Tuesday, March 25, 2008

TOS: Too Casual

Short-sleeved trench dress, Forever 21 (thrifted and dyed by me). Yellow belt, Xhilaration. Brown strapless dress, Newport News. Navy sandals, Forever 21.

This is the fourth time I’ve worn this dress to work and the fourth time I’ve felt underdressed. It is just too casual for the office. I am going to retire it from my work wear. It will still make appearances on evenings and weekends.

When I put this outfit together, I thought it was best with no jewelry. The yellow belt seemed bold enough on its own. However, looking at the photo, I think the look is too spare. What do you think? What would you have added to this ensemble?

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree that something else would have helped. In my mind a headband and maybe some bracelets are all that were necessary.

-AloEnd

Anonymous said...

I like the bracelet idea.

Does this dress work over the chiffon blouse? And then with some slacks. I think it would work as a long vest over slacks for the office.

Vildy

Anonymous said...

YES to the headband and bracelets. And I agree, try this over slacks and a dressy blouse. Maybe you won't have to retire it after all.--K

Anonymous said...

I think a chunky necklace would be cute with it. Also, some tights and closed shoes would make it less casual.
Love your theme this week!

bwhite said...

I think it's the bare legs and visable toes that cross the line in terms of making the outfit overly casual - not the dress itself.

Anonymous said...

I thought about a necklace but I didn't like adding a curve above the straight line of under-dress and the long V created by the outer-dress and belt.

To each his (or her) own though!

-AloEnd

(P.S. Yes this is AlEn but I didn't like the way it looked too much like Allen which is not my name. Let's just say that my full name is far more unique than "Kasmira" :-)

J~Mom said...

I think either a bracelet or a chunky ring.

Anonymous said...

The colors really bring out your eyes, whoa...

Anonymous said...

You looked very nice, I would've added a bracelet and maybe different shoes 'cause I agree with bwhite that those shoes give the outfit a more casual look.

Anonymous said...

perhaps the belt under the navy dress and add the now famous/fab yellow pumps, and voila!

Anonymous said...

This is definitely too casual compared to yesterday's outfit. I agree that bare legs and open toed shoes are not really that appropriate for office wear. And, is it really warm enough in Cincinatti to wear bare legs, sandals, and short sleeves outside??

Anonymous said...

Luv all the suggestions given and one more to add. I would wear the dress with neutral long sleeve T and tights pair up with RED wide belt and fancy/flowery wedges (red to match with the belt)....I love the blue and red combination..

Kati said...

I think a really simple dainty necklace would look great, and I am always in favor of headbands, so I agree with the anon who suggested the headband! And maybe some really bold earrings, if you like large statement earrings.

I do love the yellow belt as a pop of color though, it looks great.