Welcome Allison McGevna, 31, of Inside Allie’s World, who is joining us as our resident curvy-girl style blogger. She was featured in the December/January issue of PEOPLE StyleWatch and contributes her thoughts on finding the perfect outfit to the site each week. This week, she gives us insight on styling an LBD into a sleek all-black look for winter. (And if her items are sold out, we’ve linked to similar styles below — happy shopping!)
Courtesy Allison McGevna
In the winter time, much like the rest of the year, the New Yorker in me loves wearing all black. There is something timeless and chic about wearing monotone, not to mention, it’s very flattering.
This peplum and lace LBD from City Chic is versatile and sexy without leaving you freezing during the winter months. Peplums are always a favorite of mine, especially when they’re long enough to mean you don’t have to wear shapewear. They also give a nice shape and makes your waist appear smaller. I chose to add a little pop of print with a skinny leopard belt from New York and Company (http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/michael-michael-kors-reversible-leather-calf-hair-belt/3807996?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_ite=michael_michael_kors_reversible_leather_&_calf_hair_belt:796941&cm_pla=women:belts__braces:belts&cm_ven=polyvorecpc&mr:referralID=5d99ac10-9b7c-11e4-8d82-001b2166becc). Usually, I go for a wider belt, but sometimes a skinnier option just works better. A wider shape would have been too distracting here and wouldn’t have worked with the peplum. Also, with the lacey neckline and the peplum, the line of my body would have gotten cut off in too many places (think of it as drawing ill-placed horizontal lines across your body, making you look shorter and wider).
RELATED: See even more wardrobe tips from Allison here!
The lace overlay on the sleeves and bust gives the dress a sexier look. Plus, lace is a great way to show some skin but remain covered up, especially if you’re self-conscious about your arms. The knee-length silhouette also keeps the dress from feeling too stuffy. I added black tights from Assets by Sara Blakely here to keep warm, but this dress will work across seasons without them.
I finished the look off with my Tee House bangles (here and here) sparkly post earrings and tall black pumps from Steve Madden. Wearing higher heels with a dress like this elongates your legs. That helps when you’re wearing a peplum, as flats can make your legs look short, especially if you’re hippy.
Do you love a chic all-black look? What pieces do you go for? Sound off below!
