LBD: Layered Black Dress

I was sent this gorgeous little black dress from Long Tall Sally the other day:

Long Tall Sally Louben Triacetate Dress

And, at first, I was a little daunted because it's such a classic piece and I don't have the most classic of aesthetics.  But then I realized that part of what makes a little black dress such a classic is it's versatility.  You don't have to wear it with pearls and black patent pumps.

So I took another look and realized that this is the perfect dress for layering.   Not all dresses lend themselves equally to being layered, but this dress really is perfect.  It's sleeveless, it's made of a structured fabric and has the perfect gently scooped neckline.  Therefore, I've decided that this isn't my Little Black Dress, it's my Layered Black Dress.  Here are some of the ways I plan on layering it.

With a printed blouse:

Blouse: Foxcroft  Belt: LOFT  Pumps: Nine West "Ike"

Sure, a little black dress and houndstooth sounds classic on paper, but make the houndstooth a big, bold print and add leopard pumps and it's anything but boring.



With a printed blouse and a sweater vest:

Blouse: Foxcroft  Vest: Vintage, thrifted  Boots: Born (similar)

Because sweater vests are underutilized in this day and age and I think that's sad.  Also, leather buttons.



With a turtleneck and a poncho:

Poncho: sold out eShakti (similar)   Boots: Piperlime (similar)

C'mon, now.  You knew I was going to layer over a turtleneck!  And ponchos are so in right now; why not layer one over your black dress?



With the swingiest of coats:

Coat: vintage, thrifted  Belt: vintage, thrifted  Boots: Nine West (similar)

Swingy! And so easy over a black dress for date night.


Or, for hanging out in the snow:

Just kidding.  It's way too cold to hang out in the snow in this.  Save it for date night, kids.


What about you, Reader Friends?  Would you layer your LBD?  Which look is your favorite?

Happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey

More Layerable Little Black Dresses

Let's Talk Turtlenecks

I love turtlenecks.  I mean, I even have a Pinterest board dedicated to Turtleneck Style.  I know they're considered by some to be the realm of kindergarten teachers (or kindergarten students), but you don't have to pair a leaf-print turtleneck with an appliqued-acorn sweater vest, folks.  There are chic ways to wear turtlenecks.

Like these looks:

All images from Pinterest: Left, Top, Bottom

See?  Chic.


So, what are the best turtlenecks for mastering these chic looks?  Well, I've done a lot of research (bought a lot of turtlenecks) and I can help you out with that.

The first look is a thin turtleneck sweater layered under a dress & a belted fur vest.  For this look, I love the lightweight turtleneck sweaters from Old Navy:

They are truly lightweight and they come in Tall.


For the second look (top right), I also recommend Old Navy:

These jersey turtlenecks are a great lightweight layering piece, available in striped, solid and heathered colors.  And also available in Tall.


Now, for the third look, you don't want anything too lightweight or insubstantial because it won't be completely covered.  For this look, I recommend these Land's End turtlenecks:

I have two of these, and they're great.  Thick enough to be worn on their own, or under a blazer, and a great layering piece for very cold climates.  Like Pittsburgh!  They're also great because the neck is thicker than the jersey necks so you can wear them scrunched or folded without them falling.  The striped version is not available in Tall, but the solid (12 colors available!) and printed versions are.


What about you, Reader Friends?  Are you yay or nay on turtlenecks?

Happy Wednesday, All!

Gracey