WIW: Inspired by Ingunn

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Ingunn style her black wrap dress recently - the way she layered, added different accessories, changed up her footwear or toppers - well, it was just inspiring what one woman could do with one dress.

I have never layered under a dress before (yes....I know....shameful...) so today was the day. I layered my gold and charcoal snakeskin print blouse underneath my black sheath dress. I added a simple black leather belt with gunmetal buckle to accentuate my waist. I'm wearing nude micro fishnets to mimic bare legs (which won't be happening in real life for at least two months yet) and then popped on my Doc Marcie boots for a bit of urban vibe. My handbag is another bit of snakeskin, this time with my grey clutch. Jewelry is one gold chunky ring with gold stones.

Happiness factor? Through the roof. What do you think? do the proportions and shapes work together? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Thank you Ingunn for your inspiration!

Blouse: Vince Camuto
Dress: Banana Republic
Fishnets: Hue
Boots: Doc Martens
Clutch: Sondra Roberts (thrifted)
Ring: thrifted
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34 Comments

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 11 years ago
    I think this is one of the best outfits I've seen on you.  The subtle black on black belt adds waist definition without being too obvious.  The pattern on the top is gorgeous too.

    My only concern is your legs will be too cold.  It is -16 without the windchilll.  I think I will wear jeans and boots.
  • Debora replied 11 years ago
    Ahhhhhhh, I LOVE it! Too fabulous for words, Shannon!
  • Raisin replied 11 years ago
    This is a superb outfit!  Love the mustard under the black.  And the boots add some edgy-ness, along with the clutch.  Great job!
  • replied 11 years ago
    Love this! That blouse looks so good under the dress!
  • harmonica replied 11 years ago
    Perfection!!! This outfit is just awesome! The proportions are super and the accessories are adding all fun and edgy vibes!
  • Jjsloane replied 11 years ago
    I really love this. I might have done black tights to not cut up the leg, but it still works and your proportions are just right along with the different textures and print. 
  • Day Vies replied 11 years ago
    I love the look with the blouse dress and belt. Even the clutch is nicely integrated! I love the idea of a mid-calf edgy boot, but I don't like how it cuts up your leg line. Gray or black hose for the same boots maybe? Or an ankle bootie for lighter hose?
  • replied 11 years ago
    I love the stlying of the dress but I think I am following DV and Jjsloane with regards to a slightly darker pair of hose. But to be honest I think you always look great :)
  • Runcarla replied 11 years ago
    Well done!  Super stylish.  
  • Beth Ann replied 11 years ago
    Amazing, Shannon.  The silky, but polished blouse is the perfect choice here.  The silhouette is beautiful and sleek -- not easy to do in winter!

    Hope you wear this one again!
  • Jaime replied 11 years ago
    Layering under a dress is such a great idea and look how great you look! Love the boots with this too!
  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago
    Dianthus - yes, I did question the almost bare legs when I stepped out of the house this morning!

    Jeanne/DV/Diane - I hear you about the darker hose or tights giving me a longer leg line but to be honest, I'm so sick of wearing darker tights during this long winter. My "bare-ish" legs are a nod to spring and personally it doesn't bother me that mid calf boots break up my leg line. But I do appreciate your keen eyes and suggestion :)

    Thank you Debora, Raisin, Ceit, Harmonica, Runcarla, Beth Ann and Shevia!
  • Sara L. replied 11 years ago
    Great outfit!  I like the idea of layering under dresses but it doesn't always work like I think it will - necklines and shoulders don't always work together.  This is a great example of the two pieces working well with each other.  I hear on ya on the dark tights.  I'm wearing a skirt and high boots with no tights today and just hoping I don't freeze (it's supposed to be spring-like today but the weatherman isn't always right).
  • modgrl replied 11 years ago
    Delish, what a great pairing! Are you freezing?! I haven't worn my nude hose at all this winter. I just can't face the cold!
  • Carole replied 11 years ago
    Ok, STUNNING! Such a fabulous combination. Well done.
  • Thistle replied 11 years ago
    Oooh, it is -9F here today, you are a brave and fabulous woman in a dress! 

    You look terrific, Shannon, and I love the way the blouse layered with the dress!
  • Angie replied 11 years ago
    KILLER

    Elegant Tough :)
  • catgirl replied 11 years ago
    Shannon, this is fantastic!  I've always had a hard time envisioning layered dresses - too much like the mommy t-neck/jumper look - but you and Ingunn are completely converting me.  Really really great.
  • Karie replied 11 years ago
    I love it! I have never layered under a dress either. I have a similar dress to yours, you have inspired me to try it!
  • Ingunn replied 11 years ago
    Aww, Shannon! I'm very flattered :) You look fabulous in this outfit, and I LOVE the layering with the blouse underneath. I also totally get why you want light legs. I do too! The shortening effect is not bothering to my eye. You look elegant, relaxed and effortless chic.
  • JulieJohn replied 11 years ago
    Shannon, as usual, you look amazing. But you incorporate a regal look this time that has me really intrigued. I think it's kind of knightly, a la Ceit. It has to do with the fitted bodice and the blousy sleeves. Her royal highness, Prince Shannon!

    You look good in this higher neckline. I'd like to see you in a Nehru jacket.

    I think you made the right choice with the hose.

    And lest I gush, that belt is really a defining factor in why this outfit looks so smashing. If it were a skinny belt, it might just be predictable. This way, you get a lovely "accidental" menswear vibe.
  • unfrumped replied 11 years ago
    I really like this look.  A great job of layering. Sometimes shirts under dresses can look forced, to my eye--like, I'm gonna wear this dress in winter if it kills me! But these items work together wonderfully.
  • Robin M replied 11 years ago
    Love! You're making me covet those boots. I would echo the comment about the tights, as they seem slightly shiny, but I get the need for it to be spring RIGHT NOW.
  • Tina.b replied 11 years ago
    Very inspired to layer the blouse under the dress. Just a hint of that fab colour and patter of the blouse goes a long way. Gorgeous outfit!
  • Ornella replied 11 years ago
    Love.

    And that lampshade accentuates your blouse beautifully.  

    :o
    You have never layered a dress before? S.h.a.n.n.o.n? Did someone crack your account?

  • amiable replied 11 years ago
    Love it!
  • catgirl replied 11 years ago
    I had to go back and look at your outfit again after seeing the comments about the legline.  I am a huge fan of boots and bare legs, and not so concerned about leg lengthening, so I am still a fan of this look as is.  In fact, I think dark hose would make it more predictable - and am sick of them too.
  • Ingunn replied 11 years ago
    Shannon - I'm going to copy you tomorrow! Thank you for providing the idea I needed. I'm going to a meeting in town tomorrow, and want to look professional, but a little funky. I'll wear my LBD, cream silk blouse, snake skin belt and brown booties. I probably have to wear heavier tights than I want to due to the temperature, but I'll see if I can funk it up a bit anyway. 
  • replied 11 years ago
    Ditto on the dark tights. I am running a 'friggin bonfire with them at this point. My compromise: sheer black hose. That's an option too, although I like as is, given the fact this is the first day of Spring. ( What a joke, it is 45 degrees here).

    Love the layering with the blouse.
  • Makrame replied 11 years ago
    Great outfit!

    I have been inspired by both Ingunn and you - I loved her dress exercise but instead of the wrap dress, I bought "your" V-neck dress and have been layering blouses under it.  The belt is a great touch - I have been adding belts to my v-neck dress as well.
  • Deborah replied 11 years ago
    This is fabulous!  As Angie said, "elegant tough" is the perfect description.  Such an attractive combination.  And the boots take it from being simply ladylike to adding that edge which to my way of thinking just adds further interest.  And I find the tones of that blouse just so flattering on you Shannon. 
  • Aida replied 11 years ago
    Pretty layering! I also have "layer a sheathe over a silk blouse" on my list to try once it warms up a bit. I forget which designer showed it for the fall runway shows, but it's been in my mind since seeing it.
  • jenanded replied 11 years ago
    totally love it Shannon! Ingunn did a good thing with her post. so all this cool gear was already in your closet? 
  • Transcona Shannon replied 11 years ago
    Aida - I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable this layered look was. I thought for sure I would be fussing with it all day, but not at all. Give it a go!

    Jenanded - yep, all this stuff was already in my closet. That's what I love about YLF - you can get inspiration from others on how to wear what you already have.

    Thanks everyone - will definitely be wearing this look again and trying other layering options with my sheath dress.

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