New red dress: how to wear/accessorize?

Hi Fabbers

I recently added this bright red dress to my winter clothing collection (I'm down under) and I was hoping for tips on how to wear and style.

Usually in winter I wear navy or black stockings with dark skirts and dresses, but that doesn't look so good with this dress... I feel like the midi length and dark stocking combo makes my legs look like stumps that don't go with the rest of my outfit! But it is *freezing*, including in my office, and I can't get away without opaque tights. And, because I've been wearing lots of dark colours, I accessorize with pops of colour... my usual approach definitely doesn't work here!

Grateful for any advice I do like the dress but I am feeling a little intimidated by the brightness and how to style it.

P.S. The second pic is a necklace I own I was thinking of wearing it with, not sure if it's good or too festive-looking. Also here is a link to the dress if you want to see more pics.

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7 years ago

Nina

Active Member

how about anthracite stockings?
the dress is very "new look Dior"

what kind of boots do you plan to wear with it?

Anonymous

The dress is stunning. No advice on the hose, but the necklace works great (to my eye).

RobinF

Veteran

Do you have tall boots? I would think any neutral boots would look nice and then the tights wouldn't show and could be nice and thick.

StyleDetective

Thanks guys!

Nina, you are spot on with the Dior reference, I love the fashions of the 40s and 50s. I used to wear a lot of vintage though these days I prefer modern garments. I like the anthracite stocking idea, that should be less jarring than black.

RobinF, I don't actually... well, I have a pair of chocolate boots, but they're very casual. My black boots died earlier in the winter and I haven't replaced them yet but boots are a good idea!

bj1111

Try nude for you hose and double up if needed for warmth. The dress is super

Bijou

Have you tried nude hosiery and nude shoes? That would allow the dress to shine. Nude hosiery would go with red shoes too.

Alternatively, if you go for black shoes you could tie it in with sheer black or a smokey grey hosiery and a black belt on the dress. A black coat would also work well over this dress and tie in with the shoes.

This is a pretty dress, but all red has to be worn with attitude. It can be fun in the office, but I would see this dress being great for going out at night, going to parties and on dates.

I hope you enjoy this dress, it is very pretty.

citygirldc

(website)

What about a statement color shoe like blue or pink or tame it down with a silver/gold shoe with a sheer hose.

anne

It's a lovely dress. I don't think the necklace is too festive. I love 40s style too and am also in Australia.
Angie has been encouraging me to trade black opaques for sheer recently and I can see more encouragement in this thread. Are you saying anything but opaque isn't warm enough? Could you wear a slip?

The Cat

Try grey, beige or brown hosiery. The necklace is very nice. Other options if you want to "calm down" the bright red dress: A scarf/cardigan/jacket/waistcoat in grey, beige or brown.

I agree with suggestions above of black or gray but pick up color again with accessory ( scarf, jewelry like what you show, black chunky wood or chunky costume variety)
Absolutely gorgeous dress

rachylou

That is the BEST dress. I think matching shoes and stockings would lengthen the legline, any colour.

Becky

Beautiful dress, and nice necklace to go with it. You've had some great color advice here. What about "winter white" or cream footwear with nude hose? I would also like silver or gold with it, I think.

Jessikams

To me, that dress with that necklace reads very much “party.” For work, layering could tone it down. You could wear a thin turtleneck under it, matched to your tights.

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