Black dress challenge - YouLookFab Forum

I was on the hunt for some black dresses that I could use as a blank canvas and accessorise with. I am quite fascinated with the challenge of 1 dress 100 days and thought I would try different ways to accessorise my black dresses which I managed to pick up on sale or thrifted. Last months challenge was great in that it helped me get through the winter days, so I'm going to see if I can go the next month wearing only black dresses when I go out to work or to an event.
pic 1- 2 This is 100% merino wool and made in Nz. I got this at a thrift shop. It has a weird front and I need to wear with tights as it is quite short in the front.
pic 3-4. A 100% cotton dress. Its a betty basics dress which is an Australian brand. It is a very small size (2 sizes smaller than my usual size) but I think anyone smaller would swim in it.
5-6. another 100% cotton dress. front and side...yet again a very small sizing so I"m not sure what is up with their sizing. I suppose the challenge is more about using my jackets, accessories etc than any thing else, and seeing if anyone notices that I'm wearing the same thing each day and no jeans/trousers for once.

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2 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

These are great canvases! I can imagine lots of possibilities with these and can’t wait to see how you style them.

Joy

I was going to say Merino wool may not be a year round fabric but then realized that you are having winter now. I will join your challenge in August a couple of days a week. Does it need to be the same black dress or just a black dress each time?

Sally

Thank you Kellygirl. I will try to post the different combinations like I was trying to do last time.
Joy - I have 3 black dresses there so it can be any black dress. I was interested in the challenge where a shop challenged people to wear their wool dress for a 100 days.
https://www.theguardian.com/fa.....r-100-days
But I'm doing my own take on it and just wearing any black dress. I have about 3 or 4. Pleased you are going to do it too....we can share ideas on styling.

slim cat

I like all your black dresses - so many possibilities for the outfits ( love the first one - shows your great legs ). Jewelry, jackets, cardigans, patterned tights, etc. - will be looking for your pictures .

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like the dress in pic #3 best.

Dress in pic#1 is fab with hosiery as you mentioned. Or over jeans.

slim cat - thank you. Patterned tights sounds like a great idea. I will have a look out for some. I also want to use what I have - use all my jewellery and jackets etc.

Angie -thank you. Actually the jeans idea could make the challenge go further as I could pair it up with jeans in different ways.

rachylou

1 is cool

Stagiaire Fash

5-6 is my fave, but they’re all good & versatile. Not to be too dark, but I’ve been thinking I should get something moderately dressy in black, so I won’t have to think about it if/when we need to suddenly travel across the Atlantic for my dad (or mom, but that will likely be later). But I want to get something I can enjoy wearing before, and hopefully also later. Brightening it up will be key, so I will be watching your examples.

Thanks Rachylou

@Fashintern I suppose my dresses are not really formal enough for a formal occasion as they are a stretch cotton/merino but lets see what I can do with the right jacket and shoes. I have a chamber orchestra concert to attend this weekend so I'll do my best. The fun part will be trying to use it for different occasions. With Angie's jean suggestion, I might even be able to wear them to sports games.

Jaime

I like the middle one the best for versatility but the first will be a fun too. Looking forward to your challenge outfits.

I have a wool black dress but mine will be a summer version. I have three black summer dresses and almost bought a fourth this week on consignment but realized in time that I really did not need it.

Anonymous

I like the idea of that, but would need a dress for weekends cause both my summer black dresses are work formal.
Could do if seperates are included!

I would think you could lean into the arty vibe of the merino dress and absolutely wear it to a chamber orchestra concert. Enjoy the concert!

ST, we are opposites, lol. I have a handful of black Jersey tank dresses, but nothing the slightest bit dressy.

Well I have the one PC dress that got chewed =^-^=, altered weirdly, and now is a nightgown...

RoseandJoan

I'm going to follow your challenge with interest.

Roxanna

Love the challenge, and really loved the article. Thanks for sharing!

The first as a top and the last as dress super nice, black but interesting shapes, so not flat.

Sal

Fun challenge Sally!! Wonder if your work colleagues will notice.

@ Shevia Yes I like the middle one the best but have been wearing the merino one. The third is a completely different style for me but I like the fitted top bit so thought I would try it anyway.
@Joy Yes I know that it can be tempting to go overboard when you think you buy something especially when you find things that fit well. I am banning myself from shops (even thrift shops) until summer.
@suntiger I think you can make a challenge anything you want it to be. Its just a case of thinking how it would serve you the best. The way I see the purpose of this is for me to explore sustainability and using accessories as well as have a bit of fun. I enjoyed Sal's challenge because it gave me something to plan for in the wet winter. I have heaps of different coloured scarves and that is why I wanted to have a blank landscape to use them with, so separates could work. Great that your black dress found a new lease of life as a nightie.
@Fashintern Yes the merino is really versatile and I've already worn it twice....kind of a uniform with black leggings and a coat and scarf and boots. I might try something different for the concert. I think black tank dresses could be dressed up.
@RoseandJoan thank you. The hardest part is documenting it.
@ Roxanna yes I liked the article because I like the idea of good quality but sustainable fashion. That dress must have been good quality but you do need some accessories to make it different.
@Phoebe Thanks. I like the different shapes so it wont be the same as wearing the same dress.
@Sal. I am sure someone will notice...there are a few observant people who do comment on clothes etc such as the Art teacher.

The art teacher should be your ally, or try the challenge herself! Did you show her the article?

Staysfit

I am intrigued by the idea and think all three dresses can serve as backdrops for all sorts of accessories. I look forward to seeing how this plays out for you!

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