I recently saw a dress on the Shein website that I really liked.
Plain black, in a pinafore style with faux white shirt sleeves and collar, I was drawn to it, even though it is both out of my era and my comfort zone!
Whilst the style could be described as crossing many years of style, to me it had a particularly 60’s look about it, with its ruffle at the bottom and standard waist section.
I decided to take a chance on it, although several years ago I stated I would never wear big, baggy, black clothing again.
Hiding in unflattering clothing was something I did for many years as I was so unhappy with my body shape. I thought it would hide the bumps and lumps and we ‘fat’ folk are always told that black is so very slimming.
However, all this did was made me feel even worse about myself.
Moving on, as I said, I saw this dress and decided that I would give it a go. Having a decidedly school uniform vibe to it, I opted to pair it with knee length boots and swapped the striped tie out for a ribbon tie with brooch embellishment.
This made it look a little different, however I do quite fancy wearing it with some black and white ‘Oxford’ish Mary-Janes I have and a black and white checked cap.
Alternately I think a red beret, red jewellery, shoes and bag could really ‘zip’ this up a little, especially if I add a red tie/bow to the neck.
Now I have told you all about the style and my theory and also possible outfit options, I guess I ought to show you the outfit itself!
Please bear in mind that I was only able to take some ‘mirror’ selfies. I am not currently at my home and have no-one to take the photographs for me. However, I tried to do the best I could and I am sure you will get the idea.
The dress comes with a tie that has elastic strapping with a clip at the rear. This is a short style of tie, and makes a cute addition and I would also be happy to wear it with one or two other outfits, including my black and white pin-striped trousers.
As previously mentioned, the dress has a faux shirt, which is very classy and features large bell sleeves, a standard collar and an a-line skirt with ruffle.
The dress I ordered was a size 24 which has measurements (in inches) of 47.3 bust, 41.7 waist and 83.9 hips.
Now this is where I must have had a bit of a mind-fritz. I (usually) always check the measurements of items before I order them and have spoken of this repeatedly when purchasing other outfits from Shein.
For some silly reason, I didn’t do this before I purchased this item and if I had, I probably wouldn’t have purchased as the bust area is far too small for me going by the measurements.
However, when I tried this on, I actually loved the slightly empire waist look to it, instead of the seam being under my bust as it should be.
Instead of it being a tightly fitting top, the seam sitting higher up lets the skirt drop from the bust, rather than from the smaller waistline and I find it a much better look for me, personally.
As I previously said, I swapped the short tie out for a brooch/ribbon neck accessory. To be honest, I can’t think of another name to call it; loops of ribbon creating a kind of bow, with a brooch that has a long crystal dangle.
I have three or four of these accessories in various colours. There is actually a wonderful creator based in Germany that has the most amazing styles of bow in every colour possible. The only issue is I cannot, for the love of me find out how to order from her!
Thankfully I have sourced a few, but I would love to purchase or commission her to make one for me, if only I could work out how.
Anyway I actually love the look of this outfit. It is a simple, comfortable and smart and a perfect option to wear to the office, then with a change of shoes and jewellery, onto a restaurant or bar in the evening.
The dress was priced at £18.49 but after their discounts which are always available, it cost just £14.80.
Available in sizes 6 (XS) to 24 (4XL) it is a great little option when you want something a bit different for not a huge cost, no matter what your size is.
Till next time,
SPSG xxx