March is a time of fashion uncertainty. The weather might be warm, or it might be cold. You’re not ready for bright florals, but black brings down the winter’s-almost-over celebration. Navy is the color I reach for whenever I’m not sure what to wear because I don’t want to look like doom and gloom, but it’s nasty outside. It’s not so harsh, but still able to be worn with tights.
This navy bell-sleeve dress from Emerson Rose ($169) is positively chic. The bell-sleeve is perfectly on trend, but the simple cut keeps it manageable. If bell sleeves aren’t your thing, try this a-line Eliza J sheath with a decorative button on the pockets. And this crepe sheath from Maggie London might be the quintessential work dress.
Want something under-$100? Try this Donna Morgan crepe midi-sheath. Or if you’re in the mood to blow the doors off this place, this LK Bennet sheath with a show-stopping neckline.
Plus-size? Sejour has you covered with their simple short sleeve sheath. Tall ladies should check out this cross-over neck dress from NY & Co. Petite ladies, this LOFT mixed media dress is quite pretty.
9 comments
Kristin says:
What color tights do you where with your navy dresses?
Shelley says:
I wear navy tights with my navy dresses/skirts in the winter.
MK says:
The Eliza J sheath is really cute, but why, why, why can’t designers cut a v-neck in a work dress so that it doesn’t show cleavage?!?! If you have any kind of bust, that neck will show cleavage — you can already tell on the model. And in what office is cleavage appropriate? It’s one thing for a cocktail dress, but when a dress is clearly designed to be a work dress, it is *maddening* when the neckline is cut too deep for work. This is a massive pet peeve of mine. I’ve had to reject so many otherwise excellent dresses and tops for work because the neckline was cut too low.
Belle says:
You know how you fix this? You have the dress lifted at the shoulders. I have a small distance between my shoulders and my bust compared to the fit models they use. I have to do it all the time.
MK says:
I never thought of that. Thanks. I can definitely see that working with some things. On other things though — like the short-sleeved sheath I got the other day that fits flawlessly but dips too low in the neck — I fear that shortening the bodice a couple inches would completely alter the fit of the dress. I wish designers would think about these things when it comes to work clothes.
Leigh says:
If you are loving the button details on the Eliza J., how about this Antonio Melani Hannie from Dillard’s? The neckline *looks* a little more modest…
Antonio Melani Hannie
MontanaJen says:
Don’t tease with the crepe sheath Maggie London link. It takes me to the Eliza….which is great but shows too much skin without a scarf for the halls of the Capitol (for my style/body shape).
I am wearing out the J. Crew navy I purchased six years ago. Love that thing.
Belle says:
On it.
Pam says:
I’ve got to put in a plug for a navy dress I just bought from MMLaFleur. It’s new and called the Mona. Has a modest Vneck figure flattering seams, great ponte fabric and sleeves! I love it. Y