Two Ways: Green H&M Sheath

Dress: Green Sheath Dress (H&M, $38)

From Left, Earrings: Bounkit Chrysoprase Burst ($320) Legwear: Commando Fishnets ($30) Boots: Frye Harlow Campus High Shaft ($270) Shirt: Walter Sheer Bow Blouse ($98) Bag: Swedish Classic Bag ($115, seriously the website is in Sweden, so consider yourself warned.)

From Right, Shoes: Zara Court Platform ($90) Earrings: Kate Spade Chandeliers ($98) Shirt: Sequin Front Vest ($64) Bag: Monsoon Alba Clutch ($38)

For the Office. Layering a blouse under a dress is a delicate process.  If you aren’t careful you’ll wind up looking like a schoolgirl, and not in a good way.  The key to making this look work is to choose fitted pieces and to choose a soft, feminine blouse.  So please, no shapeless, sleeveless sheath dresses over turtlenecks or collared shirts, it’s not the best way to wear this look.

Before we get started, let me just say that I made a critical error with this outfit.  There should be a belt.  A skinny belt in either leopard, gold or tan.  In my rush to finish this set, I simply forgot about it.

This blouse is the twin to a black blouse featured on CHS a few weeks ago.  I think it’s one of the nicest, chicest sheer blouses that I’ve seen in an affordable price point.  Layer it under the dress and the sheer sleeves and tie neck will add a bit of softness to the fitted sheath. 

I chose brown accessories for this post, but I also thought about doing medium grey.  The boots are a nice blend of casual and dressy, and I’d wear them with small-weave nude fishnets.  If that’s not for you, you can wear nylons or go bare legged, though I’ve never been crazy about bare legs with knee highs looks on most women. 

The bag is from a shop in Sweden.  I actually ordered a dress from there last year, and it all worked out, though navigating the site and transit time were a hassle.  So while reputable, shopping overseas presents challenges.  And if you don’t want to carry a satchel, a Rebecca Minkoff MAB Clutch with chain is a nice alternative ($175, at 6pm).

The earrings are a bit fancy for the work place, but I like the way the green stones aren’t too perfect.  Sometimes flaws are what make a thing great.

For the hair, definitely wear it up.  A wavy bun with some twists would work nicely.  For them makeup, I’d do a lightly smoked eye in shades of taupe and a mauve lip.

For a Birthday Party. Instead of a necklace, I decided to layer this dress over a sequin tank.  In a perfect world, the tank would trace the neckline of the dress, providing just a hint of gold shimmer.  But, that being said, it would probably take some work to find the perfect tank.

If you’re looking for a sexy pair of year-round party shoes, these are them.  Sky high with gold touches and a closed toe, you can wear them with almost any going out attire that you’d like.  The shoes also come in black patent.

The earrings are a basic chandelier in clear and gold.  I thought about doing a pop of color, but decided to save that for the orange clutch.  Really, this clutch is more of a rust color, and on second look, I’d like something brighter.  A tangerine, perhaps.

For the hair, long and stick straight with a center part.  For the makeup, a heavily lined eye with a matte lip in a deep jewel tone.  Also, painted nails in a dark purple or greige would be lovely as well.