The Little Black Dress That Works for My Colorful Life

I am normally not one to wear black. I know, I know, how can you be a NYC fashion blogger and not wear black?? Believe it or not, I own very few black dresses and I had no idea just how few I owned until last year. To illustrate just how lacking my closet was regarding the color, those of you who have followed along with me, know that I had a client in early 2019 that required an all black dress code, which they sprung on me the day before I flew to their event. After a frantic search through my expansive wardrobe, I was dismayed to discover that… I don’t own black business attire. Most of my black clothing was either no longer my size, not professional attire, or not truly all black (ie. the Victoria Beckham for Target black dress with a white orchid on the front). It should have come as no surprise to me, but suddenly, the need to furnish a full week’s worth of head to toe black business attire had me in a panic.  I had to rush out to the Ann Taylor and local consignment shops in Alexandria and throw together a bevy of professional black outfits. It was quite the last-minute ordeal and needless to say, it was a TIME. Even now, I have an extremely small section of my wardrobe devoted to black dresses. Since I now work for myself, it is rare that I need a black outfit or a black suit. While it is a good measure to keep a little black dress, unfortunately for the occasional funeral or corporate event, I have cleared out my wardrobe, and my new limited apartment space doesn’t really allow me to hold onto a ton of things that I don’t see myself likely to wear. I always feel muted when I wear black, so I usually avoid it as a color.

I have long loved the brand, Rhode. The iconic Ella dress with the rainbow pleats is still on my wishlist. It is a brand that I always check for when perusing online sites. When I saw this particular dress at Saks Fifth Avenue, I fell in love. Of course I would love it even more if it was pink or blue or a beautiful lavender… but even as a little black dress, this made me fall in love. It gave me such a vision of Gemma Chan in Valentino at the Oscars. I love the tiers, the ruffled neckline, and the voluminous “parachute” structure. I think it’s safe to say that we all know I love a dress with movement, and this has it in epic amounts. I always hesitate to purchase things that I don’t see myself wearing (ie. a black dress), but I was so drawn to this dress, I had to have it. Once purchased, I obviously needed to figure out what I could conceivably wear it with, because I as I mentioned, I no longer have the space for things to just sit in my closet unworn. (Not to mention a husband who is adamant about how even our storage space is running low, so stop buying unnecessary things, lol).

My issue with black dresses is that I feel very… subdued in them. I think everyone knows by now that I love to express myself through my style and I guess in a former life I was a circus pony or a peacock. I love a statement! Black has always felt extremely muted to me. Even a black dress with a fabulous flare like this gorgeous Rhode. My answer to making a black dress something I felt like myself in? I love to add pops of color wherever I can, and this fetching frock seemed like I finally had the right dress to pull off these amazing embellished fishnets. They’re so over the top and so amazing, they need a dress that won’t clash. This Rhode dress was made to twirl in. It hits optimal twirling volume, and it is the perfect complement to these fishnets.

I chose to add this vintage inspired crystal necklace from Loren Hope and these amazing vintage earrings from Speranza Co. I thought the bright blue would set off well against the stockings and black dress! Pale pink tulle gloves and a jaunty little fascinator really rounded off the look, and lastly, one of my favorite (and accidental) accessories! This itty bitty Jacquemus micro bag may well be one of my most prized accessories, and I ended up with it by accident!! When Opening Ceremony was doing their close out sale, I rushed to snag a Jacquemus le chiquito bag, (with every other style blogger in America), and of course, just as I went to check out, it sold out. I was majorly disappointed. To be that close!! Naturally, I got a little fixated on it, and began a search. I’m pretty good at scouring the internet for deals, so I dug through every nook and cranny. I saw it was available for $150 off on one site, but then I saw it on sale for much less on FarFetch. In my defense, it was very late. I ordered it, and went to sleep with a smile. Because I was up so late, I slept in. I awoke to a notification that it had already shipped… and then I realized. I hadn’t ordered the le chiquito bag. I had ordered the MICRO bag. THE MICRO. This itty bitty baby bag can barely fit a miniature lipstick and a few coins. Of course it was so inexpensive, it was a different bag!! I immediately went back to the other site and ordered the bag I wanted on sale… and assured myself I would return the micro bag. The road to shopping doom is paved with good return intentions… When it arrived… WHO COULD SEND THAT BACK? It’s an eeeee worthy accessory. I usually keep it inside of my actual Jacquemus bag as they match, like a set of nesting purses.

Mary’s Style Tips: Do not close yourself off from a particular color or style. Just because you haven’t found a piece you like does not mean that the right one isn’t out there. I am always wary of purchasing black clothing, but as I have embarked as a NYC fashion blogger, I have discovered that the color black is not my enemy, it just needs to be properly accessorized.

If you also love a good twirling black dress or an adorable accessory, let me know!

Xoxo, Mary

Outfit Details:

Dress: Rhode

Shoes: Badgley Mischka (Different Color Available)

Purse: Jacquemus

Fishnets: Rhienstone 

Earrings: Speranza Co.

Necklace: Loren Hope Hex Necklace (Sold Out)

 Gloves: Similar

 Hat: Older

Photography by: Karya Schanilec