One Dress 7 Ways

Tuesday, 01 September 2009 19:00

Where do you want to eat? Even more important, what should you wear? Just in time for Coco Before Chanel, about the life of the designer who brought us the Little Black Dress (check out our September issue, page 20), INsite shows you how to breathe new life into this closet staple—for all culinary occasions. The secret? It’s all in the accessories.

Text and Styling: Stephanie Granada
Photos: Sean Kelly

The LBD: $50, Henri Girl (3224 SW 35th Blvd., in Butler Plaza)

1. “The Morning After”

+ Anorak
+ Messenger bag

Just toss a lightweight anorak into your overnight bag (or borrow one of his), throw it on the next morning with your glasses and some cute necklaces—no one will dare accuse you of doing the walk of shame.

Wear it to: Bagels Unlimited

Anorak: $40, Wolfgang; shoes: $90, Dillard's; bag: $30, Steinmart; glasses: $12, Wolfgang; necklaces: $22-$26, Henri Girl

2. “Power Lunch”

+ Structured jacket
+ Structured bag
+ Minimalist jewelry

A structured jacket makes you look put-together and confident, while the bag shows you mean business. Limit your statement-making pieces by keeping the jewelry simple.

Wear it to: Red Table Bar & Grill

Coat: $38; shoes: $98; bag: $148; jewelry: $25-$30; all from Dillard's

3. “Date Night”

+ Chandelier earrings
+ Strappy heels
+ Lightweight shawl

You don't need much else than the LBD to impress your date. Keep the extras to a minimum to ensure his attention stays on you. The shawl will keep you from having to cover up with his oversized coat when the temperature drops.

Wear it To: Manuel's Vintage Room

Shawl: $20, Steinmart; shoes: $50, Henri Girl; clutch: price unknown, Dillard's; brooch: $20, Steinmart; earrings: $32, Dillard's; ring: $14, Henri Girl

4. “To-Go”

+ T shirt
+ Colorful accessories
+ Boho carry-all

Layering a tee under your LBD shifts your look into casual mode, perfect for long days on campus and food on the go.

Wear it To: Pita Pit

T shirt: $10, Henri Girl; shoes: $50, Dillard's; watch: $20, Steinmart; jewelry: $3-$36, Dillard's; bag: model's own

5. “Coffee Shop”

+ Button-down boyfriend shirt
+ Ankle boots
+ Statement necklace

Your boyfriend's shirt gets a feminine edge when you tie it around your waist, a la ’90s supermodel. Add some hip booties and pile on the tarnished, metal jewels for a chic downtown look.

Wear it to: Bourbon Street Coffee Co.

Shirt: $35, Wolfgang; shoes: $90, Dillard's; jewelry: $13.50-$38, Dillard's

6. “Meet the Parents”

+ Cardigan
+ Girly jewelry
+ Funky clutch

While the cardigan and pearls show that you are elegant and charming, the funky clutch and waist-cinching belt will assure his parent's that you have style.

Wear it To: Emiliano's Cafe

Cardigan: $30, Steinmart; shoes: $90 Dillard's; clutch: $40 Henri Girl; jewelry: $18-$40, Dillard's

7. “Girls’ Night Out”

+ Statement belt
+ Costume jewelry
+ Colorful clutch

Your girls will appreciate your stylish ways, and the LBD provides the perfect canvas to go all out. Bold jewelry? Thick belts? Patent bag? Yes—no need to pick just one.

Wear it To: Liquid Ginger

Belt: $20, Steinmart; shoes: $90, Dillard's; clutch: $20, Steinmart; jewelry: $10-$15, Steinmart

CREDITS Hair by Sara Hilton and makeup by Sabrina Johns, both at Scissors Salon (352-378-0231). Stylist’s assistants: Amelia Harnish, Ashley McCredie. Photographer’s assistant: Carey Mays. Model: Chanel Bird. Special thanks to Sharab Lounge.