“Hi Nelia, I’ve recently discovered your blog and I LOVE your style. I’m having a style dilemma, maybe you can help.What type of accessories would you wear with this dress, and is it ok to wear flats? I’m a mother of 5 so I never wear heels.Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.” – S
Answer after the jump!
Dear S, thanks so much for writing in! As a lover of florals for spring (groundbreaking, I know), I really like this Anthropologie dress, and think that it should be a breeze to wear. Which means…you really shouldn’t overthink styling it. See, the thing is…this dress has everything (kinda like a Stefon sketch from SNL) – lace sleeves, open back, floral print, pockets…. And while I think it’s still very elegant, I would avoid wearing too much jewellery with the exception of pretty statement earrings (in one or more colours borrowed from the floral part, or in your favourite metal). Together with a poppy clutch (I love the ones from ela handbags!), and a pair of great shoes, this dress will be a smash hit!
Speaking of shoes. I have to admit…I have no idea what it’s like to be a mom of 5 kids (you’re a superwoman in my books!), so I won’t try and convince you that some heels are actually quite comfy. Instead, here are a few options for you to consider(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). I think this dress can look absolutely adorable in flats, as long as you keep them fairly dressy, and avoid the more Birkenstocky styles. As you can see, I threw in a couple of lower heel wedges, because I do think that this length would benefit from a little lift, but it’s totally up to you.
You can add some colour to your outfit, play up the lace factor, keep it totally classy and polished in understated pointy-toe flats, or add a girlie bow to your look, but no matter what, if you feel pretty and comfortable in this outfit, it will show.
Hope this helped at least a little, and go knock ’em dead in that lovely dress, S!
xoxo
Nelia
PS. If you have a style dilemma, email styleblog.ca@gmail.com with subject Ask Nelia and your question might be featured on the blog!
Different from “rockstar”…but I also wear florals – as bold as I can get ’em!
The lace sleeves make this dress balanced: a sleevelss look would have made the big floral A-line skirt look too heavy. I vote for the black lace flats for “mom”. (My sister has 5 kids – 3 of them triplets – and she wears orthopedic shoes now!) Perhaps a bright bracelet or ring? The clutches are cute, but I’m trying to figure out how big they are: a mom of 5 has to tote around a whole bunch o’ stuff!
Now, I’d choose the mustard wedges! Then I’d carry a black (lace? paten leather?) purse – and no colorful bracelet or ring. Well, maybe a short mustard necklace…