Outfit Inspiration: Sultry and Sheer

Oct 3, 2012

Our outfit today is a bit of a change from the usual.  Some of you will consider it too racy, others will see it as sultry.  It all depends on your perspective, but what kind of fashion blogger would I be, if from time to time, I didn’t try something new?  

Stuck in a rut, that’s what I’d be.

Necklace: Fani Isabella Handmade Necklace ($146), Top: See by Chloe Navy Sheer Blouse ($192), Skirt: J.CREW Collection Sequin and Tweed Pencil Skirt ($250) Bag: DKNY Zebra Clutch ($220) Bracelet: Stretch Chain Cuff ($62) Lingerie: Isolde Bralette ($38)

This outfit has a lot of style.  It mixes navy and black, a tricky but chic combination.  It takes a sheer blouse that is all business and makes it sexy.  And then, it pulls the whole look together with a striped clutch and a chunky, beaded necklace.

I opted for a tweed skirt with sequins instead of a liquid sequin skirt, just because I would get more mileage out of the tweed.  But if you go out on the town regularly, the sequin might be a worthwhile addition to your closet.  This Calvin Klein skirt from Macy’s is $90, and this skirt from Kohl’s is $30.

The sheer navy blouse is to die for.  I’d add a basic black pencil and a seamless navy tank to wear it to work.   This SEE by Chloe blouse is great, but a little out of my price range.  This Marc Jacobs shirt from Bluefly is much better at $90.

Personally, I love the way the scalloped edges of the bra show through the sheer top.  And since the model isn’t a large-chested woman, and everything seems to be covered, I don’t find it to be that risqué.  Daring, but not overly racy.  But everyone should dress for their own comfort, and this look certainly isn’t for everyone.  This camisole has a hint of lace, so you get a hint of texture but full coverage.

The accessories for this outfit are key.  I love the chunky beaded necklace in the photo, and the one in the set is my favorite one that I found, but this multi-strand necklace from Galam is also nice at an easy $24 price.  I couldn’t find anything similar to the striped bag (at least, not anything under-$1,000), so I decided to work a bit of zebra into the look.  (This flap clutch has a similar look to the DKNY for just $45.)   And last but not least, a large gold bracelet finishes out the ensemble.  

I would wear this outfit to a friend’s birthday or drinks with some of my fashion blog pals.  It’s nice to try something new once in awhile, it keeps things fresh and helps you figure out which fashions you do or don’t like.

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  1. T says:

    love, love, love.

  2. KittyB says:

    Belle: I love this step outside of the box. But I'm left with one question (well, two?) – legwear and shoes?
    Thanks. I always appreciate your vision.

  3. K says:

    Two words: LOVE. IT.

  4. Caroline says:

    I love this too!

  5. SLM says:

    Both of your posts today are so on point.

  6. Kate says:

    Gorgeous! Love this outfit!

    And just curious … who are your fashion blog pals in DC?

  7. PA Lobbyist says:

    LOVE this. Definitely a great outfit for an evening reception, date night, party, etc. May be a little showy for some people in Harrisburg, but all the accessories give it a polished look. Also a great idea for events at PA Society in Manhattan in December…

  8. Katy says:

    Love this. Am generously bosomed, and this seems like a nice way to highlight my assets for evening that isn't just yet another v-neck.

  9. Deborah says:

    Is the inspiration a picture of Chriselle from thechrisellefactor.com? I love her! And I love the outfit you put together as well!

  10. Belle says:

    Deborah-I had to follow one hell of a Tumblr trail to find out, but yes it is. Here's the original link https://thechrisellefactor.com/2011/09/a-bit-of-glitz-glamour-tea/

  11. Emily says:

    Bare legs? Tights? What is your suggestion here?

  12. Vanessa says:

    I dig it!

  13. Belle says:

    Emily: I'd wear bare legs and a black pump. If you prefer black tights, go for it, but it doesn't make much sense to me to be nearly nude on top and covered up on bottom.

  14. GoGoGo says:

    Total rookie question: is all sheer stuff dry-clean only? Or are there fabrics to look out for that are OK to wash at home? I bought the best top and I've gotten so many fewer wears out of it because most all of my other stuff can be washed at home and I only make rare trips to the dry cleaner.

    This outfit's adorable and the commentary about it is right on, by the way.

  15. Belle says:

    GoGoGo: there are some pieces you might be able to hand wash, but I would probably just take it to the cleaner.

  16. Jenny says:

    Cool outfit! Loving the mega-glam of it all.

    And I'd love to know who your blogger pals in DC are too! : )

  17. E Taylor says:

    A bit far on the tasteless side for me. Though the sheer and lace mix idea is lovely, having the general public in on your underwear choices still seems to land at vulgar end of the spectrum.
    I realize, as you said, that this was a mix-things-up post and know I am not the only reader., Still, I have followed (and very much enjoyed! Thank you!) your blog for a while now, and am hoping this isn't the direction it's headed.

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