Black Lace Dress

One of the style questions I get asked most often is this: How do you know which pieces to splurge on? In other words, when does it make sense to spend extra for a high-quality item, and when does it make sense to save your money by opting for a less expensive piece?

The short answer is that one should feel justified in splurging (in a responsible way for you and your financial situation, of course) when the piece in question will become a wardrobe building block. You should invest in those timeless pieces that will (a) stay in style season after season and (b) can be styled multiple ways.

This black lace dress by Diane von Furstenberg is one of those classic pieces that will prove useful for every woman’s wardrobe.

To show you the versatility of this beautiful black lace dress, I’ve partnered with my dear friend Hallie Swanson of style blog Hallie Daily. As a side note, if you are not already familiar with Hallie and her blog, I highly encourage you to check her out. I admired her classy, feminine style from afar for many years. Then, over the last few years, I’ve had the privilege of becoming close friends with her. Now, I admire her personality and her loyal friendship even more than her impeccable style.

Back to this black lace dress… This universally flattering dress achieves the perfect balance: feminine lace offset with edgy detailing like the exposed zipper in the back. I added even more edge to mine by styling it with a wine-colored leather biker jacket and a leopard print calf hair bag. Finally, I tied it all together with these stunning d’Orsay leopard-print calf hair and patent-leather pumps.

To see how Hallie styled the same dress, visit Hallie Daily.

Details of My Look

DVF Zarita long lace dress | IRO belted leather biker jacket | M2Malletier leopard print bag (on sale!) | Francesco Russo D’Orsay pumps | J.Crew bead and crystal fabric-backed necklace (on sale – less than $100!) | Ray-Ban outsiders oversized wayfarer sunglasses | OPI ’embrace the gray’ nail polish | Nars scarlet empress lipstick

Do you have a little black dress that you love in your closet? If not, I suggest you give this one a try. Trust me – you’ll find yourself wearing it over and over.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Also, if you see something you like, please feel free to share it on Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, or wherever. We so appreciate your help in spreading the word about Wear + Where + Well!

 

Photographs by Justin James Photography