whaddya wear with a bright blue dress?
June 7, 2009 10:20 PM
What do I wear with such a bright blue dress? Need ideas on shoes, jewelry, hosiery, outerwear.
I have not yet seen the dress in person yet since I just ordered this online quite recently but gosh it sure looks bright (but, that's the reason I ordered it, it got utterly irresistible!). Not at all used to bright colors on clothes that is not strictly of the t-shirt or sneaker persuasion, so I am clueless about what to wear with it. I mean, do I just copy the model? I think the model looks perfectly lovely, but it seems boring or obvious to just copy the model (um, if I actually owned a long strand of pearls and ridiculously adorable patent red leather heels, or even good copies of them). So do you have other ideas? Explanations are most welcome, for I am clueless about fashion.
If it matters: I am 5'2" with short, very dark hair (chin length). Summer's approaching and it will likely be 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit out in couple weeks through late August. Currently the weather's been freaking out with rain and cool breezes, but it's already starting to warm up, cautiously.
Bonus questions:
1. Is this more appropriate for spring/summer/fall/winter? not speaking of temperature necessarily, but ... colors, I guess. I seem to have heard before that some colors/textures are more appropriate for X season, but feel free to debunk this.
2. Is this too dressy or too damned BRIGHT to be appropriate for a business-casual office (middling amounts of one-on-one interaction w/ non-employees is a regular thing if it matters)?
3. Can I wear this pretty much anywhere not a funeral (and work, if you answered "yes" to the #1)?
I have not yet seen the dress in person yet since I just ordered this online quite recently but gosh it sure looks bright (but, that's the reason I ordered it, it got utterly irresistible!). Not at all used to bright colors on clothes that is not strictly of the t-shirt or sneaker persuasion, so I am clueless about what to wear with it. I mean, do I just copy the model? I think the model looks perfectly lovely, but it seems boring or obvious to just copy the model (um, if I actually owned a long strand of pearls and ridiculously adorable patent red leather heels, or even good copies of them). So do you have other ideas? Explanations are most welcome, for I am clueless about fashion.
If it matters: I am 5'2" with short, very dark hair (chin length). Summer's approaching and it will likely be 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit out in couple weeks through late August. Currently the weather's been freaking out with rain and cool breezes, but it's already starting to warm up, cautiously.
Bonus questions:
1. Is this more appropriate for spring/summer/fall/winter? not speaking of temperature necessarily, but ... colors, I guess. I seem to have heard before that some colors/textures are more appropriate for X season, but feel free to debunk this.
2. Is this too dressy or too damned BRIGHT to be appropriate for a business-casual office (middling amounts of one-on-one interaction w/ non-employees is a regular thing if it matters)?
3. Can I wear this pretty much anywhere not a funeral (and work, if you answered "yes" to the #1)?
You're worried about color when the real issue is cut. The dress is a gorgeous color and I'm sure it'll look great on you, with dark bobbed hair.
Red leather heels will be lovely. Skip the pearls. Pick up the red with bracelets, pins, hair accessories, whatever. Don't worry about matching the reds exactly; just make sure they're all bluish-red or orangey-red. And not too much--the dress (and you in it) is the real point.
1) Who knows? You can wear long-sleeved rayon or cotton or (some) silk three seasons, but if your dress is poly-blend or wool, you've got a glorious winter dress.
2) Unless you work in a funeral parlor, your co-workers will a) not care what you wear, or b) be thankful you're not wearing something drab.
3) See above.
I feel like you're asking some other question without actually asking it. Where are you working? Is this the only dress you're wearing?
posted by dogrose at 10:43 PM on June 7, 2009
Red leather heels will be lovely. Skip the pearls. Pick up the red with bracelets, pins, hair accessories, whatever. Don't worry about matching the reds exactly; just make sure they're all bluish-red or orangey-red. And not too much--the dress (and you in it) is the real point.
1) Who knows? You can wear long-sleeved rayon or cotton or (some) silk three seasons, but if your dress is poly-blend or wool, you've got a glorious winter dress.
2) Unless you work in a funeral parlor, your co-workers will a) not care what you wear, or b) be thankful you're not wearing something drab.
3) See above.
I feel like you're asking some other question without actually asking it. Where are you working? Is this the only dress you're wearing?
posted by dogrose at 10:43 PM on June 7, 2009
Well, I just happen to frequent a community and someone posted a review of that very dress. They say (among other things) that the cotton is extremely thin, so it would definitely be summer wear in the practical sense. However, because of the style--knee-length and half to 3/4 sleeves--it can easily be ported into the fall. It's not quite 'spring' coloured, but is fairly versatile.
2. If the cotton isn't so thin as to be transparent when back-lit, I would think it should be fine. The model in the photo may be wearing a slip under the dress, or the whites may have been deliberately blown out by the photographer; it's hard to say.
3. I have no idea.
Honestly, despite the blue being extremely bright, it looks almost like a blue you'd fine on certain washes of jeans, so it's pretty neutral. Pair it with cute hairbands (if you want to look like the model, a nice white lace hairband would work well), or long necklaces--collar style necklaces would appear too confining given the high neckline. You can also try bangles.
posted by flibbertigibbet at 10:51 PM on June 7, 2009
2. If the cotton isn't so thin as to be transparent when back-lit, I would think it should be fine. The model in the photo may be wearing a slip under the dress, or the whites may have been deliberately blown out by the photographer; it's hard to say.
3. I have no idea.
Honestly, despite the blue being extremely bright, it looks almost like a blue you'd fine on certain washes of jeans, so it's pretty neutral. Pair it with cute hairbands (if you want to look like the model, a nice white lace hairband would work well), or long necklaces--collar style necklaces would appear too confining given the high neckline. You can also try bangles.
posted by flibbertigibbet at 10:51 PM on June 7, 2009
The idea dogrose has with red is good. You can also do silver and black with that color blue and look amazing. VERY polished silver necklace and bracelets ..... and silver earrings.
posted by strixus at 10:51 PM on June 7, 2009
posted by strixus at 10:51 PM on June 7, 2009
That dress is so Joan I could die. (Top photo! Same color! And the photos on that site provide accessory ideas aplenty!) You should wear it everywhere - I would wear that dress into the ground.
posted by moxiedoll at 11:02 PM on June 7, 2009
posted by moxiedoll at 11:02 PM on June 7, 2009
If you don't have red shoes, black would be fine--of the heels or strappy sandal variety (sheer hose or no hose with heels, no hose with sandals) or flats. You could probably wear white shoes in the summer, too, if you have white shoes.
For a necklace, you want something longer than choker length (it needs to hang on top of the dress), and bigger or bolder would be nice, or it might get lost. And bigger earrings would be cute too. But I don't think a necklace is mandatory.
Any season is fine, unless it's too cold for winter.
In the fall, you could wear tall boots and a black cardigan sweater.
The dress is lovely and I wouldn't think anything except probably "cute dress!" if I saw someone wearing it.
posted by bluedaisy at 11:09 PM on June 7, 2009
For a necklace, you want something longer than choker length (it needs to hang on top of the dress), and bigger or bolder would be nice, or it might get lost. And bigger earrings would be cute too. But I don't think a necklace is mandatory.
Any season is fine, unless it's too cold for winter.
In the fall, you could wear tall boots and a black cardigan sweater.
The dress is lovely and I wouldn't think anything except probably "cute dress!" if I saw someone wearing it.
posted by bluedaisy at 11:09 PM on June 7, 2009
I'd pair it with a scarf - either tied around the waist like a belt, or, better yet, around your neck with the ends tied in a little knot. Almost any color should work.
posted by shannonigans at 11:16 PM on June 7, 2009
posted by shannonigans at 11:16 PM on June 7, 2009
Gaah! I totally misread! I thought you actually had "ridiculously adorable patent red leather heels."
What color are the heels you have? That dress needs heels, even low wedges or kitten heels. Use that color for your accessories (see above). Or skip the accessories and find a strip of fabric with that hue of blue+[yr shoe color] in a print and use it as a belt or a headband right at your hairline. (You don't need much yardage so check thrift stores for men's ties, horrible blouses, etc. Focus on the colors. And wash whatever you buy!)
What will people think, at work or elsewhere? They'll think you're a lovely gal, and then they might notice the dress.
posted by dogrose at 11:53 PM on June 7, 2009
What color are the heels you have? That dress needs heels, even low wedges or kitten heels. Use that color for your accessories (see above). Or skip the accessories and find a strip of fabric with that hue of blue+[yr shoe color] in a print and use it as a belt or a headband right at your hairline. (You don't need much yardage so check thrift stores for men's ties, horrible blouses, etc. Focus on the colors. And wash whatever you buy!)
What will people think, at work or elsewhere? They'll think you're a lovely gal, and then they might notice the dress.
posted by dogrose at 11:53 PM on June 7, 2009
That dress is beautiful. Here's how I'd style it:
Shoes: red, grey, black, white, nude, or spectator. I like how sturdy and substantial the model's are in that photo. I wouldn't do delicate strappy shoes- something with a little solidity to it would be better. Round or squared toe- I think pointy would look weird. The kind of shoe Posh is wearing here makes your legs look a mile long, and would be awesome.
Purse in a colour that coordinates with the dress.
I think a belt would look weird with the slanted waistline.
You could do a scarf, I guess, but I think only if you have a particularly long neck. If you do a scarf, it should be a fairly solid, non-creasy fabric, in a bold, graphic print that goes with your shoes. Maybe something like this.
This dress doesn't need a lot of jewellery.
Maybe a single thick bangle or a cool retro brooch (think Michelle Obama) in a colour that coordinates with the shoes.
For work, if you feel too flashy, you can dress down the dress with a cardigan or fitted, feminine short blazer (the one in that pic I think is from H&M for $40), in a colour that coordinates with your shoes (black for a blazer, or brighter, lighter blue for a cardi would probably be my choices).
A peacock feather fascinator would be awesome depending on how flashy you want to go, like maybe for a wedding. Check Etsy to find one. If you wear a fascinator, you might wanna go for black with the shoes. I think a fascinator would kill with this dress.
And yeah, I think the dress is appropriate for any event except a funeral, yes. It's stunning- enjoy it!
posted by pseudostrabismus at 11:54 PM on June 7, 2009
Shoes: red, grey, black, white, nude, or spectator. I like how sturdy and substantial the model's are in that photo. I wouldn't do delicate strappy shoes- something with a little solidity to it would be better. Round or squared toe- I think pointy would look weird. The kind of shoe Posh is wearing here makes your legs look a mile long, and would be awesome.
Purse in a colour that coordinates with the dress.
I think a belt would look weird with the slanted waistline.
You could do a scarf, I guess, but I think only if you have a particularly long neck. If you do a scarf, it should be a fairly solid, non-creasy fabric, in a bold, graphic print that goes with your shoes. Maybe something like this.
This dress doesn't need a lot of jewellery.
Maybe a single thick bangle or a cool retro brooch (think Michelle Obama) in a colour that coordinates with the shoes.
For work, if you feel too flashy, you can dress down the dress with a cardigan or fitted, feminine short blazer (the one in that pic I think is from H&M for $40), in a colour that coordinates with your shoes (black for a blazer, or brighter, lighter blue for a cardi would probably be my choices).
A peacock feather fascinator would be awesome depending on how flashy you want to go, like maybe for a wedding. Check Etsy to find one. If you wear a fascinator, you might wanna go for black with the shoes. I think a fascinator would kill with this dress.
And yeah, I think the dress is appropriate for any event except a funeral, yes. It's stunning- enjoy it!
posted by pseudostrabismus at 11:54 PM on June 7, 2009
I feel that, despite it seeming like the wouldn't go with anything, a cute pair of red shoes go with almost everything. I think you could go with a mustard colored pump as well (not suggested yet).
posted by Foam Pants at 12:25 AM on June 8, 2009
posted by Foam Pants at 12:25 AM on June 8, 2009
I think the burgundy pumps the model is wearing are very cute, would be a nice colour for a little button up cardigan perhaps?
Also silver and ostrich colours are really pretty if you want to lighten it up, here are some examples (thought the colour is a bit lighter):
1
2
3
Chocolate accesories could be cute too:
Lilly Allen pairing her bright blue dress with black opaque stockings and bright blue shoes
posted by Chrysalis at 2:51 AM on June 8, 2009
Also silver and ostrich colours are really pretty if you want to lighten it up, here are some examples (thought the colour is a bit lighter):
1
2
3
Chocolate accesories could be cute too:
Lilly Allen pairing her bright blue dress with black opaque stockings and bright blue shoes
posted by Chrysalis at 2:51 AM on June 8, 2009
If you're feelng confident enough, this dress would look amazing with deep orange accessories.
posted by lunasol at 4:38 AM on June 8, 2009
posted by lunasol at 4:38 AM on June 8, 2009
I'd wear it with shiny patent nude heels. Cute, makes your legs look good, and lets your dress shine on its own.
posted by Kololo at 7:44 AM on June 8, 2009
posted by Kololo at 7:44 AM on June 8, 2009
I would recommend Polyvore, the website where you get to play dress up. The best feature (to me) is seeing how many different ways people would wear any single item (as showcased upthread).
If they don't have my exact item in the database, I might search 'dress', and then choose the blue from the color palette to narrow down results, and look at the various possibilities. I think I get more bang for my buck using Polyvore because I can visualize more options on how to wear a sweater or dress.
The site is definitely skewed towards trendy, so I usually just go for ideas and color schemes to follow.
posted by alice ayres at 8:26 AM on June 8, 2009
If they don't have my exact item in the database, I might search 'dress', and then choose the blue from the color palette to narrow down results, and look at the various possibilities. I think I get more bang for my buck using Polyvore because I can visualize more options on how to wear a sweater or dress.
The site is definitely skewed towards trendy, so I usually just go for ideas and color schemes to follow.
posted by alice ayres at 8:26 AM on June 8, 2009
To dress this gorgeous frock down: flat sandals in a neutral or metallic, a couple of neutral-toned bangles in wood/faux ivory/faux bakelite, with or without some metal accents. A slouchy, unstructured bag that goes with the shoes and/or jewelry without being too matchy-matchy--perhaps with woven detail or chunky hardware.
Result: a kind of 1950s Bohemian vibe, reminiscent a bit of Orkin's American Girl In Italy.
posted by padraigin at 9:37 AM on June 8, 2009
Result: a kind of 1950s Bohemian vibe, reminiscent a bit of Orkin's American Girl In Italy.
posted by padraigin at 9:37 AM on June 8, 2009
If I had to wear this dress to work, I'd pair it with:
1. nude heels with some earth-toned wood/stone jewelry.
2. red heels and red cardigan with diamond studs and other simple classic silver/white gold jewelry, possibly with a belt.
3. black ballet flats and black cardigan or jacket with several strands of long chain necklaces
posted by gatorae at 4:38 PM on June 8, 2009
1. nude heels with some earth-toned wood/stone jewelry.
2. red heels and red cardigan with diamond studs and other simple classic silver/white gold jewelry, possibly with a belt.
3. black ballet flats and black cardigan or jacket with several strands of long chain necklaces
posted by gatorae at 4:38 PM on June 8, 2009
That dress is beautiful! I'd probably wear it with bronze or brown shoes with a medium heel and some heft to them, nothing too strappy, and hopefully something with a similarly vintage feel. If you're not wearing it to work, a simple but large bracelet might be all the jewelry you need, but I find that I can't wear bracelets at work, as they just get in the way.
posted by dizziest at 6:46 PM on June 9, 2009
posted by dizziest at 6:46 PM on June 9, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by phonebia at 10:26 PM on June 7, 2009