WIW and suggestions on it please

anne

A friend recently gave me this dress which she'd bought in the wrong size. It is at least a size bigger than I usually wear. I wore it out tonight to a local Gilbert and Sullivan production. The scarf and bracelet were a present from my inlaws.

Questions
1. Is the dress a keeper at all
2. How to style it?

thanks!

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13 years ago

What I Wore

19 replies

Latest reply was from anne

Queen Mum

Veteran

It's really cute on you! I like how you styled it with the tights and scarf. Have you tried adding a jacket? Wearing over skinny jeans/leggings?

13 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I really like it! I recently wore a similarly shaped dress/big tee with cropped black leggings and a silver belt, and people here really liked it. My grey bubble tunic is also a similar shape, and I like to pair it with jeans (either skinny or straight, full length or clamdigger) or slim black pants. A blazer over the top adds some structure - I'd go for a cropped one since this is more like a dress than a top.
Or what about colored tights peeking out between the dress and some tall boots?

PS - If you belt it, the hem will probably rise by a couple of inches to a more tunic length, which might make it even more versatile.

13 years ago

Veteran

This could also be dressed up very easily with heels and pearls or some other sophisticated look. Love your scarf though...

A long pendant necklace could be great for a more relaxed look.

You might check out the Vivienne Files blog for possibilities. She styled a grey dress not too long ago, and she always does about 8 looks, with varying colours and levels of formality.

13 years ago

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

I like it as is, it looks great as a dress! You could also belt it to wear with leggings and boots!

13 years ago

Parsley

Veteran

What a cool dress, and such a unique style!
I like the way you wore it with the scarf.

You could wear it with a long necklace, as JR suggested, but in general I'd keep accessories simple so as not to distract from the interesting sculptural dress.

I think it would look great with some nude, textured tights, too.

That color is gorgeous on you!

13 years ago

anne

Veteran

Loving the ideas here. Will definitely try our a cropped jacket and nude textured tights, and with pearls.

Not sure about belting it but will give it a whirl

Thanks guys

Ironically the night was so cold I wore my coat over it the whole time!

13 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Anne this is a gorgeous dress! I would wear this in a heartbeat. I wouldn't add a belt as I think the drape and waist surrender here is just so flattering. Sheer hose could be good? I have been learning from Angie that the black opaques in certain combinations can be a bit harsh on blondes. Mind you I don't think this looks harsh on you. I think a cute heeled ankle bootie would be cute with the opaque tights and then a repitition of the black higher up would give some balance. Or, sheer hose and flat oxfords! Sorry I'm al about shoes at the moment. I love this dress and it looks gorgeous on you.

13 years ago

Anonymous

A resounding hit!!!

Inès de la Fressange, in her book La Parisienne (though I think the title's different in the English version), gives what she calls a universal rule of style:

"a fitted top, MUST be accompanied by a wide bottom half for balance (a full skirt, wide palazzo pants); similarly, a loose, or A-shape top should always be worn over leggings or any other narrow lower silhouette, for the same reason: balanced proportions." (Loose translation. Don't have the book with me.)

She's damn spot on with that rule, and so is your outfit!

13 years ago

anne

Veteran

Deborah - I agree with you on the black tights - I felt that at the time and only did it because I had my black and white coat on top.

Thanks to you and La Francaise for your encouragement!

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Love the dress! So cute.

Just needs sheer black hose or textured sheer black hose.

YLF!

13 years ago

Anonymous

I like it Anne! It doesn't look too big on you because the cut of the dress is voluminous. In a more fitted sheath, we would probably notice that it was a size up from your normal size. The scarf is brilliant and I love your specs; are the frames new?

13 years ago

shiny

Veteran

I think it's adorable, and looks so cozy. The color is beautiful with your complexion. Love the scarf. Oh, and the glasses too!

13 years ago

Active Member

I love the way you've styled it here! It's a great color and looks so comfy, too. I agree you could easily dress it up with heels/hose/jewelry, or wear it with leggings and boots for a more casual look. I'm not sure about belting it because I'm not sure how that would look with the asymmetrical drape, but worth a try!

13 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Anne I note Angie's comment... We can travel the sheer hose road together. I have been addicted to wearing opaques for so long xx

13 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

anne,

this is my fave outfit on you so far. super stylish yet comfy. you go, gurl!

13 years ago

anne

Veteran

Ooh some more comments. bj that is a lovely thing to say

Angie and Shiny, great to hear from you

Oh, I was actually wearing textured black tights in the picture - I guess the pattern isn't showing up.

My glasses aren't new. Must be 3 years old now! Still love them though!

13 years ago

Freckles

Veteran

Love this. It seems that the Australian market is full of lovely silhouettes and hemlines...

13 years ago

Veteran

That dress is super cute on you.

How about adding a collared blouse and some ankle strap heels like Victoria Beckham? (source: http://www.instyle.co.uk/fashi.....-dress-i#7)

I luv Gilbert and Sullivan musicals! Which one did you see?

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13 years ago

anne

Veteran

Thanks Freckles and AJ - just saw your post - that is a great idea and right up my ally. I'd prefer to have white against my face than the grey!!!

Oh and I saw Trial by Jury. Mid Winter is evidently a hard time to put this on (it was done by a local choir) as the heroine had lost her voice and was miming the wordds while another soprano was singing her part at the side of the stage! And the lady I had gone to see got sick and didn't appear.

13 years ago

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