WIW: Summer Dress & Hint o'Vintage

I have no problem wearing a summer dress in the winter - as long as the fabric isn't' summery like linen and the dress can be "winterized" to erase any seasonal confusion.

So today's outfit started with this recently thrifted Cleo Petite (new with tags) black and white dress. It is sleeveless and clearly meant for summer wear. It is completely lined however which gives it an automatically weightier look and feel and is a jersey blend so doesn't not read "summer fabric".

I winterized the dress by adding my footless leggings and my knee high Blondo boots. I then topped the dress with my dark red asymmetrical cardigan.

Then to dress things up a little as I have a retirement function this afternoon at work (will be scarce on the forum today as a result BTW). I added my patent leather clutch and my vintage black Austrian crystal necklace. Red specs and red lipstick are the finishing touches.

So tell me ladies - have I successfully made an abstract patterned summer dress look seasonally appropriate or am I not fooling anyone? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Cardigan: Eileen Fisher (eBay)
Dress: Cleo Petite (thrifted)
Leggings: Calvin Klein
Boots: Blondo
Clutch: Danier Leather (thrifted)
Necklace: vintage

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10 years ago

Karie

(website)

Veteran

Count me among the fooled (I often get counted among the fools, but that's another story, lol)! This does not look seasonally confused at all. It looks whatever-season-you-want-to-wear-it-in sensational! The vintage necklace looks beautiful, and you look gorgeous in red.

Beth Ann

Absolutely, Shannon! The length of the dress helps it all work, too. I think shorter summery dresses are harder to work with when tights are a necessity.

I've always liked the energy of b/w abstract prints. They're like high contrast neutrals.

Elizabeth P

This doesnt look "seasonally confused" at all, it looks great. Of course it's hard to judge the weight of the dress in photos, but I trust you

Suz

Totally works for me, Shannon! Have fun at that party!

Jaime

Also fooled! I just love the combination of that red with black on you Shannon, and your hair is growing in nicely!

Anonymous

nothing summery at all about this look - and the dress is a true 4 season piece! Nice score!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Totally fooled by your fabulousness. Love the repeated red in your specs. xo

Thistle

So fab! Would not have known it was a summer dress.

And, of course I love the energy of a black and white print. Total sugar eye for me.

Hope the party is fun!

Deborah

I think you have done a great job winterizing this dress! I tend to feel that dresses like this (as you described the weight, fabric etc) are quite transeasonal. The red cardigan with it looks really gorgeous. Have a lovely day...sounds busy:)

Vicki

Way to go and I love your idea to take a darker-colored or patterned summer dress and wear it at other times of the year! The tights and accessories have completely made it a winter wonder! Beautiful, Shannon, and have fun at the party.

Joy

Fooled me. I had no idea that you were hiding a summer frock under that beautiful cozy cardigan.

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