A DRESSED DOWN GOWN
As fashion becomes more and more informal, I mourn the loss of dressing up in beautiful gowns for dinner and a night out on the town. Even in Las Vegas, a place once known for its glitz and glamour, formal dressing seems to have become a thing of the past. However, that doesn’t mean that gowns have to disappear from our wardrobe entirely. I think there’s still a place for them, it’s just the style of the long dress, and the way it is worn has changed.
The term “gown” itself, seems like a dated, old fashioned word. Do people other than beauty pageant contestants even call them that anymore? Probably not. So, the long dress…. how can it be worn without looking like an escapee from a fund raising dinner? Simply rethink what you wear it with. Instead of pairing it with a formal satin jacket or sequined cardigan, wear it with an edgy, casual jacket instead.
I paired this pretty asymmetrical dress with an embroidered bomber style jacket. It served to cover my bare arms and also added a contrasting pattern and texture to the outfit. Mixing and matching fabrics and patterns is a great way to make a formal dress, instantly look a bit more informal and modern. This dress would have worked equally as well with a beautiful cut, cropped leather or suede jacket.
The secret to wearing formal wear, informally, is to pair it with a jacket that you would normally wear during the day. So don’t be afraid to experiment. Next time you go out, try throwing on a satin baseball jacket, a fitted denim jacket, or a leather jacket over that formal dress that you never seem to have the occasion to wear. The dressed down gown is back and everything you need to wear the trend is already sitting in your wardrobe. I love it when that happens!
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I love your style! I also miss dressing up…………what’s life without a reason to go glam!! I love that you wear sunglasses in every photo………it’s your signature. I would like to see a photo with you in just the dress sans jacket……it looks fabulous!
I agree with Christine…I’d love to see that dress alone just because the neckline looks so interesting! I’m so about the dichotomy of styles right now, and this, to me, is perfect! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
That dress is smashing!
Since I adore vintage gowns I can often be seen wearing them any chance I get…even just out for drinks. If you act like a movie star people think you are!
bisous
Suzanne
I still use the word gown! I know I am only 20, but I wish people really dressed up more. Life is more fun when everyone if dressed up! That dress is so pretty and I love the jacket paired with it!
~~Megan~~
http://www.poshprime.com
Genius idea!
Absolutely inspired! That gown is far too pretty to languish away in a closet.
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
A wonderful dress, I love the print, and also the asymmetrical design. The outfit with jacket is nice, but I would have liked to see the dress without any other, to see the entire design. .
Nice combo!
You are just so cool Dorrie. I love your attitude and confidence in what you wear and how you wear it. I love pairing something dressy, really dressy, with something casual as well. Otherwise, my dressy pieces never get worn. Like I tell my daughters, don’t wait for that special occasion to use your best stuff, everyday is special. Your an inspiration!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
I love this look and I love wearing gowns!
xx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
I agree this is a good idea and ai agree it is a shame we don’t wear gowns anymore to formal events. What surprised me though, was that the dress is by H&M. Would never have guessed that.
Greetje