Summer is the season of special occasions and events. Especially with the end of the school year, graduation ceremonies and parties are probably filling up your social calendar. If you’re like me, your go-to outfit is probably a dressy black ensemble. It seems like no one has ever had a problem wearing a nicely fitted little black dress. But, in the summer months, black can be too heavy of a color. Summer calls for experimentation with lighter colors and flowy, feminine fabrics. That’s why I found myself attracted to this Fashionista’s red and white ensemble. Wearing a little white dress is a variation on the traditional all-black palette and, with the right accessories, can prove to be just as classy and put together.
For a graduation ceremony, especially if it’s your own, you want your outfit to command attention in the right way. That’s why I think I’m always drawn to black, because it can easily make a statement without being too overpowering. I typically would be nervous to wear white, and even more so white lace, out of fear of looking dated or matronly. But the lace panels on this Fashionista’s dress give it a modern feel. The cut of the dress, with its cinched waist and flouncy, shorter skirt, adds a feminine touch that doesn’t feel overly girly. It feels sexy without being too overwhelming and still feels very appropriate for a professional occasion like a graduation. White lace has a distinct classic, vintage feel but with the fresh cut of the dress it brings it into the present day. This dress if one of those pieces that both your grandmother and significant other would approve of.
What I love about this outfit is how the Fashionista used accessories to her advantage. A white lace dress, on its own, could very well be just another plain outfit. But, by using a bold red color for the accessories it attracts the eye to the outfit, even from far away. It makes a statement that isn’t too in-your-face. Shoes are a great way to add a pop of color to an outfit and this Fashionista’s red strapped heels show how important that added color can be to an outfit. We see the color once more in her nail polish as well as on her lips. By wearing the accent color so evenly throughout the outfit it makes the whole ensemble flow together. By finishing with this Chanel-inspired bag, the Fashionista achieves an envious, classic looking outfit with flawless modern touches that restores your faith in the power of a little white dress.
Simple Change: If you want to be a bit edgier and bold with your outfit, throw on a simple leather jacket. It will be juxtaposition against the feminine, white lace and perfect if you need to take this graduation ceremony look from the day to night in a pinch.
