1 blush dress + 5 toppers ETA: denim++

I got this blush dress (Max Mara) from my favorite local boutique at 80% discount because they are closing down. It's my first blush/nude dress ever and I really like the three architectual layers that go from the hip to the hem, but was not sure I was going to make it work for me.

ETA: the slit of the upper layer actually starts at the smallest part of my waist. I like that.

Today I had some time to play around and tried two different blouses under, one sleeveless with sharp collar and white sneakers. The other with short sleeve and peter pan collar and tomato block heel pumps. And 5 different toppers. What do you think? Suggestions for other styling?

Sharp collar
#1 sneakers/bomber
#1 sneakers/white blazer
#2 sneakers/mixed media jacket (Helmut Lang)

Peter pan collar
#3 pumps/boucle jacket (Hallhuber)
#4 pumps/sans topper
#4 pumps/tomato blazer (the colour is bright coral, but matches the tomato red pumps. I guess they can cross over)
#5 pumps/no layers
#5 pumps/short sleeve blouse

PS Sorry for no make-up and strange hair day.

ETA: I added some other toppers. See below

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8 years ago

Anonymous

I like picture 4 - with and without the red jacket. The other toppers don't quite work, to my eye, anyways. The red with the red shoes really is an interesting contrast against the pale blush - really cool!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

LOVE THE DRESS. I like all the combinations, Monica.

#2 works best to my eye - excellent proportions.

I like the bomber in #1 next.

And the check in #3 is super fun.

The fitted jackets work less well (look too long in that shape to my eye) - although the long bomber works well - unfitted and avant-garde.

How about a denim jacket?

Janet

Veteran

I like the solid jackets with it more than the prints, but it's really cute on you and it's impressive how many combinations you were able to make with it!

harmonica

Thanks, lisap, Angie and Janet! I feel relieved that I can make this dress work.Blush often feel too feminine and soft. I asked google, but most of the blush/nude dress stylings did not feel like me. And I feel better with a collar to break up the "nudity". What do you think of the proportions and contrast of these toppers?

ETA: a few more options.
#1: dark denim jacket (unproportioned?)
#1: light, cropped denim jacket
#1: moto jacket (too much contrast?)

#2: checked coat
#3: safari jacket (too pale and washed out? unproportioned?)

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Mirjana

Beautiful dress and good purchase. You have so many possibilities. I like the idea with skirt I have to copy that. My favorite is #2 then #4,I like red blazer and red shoes are so great.

Brooklyn

I am with Janet. I prefer the solid jackets in the first group of photos. No 2 is my fave. It works so well at the back too. And the white jacket in the first photo is a very flattering shape on you. In the second group my faves are the denim jackets. The Moto jacket looks a bit heavy to my eye (wintery against a summery dress). The dress is fab on you BTW. I like the layers.

unfrumped

Great dress score! I like the shorter jackets too- the # 2 and the second medium- blue denim. I see about the collar, but for dressy looks you might also try a dark necklace to contrast with dress and pick up your hair color.

RobinF

Love this dress, so many possibilities. In the first group I like the white jackets the best and the ankle strap shoes. By itself I like it with the white collar but I wonder how it would look without the collar under the jackets? Maybe with a necklace as suggested by unfrumped? I also like the denim jackets with it, I think I prefer the middle one of these. Such a great find!

Thank you! I feel more confident about wearing it when I have your support. So great to get your input!

Mirjana - fun that you feel inspired. Your interpretations of Angie's ensembles are always a treat. I'm sure you'll nail it with your skirt.
Brooklyn - you are right about the moto looking heavy.
unfrumped - I like the idea of a dark necklace! Have to see if I have one.
RobinF - great suggestion. I didn't even think about wearing it with just a jacket.

I like the light denim jacket best, and the long duster looks fab too, Monica. LOTS of possibilities.

Thanks again, Angie!

I wore it with the bomber and a lightweight, unstructured navy coat when out and about today. The layers on the dress adds structure to the outfit. I quite liked it.

The stylings made me realize that I like this dress best when it's dressed down for casual wear and MOTG. Not sure how to elevate it for dressy events without loosing the edge/avant-garde feel.

The Cat

Cute dress. I agree that it looks best with a shirt underneath. My favourite picture is the one in the first row where you are wearing a simple white blazer, which looks very chic on you.

Thank you, The Cat!

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