Ask Angie et al: Styling for Chanel dress :) - YouLookFab Forum

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Ask Angie et al: Styling for Chanel dress :)

Lyn D.

Veteran

Squeeee
I am the proud owner of a Chanel dress- thrifted from the Salvos today!
Already I have had a play with styling, with limited success.
This dress speaks volumes by itself, and doesn't play well with any of my toppers. The best of them all is my short black trench.
I thought I might be able to layer something underneath too, but it wants to be the star of course.
It looks O.K. bare-armed- not my first choice- and I won't want to do this for many more years as my arms age.
So- I would love your suggestions for toppers and shoes.
The shoes photographed are the only ones I am considering from my collection too, except maybe long boots in Winter.
I am also open for ideas on tights V. hose.

Thanks so much for your help!

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Dressing

27 replies

Latest reply was from anne

celia

Veteran

Exciting!
With that neckline I cannot picture a topper to wear with it.
A simple button down shirt layered underneath might look good.

Lantana

Veteran

Oh Lyn, you clever thrifter you. The Op Shop fairy has been watching and waiting for the most deserving candidate for this gem. Well done.
It needs nothing else. Will you need a topper if you wear a cami under?
Ditch the arm worry, honestly, your arms wont spoil this dress.
I think both pairs of shoes will be OK but won't show the dress to best effect. I recall you have something of a poison eye for white shoes but they get my vote.
Or navy.
Or navy and white.
I'm looking forward to seeing it in action.

Lyn D.

Veteran

Thanks Celia!
Penny, thanks for your suggestions. I do have a pair of navy pointy-toed heeled loafers I could try. You are right- nothing in white.
I would love to wear this to a Funeral (of all occasions) on Monday.

Jeanie

Veteran

Couldn't resist chiming in to say congrats!!!.....Chanel at a thrift store!!! In your size no less!!! I agree with Lantana on styling. Hope to see pics

Lyn D.

Veteran

Ta Jeanie!

Debra

Veteran

Good work.....what a find
A very cute little dress and don't forget the pearls

Anonymous

Wow, fab dress.

Lyn D.

Veteran

Thanks Debra- I just might wear pearl stud earrings with it.
Why Thank-you Ceit.

rute

Veteran

Gorgeous!
I love mixes (hard vs soft), as the dress is pretty classic, I would go for black booties and a black or white moto jacket!

kkards

Veteran

i like rute's idea of a white moto, i wouldn't have thought of that, but once i read her suggestion, i could see it clearly in my mind.

as for shoes, my 1st thought was white boots or booties. or a black pointed toe pump for a completely different look

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh, wow - so exciting! Can't wait to hear what Angie says. If it were me I'd be looking for white footwear but with your dark hair maybe black and white? As you say, though, this dress will want to star on its own so doesn't need much! What a thrill! Can't wait to see you in it.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

What a find! Let the dress be the star and be sure to model it for us asap!

Lyn D.

Veteran

Thanks for the great ideas so far Ladies!
I realise that although I don't have the perfect accessories for this dress at the moment, it will be in my closet forever, so plenty of time to keep an eye out for what I need, and you have set me off in the right direction.

Anonymous

My first thought was a Chanel type jacket. Is the dress navy and cream? Maybe in one of those colors or a combination such as a tweed.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Wow, I am extremely jealous - LOVE this dress!

Lyn D.

Veteran

Thanks other Lyn!
Joy, it is black and white. Yes I just need to find a Chanel jacket at the Salvos too- LOL

MsLuna

Veteran

I am SQUEEING for you! The dress looks amazing!

I agree: no toppers. The shoes you posted should work fabulously with the dress!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

How about a simple black tneck layered under? Or if the necklines compete just a black long sleeve tee? They would definitely allow this dress to be a star.
Celia's idea of a white shirt may work as well - just need to play and see how necklines work together.

FlorenceFearne

For some reason, the plaid put me in mind of this image from the Zara look book. I'm honestly not sure if that's any help, but maybe it'll be inspirational in some way? Sorry not to be more specific, but this is how my brain functions after a long day at work - I just make visual associations.

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ironkurtin

Veteran

Check out images of Anna Wintour. She's always in Chanel.

JulieJohn

Veteran

I say model it for us, with and without toppers, and show us those gorgeous shoes paired with it! Love the dress!!!

I immediately thought of your kimono, and alternatively, something in this shape ...

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Lyn D.

Veteran

I love those vintage style jackets JJ- Thanks!
IK I am off to check out Anna-Ta!
Thanks Sveta- I am hoping your idea might work, especially for Winter.
Yes FF- the plain black in the background works especially well with the black and white pattern- food for thought.

Deborah

Veteran

I tried to comment yesterday but my iPad was being naughty. Do you know how many times I walk into a thrift store thinking "please Lord let their be a Chanel waiting for me, preferable a jacket or bag " LOL. Congrats Lyn it is a stunning dress.

I would love to see a more classic shoe with the dress. However a silver bootie would be mind blowing:) I really would be tempted to simply wear the dress as is. Layering under it etc would of course look amazing but i see these type of garments as stand along, statement pieces. Would a cropped denim jacket work over it for a more casual affair i.e. not the funeral?

Lyn D.

Veteran

Thanks for commenting Deborah- I realise you are busy at the moment!
You know we have all joked about finding Chanel at a thrift store, but I never thought it would actually happen.
I have been playing with it today and did try my denim jacket, but everything looks so ordinary with this dress- it is hard to describe.
Even though it is not my ideal colour or shape and is probably a tad short as is, there is no denying the beautiful fabric, design and feel of a Chanel garment!
Anyway, I intend to wear as best I can to the funeral on Monday, and will take photos for further discussion on the forum.

Happy weekend!

Deborah

Veteran

I think Anna Wintour would just pop a cropped v neck cardigan over this:) Just keep the neckline simple and cut away so it doesn't interfere with the dress neckline:)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Congrats.

I'd love to see the dress on, Lyn. Think you can swing that?

I really hope you wear it without a topper though. It seems a shame to cover up the silhouette. Your arms are fab.

anne

Veteran

Lyn, How exciting! I want to see it on too!