A Year of Dresses
Jane’s Vanity dresses are not about occasion, but about confidence. Selected for their subtle charm and fine workmanship, they make you happy to wear again and again. Case in point: the perfect simplicity of Aromatique’s ultra-fine black knit Wool Sweater Dress. Not only is it reversible, but also one size fits most. You can reveal the cut-out detail at front or back, high slit at left or right. The dress is fitted at the upper torso and gracefully widens as it descends. It would be a light but cozy companion for travel in the “shoulder” and winter seasons.
Zoelle pieces make great travellers too. They await you for resort or warmer months. For a dressy occasion or just a stroll in the sun, wear the Greenfinch Midi Dress in two chartreuse prints: one for the easy boatneck front, one to show off the deep V in back. On a beach holiday, choose the Malachie Butterfly Empire Dress with its spaghetti-strapped faux wrap bodice, permanent pleats, and draped scarf hem. All in an intricate print of green, blue, orange, black, and red.
A silk slip dress is the ultimate in versatility all year round. In summer, wear it alone for day or evening. Temperley London offers the romantic Thalia Silk Gown in lime green with its covered buttons and lace detail in front, criss-crossed straps, and lace-trimmed slit in back. Gilda & Pearl deliver a slinky cut for their silk slip dresses, in bold or subtle print. Get happy with the Lili Midi style, in rose gold with dragon print of red and pink. For a new take on the Little Black Dress, try the Voyage Slip Dress in black crepe de chine with a tiny deco seashell design.
As summer turns to fall, consider an autumn-colored slip dress. Wake up your wardrobe with Merle Noir’s Blazing Bronze Slip Dress with its lavish black lace appliqués and the Carmine Red Slip Dress in rich burgundy red silk with color-matched lace appliqués. Either would be pretty and practical with a flirty cardigan or rangy boat-neck sweater.
And for winter, select Stelios Koudounaris’s Petrol Flared Sleeve Velvet Dress. Its vibrant blue is a modern contrast to such vintage touches as (removable) shoulder pads, floaty sleeves, wide belt, pleated fabric and high side slit. Your only decision will be which clever heels to wear with it. Christine Vancouver also taps into retro with the Fabergé Moss Velvet Gown in chartreuse with its Art Nouveau-inspired burnout floral pattern. The draped cowl neckline and low back with criss-cross straps make this piece totally flattering, totally festive.
Which relaxing JV dress shall we wear today?