WIW: dress as a vest, column of white

Here I am carrying over the dress worn as an top layer from yesterday's outfit, thanks to Ornella for inspiring this idea of using one item the next day in a new way. Many mentioned looking forward to seeing the column of white look so here is one iteration (the one with flats for everyday, although they are not staying on my feel well currently and driving me crazy! ETA: officially ditched the ballets in favor of my Sorel sandals that will stay on my feet). I left off the belt since it seemed to be at odds with the minimal look. I also have a pair of white high waisted pants hemmed for 2" heels that I can see looking great in this combination with my pointy toe pumps for date night. I can also envision a long sleeved shirt or sleeveless shirt layer. Oh! so many fun ideas

The dress was thrifted but is Kenneth Cole and seems quite similar to this one for those wanting more details.

http://www.kennethcole.com/pro.....d=31139016

On my version the collar has a slightly more banded detail and the length is about 39" versus 35" (the Zappos listed length for this version) but for those wanting to hurry over to my closet and steal it this could be a workable idea.

Feedback always welcome and appreciated

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12 years ago

Anonymous

Ooh, I love the bold black and white layers. I quite like the proportions too. #3 looks strong, simple and dramatic.

Debora

Veteran

Wonderful layering! I love your column of color outfit, and you have a great sense of proportion. This piece is turning out to be extremely versatile. Thanks so much for sharing, Sarah.

kellygirl

I really like it in 3. I think I prefer with the column of color beneath the long vest. Super chic!

Sara L.

I prefer the version in #3 also. I really like the simple lines of the outfit.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Avant-garde. This is 2014 fashion. Well done. I like all renditions. #1 is particularly dramatic, and your doggie is a sweetie. xo

pil

You're really stepping out, aren't you! The dress as a vest is really clever and I like the color blocking in 1 and 2, though I wonder how it would look if the white jacket was a cutaway or had some angles. This is fun - looking good!

Sarah A

Thanks Angie I feel very pleased that you are confirming for me that what I am aiming for (modern, avant garde, artistic, creative) is coming through with increasing regularity. Please be sure to take care of your RSI and indeed, my pup is a total sweetie.

Kellygirl, Thanks so much! Version 3 was worn when indoors and the 1-2 look outdoors when a light jacket was needed for warmth. I felt fab!

Sara L., thanks! I am feeling drawn to simple but very bold looks lately....

Diane G, your proportion compliment is much appreciated. I have been working to fine tune that aspect and your mention of it makes me smile.

Debora, yes... quite versitile and believe it or not, can be worn as a LBD too!

Pil, cross posted ... yes I have been finally able I think to get my outside to start looking like it goes with my inside! And have been eyeing a cut away jacket for a few months now, since that one I think Mochi got at NAS. And I cant believe i didnt lemming on the spiegal lemming jacket. grrrr!

Suz

So cool! I like it best in 3/4 because the jacket (though I am certain it was needed) sort of interferes a bit with the simplicity of it all. But wow wow wow -- and your pup even goes with the outfit!

What I think is kind of amazing and brilliant about this piece for you is that it actually combines the avant-garde look that you crave with...SPORTINESS. Which works perfectly for your sporty-natural side. So it's sort of like you are getting an ideal blend of your aspirational style and your real-life needs and current style. Which allows you to relax and enjoy it, which in turns creates greater confidence, which in turn means the look just works!

Such a creative and striking outfit. The proportions look great too

Beth Ann

I love to see such creativity and fashion-forward layering. I think the white column (canvas) makes it all work. I think I like it best without the jacket, too, but both versions work.

Thanks Suz! The term sporty hadnt occurred to me here but I do totally see it now and I can totally see why that makes this work for me and my lifestyle

Joy, always a delight to hear you ideas on proportions. I am still struggling with the hem/drape of a skirt you mentioned being not quite right last year, you have a fine eye for these details and I appreciate you sharing.

BethAnn, yes the white support pieces kind of become a real blank canvas. I think I will experiment more with a single statement piece paired with a (blank) column of white black or blue more this year. Thanks

rachylou

Very sophisticated!

I almost got a dress to wear as a long vest like this, but put it back because it was thin. I expect a vest to give me some warmth. That's what I like about your dress: it doesn't look too thin.

Helena

So creative - you must have a great eye!

RachyLou, it is fully lined in a silky poly material which is fantastic for warmth and gliding over underlayers. I have found thinner fabrics bunch over rear jeans pockets esp. so holding out for a thicker fabric is adviseable for sure.

Torontogirl, thanks so much finding a way to express my creative side is a main reason i aim to have fun with fashion...

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