Dear Deborah and JoJami,
I have a new black dress (below) with sleeves that come just below the elbow. It is a stretchy jersey material in the sleeves and the back of the dress. The body of the dress has asymmetrical ruffles down the front of the entire dress. It falls just above the knee. The neckline is rounded around about the bottom of the collar bone. I have never worn it. Fits very well and is just the right touch of flirtiness. Dress looks navy in the picture but it is definitely black.The dress that Loretta will be wearing to her holiday party
My questions:1) What type of jewelry should I wear with this? I was thinking about maybe a multi-strand necklace. Would love something vintage, unique that fills in the neckline as well as having some length to it. I love that look. Something that pops and looks like it was meant to go with it. :-) I look best in silver rather than gold. Love the way Michele Obama adds a flowered brooch to a necklace or chains. Vintage but fresh and modern.2) What type of hose would be appropriate? I was thinking a pair of textured hose. Could you make a suggestion?3) I have had a hard time fining a shoe that would be cute and fashionable b/c of foot problems, painand joint issues. Pretty much impossible for me to wear stilettos or very high heels. They are patent leather, very comfy, have an open toe and I love them. They have a 3″ inch heel.4) What type of jacket or coat to wear with it?Thank you for your input. You ladies are fabulous! LorettaDear Loretta,Thank you for contacting us. We are here to help! Now that you’ve done the hard work: chosen the perfect dress for you, we’ll help you pull the rest of the outfit together so that you look spectacular at your holiday party.We’ve chosen several pieces that will accessorize your dress perfectly. You’ll make a grand entrance and all eyes will be on you for the party.
Superfine
$375 - theoutnet.com
Audrey brooke shoes
dsw.com
Red clutch purse
$215 - the-dressingroom.com
The Jewelry- Since the front of the dress features the ruffles, you’ll want to stick with simple jewelry so the ruffles make a statement. This multi-chain necklace will add a touch of sparkle without overpowering the front of the dress.The Shoes – Kitten heels offer a bit of height and sophistication while providing maximum comfort. Kitten heels are a safe choice even with your foot and joint issues.The Bag – A simple clutch in red or black will tie the outfit together. Choose one that is large enough to hold your essentials but not one that overwhelms your outfit. You want everyone focused on you not your bag.The Hosiery – A pair of plain opaque hose or simple graphic or textured hose with simple vertical lines are the best choice for the dress you have chosen.The Jacket – Since your dress is long-sleeved, you won’t need any type of cover-up during the party. Should you need something to drape over you to and from the party, opt for either a long sweater coat or a trench.Ladies, we want your comments. How would you accessorize this dress? Please comment below:
Style Question: How Do I Accessorize a Black Dress for a Holiday Party?
November 19, 2012 | By | 6 Comments
Style Expert Deborah Boland specializes in helping mature women to Tweak their Chic®!
Hi Ladies,
I wound up wearing the black shoes b/c they were cushy and comfy and I didn’t have time to find other shoes before the party, which was tonite. I did get compliments on the shoes. I wore a loosely twisted multi-strand of chunky pearls with tiny gold beads in them around my neck that was just the right length for the neckline of the dress with nothing covering the ruffles so they could stand out on their own. Also wore pearl bracelets on my wrist and small pearl earrings. I went classic with all black and pearls, figured I couldn’t go wrong that way. Thanks for the tip on the hose which I did do–just plain. I am keeping in mind your suggestions with the red shoes and purse for future, as this is definitely a go-to dress that can be worn and accessorized in many different ways. I love the idea of the long sparkly earrings that Annie had. Thanks Annie. :-) As a matter of fact, the lady sitting next to me at dinner had on some really adorable sparkly long dangly vintage earrings that I just loved. Thanks for the advice on the textured hose and tights, good tips. Love that look. Oh yes, I had a tiny patent leather belt which I used on the dress and I really liked the look of it. I specifically got some comments on that too, looked like it was part of the dress. I did full makeup including my eyes, which I rarely do, so everyone was like, “Wow”! I pumped up my hair with some hair spray for curly hair and out I went. smile. I received some sincere compliments and I felt beautiful. Thank you for your advice. I appreciate you ladies so much. And thanks again Annie. :-) Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know I did. Take care and blessings to you. <3
Loretta
I would rather wear long sparkling earrings than a necklace so as not to interfere with the ruffles and their vertical line.
Hi Annie, Yes, that would be an excellent option as well!!!
Hi Loretta, One mroe thing.. you mentioned wearing hose…since the dress has all those layers, we would say keep the hose plain. No texture.
Textured hose look best with smooth fabrics and simple lines and classic styles when it comes to wearing them with dresses. However, textured hose can be fab with more casual looks like tweed and heavier fabrics, but you will want a boot or pump to balance it out.
Hi Deborah and Jojami,
You gave such useful answers to my previous question (about freezing conference rooms) that I try another one:
I see coated jeans all around me (here in Europe, but you probably have the same trend). Can we 45+ women wear something like that? I would like to! However, most younger brands are to skinny legged for me. Do you know if any of the “better” brands have a more ladylike coated jeans in their collection? Or would you advise not to go with this trend?
best,
Stenna
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