WIW: Dress as a vest and not quite whiteout

Well, the discussion of fringe trends (dresses over pants) and vests made me feel like posting the Rabbit inspired outfit I wore today. She seems to have a great time making awesome unconventional combinations so that was my inspiration point along with the term "Arty Layers". I was planning to wear this with bare legs and sandals but awoke to snow. The oxfords are what I have that I dont mind taking out in melting snow weather. Although these Earthies booties might make my April shopping budget if they have my size next week. I plan to wear the black dress totally open over a column of white soon too.

The almost whiteout outfit was a goal to try make my white bootcuts feel fresh and interesting as I got pretty tired of bootcuts last year and I'd like to try to continue using this pair as I am not in the mood to try to replace them currently. The foiled metallic sweater and oxfords felt like good updates for the bootcut and knocked off the oversweetness I was getting with some of my other stylings when wearing them last fall.

Feedback always appreciated

1-2: Blue dress: 3 dots (thanks Jenava! ), Black zip dress Kenneth Cole Leggings: Kyodan Shoes: Stacy Adams (mens) Silver down sweater: Eddie Baurer Bicycle Clutch: gift

3: White bootcuts: Levi 515, Sweater: Kenneth Cole, Jacket: Wilsons Leather, Shoes: Cole Haan

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12 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

You do look fun and arty. Didn't it just stink to wake up to snow today?!? I was very unhappy! Here's hoping that they still have the Earthies.

Debora

Oh my gosh, I love outfit #1 so much on you and the layers are so fab! Great white out outfit, too.

Jeanie

Great job on the arty layers. Looks good with the puffer coat too!

Vicki

(website)

Sarah, protect that black zip dress, because I WANT it! I think your column of white ensemble you mentioned will look great. Love your style and I'd wear any of these any day. Love them.

Sara L.

The layered dresses are so creative! Also love your whiteout outfit.

Firecracker (Sharan)

I like both outfits on you. Two very different looks but both minimal colorwise and arty in their ways. I am really drawn to your style, Sarah--I like how you give your arty elements a casual vibe that seems perfect for just about anything in everyday life, at least as I know it. Which would be. . . not office, not fancy parties, etc., but perfect looks for casual work, meeting friends, running errands, or being at home. I am taking notes on the leggings and oxfords--must try that look. Love it!

Beth Ann

Layering worthy of an EF catalog! Love #1. I do think a lower contrast coat, or perhaps a Spiegel like jacket would be a terrific topper.

The white look in #2 is excellent, too. Practical and modern.

Jaime

I am always delighted anew to see where your style has gone. Both look great!

Suz

Wow, I really like #1 -- so unexpected and interesting! Fantastic.

rabbit

I'm honored :). I LOVE that zip up dress, so awesome over the blue underlayer and it should look striking over white as well. It kind of reminds me of a very modern take on the revealed petticoat look, very cool. It's great with the two-tone leggings and bicycle bag. I think the oxfords work well, as would the Earthies boots (I just got some Earthies pumps and they are crazy comfortable, hope these work for you).

I like the sci-fi silvery starkness of the second outfit as well, it does make the white pants feel very contemporary.

How did you feel in the two outfits? They look very relaxed and comfortable as well as visually pleasing.

Lantana

Love both of these, they are simply great looks on you Sarah
Those Earthies would be a fab addition, especially with the (planned) white dress.

catgirl

Definitely arty layers - creative and practical!

Deborah

Hide that zip dress because Im coming to steal it I LOVE this. The layering is clever and interesting and I am a big fan of the dress over pants look. My default here would be boots but you know I really like the oxfords (Im going to be copying this, I have a very lonely pair of black suede oxfords in the closet).

The white outfit is so fab.

Cannot wait to see the zip dress over the column of white.

Anonymous

1 looks really good, and 2 is so great also! I think you are really dialling in your style.

Sarah A

Thanks gals As to how I feel in these... fantastic! These days I feel like I pop into my closet and put something on in about 2 minutes and have a high happiness factor all day and feel like "myself" a little arty and quirky without being inappropriate to my casual small town environment. Wardrobe bliss And in this case ... why oh why am I still drawn to shop?

I do have to figure out what coat works best over this dress-vest idea. Today I have on the column of white with the black dress again (all you would-be dress thieves will have to chase me for it, i'm a pretty good runner too ;)) my black bomber or black leather jackets neither seem to "work", will try for some pics and perhaps you can all advise a best outdoor layer.

I usually try to post individual responses but dont know that I feel the gumption this AM, please forgive the blanket response...

I am really looking forward to seeing the dress over the column of white, too.

What IS the dress, by the way? Clearly, a couple of us are eager to know!!

The dress is Kenneth Cole, purchased at Goodwill on Monday for $5. Not sure if it is still available. Will do a quick google and post link if I find it.

Mine is a rayon/nylon/spandex bland and has a slightly banded collar above the V neck that I dont see in this years version. Hand wash/line dry worked great on it.

ETA: Mine is almost 39" long, the linked one is listed at 35" for size 0. Although mine is probably a size 10 or so (size tag was cut out, talk about size just being a number and totally going by fit)...

What a great find! Kudos on your thrift skills! And your envisioning skills, the unzippered layer is one of those 'inspiration strikes' moments.

rachylou

How cold is it? It would be nice to see some ankle in the first outfit...

Well, it was 30 degrees and snowing... today is better

ETA: about 45 or so... sandal weather!

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