Back to Black...and Denim

Deborah

Hi Ladies,

This dress is a few years old and I am wondering if it's a keeper? I am slowly working through my spring/summer wardrobe and YLF- ing it!!

I'm wearing it with leggings and leopard print flats. It is a VERY comfortable dress.

I don't like it with heels or without the leggings as I feel it ends up looking to "matronly".

#3 just shows the twist detail on the dress. It creates a lovely shape that is not so obvious in the photos. I find black hard to photograph well;(.

So do you think the dress looks current? Other styling suggestions? Does this stay in my closet?

Thanks so much, looking forward to your thoughts.

xxx Deborah

This post has 3 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

14 years ago

Urgent

14 replies

Latest reply was from Carole

Anonymous

I agree on photographing black Deborah! So hard to see the details.

You look lovely and this looks like a great classic dress. It's interesting that you feel it looks matronly without the leggings. That gives me something to think on, as I have not yet entered the legging fray! This dress looks like a midi to me. Where does it hit in relation to your knee? I think It might look nice with a bit more heel. I love your jewelry, as usual!

14 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Thanks Claire, yes it is a midi length. The leggings finish approx 2inches below the hem. I find that because I am a bit busty (DD cup) and not super slim, some clothing can look a bit matronly or mumsy if I am not careful. It's also an association thing. For example my mum (who always dresses well) would wear this particular silhouette with a moderate height heel and hose, so I associate that with an older (mum is 70) womens look (not correct thinking of course but some of these associations can be hard to break), and a fairly conservative look. Of course a bit of heel with the leggings could work, so I might try that... thank you.

14 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

hmmm, I was gonna say you need to leave the leggings off.
I would keep the dress. It's a great basic. I think a fun pair of summer sandals and a denim vest could help you not feel so matronly.

14 years ago

Sylvie

Veteran

I'm thinking ditch the leggings, add some bright (red or yellow or ??) colored heels and throw on a long necklace (pearls/metal/sparkly if you like)

14 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

here are some types of sandals I'm thinking of... of course that makes the outfit more casual and not work appropriate, but great for going out to dinner on a warm evening...

http://www.zappos.com/product/7883068/color/3
http://www.zappos.com/clarks-p.....ck-leather
http://www.zappos.com/clarks-b.....ck-leather

(all these pics are showing the black versions, but I'd go with another color)

oh, and push the sleeves up to above your elbow maybe?

just some thoughts....

14 years ago

mamaKate

Veteran

Deborah, I agree with Kim, keep it, especially if comfortable, and ditch the leggings.

What if you style it with tall boots so the hem of the dress overlaps the top of the boots (I know it's a style no-no but I think it will work in this case)

Would you like it better if you hemmed it a few inches?

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Another vote for keeping off the leggings because the midi is flared. But a great outfit nonetheless!

14 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Queen Mum thank for the suggestions and the shoes ideas. I would NEVER have considered a denim vest. I think I will see if I can thirft one to try out.

Sylvie love the idea of colored heels.. thank you. I am slowly building a more interesting shoe collection.

MamaKate, thanks, I do wear the dress with boots in the cooler weather and i quite like how it looks. I do think if I were to shorten the dress I would definitely enter Frumpsville

Thanks Angie Will you forgive me if I occasionally still wear the leggings??

I don't know if it's common in other parts of the world but in Australia this length skirt with a cropped legging is an often worn look. Admitedly I haven't seen the recently in Marie Claire (he he) but on the street, so to speak, it comes and goes.

You girls are the best.. thank you.

14 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

Just confirming that this is a great dress on you. It must be tough to pare down the closet when you manage to look so good in everything. Love the blue and black on you!

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Shorten the dress and wear it with leggings?

Trying to meet you half way

14 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Thanks kellygirl, and trust me.. I don't look good in everything

Angie, you are a sweet woman. Sounds like a reasonable compromise. I will pin and see how it looks.

14 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

I agree with everyone about the leggings and am looking forward to seeing how the dress looks a bit shorter :). I think the dress is a fab, good-looking basic that you seem to really like--not matronly at all. I would add some edgy shoes or sandals to spice it up a bit, if you are worried about the matronly factor.

14 years ago

lyn67

Veteran

I actually have the same (knoted waist) balck dress but short sleeved and straight cut, knee length.:-)). It seems this is a great basic-all over the world, please keep! :-))

I like it with the denim jacket! Will also do sans leggings, but with chuncky heels or wedges of a stunning colour(red, blue, green, yellow) or animals, too.

How interresting-(about leggings)! They are so not worn where I live (middle EU) at least not at my age(over 40:-))! I by myself alos started to incorporate in my outfits only this season--and I love them under skirts and dresses-so comfy, indeed.
Did you already break your bag patterned white ballet flats? Would try them here(and sheer black leggings)!

And what about a long delicate scarf to your neck? Like nude with a black pattern, or so...

14 years ago

Carole

Veteran

Taking notes, great basic LBD if you ask me. Great lessons here about leggings, love that. I vote tall boots!

14 years ago

Category