I don't often get flustered by fashion challenges, but finding a formal dress always trips me up. I don't go to many formal events, but annually I do attend the American Cancer Society Belles & Beaus Ball. The past 2 years, I wore the same dress. Frankly, I didn't mind wearing it two years in a row because I love it so much.
Year 1:
Year 2:
While I don't mind being an outfit repeater, I thought that 3 years in a row to the same event in the same dress would be a little bit too much of a fashion faux pas. To that end, I started searching for a dress several weeks in advance. There were some good options from Adrianna Papell, but I know based on my experiences with Gwynnie Bee that her items run small, and she stops at a 24, meaning I can't size up. Mac Duggal has one that I basically died over, but the price was out of reach considering I'm under contract on a new house and about to embark on my 2nd major house move in 3 months.
I needed something that I knew would 1) fit well; 2) make me feel pretty; 3) not look like the last 2 years. Enter this gorgeous plum dress.
Not to break with tradition, I went with a Kiyonna gown. I loved the plum color and already know their items fit me really well. Their lace detail is always perfect, and this dress was no exception.
Soiree Evening Gown c/o Kiyonna – save 20% through September 6, 2017 using code LABORDAY20
Clutch by Alesya Bags – similar
Earrings from Amazon
Strapless Bra from Torrid
Lashes – Velour Lashes
Shoes – Rothy's Black Pointed Flats
I loved this dress so much! I ended up having to go with a strapless bra because I didn't want my bra showing through the sheer lace, but that was the only downside. Strapless bras are always rough for me, but the one I wore from Torrid was remarkably less horrible than others I've worn in the past.
My date looked pretty good too 😉
Kiyonna is having their semiannual $30/$60 sale right now where many separates are $30 and dresses (including some of my favorites like the Whimsy Wrap Dress) are $60. All regular priced items are also 20% off through 9/6/17. Use code LABORDAY20 at checkout.
Photos by Emily Moseley