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Original poster

style my lovely dress

25 replies

roary · 27/09/2010 16:38

I spotted this lovely birdy dress a while back. bought it with the assistance of the wise and avid girls (it was sold out). I dreamed about it before I bought it, I LOVE It but it needs some styling help.

I am certain it needs a belt, at least on me - its only flaw is that it is a bit waistless. But what colour? And what colour shoes? and how to wear so I don't freeze to death? I have worn over skinnies with great success.

NB: It is very short.

NB: they are on crack about it needing a slip.

OP posts:
Original poster
roary · 28/09/2010 10:39

Anyone? Please oh please?

OP posts:
Fleecy · 28/09/2010 15:00

Hi Roary - I feel like I should know your hair and skin colour but there are so many of us on the thread now I can't remember!

Not this thread, obviously.

Original poster
roary · 28/09/2010 15:07

Hee hee, Fleecy!

I have dark hair and eyes and fair skin. Kate beckinsale-ish in colouring.

OP posts:
Original poster
roary · 28/09/2010 21:17

Now I'm all alone! Any ideas, pleeeease?

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Fleecy · 28/09/2010 21:33

No you're not! I was working. Is it really too short for tights, even thick ones?

I'd wear it for evening with bare legs and nude sandals, for day dressed down with a battered tan belt and flat boots. I did wonder if teal tights would be nice with it? A bit zingy and all that. And there are blue and greens on the birds. Or grey wool.

If it's a bit loose around the waist, you could stick a long cardi over it and belt around the outside of the cardi to cinch it in.

I'm fair so I'd have to add some contrast or look washed out but you could keep it all fairly light as you're dark?

Original poster
roary · 28/09/2010 21:40

I definitely need some colour, fleecy! Fair skin but dark hair. I am really at a loss with it. I wore it over skinny jeans but that won't work without something on top.

Loving the teal tights idea. But what colour cardi? And what colour/style belt?

OP posts:
LetThemEatCake · 28/09/2010 21:42

hi roary

I'd wear it over thick tights (Falke are good) with flat brown biker boots with some studs and stuff to, ahem, 'toughen it up' a little. I have some currently hiding in the back of my wardrobe which would work a treat (hiding because I bought 2 pairs, one black one brown, with a view to 'taking one pair back' which I probably won't ... £15 at Primark if you will)

You could wear over a l's tee but I'd be more inclined to just wear a thermal vest for invisible warmth and then top with a denim or leather jacket..

Fleecy · 28/09/2010 21:47

Liking cake's denim jacket idea with the tights. I'd go for tan or chocolate as I think black might be too harsh for the belt. And it gives it a bit more of a warm, autumnal feel.

I wondered about charcoal for a cardi but not with the teal tights.

Ooh do you think it would work with a burgundy cardi, grey wool tights and a tan belt and boots? Boho but not too messy as the grey and tan are neutrals and the cardi would pick up the pinky colours?

Can you try different colour tights and holding tops up against it to see which combos work?

Original poster
roary · 28/09/2010 21:48

Ta ladies. And bugger. I knew someone was going to say brown footwear. Would you believe I don't own any!! Perhaps I should visit primark. :)

OP posts:
Fleecy · 28/09/2010 21:48

New Look fab for cheap boots as well...

LetThemEatCake · 28/09/2010 21:55

how about jacket like this

LetThemEatCake · 28/09/2010 21:55

boots

Original poster
roary · 28/09/2010 21:59

I will have to hunt for boots my often mentioned very narrow feet can make bargain footwear impossible.

LTEC sigh....that shearling jacket is goregerous. I have a perfectly serviceable denim one which might have to do for now, though. Hope no one is puking anymore Chez Cake.

I normally don't buy things that don't already work with what's in the wardrobe but I fell in love with the dress.

On belts: please tell me they don't have to match your shoes closely?? (Belts have been off my radar due to being pregnant/breastfeeding since 2007!)

OP posts:
notyummy · 28/09/2010 22:03

I remember that dress! Would second the brown footwear. Boots or shoe boots. Just seen some some lovely wedge boots (NL) in Grazia tonight and they were brown. Could wear parka or aviator style jacket with it? Will have a look for theNL boots but not sure if they are on the site yet.

LetThemEatCake · 28/09/2010 22:05

belts must not match shoes.

nor bag!

heeled hiking boot type thing would look good - I got these ones from New Look earlier this year for £20 ...

Fleecy · 28/09/2010 22:08

Please don't shun me but I'm going to have to disagree with you cake - I think belts can match shoes or bag as long as it's a skinny belt, they're both a neutral colour and there's lots of other colour going on.

So I wouldn't do matching tan belt and boots on their own. But if you had teal tights and a coat and scarf then I think it would be okay.

You don't want matchy matchy but they can match as long as it doesn't really notice, if that makes sense?! Well, for me anyway!

Original poster
roary · 28/09/2010 22:09

oooh, thanks even more. LTEC, I see where you're going with the boots - will see if they fit (we hyave a new look in town). for £20 they wouldn't need to be perfect...

But I do need to invest in brown footwear so I can wear more brown - I have summer shoes but not winter. I have my eye on some brogues. And these are from the narrow shoe website where I am usually forced to go in the end: here.

Are they too terribly hideous?

OP posts:
notyummy · 28/09/2010 22:11

The Grazia NL boots are not on the site yet, but in this weeks edition. Are broguey styled bottom and canvas top with wedge heel. Doesn't sound too appealing - but looked really cool and think would work with dress!

Fleecy · 28/09/2010 22:13

ltec I might get those boots actually - have lovely chestnutty KG wedge boots and some tan 70s style boots with a heel but no flat brown ones. And they would go with everything...

LetThemEatCake · 28/09/2010 22:13

they're a bit yee-ha but rather cute roary - and if the shoe fits... Grin

no shunning to be done fleecy. I am of the raggle-taggle school of dressing. Some would say 'dog's dinner'. Certainly not pulled together. So I'm a bit funny about matchiness, even of a subtle nature. Confused

Original poster
roary · 28/09/2010 22:14

Hang on: Belt Dunce here. But presumably one would not wear black shoes with brown belt?

i have ordered a leopard belt am very excited about. Homage to Tracey. But suspect the birdies would be frightened of the leopard ;)

OP posts:
Original poster
roary · 28/09/2010 22:15

Well, lTEC, they are called Giddy (up).

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LetThemEatCake · 28/09/2010 22:20

roary scroll through my blog and you will see I have a cress that combines birdie and leopard (Eeny Meeny I think the entry is called)

personally I would not wear black and brown, no.

Fleecy · 28/09/2010 22:24

I wouldn't generally wear black shoes with a brown belt although black and tan can sometimes work together but more black clothing with tan accessories.

I wouldn't do it with this dress I don't think. But I'm not best qualified on this one as I rarely wear black shoes or boots anyway. I'm always more taken with other colours which isn't necessarily practical but does look nice in my shoe cupboard!

ltec can't imagine anyone saying you look like a dog's dinner Grin

LetThemEatCake · 28/09/2010 22:26

a cress!!!??

I know I am obsessed with salad, but really.

A dress, obv.

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