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Black dresses are a staple in any wardrobe – in mine I have two that I love and wear in constant rotation, this new one from Nordstrom is going to be added. The best thing about a black dress is that there are so many different ways to style it depending on your mood. Of course I have a few suggestions on how to do that…
Two years ago I posted about my Vince dress – fast forward to now where I’ve found a cheaper dress which actually looks even better than that one, and have three different ways to wear it.
The three looks we’re going for are casual, downtown cool, and garden party ready. Ok, so I know most people don’t have a garden party on their list of things to do most of the time, so maybe this is more of good to wear to work. However, I think garden party ready is a more fun moniker, don’t you?
The Black Dress – Chelsea28 Side Slit Midi Tank Dress | 1. Free People – Amazon Tie Front Kimono | 2. Nordstrom – 1901 Stretch Cotton Twill Blazer | 3. Amazon – Women’s Flowy Chiffon Kimono Cardigan Boho Style Beach Cover Up Casual Loose Top | 4. Target – Women’s Kersha Embellished Slide Sandals – A New DayTM | 5. Vici – All Star Faux Suede Metallic Sneakers |
6. Sam Edelman – Hazel Pointed Toe Heel | 7. Nordstrom – Madewell Sidewalk Low Top Sneaker | 8. Cuyana – Panama Hat | 9. Nordstrom x Brixton Fiddler Fisherman Cap | 10. Free People – Beaumont Suede Band Felt | 11. Amazon – Yoome Women’s Faux Leather Casual Tote Bag Boston Shoulder Bag Contrast Color Ipad Purses and Handbags | 12. Amazon – Simple Shoulder Crossbody Bag With Metal Chain Strap And Tassel Top Zipper | 13. Anthropologie – Kristen Braided Clutch
Casual
If I’m headed to a brunch or a day of shopping, I’d pick numbers 3, 5, 7, 8, and 11. Number 3 is a fun kimono that would be easy to throw over the black dress in the summer, fall or even winter depending on how cold your town gets. The pattern adds a pop of color to the otherwise somber dress.
I would also pair this with sneakers – numbers 5 and 7. Number 5 are an amazing dupe for Golden Goose sneaks. I’m wearing number 7, Madewell sneakers, in picture above. They take a little bit to wear in, put a blister bandaid on them at first, but after you break them in, they’re amazing. The sole is quite squishy and comfortable.
For a dashing, devil may care look, I’d wear the white panama hat – number 8. The one I’m wearing in the pic above is sold out, unfortunately. It’s my favorite hat of the summer. This one is a close second.
For the bag, I’d go with this Amazon one – number 11. This one gives another pop of color which might be needed if you’re not wearing a kimono or anything else. This one is cool and pink! It’s a nice dupe for the Loewe Puzzle Bag.
Downtown Cool
This outfit is one I’d wear out on the town. It would be perfect for date night, or a concert. For this look, I’d choose numbers 1, 6, 9, and 12.
If it is chilly wherever you are, having something with you to throw on is a necessity. This tie kimono, number 1, is sexy and lightweight. The leopard print pairs well with the plain black dress.
The heels I’m wearing above are these Sam Edelman Hazel heels, number 6. I think I add these to all my heel picks because they’re the one heel I feel like I can walk in. They also don’t hurt my feet as much as others since the heel isn’t too high.
Number 9 is a close second for the hat I’m wearing in the picture. This hat is cute and unexpected with this outfit. It gives it an almost tomboy air, with an otherwise sexy outfit. I love throwing these unexpected touches to outfits – it keeps everyone on their toes.
Number 12 is incredibly classy. It is a great dupe for the YSL Lou Matelassé Calfskin Leather Camera Bag. I like that this one can be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag. I would wear this with any of the looks, actually. It would look cool with them all.
Garden Party Ready
Garden party or work ready – that’s this look. I would pick numbers 2, 4, 10, and 13 for this one. If we look at this style as work appropriate, number 2, the pink blazer, lends a respectability to the outfit. Again the heels, number 6 would be a nice look for this style.
Speaking of shoes, a good sandal would be great with this dress. I am wearing these Target ones, number 4, in the pic above. I went a half size bigger and that was a good decision. They fit like a dream. The straps aren’t too tight, they don’t dig into my skin, and they are pretty comfortable.
Since I’m so into hats lately, I can’t help but add another to this post. This Free People one, number 10, is perfect for now and winter. I would add some tights to this dress, the blazer or a chunky cardigan, maybe some boots, and the hat.
Now, I wouldn’t wear the pink blazer along with this clutch, number 13. I would wear it alone. It would give a pop of color to the black dress. In the winter I feel like a pop of color is necessary to beat the doldrums of the bleak weather.
What do you guys think? Is there one style that catches your eye? Or an item that you might not be able to live without? I have to say this black dress is practically perfect: it’s comfy, has the right amount of stretch, and will look good on every body type. Give it a try!
