Monday, August 7, 2017

Little Black Dress Semi-Casual Look #2


Semi-Casual Little Black Dress

(Not a sponsored post)
Photography by: William Ross

Are you ready to see how I took my little black dress to a semi-casual look? In my last fashion post, I showed you how I styled my LBD as a formal look. Today, stroll with me through Historic Biltmore Village in Asheville, NC as I share this second look of my series with you. We'll go by some shops first. 


For a semi-casual look, I decided to pair my LBD with a pair of polka dot ankle pants. The beauty of this little black dress is that it can also act as a tunic top. For comfort in strolling around, I wore comfortable flats. 


I rounded out the look with some fun Paparazzi jewelry; necklace/earring set in blue and a wrap bracelet. 


I got tickled posing for Mr.thisandthat who was my photographer for this photo shoot. He can always make me laugh!


I have to tell you how comfortable this entire outfit is to wear! As I shared earlier, my LBD was purchased at Stein Mart and is by Premise. I can tell you it traveled very well when the Mr. and I had to make an unexpectedly quick trip to Colorado recently. The ankle pants are Basic Editions brand purchased at K-Mart and the flats are Faded Glory brand from Walmart. So, the outfit overall is economical. 


The shoes are called a buckle toe flat which adds some unique style to this semi-casual look. The ankle pants have a flat waistband which is not only comfortable but also doesn't show through on the dress front like pants that have front zippers and buttons would. More and more I am moving to flat front pants whenever possible because I hate seeing the zipper/buttons showing through on my tops!


It was fun taking photos in front of the beautiful and historic All Souls Cathedral in Biltmore Village. This is the church where Cornelia Vanderbilt was married in 1924. Her father was George Vanderbilt who built the famous Biltmore Estate located here in Asheville. The Mr. is a good photographer, isn't he?! He catches all the right angles. 






If you ever visit Asheville, be sure to walk around Biltmore Village. The church and the shops are all right there. And it's especially pretty at Christmas time when Biltmore Village does a special "Dickens in the Village" celebration with roving musical groups, actors in costume from "A Christmas Carol," roasted chestnuts for sale and beautiful lights. 

So, to recap: How did I take my little black dress to a semi-casual style?

  • I used the dress as a tunic pairing it with polka dot ankle pants.
  • I wore flats rather than heels. However, the flats had a unique feature that took them to a level above casual with the addition of the buckle toe look.
  • I wore simple jewelry in colors that complimented the look. 
  • I wore my hair down rather than in an updo.
Join me next time for my final post of this three part series in which I will show you how I take my little black dress to a very casual style. Can't wait to see what you think!

Until Next Time,
Debbie 


14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love this look and it's very me as I wear tunics and dresses over pants and leggings quite a lot! The shoes are also really cute and look so comfortable and go really well with the outfit! Biltmore village looks very pretty and it also sounds like it was a very interesting place to visit.

Karen said...

This is perfection!!! What a fabulous look Debbie! Having been to Asheville and Biltmore, these pictures made me want to do a return trip as it's been a few years now (quite a few, actually!) Those ankle pants are beautiful - are you tall? I have a real problem with ankle pants fitting like ankle pants, but would love the ones you are wearing here! My friend and I were just talking about going to K Mart (they are really hard to find around here) to look at the Jaclyn Smith clothes, and I would definitely check out that brand of ankle pants! I just love everything about this outfit and plan to try more dresses over leggings and pants now that I've seen this!

Karen said...

One more thing about the flat-front pants. I'm right with you on this one. I have found pants for work at Talbots that have the flat front and side zip, though I have to find them on sale or when I have a money-savings deal from the mail as they are pricey. I'm done with the buttons and zipper fronts on dress pants. I understand that Jag jeans also have the flat from and elastic waist, but come in all kinds of cuts from skinnies to boot cuts and if you wear your top out, no one is the wiser. And none of the hardware showing in front!

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thank you, Tania. This is an interesting place to live for sure.

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thanks, Karen. I have to admit that I really like this look. And it is very comfortable! I'm not tall at all....I'm 5'4"...but these Basic Edition ankle pants just work for me. I also like that these pants are pull ons so there is no side zipper to worry with. I'll have to look into those Jag jeans. I have a hard time finding jeans that work, also. Thanks for the tip!

Sharon said...

I absolutely love this look! It's perfect from head to toe and appears to be so comfortable. I am also a fan of flat front pants with no zippers or buttons. I found a flat front style in a brand called Westbound, and when I found my size in this brand, I bought several colors including jeans. Debbie, I'm looking forward to seeing your third post in this trilogy of fashion posts.

Lay said...

I also love this look and the comfort of a tunic over pants. Its my go to outfit these days as are the flats. The subtle polka dots in the pants are wonderful,adding some fun without being flashy. Hope you dont mind copy cats!

Vanity And Me said...

This is a fabulous look, Debbie. The spotted trousers under the Tunic/dress make a real impact.
www.vanityandmestyle.com

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thank you, Sharon. I'll have to look into the Westbound brand.

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thanks, Laura, for your comments. Feel free to copy cat away! (Smile)

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thanks so much, Laurie! Always love your style!

Amy Johnson said...

I love those pants under that dress! I have a LBD that is pretty short so I don't have a lot of occasions I feel comfortable wearing it. I'll have to try a pair of pants underneath!

Unknown said...

You look beautiful and Mr. IS a great photographer! Great tips on making a LBD casual. Your dress is styled perfect, the swingy works nice with your polka dot pants!! Your necklace and earrings keep everything present day while exploring Historic Biltmore Village. Love your posts...

Jessica Jannenga said...

Hi Debbie
What a pretty area for photos! Love the shape of your LBD and how you styled it with pants. Very chic!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com