Style SOS Part 2: Help Me to Wear the Velvet Dress That I Love

Last Monday I did a talk for a small group of ladies about how to enjoy their wardrobe and feel confident in their clothes.

We explored their own personal style, talked about body shapes and discussed ideas about how to improve their current wardrobes. As part of the session I’d asked them to bring some clothes with them that they loved but didn’t know how to wear.

The dress was a glamorous, sophisticated piece that fit like a glove, but had only been worn once as the owner was struggling to know what shoes to pair it with to flatter her petite frame. The nature and style of the dress meant that it was a definite occasion dress rather than something that could be dressed down for daytime.

**1. Change the Focus**

A timeless pair of nude courts, whether they be pointed, almond or round toes; mid or stiletto height will always be one of the most versatile pairs of shoes in your wardrobe. They will go with any colour or pattern of outfit. Unlike a plain black or navy pair which can jar against paler skins, they will extend and elongate your legline.

**2. Strappy**

For a very dressed up look and to make the dress more summery, add some strappy or metallic sandals. It will balance out the weight of the heavy velvet and sleeves and give it a lighter, airy feel.
Pair with a light or bright coloured clutch bag to further lift the look, a classic black or navy one will simply make it feel more wintery.

**3. Alter It**

As a bit of an out there idea, but I suggested that to change the entire look of the dress and to reduce the heaviness of the velvet and sleeves so it didn’t feel to ‘Christmassy’, that the sleeves be shortened or removed.
Along with shortening the hem of a full length evening dress, changing the sleeves is a relatively easy job that can change the entire look of the piece to create a different dress.

I hope that has given you some ideas about how you can re-wear some pieces in your own wardrobe, do let me know what you try. If you have a piece that you love, fits and just don’t know how to wear it check out my Wardrobe Clinic which is a small group session where I will share ideas.

Wardrobe Clinic