An LBD is a forever classic and a fail-proof option when you don’t know what to wear. I was drawn to the simple yet elegant cut of this one with the boatneck top, curved waistline and flattering A line skirt. It’s very petite friendly (fits beautifully off the rack) and gives me all the Audrey Hepburn vibes! See this dress in motion in my IG Reel.
I’m partnering with Nordstrom to share a few brands I typically browse for dresses, such as Dress the Population (DTP), Bardot, and French Connection. DTP has more formal styles that are sleek, sexy and figure-flattering starting in size xxs. I’ve purchased a handful of their dresses from over the past 10 years and still love each one (I’ve never gotten rid of a DTP piece during a closet clean out!). Since they don’t make petite sizing, I’ve had to make some small adjustments like shorten the shoulder straps or hem the skirt length, but the fit is usually slim and fitted. French Connection on the other hand runs more petite friendly off the rack, and has shorter dress styles in simple but flattering cuts.
This French Connection dress in size 0 fits perfectly with a little stretch, and is made of a medium weight doubleweave fabric. For year round I’d do a classic strappy nude sandal or pump, but for the holidays I love adding texture and sparkle with these velvet jeweled Sam Edelman pumps. They come in several colors and are gorgeous from both the front and side profile with the subtly scalloped edge. The website shows black satin, but when my order arrived I was happy to see it’s actually velvet since I personally find it a lot more versatile!
YSL bag, FC dress sz 0, EP mini belt xxs
I wouldn’t typically think to pair this style of dress with boots, but was inspired after seeing the stock photo! By mixing in trending styles like tall V-cut boots and an oversized blazer, it definitely gives a classic piece a more edgy vibe. These Schutz boots (see my review on the Maryana vs Maryana Sculpt) continue to be a favorite Fall find and fit so unexpectedly well on someone shorter with narrow calves. I added this long, draping blazer that I picked up earlier this summer, and broke up all the black with a slim belt.
Thank you to Nordstrom for partnering on this post.
Hi Jean, thanks for this great post. What was the blazer that you wore with this dress? Wondering if you would consider giving advice on jackets/blazers to go with dresses in a future post? Thanks!
Hi Lily, the blazer is by Halogen and is linked under the second photo! And thank you for your post suggestion, I’ll keep that in mind!
Hi Jean!
Gorgeous!!! Love the shoes!! I’ve been eying SAm Edelman’s latest collection and might have to get those. Love the Black velvet and the sparkle is so fun! Love the LBD with a jacket – perfect! I have some black Dupioni silk I’d love to do something with, so maybe a holiday piece with some velvet accents…I’m seeing velvet handbags too! Thanks for more beautiful inspiration!!
Thank you April! that sounds like it would be such a fun and festive holiday piece!
Hi Jean- I love your ysl bag, tried it at the ysl store and was wondering if you can do a review on it. Thanks!
Hi Annie, I’ve been enjoying it! I recently shared some thought on it in this post.
Hi Jean! Love the combo especially with the pumps. I bought the blazer during the Nodstrom anniversary sale based on your recommendation and i love it.
You such an inspiration and I cannot wait for the EP camel poncho. I have been recieving tons of compliments on the way i dress since I started following you!
Thanks so much. Wish i cam buy all my cloths from EP.
Keep up the good work!
Thank you Lisa, you are so sweet! I really appreciate your continued support. Sending all my best to you and yours xx