Nothing looks better on a woman than an hourglass silhouette, a cocktail and red lipstick. Old fashioned? Perhaps, but drop the booze and the rouge and the hourglass figure is still a hot ticket, even 80 years after it was popularlized!
Fortunately, you don't have to get each dress custom tailored to achieve this classy'n'sassy look - all you need is the right accessories.
My all time favorite hourglass look is created by the belted dress. Some retailers, such as Forever 21, have caught on and wised up to this phenomenon and started creating dresses that include belts as part of the whole look. Smart.
Forever 21 Gingham Buttoned Dress - $22.80
GoJane Crinkle Buckle Riding Boot - $28.99
Forever 21 Fab Stirrup Leggings - $6.50
Shadowline Cosmo 20" Full Slip - $40
Total: $98.29
Most girly-girls (such as myself) would pass up this dress in an INSTANT because of its lumberjack-esque appeals... But there are ways to feminize such a bold, masculine print while still giving yourself a little room to look edgy. The lace-trim slip not only allows some extra coverage if you undo a few buttons at the top, but since the dress is completely button-front, you can undo a few at the bottom as well, allowing for the cream-colored lace to peek through.
Forever 21 Belted Colorblock Dress - $24.80
Group A:
GoJane Satin Pleated Jacket - $27.99
FlyJane Patent Open Front Booties - $34.90
Total for Group A: $87.69
Group B:
Forever 21 Fab Fishnet Tights - $3.50
FlyJane Smiley Oxford Pumps - $58.90
Mandee's 2 Skinny Belts - $10.49
Total for Group B: $97.69
This dress, again from Forever 21, definitely puts off more of a demure, classy vibe. It's good to have a casual look, such as the previous dress, but having a sleek, go-to dress for more upscale events is definitely a necessity. The low hemline and classic cut make this dress perfect for the office, while the body-conscious fit and simple, extremely versatile palette make it perfect for a night out on the town. Fr the office, accessory group A fits the bill. If you're off to grab some green tea martinis with the girls, veer towards accessory group B for your chic needs.
Remember! When you purchase a dress that comes with a belt - you're not obligated to wear that belt with that dress forever! You can definitely mix things up. Add a sleek patent leather beltfor work, or funk it up with some embellished belts for dinner parties or casual shopping days. Is the belt sewn in to the dress? Cut it out! As long as it won't bollocks up the actual dress, you'll be fine. Here are some fabulous belts to jazz up any of your tunics, tops, dresses - whatever!
Leopard Buckle Belt
$15.50 (Also available in Black)
Center Buckle Belt
$12.99
Don't be afraid to experiment with the waist-belt! You can only look better.
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