When it comes to my personal style this month, it’s all about leather! I have had the urge to wear leather for a while, but in Singapore it’s generally just too hot for the fabric and I have never been able to find the right pieces.
Until now!
The first look I’m going to show you is this party outfit for a 50th wedding anniversary.
I decided to shop my own closet and chose to wear my Porto burgundy dress as it has a nice ‘wintery color’ and the fabric is quite thick and therefore good for winter weather. I had worn this dress before and liked the way I feel in it.
Of course in The Netherlands I would have to ‘winterfy’ it.
My first plan was to wear my old custom-made brown boots with it. I could not test the idea as my boots were in The Netherlands and I was still in Singapore, so I brought my fuchsia pumps just in case that idea would not work.
Then, I needed to find a topper that would keep me warm. When I spotted this leather jacket at Massimo Dutti, it was love at first sight. I noted that the color was almost the same as my dress so this would make for a great monochrome (alas with brown boots) look.
I took the beautiful scarf that was gifted to me by Suzanne to break up the one colored look and add some color to my face.
I tested my initial idea with the boots in The Netherlands and felt that the look was way too casual. My fuchsia shoes definitely looked better but then my tights were too thick and it was definitely not ideal.
I decided that if I bumped into some good booties then that would be a great finish to the outfit. The sales were on at the stores and low and behold I found these booties in the perfect color on sale! The heels are a bit higher than I may have preferred but still very comfortable because of the platform heels.
Then there were the tights. I never would have thought to buy printed tights (not my thing really) but when I spotted these, I just wanted to try them. I figured they would look good with a monochrome outfit like mine and would make it more festive.
And there you go, my final party outfit. Perhaps a bit too edgy for the event, but I guess I am a bit of a fashionista now that I have this site, so I may as well put that on show!
I realise that I took a bit of a risk with this outfit. Flower scarf and flower tights is perhaps a bit too much. And leather is maybe not chic enough or a bit too edgy for an event where the general age was 70+. Printed tights are not everyone’s cup-a-tea anyway (as I also noticed from some of the feedback I received through Facebook).
But I DID feel good in the outfit on the day itself. I loved the luxury of the leather and the silk in my neck (and I needed the jacket since it was definitely NOT warm). I felt that the tights added something extra to the outfit. I did notice a few raised eye brows when people spotted the shoes (high heels are generally frowned upon in The Netherlands certainly by the 50+ crowd).
But as mentioned, I felt happy, beautiful, modern and comfortable on the day (photos were taken the day after by the way, so my hair definitely looked better!). I took the liberty of doing my own thing and stayed true to my style statement (modern freedom). I was happy to look different than everyone else and I was happy to stand tall.
You can’t really ask for anything more in a party outfit!
Dress: Porto through Getdressed2
Jacket: Massimo Dutti
Booties: Unisa
Scarf: gift from Suzanne Carillo
Bag: Mywalit
How do you prepare and dress for parties? Do you usually come up with something that you are happy with?
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Iam just seeing this look for 50Th wedding party.the burgandy dress boots. It is 2019 i think this was 2015. You look great. Tights scaft and jacket is sensational. You looks smart sexy and sophicated.For parties i usually wear something in my closet. Because i have wondeful thinks i get when on sale. Because neinh my size iam tall and slim. It is hars find things so when i do fimd something. I put in closet till event come up.
Glad you funkied it up with the high-heeled booties and the patterned tights. Looks definitely stylish and sexy this way!
What a pretty color on you! I liked your outfit.
This taps into the Color of the Year (Pantone): Marsala, I think! I do agree with a few comments that, to some eyes, the overall look is too monotone. I’m not sure how to use the fashion-specific language about color depths, but maybe if the jacket were a shade or two darker…? I do love the wine color, though! And the shoes are gorgeous! I quit my job as a teacher and am in school to become a veterinary technician, and my work clothing will never again allow for cute shoes! I guess it’s my own personal bias, but nylons or tights/leggings in any shade of red/pink make me think of sunburns or scalded skin, but perhaps this is ideosynchratic of me. The overall silhouette is very sleek and has good proportions for your body. You seem to know how to flatter your body so well!
You look amazing in this outfit and the colour is a bit different from the usual colours we see day in and day out. I think the patterned tights works really well with the outfit and I’m not a great lover of them, but they work with this outfit. You have put it all together beautifully.
Today the comment is very short and simple, it is a 10+ for me.
I love everything about it and it looks amazing on you. You are brave to experiment with items out of your comfort zone and the risk paid off beautifully here…congratulations!
Wow! I absolutely love your whole look from top to toe. It is spectacular and really really great. I just love the colour!!!! You look just fantastic!
It actually works!!! I wasn’t sure until I really looked at it but that color looks good on you and you didn’t over do the flowers.
Hi Sylvia —
Never in a million years could I have put these pieces together and expected them to look this spectacular. You look beautiful and with a very classy edge. A good lesson to us on stepping a bit out of the usual comfort zone, but doing so with thought and care. Well done! As always . . . .
I love the colorful monochrome look much more than the all black monochrome look and this is beautiful. I think the flowered tights are great and I love the jacket with the dress — a great way to winterize a warm-weather outfit.
The one thing I don’t like are the booties, but that is just personal taste because I don’t like any of them anywhere on anyone. Obviously that takes me away from the cutting edge of fashion because all the world is wearing them. 🙁
I love the whole outfit. It is edgy for an older age party but that’s what makes it fantastic! I love those tights and I would certainly wear them and I’m 54, 5’9″ and have pretty big hair. It’s a stand-out outfit, and it looks good on you.
I love this outfit. I think the tights add a really special touch!
A very good friend of mine is called Silvia so thats why I get the spelling confused….xo Sabina
You look fabulous Silvia. Sexy and sophisticated at the same time! Still awed by your haircut btw 🙂 Am totally with you on the leather jacket. Can do so much for your outfits – got myself a patent leather one in NYC I wore for New Year’s and a white one I mixed with my little back lace dress – like you show so well here, its versatile with no limits. Sabina | Oceanblue Style
One of my favorite outfit of yours! A great monochromatic look and I am drooling over those gorgeous tights.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Sylvia, this is a fabulous outfit!!!!
The Whole Outfit Is Beautiful. Wonderfully Warm Colour Too.
Stunning look for you, Sylvia – you look beautiful!
love the printed tights
Actually Sylvia I think you look stunning in the whole outfit. The tights look great and are a lovely and surprising look for you.
New Zealand
You look absolutely gorgeous ! Beautiful colour 🙂 x
As you know I like booties which are not cut off at the ankle like these, but we know we completely differ in that area haha. This monochrome look is a bit out of my comfort zone as I love contrasts. But I agree with Catia, it is very unconventional. Which is perfect. It looks good on you and I like the jacket and the tights.
Had to laugh over your remark about the high heels being frowned upon… you see… I don’t ever notice such things. If people were to frown over me and my heels I wouldn’t notice or think they are just as enthousiastic as I am LOL. Most of the frowning is jealousy anyway.
Greetje
I just love your outfit! This colour is wonderful on you and the jacket is perfect. The patterned tights are gorgeous! You certainly have the legs to wear them!
I like the outfit, I think you could take the risk with a completely different color bag!
What do you think about an orange or green clutch?
Fabulous outfit!!! I’m inspired to take more risks……and I love the booties!
A fantastic winter party outfit! It’s the perfect “not black” solution and each piece will work with so many of the other items you own and have shared with us. I’m glad you took a risk and made a statement. It looks great.
I so enjoyed following your thought process in putting this outfit together. We have the same fair coloring and as it sometimes seems we live in a world of dark hair and beautiful brown eyes, I am often at a loss. I love your use of color in this outfit particularly. Thanks for the continued inspiration!
FABULOUS! You really wowed me this morning Sylvia! From tip to toe…a very chic look, but edgy too! I love it!
What a great story of taking risks and just trying something new. The results are just fantastic, especially the stockings and the pumps. The color softens the edge of the leather and is just beautiful on you. Great look and inspirational story of how you came to put it together.
Accidental Icon
http://www.accidentalicon.com
This is truly a fab look for you!! The tights are the cat’s meow!!! I’m usually not a huge fan of a monochromatic look, but this is a perfect example of how to do it right! Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks Jodie. Total monochromatic is unusual for me too, but it kind of worked out that way. And I do love that color!
WOW! I LOVE it Sylvia! But I think you knew I would. All of the details and textures are wonderful. I adore the colours. This is one of my favourites of yours. Including the tights. I think they bring something unexpected to the outfit.
You always manage to find the best foot ware.
I’m so delighted you’re getting so much use out of that beautiful scarf.
bisous
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
Yes I guessed you would like it. More leather looks to come. I’m sure it was influenced by you!
What Catia said! Total love!
Thanks Chouette for your kind feedback!
My favorite look! Love the color! Your hair looks soft and pretty too!
Yay! Yes, it always helps if you have it styled by the hairdresser…
Simply stunning Sylvia! Very modern and unconventional though tasteful. For me a class act. Catia
Wow thanks. Was not sure how this look would be received as I’m sure it’s not to everyone’s liking!