Saturday, August 15, 2009

The Halter Dress Does Business Casual

When I made the halter dress from VoNBBS, I shared my worries about it here (backless! gaping sides! oh my!). Well, I tried it with a little jacket, and I'm feeling better about it.

I wore this to work on Friday, and was happy with it. I think the top looks nice peeking out of this red jacket, which is from Anthropologie about 4 or so years ago. I felt very put together in this get-up (though I also felt like I had a dirty little secret, wearing such a racy dress under a work jacket!).

But I think this dress plus jacket/cardigan is a nice idea to get more wear out of other summer dresses as well.

What do you think?

P.S. I'm wearing my new yellow Anthro crinoline under it. As you can see, the pouf is very understated, which I like. But the crinoline length is a little short, in my opinion. I might need to add some extra layers to it!

17 comments:

  1. This is a great idea. The halter top makes it look like you have a little scarf peeking out of your blazer -- very soigne.

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  2. I agree. It does look like a little scarf peeking out. You look very put together. Professional, but yet still very feminine. What a perfect idea. I think that's an excellent idea for all summer dresses when it's no longer summer or when you need a little more coverage, like at work.

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  3. Love the blazer with the dress--and I agree with Catherine and Trudy that it looks like a sweet little scarf peeking out instead of the halter.

    I've looked in two stores for the anthro crinoline now. Are they offering it only online? 19 inches is a bit short. I hadn't noticed that--thanks for the heads up!

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  4. It works very well. It's not so much fun to sew things that don't get worn.

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  5. very nice - a great way to salvage a dress that didn't work too well.

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  6. Superb solution! You do, as Catherine said, look very soigne. Well done, you!

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  7. I really like it with the jacket. I would definitely wear it that way!

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  8. I didn't think about this before, but what about a coordinating knit tube top under the dress that would really only be seen from the back. However, if it matches the dots would look pretty cool if you ask me and would make you feel better. Or you could go and construct a pink bustier top with a sweetheart neckline to wear under the dress.

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  9. I agree that it looks terrific with the jacket - what luck you had such a nice piece in your wardrobe already! And yes, your crinoline needs to be longer, but not so long it shows either. I love the idea of a yellow crinoline!!

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  10. I adore this dress. I know you thought it was a bit bare but I didn't see any hint of any bits peaking out.

    Its perfect with the jacket. I agree with everyone, the top looks like a scarf and makes it very put together. Well done!

    Your issue with the Anthropologie Crinilin (sp?) is the reason I didn't order it (yet). Like ever slip I seem to buy everything is either a wee short or a wee long...nothing is *just* right.

    But, with that said, I think it looks great!

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  11. Good use of the word soigne! I'm impressed.

    Amanda, I believe the crinoline is only available online. But if you wear knee-length skirts, I'd probably discourage you from ordering it. Anthro has quite a few mini full skirts for sale now,in the 14-19" length range (!). Not my cup of tea, but perhaps the crinoline is meant to go with something that length?

    I had an idea to make a crinoline using strips of cotton organdy or silk organza(perhaps starched) to make a crinoline, rather than tulle. It would be an easy addition to the slip tutorial I did. Hmm, that gives me some ideas. Stay tuned!

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  12. Does it bother you that strangers are able to guess at your state of crinoline?

    The ensemble is cute as a bug.

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  13. The jacket looks very nice with the dress! What a great solution to your problem!

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  14. That looks very nice with the jacket. It would be nice with a crop cardigan too.

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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