Almost Layering

She strolls the early morning markets of a big city, still dressed in a gown from the night before. The coat she wears seems an afterthought, allowed to swing open to reveal a touch of skin, a bit of lace. This evocative image inspires a JV autumn look: we call it “almost” layering. Casual, jazzy, a bit experimental, it requires just a pretty slip dress and the framing grace of a coverup (or two). Let’s try it. 

Here, length and contrast are key. You can obtain length with a gown, or, for a shorter slip dress, with a long coverup. Boots can add that columnar effect too. Then mix it up with coverups of various shapes and sizes. The result is flattering and devil-may-care. And it doesn’t mind a little bling–a chunky short necklace or a few invitingly long chains. 

Begin with Christine Vancouver’s Meghan Luxe Silk Crepe Gown. The subtle weight of its black silk crepe gives the piece a gentle drape from pleated cups to midi-length hem. To offset its quiet perfection, pair it with the deep red of Gilda & Pearl’s Sultan Garland Short Robe. Crafted of silk velvet and lined in silk, it will be your blankie for the months to come. 

Feel the gothic splendor of autumn in Christine Vancouver’s Darwin SIlk Gown. Its mysterious print of flora and fauna is ready for a forest walk with the long and sensuous Luna Flannel Dressing Gown in deep gray wool flannel from Morpho + Luna. And...

Bring a friend to stroll through the leaves. Your companion matches your own black slip dress in Dana Pissara’s Luxor Wool Silk Gown with lace inserts down to there and up to here. And wears with it the moody light blue silk of Emma Harris’s Veronique Silk Robe. Its thigh-high kimono style smolders with a touch of purple metallic lace at hem and long ties. Note the gray-blue silk that speaks of wintery skies. Bask in the double-layer kimono sleeves that keep out the chill.

Speaking of pairs, consider the fun of wearing two wraps. Studio Pia likes to play with cover ups in bold colors and styles. To frame a long black dress, try the  Aretha Embroidered Kaftan Robe in fiery shades beneath the short Petra Amber Silk Robe. Let them flow, untied, like theater curtains. Brava.

We party on in our “almost” layers from Jane’s Vanity.