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Black & White Gingham for Spring

Hello, friends! I hope you’re doing well this fine Saturday. Last night we went out to dinner to celebrate my husband’s birthday, and this morning I’m gearing up to photograph some more spring outfits. It’s pretty out there, but COLD. I’m talking 17 degrees. I hope it warms up a lot in the next couple hours!

Today’s look is another one we shot in Nashville last weekend. It’s hard to believe that was a week ago already.

Black & White Gingham for Spring

I don’t wear dresses very often, but I wanted to be sure to incorporate a few into my 27 Days of Spring Fashion. Many of you have asked for outfit ideas for graduations and other spring events that are coming up, and this gingham sheath would be perfect for a variety of spring occasions.

Black & White Gingham Dress for Spring

It’s made of a thick bistretch fabric, so really moves with you, and it’s very comfortable to wear. For size reference, I’m wearing an 8, so it runs true to size.

My only complaint is the armholes are cut pretty far in so I had to be careful about making sure my bra straps were hidden, but I think a racer-back bra would solve this issue. The one I’m wearing is actually a convertible design so I can make it into a racer back, but I was in a hurry to change outfits between photo shoots, and I didn’t bother with that.

(I also forgot to change my earrings and add a bracelet, even though I had them laid out on the bed. #airhead)

Black & White Gingham Dress for Spring

Black & White Gingham Dress for Spring

Black & White Gingham Dress for Spring

This dress is a great length — very flattering on most of us, right at the knee. The side slit is also a nice detail. I don’t feel like it sacrifices modesty, but it adds interest and makes it easier to walk and sit in.

Black & White Gingham Dress for Spring Occasions

I ordered this dress during a site-wide 25% off sale a couple weeks ago. It isn’t on sale right now, but Banana Republic runs sales often, so I wouldn’t recommend paying full price. They do have select dresses on sale right now, though, and there are some nice options if you need something right away.

Black & White Gingham Dress for Spring

The styling possibilities for a black and white dress are virtually endless. I think red or pink sandals would be stunning with this, but these black suede stacked heels almost jumped out of my closet when I was trying on this dress, so I decided to make this a purely black and white outfit. The chunky sandals offset the heavier fabric of the dress perfectly.

Black & White Gingham Dress for Spring Occasions

Black & White Gingham Dress for Spring

I realize these shoes are more pricey than what I usually feature. They were gifted by kate spade for a post I did with them a few weeks ago. I’m a sucker for a great quality pair of shoes, and I’ve been known to spend this much for shoes on occasion, but I have to really love them and know I’ll wear them for years.

What makes these shoes distinct, aside from the quality of materials, is the patent leather block heel with the suede crossover straps. I couldn’t find anything out there quite like them, but this pair with the crossover straps and a 3 1/2 inch block heel is pretty close and not a bad price at $99. I also really like these strappy sandals for $129 as well as these for $79. And this pair is similar with a slightly lower heel at $59.

Black & White Gingham Dress for Spring

The tassel clutch I’m carrying was gifted by Gigi New York at the rewardStyle conference last spring. It is gorgeous, and it’s always my go-to when I need a simple black clutch. Sole Society makes a nice faux leather option for $39.

Black & White Gingham Dress for Spring

Black & White Gingham Dress for Spring Occasions

Black & White Gingham Dress for Spring Occasions

Because spring weather can be unpredictable, a sleeveless dress is always a bit of a risk, so I topped it off with my black moto jacket. It’s old, so I’ll link to a few similar options at the end. Mine is actually coated cotton, but leather or faux leather would work just as well.

Black & White Gingham Dress for Spring

A cardigan or blazer could work with this dress too, but I think the moto jacket creates a nice juxtaposition. Obviously take your venue into account, but since this dress is fairly classic, the moto jacket gives the outfit a more edgy vibe that helps keep it modern and on trend.

Black & White Gingham Dress for Spring

Black & White Gingham Dress for Spring

This outfit or a variation of it could take you a lot of places this spring. You can’t go wrong with black and white, as far as I’m concerned!

Black & White Gingham Dress for SpringOccasions

Shop the Post

 

gingham sheath // tassel foldover clutch c/o Gigi New York (similar for less) // crossover block heel sandals c/o kate spade new york // similar moto jackets here, here and here // beaded hoops (not my first choice with this outfit)

photo credit: Catherine Truman Photography

Be sure to visit Cyndi and see the spring outfit she’s styling today!

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22 Responses

  1. You look amazing in the dress Jo Lynnef!!. The fit is perfect and so flattering for your figure.. Your are knocking it out of the park with your Spring Wardrobe series and we are only on day 4!!!

  2. Love, love, love the moto jacket with the dress!!! Now in my 50s, I find myself being more daring with my fashion choices– and dressing more to my liking than I did when I was younger. I may be a grandmother now, but I’ve decided no one should be able to look at me and tell that I’m a granny!

  3. Ahhh….you know I’m a sucker for seeing you in a dress, Jo-Lynne!
    Maybe because you have such a great shape for them!
    I agree with you on Banana Republic—they are kinda like Ann Taylor & Loft, where there is always some kind of sale, so there are great deals to be had!!
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

  4. I really like how you edged up this great dress with the moto jacket and fringed clutch. It looks great! And would be good for many different occasions

  5. I saw this online last night, decided I must have it and then woke up this morning to see you styling it! Must be a sign! ???? You are truly rockin’ this dress! I love the black moto jacket with it!

  6. You look great in the dress! I also think a pop of color in the clutch or shoe would look great too, not so heavy with all black.

  7. So darling!! But you look good in everything!! Thank you for all the research. You have inspired me to get going on spring outfits! Julie

  8. The dress looks great on you! I’m a sucker for black and white. A jean jacket would be super cute with that as well. I just ordered the BR off the shoulder top in this same gingham pattern- hope this style isn’t too much for my slightly over-50 self 🙂 If so I guess I can always gift it to my 19 year old daughter who looks great in anything LOL! Do you think a short or long necklace looks better with the off-the-shoulder look or maybe just chandelier type earrings?

    1. Hey Michele. I can’t believe I didn’t think about the jean jacket option. I used to always throw a jean jacket on over my dresses. That WOULD be very cute. I think the off the shoulder top is very doable as long as it’s for a venue where you feel comfortable in it. I have mixed opinions on the necklace debate with an off-the-shoulder top. I think it is ALWAYS appropriate to wear no necklace and big statement earrings. That is foolproof. I have seen people do a necklace – either a cool collar or choker, or even a pendant, but it depends a lot on the style of the top and the way it lays and if it has any ruffles or other details that might interfere. Hope that helps!

  9. Stunning!! You do wear a sheath well. I adore this pattern and cut on you! I am loving the spring lineup. I’m buying that rayon, flower-print blouse this weekend! So springy with just the right touch of boho.
    Thanks for all you do!

  10. You look great in this style dress. I LOVE the shoes, but yes they are too expensive to go out and buy, but I’m sure lots of similar looks will be out. The chunky heel is everywhere. The length is good too, for us over 50 ladies. 🙂

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