I like the punch of the green jacket.

Kalli

Ingunn, what a beautiful shrug and it looks easy enough to make. It's my personal opinion and preference to see you in green/blue like the shine you get from opals. I've learned to amp up my own wardrobe using my crafty talents. If you do end up making it, come back and share!

annaj

Veteran

I love how you've styled it. I think that is the versatility of such a simple, but classic dress! A true wardrobe staple!

Julie

Veteran

Numbers 1 and 5 are my favourites; but then again, I have a thing for tall boots.

Cheers

Julie

catgirl

Veteran

AJ's paper dolls are fantastic. You can wear this almost any way you want, Ingunn. If you have an oversized sweater, I recently wore a dress with a sweater over it and that was a fun change.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I think in April you might be itching to wear shoes rather than boots or booties (relevant to today's bog post!). So I'd work around the footwear, maybe. Of the options you've posted, I'd lean toward the heeled sandals. What about using a wrap in a print with a light background with some black in it as well that bookends with the sandals? Add some bangles and pretty earrings (hoops or chandelier, perhaps), and a clutch, and you're set.

I love the shrug photo you posted, and you could copy that look with pumps in black, nude, or a color to play off the shrug. I like the idea of the jean jacket, too, especially if you go more earthy/artsy with the jewelry (i.e., not too refined). Not sure how much this would require you to buy, though.

ETA: I think you could use the leather jacket or a denim jacket and go for a look similar to this one, if you had an edgier heeled pair of shoes or sandals than what you've posted here: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/le.....me=product

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Thank you for giving me tons of ideas, everybody! I knew I could count on you

I tried the scarf tying, AJ, and it might definitely work. I would have to try it with the dress to be sure. Brilliant idea!

Kalli, what do you think of this color for the shrug? Too pastel? I've been wanting to add something in mint to my wardrobe. It would probably work well with white, too.

FC, I have black new pumps in snakeskin embossing that would work well with the shrug and polka dots tights. Fun! I do like the idea of wearing towards more casual, too, so I'll keep an eye out for more edgy shoes. I don't have many dressy heels. The moto is too warm, but the denim could work very well.

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Kalli

Ingunn - You are so brilliant, I didn't think of a pastel, It looks to be a fine mid-tone color as opposed to really pastel. Only you can tell your skin tone best but from what I see in photos it could be a very elegant and artistic accessory to the LBD problem.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I really like the dress in the outfit in pic #7 but must admit, Suz's suggestion to try the Club Monaco floral moto would be fabulous.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Oh, I searched and searched, but couldn't find the link to a 'how to accessorize your LBD x number of ways". It was really a very good link I'm sad I lost the bookmark to.
It basically had, feminine, rocker, glittery, sporty, etc versions. Darn, I wish I could find it for you.
I would add some shine either in jewelry,a bag, or footwear to balance the more classic toppers so it says a little more 'party' than 'business'.

unfrumped

Veteran

I actually like # 6 but the jacket may look too office-y. But on my monitor it reads gray and so I like the idea of going pastel and not bright.

Your idea of mint, or the palest turquoise, or pale blue. Also floral.
I have been living on the Nordstrom's jacket site and there are a lot of jackets, at many price points. I don't know as much about the blue colors because I screen those out!

I think a necklace would look great; not a pendant with the V, but a 3-5 strand something that has a bit of black + pale jacket color + sparkle would be fab. Not sure how much time you have to coordinate but if you think you may get a great jacket then add the jewelry later. I think bracelets would also look good on you as an alternative--I have trouble keeping them where I want them. They could be a great look with bracelet sleeve or 3/4 sleeve jacket but you would know best as to how useful in your wardrobe overall.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Thank you for all the insight, fabbers. I'm marking this thread and will refer to it when I make my decisions. The final result will be posted when I'm done.

Greek Goddess

Personally I think shoes would look dressier than boots and I would wear those. As its a party I would use a large scarf/pashmina as a wrap or a nice colourful long cardi/silk shirt. You could also belt the dress with a coloured belt.

Aida

Veteran

Agree with Mo, I think you need a little more sparkle! I adore #2, simple and strong and packs quite a punch! Like the idea of adding some gumball studs (either pearl or sparkly) to that, and just let you and the dress be the stars. That is the dressiest option of the bunch to me, all the others do look more dressy-casual except for #6 which is a more business-casual to me. I think it'll depend on how dressed up you want to look in comparison to everyone else!

Day Vies

Veteran

I think you're doing just fine. #4 is my favorite! Maybe there's a wrap shirt that could give you the same shape and structure without all the weight.
I know your style is more pared down than mine but I would suggest focusing on one accessory and making sure that accessory pops louder than everything else with either color, shine, or sparkle.

Mia

Veteran

A "collar" necklace that is quite chunky would be fab. I have one that looks like twisted zippers from BCGB that I can wear with almost anything and use to add a little edge to my Boss LBD. Bonus is how inexpensive it was and people think it's an art piece and ask me about it.

The other thing I acquired after my LBD that has been useful is a cropped jacket with texture. I had to look for awhile for one that wasn't too "lady" but it gave that modern classic look that I am always striving for.

That said I think you could wear your beautiful dress unadorned and be just fine.

A coloured shoe would be another possibility.

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