Accessorize this dress, s'il vous plait et merci!
October 5, 2013 11:40 AM   Subscribe

How does a fashion-challenged (...that's putting it mildly...) and budget-limited gal transform a cheap (but cute!) white dress into the perfect outfit for a fancy/stylish Parisian-themed "black and white" party? Details, photos, snowflakes, and Bonus Questions inside!

For her 30th birthday, my uber-stylish bestie is being thrown a Paris-inspired cocktail party with a black and white theme. I will be attending from out-of-town as a surprise for the birthday girl (yay!). Unfortunately, this means that my usual go-to resource in times of fashion-related desperation and distress, the very stylish and always fabulous birthday girl herself, is unavailable to me. I am therefore at a complete loss. I have the dress (#4 in that pic), but have no idea how to transform it from cute-ish-but-bland-and-obviously-cheap into fashionable-and-able-to-pass-as-fancy-from-a-moderate-distance-in-a-darkish-room (which is really the best I think I can manage. My lack of style-skills is pretty astounding for a 29-year-old woman). I have a hunch (though it remains unfounded) that my goal can be accomplished through the mysterious dark magic of accessorizing....about which I know nothing. That's where YOU stylish, fancy, beautiful people come in. Please hope me!

- Here are more shots of the dress (with apologies to whatever random internet girl I am shamelessly re-posting photos of....thanks, Google image search). It's pretty plain, but there are cute white mesh panels on the side waist that awesomely show off my lower-rib tattoos, and an interesting cut-out detail in the back.
- The invitations for the party suggest we dress in the black and white theme, and with "Parisian flair". I have no idea what that means, but these photos were included as inspiration.
- I have very little budget for this project (plane tickets were spendy!), so I'd like to spend no more than $40 on this metamorphosis. There's a chance I may be able to scrounge/borrow a few items from friends, but I'd rather not have to depend on that. Cheap is OK, durability is not really a concern.
- I will be wearing black brocade-ish peep-toe heels on my feet that look more-or-less (but not exactly) like these
- The party is being thrown at this bar here, in Toronto's swanky Yorkville neighbourhood, but most of the guests are, like myself, not the usual clientele of this sort of fancy locale...but I'd like to look like the part.
- I'm interested in putting together a look that is theme-and-venue appropriate, and yet still fun/funky/creative (I'd like to still feel like my whack-o, goofy self while still looking swanky)
- The party is Oct. 26, so the option of ordering things online is available, but risky time-wise.
- I am in a large-ish US city, and have access to brick-and-mortar stores of many of the usual suspects in the cheap/mass-market fashion industry (though not to H&M), and will have some time in Toronto on the day of the event to pick things up there if you have Toronto-specific suggestions (though I'd rather not be shopping that day if I can avoid it)
- My initial impulse was to find/borrow a black blazer to wear, and add a skinny black patent belt to the dress, maybe some pearls...but that's about as far as I got, and I'm not convinced it's an entirely good idea...I'm sure you all have WAY more creative/fun/funky/gorgeous thoughts.

So, fashion-forward MeFites, what sort of accessorizing does this dress need? I'm open to any and all suggestions, and especially in need of help in the jewelery department. Visual aids would be super helpful. Bonus points if you can point me towards where I can actually acquire the items you suggest (either online or in person). Double bonus points if you have gorgeous and EASY suggestions for what the crap I should do with my hair to compliment the look (the hair is very long, but I am very inept). Triple bonus points if you have suggestions for what The Manfriend should wear. I can't even begin to comprehend that one...

Merci beaucoup, mes amis!
posted by Dorinda to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (27 answers total) 1 user marked this as a favorite
 
Best answer: Parisian themed?

Keep it very simple.

I would wear one iconic accessory up around your face or neck. I'm thinking this should be black? Maybe a scarf, or some interesting chunky earrings or a statement necklace? I don't think pearls would look good with this dress at all -- it says fun and funky to me, not Society Lady.

You could also add one similarly iconic accessory somewhere else, like a cuff bracelet, skinny black patent leather belt, or some eye-catching shoes.

If you don't have special shoes in mind, I would probably wear black ballet flats or simple pumps/heels.

Because it's Canada in October, you're going to have to decide what to do about outerwear. I would bring something to wear to/from the party and not wear a jacket or sweater over the dress during the event.

If you think you'll be cold inside the venue, your "up around the face" accessory could be a scarf that doubles as a lightweight wrap.

(I keep saying "iconic" about the accessories. I think what I mean about this is that it should something that stands on its own. Don't pick a slim bangle or a dainty pendant, but something with substance.)
posted by Sara C. at 11:54 AM on October 5, 2013 [5 favorites]


Agreed - the French like it soignee i.e. elegant, tasteful, understated.

Skinny black belt, a black clutch and tiny strappy heels. ONE piece of jewelery like a thin gold necklace, a nice silver ring or stud diamond earrings. Easy on the makeup - a little liner and mascara et c'est tout!

And make sure your nails are neat and skin fresh and moisturized.
posted by St. Peepsburg at 11:59 AM on October 5, 2013 [2 favorites]


I wouldn't wear a black blazer with this unless its outerwear to wear to the event. I think the dress is nice and should look good with the shoes! I would probably go with some kind of black statement necklace, a black purse (which if you don't have a small one you can probably borrow from a friend) and maybe black nailpolish and call it a day because, at least in my eyes, over accessorizing is a lot worse than under accessorizing.

Maybe a necklace like this or this.
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 12:01 PM on October 5, 2013


What about a retro / vintage style handbag something like this or this?

For your hair, what about a tight bun like the picture on the left or like this?
posted by salvia at 12:04 PM on October 5, 2013


Oh and don't forget French body language - greet with a kiss on each cheek, hold your wine close to your body, perfect the "cheeks pulled down" look of silent distaste, but show a lot of expression with the mouth itself and other signals. Don't let the talk get too personal and always enjoy a nice crisp debate.
posted by St. Peepsburg at 12:04 PM on October 5, 2013


Keep it very simple.

Wide black cuff bracelet, black neck scarf tied to the side, your black shoes. Red lipstick if you can keep it crisp over time, if you can't, keep all your makeup in the natural tones. Check your coat.
posted by Mizu at 12:12 PM on October 5, 2013 [4 favorites]


Dude. A beret!
posted by BlahLaLa at 12:15 PM on October 5, 2013 [3 favorites]


For hair, I think a simple chignon would be best (a high bun would be fine but they've very trendy right now and don't necessarily read "French" anymore). If you dare, insane Audrey Hepburn eyebrows would push everything up a notch. And take one accessory off before you head out for the night!
posted by oinopaponton at 12:19 PM on October 5, 2013 [3 favorites]


Long black evening gloves? (Not at all expensive, says Ebay....)
posted by Jody Tresidder at 12:20 PM on October 5, 2013 [2 favorites]


I think one statement black piece, like a black scarf or black gloves or a big black bracelet will do the trick and I'm leaning towards a scarf. If you think you're going to be cold than a black shrug or tiny cardigan - maybe something like this - might work but I definitely wouldn't pair a blazer with that dress.
posted by mygothlaundry at 12:31 PM on October 5, 2013 [1 favorite]


Yes on a simple well fitted black blazer. High bun or if your hair is shorter than shoulder length- large bouncy curls, cluster earrings like these or maybe large drop earrings like these. I would skip the pearls. No need for a necklace with large earrings.
posted by donut_princess at 12:33 PM on October 5, 2013


I'd wear scads and scads of black pearls to pull a reverse Coco Chanel.
posted by jabes at 12:38 PM on October 5, 2013 [4 favorites]


Little velvet black beret, black tights and heels, layers of black vintage jewelry--Ebay has scads. Borrow a black sweater or coat and bag if you need them. Have fun!
posted by Elsie at 12:47 PM on October 5, 2013


No beret, only elderly Basque men wear them. Hats aren't really done by women here, and hair is always simple, as well as makeup.

Definitely wear a scarf, c'est un must (it's a must) in a chic French look.

In colder weather, Frenchwomen wear stylish boots with their dresses, so feel free to put on some white or black knee-high boots!

Simple blazer would be great as well.
posted by fraula at 12:49 PM on October 5, 2013 [4 favorites]


With all the cutout/lace/mesh don't add anything to the dress itself - no belt.

Hair: Go with a simple, low chignon for your hair. Use a side part which is a subtly French style. If you're horrible with your hair you could go to any walk-in hair salon and they could do it for not too much. I'm not talking about the ridiculous jumbo sock on top of your head thing which looks adorable on teens, but sort of silly on a grown woman.

Jewelry: I'd do an important earring to frame your face with a pop of color styled after these (OMG expensive!) jade drops. I love pearls, but not with that dress... too close to the dress color and they'll get lost, but too white and they'll be sort of harsh.

Bag/Shoes:Wrap up the outfit with a jazzy wristlet evening purse to add some color to the room. I would do a neutral shoe with what ever the appropriate height slender heel is for you.
posted by 26.2 at 1:27 PM on October 5, 2013


Best answer: I'd wear it with a cloche hat. That, or a fascinator, long fake pearls and opera gloves.

(You can get really really cheap fascinators, that just isn't one of them.)
posted by DarlingBri at 1:27 PM on October 5, 2013


Best answer: I don't think it matters if women are not hatted in 2013 France -- I think, from the pictures offered up for inspiration for the 'theme,' something is expected on the head here. I would go with a simple black hat or fascinator and maybe black gloves. And lipstick, red and lots of it.
posted by kmennie at 1:41 PM on October 5, 2013 [1 favorite]


The dress seems fairly afternoony to me, so I'd keep the accessories in the same vein: a funky fascinator as suggested above, or another black hair accessory, hairstyle permitting, such as a hairband (here, here, here or here) for this kind of 1960s vibe, a funky hat/ fascinator like this one, or even just some black ribbon tied nicely, if you have the right length hair. You can even make some fascinator-type things yourself from tissue paper, or throw in some quilling for good measure. I'd make the quilling white or black (and the flower the other way round) depending on your hair colour.

Funky black-and-white sunglasses, maybe with black boots and possibly a black/ light trench coat, like this. Earrings or a hat like this.

For shoulders/ neck: a scarf worn backwards (like this, but black), neck feathers, a chic tie/scarf, arranged slightly choker-style (though I feel your neckline might not go well with these).

Or go all white with one dark splash.
posted by miorita at 2:53 PM on October 5, 2013 [1 favorite]


If you want to try red or other deep-color lipstick, please know that it's normal if you have a hard time getting the edges right. It helps to outline your lips beforehand with a lip pencil. Choose a pencil that's close to the color of your natural lips. Draw the outline lightly at first, erring on the side of staying inside the lines. You can always enlarge your outline if you need to.
posted by wryly at 2:55 PM on October 5, 2013


How about a black ribbon choker?
posted by bq at 3:57 PM on October 5, 2013


Fascinator (brilliant idea, DarlingBri!), thin black belt, velvet choker or long thin scarf, 1 perfect bracelet, red high heels or black high heel sandals, small red or black clutch, no jacket, red or deep berry lipstick, dramatic eyes. Oui oui!! Tres bien!
posted by Lornalulu at 4:47 PM on October 5, 2013


You can never go wrong asking yourself "What would Audrey Hepburn wear?"
posted by nickjadlowe at 6:49 PM on October 5, 2013


Best answer: I wouldn't take the Parisian theme too literally in terms if modern day France. If it were me I'd wear a black fascinator or a black neck scarf (tied in a little knot) and cateye eyeliner. That says Paris in the 60s/film depictions thereof, which are a little funkier and still distinctly "Parisian" to an American.

I like your shoes!
posted by stoneandstar at 8:42 PM on October 5, 2013 [4 favorites]


Oh yeah, if you want to try red lips for the night (yay!), Revlon has a Just Bitten lip stain that comes in many deep reds and is much easier to use for a single night if you're not makeup savvy.
posted by stoneandstar at 8:43 PM on October 5, 2013 [1 favorite]


short dark red nails, some eyeliner, black ballet flats, messy hair, attitude like you don't care about dressing up

I feel like adding a pair of very opaque jet black tights with the black flats could be kind of mod cool since the dress pattern is sort of geometric, if so, definitely add the black cat-eye eyeliner
posted by citron at 8:52 PM on October 5, 2013 [2 favorites]


Long satin evening gloves can be purchased in Toronto here, and they also have lots of other fun costume accessories, like hats scarves and stockings. You may even find a long cigarette holder to complete the look. it's hard to tell from the pictures, but is the dress made from a layer of eyelet fabric backed by a solid layer? Does the fabric have holes in it that you could weave a length of black ribbon in and out of? adding a dotted line of ribbon just above the hem could fancy it up a bit.
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 9:57 PM on October 6, 2013


Response by poster: Thanks for all the great suggestions, everyone!

Keeping it simple and elegant seems like the way to go...

I'm leaning towards the up-do (French twist?), black fascinator, big black "statement" bracelet, red lips, red nails look. We'll see if I can pull it off!

Merci beaucoup, tout le monde!
posted by Dorinda at 8:53 AM on October 8, 2013


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