Some time ago I posted a casual fall capsule including a thrifted houndstooth dress in mustard and black. Some of you commented that the light grey booties were too cold valued for the warm mustard and black dress, and I agree to some extent, so here are a few alternatives. The dress is really comfortable, and I've played a little with it with some Angie advice in mind:

How To Wear Colours That Don't Love You Back
The Item - Outfit - Capsule Test

My shopping list this fall included a patterned dress to replace an old wrap dress that I've worn to death. I liked this dress instantly because it has great fabrication, a bold pattern and a versatile shape. Houndstooth is on trend AND a classic pattern, so how could I not love that? Initially, I worried that the pattern was too bold, and it wasn't in my most flattering colors, but I thought I would give it a bash and "make it work"! How? By adding something bright near my face, and/or incorporating trends I like, and by examining the true versatility of this dress in my wardrobe through the item - outfit - capsule test.

Here's what I tried:

I chose two turtlenecks in black and burgundy, a silk blouse in cream, a crisp white shirt and a striped tee in black and white for layering. I added brown heeled booties, black chelsea boots, tall cognac boots and tall black boots and also black pumps. I have several toppers that work with this, too: Black blazer &bomber, denim jacket, parka, stone trench and red coat.

#1 Layered with the silk blouse and paired with lace tights and brown booties. Trench and black tote bag. This is good for work.

#2 Layered with the striped tee, black semi-opaque tights and shiny Chelsea boots. Topper - denim jacket and a light blue scarf. This is great for week-ends.

#3 Layered with the white shirt, paired with polka dot hose and black pumps. For outdoors I added black tall boots and the red coat. I can use both my white clutch and black tote with this outfit. I can wear this both for work and for going out with friends (dinner party etc).

#4 Layered with the burgundy turtle neck, combined with brown semi-opaque tights and cognac boots, parka and cognac messenger bag. This is a casual look to me.

#5/6 Two versions: 5 is smart casual with black blazer, polka dot hose and Chelsea boots. 6 is more casual with a black turtle neck, black bomber, black tights and cognac tall boots.

My conclusion had to be that this dress is workhorse material, and that at a very reasonable price. Which version is best in your opinion? Did I succeed in making the pattern and colors work for my style and coloring? Thanks for reading and looking!

Have a great fashionable weekend, everyone I'm off to an offline mountain cabin, but will pop in when I can.