De-Bombshelling a dress for work when your curves are dangerous - YouLookFab Forum

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De-Bombshelling a dress for work when your curves are dangerous

Day Vies

Veteran

We had a mostly gorgeous day here today. I was dead set on wearing a dress to celebrate the near 80 degree temps because this weekend we are looking at the 40's. So after considering and tossing several candidates (all in the same color family) I chose this dress, which I loved from the minute I saw it.

What more could this apple have asked for? Capped sleeves -- check, large print featuring favorite colors -- check, darts under the bust -- check, and as if all of my wishes had not already been granted this dress features the elusive square neckline. I won't get into the story of my favorite dress in high school that featured a square neckline, but suffice it to say that it has been a looooooooong time since I last owned a dress with a square neckline.

You will soon notice in the pictures that If I planned to go to work (I work with lawyers) this dress would have been too "bombshell". (Either that or you would smirk to yourself and wonder what line of "work" was I in anyway?) Enter my de-bombshelling tool of choice: the black cardigan.

And finally, urged on by my love of all things blingy, I put on a sparkly necklace and blue topaz marcasite ring (the other sparkler is my wedding set). I added the last picture because I wanted you all to see the lovely necklace I wore.

My work bag today was a slim candy apple red moc croc tote. I only mention it because yesterday someone asked what bag I carried with my outfit. I'm not big on working bags into my outfits -- so there won't be many forthcoming pictures of bags unless I think it "adds" something to the outfit. I am sure given enough time YLF will change me and I'll be accessorizing with bags soon enough.

So what do you think? Is this toned down enough to work with serious lawyers?

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32 replies

Latest reply was from ritu

Clarissa

I think something more structured like a blazer would tone it down more, since the cardigan still hugs your bombshell curves, but I think its still appropriate enough.

Raisin

Veteran

Looks awesome in #5! I love the "dangerous curves" but still very work appropriate!

Beth Ann

Veteran

Gorgeous, DV! The square neckline is perfect -- open, but no danger of, um, exposure! It's also the perfect frame for your statement necklace!

The length and neckline make this dress, while body-con, tasteful and work appropriate. The color and scale of the print suit you so well. I'm liking those shoes, too!

BTW -- By the weather, I discerned that we are "neighbors." Well, if you consider Six Flags Great America in your neighborhood!

Weather's a'changin!

missmillie

Love, love, and love! Those are some lucky lawyers!

moira

Veteran

Lady, they are dangerous curves. BUT, you still look very much like a lady. Like Jessica Rabbit said, "I can't help that I'm drawn that way".

Aida

Veteran

What a lovely dress, I can see why you fell for it! You look beautiful in it. I second the vote for a blazer with this as another option, but it looks great with the cardi too. I've no idea if it's lawyer appropriate, hopefully you'll get more input regarding that :}

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I love how you've styled it with the cardigan & necklace. I'm in Australia so things may be different here but I would have always worn a jacket for dealings with lawyers.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I love your term "dangerous curves" , gave me a good laugh! I agree with a more structured jacket to tone it down for a more professional atmosphere. I have to add that your poses show such confidence and add to the vaaa-vaaa-voom! You seem so fun!

Day Vies

Veteran

I agree with everyone who suggested a blazer. I wore this with a navy blue blazer to my brother's wedding. Thank you for the constructive feedback on the cardigan.

I was trying to not look so authoritative which is probably why a blazer did not cross my mind.

Beth Ann -- we are indeed neighbors

Victoria

(website)

Veteran

Totally love the colorblocking in the dress(I think its style really shows your figure to its best advantage) and with cardigan its totally work appropriate! There is no reason why you should look boring if you work in a law office:). As for jewelry-lets just say that when I wear a necklace, my DH's comments are usually along the these lines "that necklace is pretty big, isn't it?"

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

The dress alone is pretty but I love it with the cardi buttoned in the middle. I have no idea if it is work appropriate for the lawyers but it looks amazing on you.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

This dress looks smashing on you, with or without the cardigan. Fantastic!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

That dress is smashing on you, and the cardigan definitely ups the professional factor. A jacket would go a step further, but I still think this is appropriate. You look gorgeous!

shiny

Veteran

I want that dress. Wow! Gorgeous!

I have a similar dress, square shaped neckline (totally understand you on that one) - and the darn dry cleaner ruined it. I have worn it as you've done here, with cardi. I have worn it with cheeky denim jacket (white or blue). I have worn it with cropped moto jacket. And, I have also worn it with a boyfriend blazer, cuffs rolled, with rosary beads -- to a religious ceremony.

My DH used to be a lawyer and I showed him your pics just now and he said "sure, that'd work for a law office."

I love the idea of this with a apple red moc tote. Love red and cobalt together.

I look forward to seeing more of your outfits!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

You look gorgeous and I think the cardigan works to debomshell - although agree that a blazer might have more effect in that regard. The dress is just amazing on you in fit and colour. And bring on the bling!

Scarlet

Veteran

I think with the cardigan this outfit is still very bombshell. You look fantastic in any case. Since I never worked in a conservative work place I can't really speak to that, but you look professional and appropriate. Even though the dress is form-fitting, the material looks substantial, so I would never wonder about your line of work That necklace is perfect on you.

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Great dress on you! You've got a great figure! I think it's perfectly work-appropriate with the cardigan, and a blazer would work too. I think the apple red tote sounds fun with the dress!

Asingh

(website)

Veteran

DV, the dress looks great. And I agree with Clarissa that adding a blazer would make the whole outfit a little more office appropriate.

lyn67

Veteran

Gorgeous dress, love the act of debombshelling, and I do this often for my workplace, too:-)

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This dress is stunning on you! It is a perfect wear to work, go out for the evening dress, because you look spectacular yet not overly ...um....showy!

transition

In my conservative professional office, we'd go for a less body-con cardi if the jacket felt like it was too much. Just thought you might like that suggestion.

I love the dress and the dangerous curves, but I wouldn't be considered work-appropriate where I am without some more de-bombshelling!

krishnidoux

Veteran

What a good idea! Oh, my, you look so incredibly gorgeous. So polished too. And what great accessories with this fantastic dress! I can only imagine the popping red handbag, it must be so beautiful. You look demure, classic, put together, and all the while with a hint of sexy. I said a hint. Not overwhelmingly: this outfit is completely appropriate for work. I think the dress on its own is not too much at all, it's classic, fits perfectly, yet still modest. You can see this by the cut and fabric. It is form fitting, yes, but the material is thick enough and looks like good quality that it drapes nicely over your beautiful curves; also, the collar is flattering yet modest. It is a square shape, so a necklace such as the one you put on is perfect. These two factors say: good for work.

It would work well for a cocktail, a 5 to 7, a dinner after work.

Anonymous

That's a great dress, and I'm sure you know what is appropriate for your own office. I love it with the cardigan--it gives off that "sexy secretary" vibe that Clinton and Stacy talk about on WNTW. It shrouds your curves and covers just a bit more skin than the dress does. You look amazing! I love your natural, neutral make-up for work, too.

Anonymous

Dang, you're gorgeous! Stunning dress. You look confident and polished. Lucky lawyers!

missvee

Veteran

I think it's a great outfit. From what I've seen of your postings you really know how to dress your body for a polished, professional, and very stylish look. As others have commented, I love your natural makeup and hair. If you had a ton of makeup on and big bold hair, the outfit might become a bit vavoom for the office, but right now it's perfect.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You are 100% gorgeous in that frock! I like the cardigan over it too - have you tried to wear it un-buttoned?

I also really like the look of a loose V-neck tunic cardigan with scrunched sleeves worn over sheaths as a de-bomshelling tool.

moira

Veteran

That light turquoise would look so gorgeous next to your face. Maybe you could find a necklace with that color?

Day Vies

Veteran

Thank you Moira! I have a light turquoise necklace in that shade. I'll post a picture of me wearing it soon.

Anonymous

Fellow curvy gal here. I personally don't see anything wrong with flaunting our curves. I love the dress and cardi and I think it is toned down enough. You look great. (Not that it is necessary to tone anything down to start with).

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