We’re on the home stretch now! By this time in the 10×10 Challenge, around Look 7 or 8, I’m usually starting to get a bit antsy. I missing a few favourite pieces that I usually wear often (My Mars Boots, Vintage Jeans, T-shirts) and I’m feeling a little (read: a lot) limited in my options. This is usually when I need to just stop trying to overthink things and simplify. Cue this all-black number. I wanted to see if I could create a proper ‘dressy’ look during my 10×10 and I’m loving this result.
INITIAL THOUGHTS
I love an all black look (despite Anna Wintour’s aversion to them). If done right it should be elegant, alluring, timeless, sophisticated and a little bit mysterious. For me, this one checks all those boxes.
This is a quintessential Date Night or Girl’s Night Out look but it could be great for an Office Party, Holiday Shindig or even a more casual Fall Wedding.
Even if I don’t wear this exactly as is today, it’s a great outfit to have in my back pocket when the right occasion presents itself. Today I am wearing the dress, tights, boots and coat but I opted for a natural lip, simple long necklace and my hair is in a basic braid.
It’s rare to feel chic, tall, slim, fancy, flirty AND ridiculously comfy all at the same time but this look has managed just that. Big win! HUGE!
ITEM #7 – THE JERSEY SWING DRESS
I’m so glad to finally be onto this item! A simple black dress is integral to just about any closet whether it’s a lean one, a capsule or just simply overflowing. I have a few black shift dresses that I love but the swingy ones definitely spend the most time out of the closet.
This particular one is the Jersey Swing Dress from the recently launched sustainable dress line, Sotela. The collection’s founder Hanna Baror-Padilla is a truly positive spirit and such an advocate for women’s peace of mind when it comes to style and getting dressed. I had the pleasure of collaborating with Hanna to help spread the word about the Sotela Kickstarter Campaign (see the post) and in exchange she sent me my choice of dress. All the dresses from Sotela are lovely but since I’d been wearing my sleeveless swing dress a lot this Summer I felt this would be a perfect option for Fall.
Long story short, I LOVE it! It’s become a true staple in my closet. It’s so easy to throw on in the morning with tights and a cardigan or skinnies and a big scarf. It can be dressed up or down and always makes me feel great whether I’ve been working out or gorging on pizza.
Here’s a bit more info about it:
What size am I wearing? – Size 1, for reference I’m 5’7 and 125 lbs and usually a size 2 in dresses.
What’s the fabric like? One that you have to feel to really appreciate but it’s a super soft Jersey feel made of 92% Modal, 8% Spandex. It’s very fluid and flouncy so even though the fit is oversized it doesn’t feel bulky or boxy at all. As you move it moves with you in a beautifully languid way. The effect is very elegant. It’s definitely a lightweight fabric but it doesn’t cling, even over tights.
How much is it? – $100 USD which is excellent value for a timeless dress, made responsibly in LA, out of a beautiful sustainable fabric.
Does the black fade? – Nope! So far I’ve washed this dress at least 6 times and it’s as black as when it arrived.
Washability? – Super easy! I wash on delicate with enzyme free soap and only like colours. Tumble dry extra low. If you hang it any creases will fall out on their own.
Do they ship to Canada? Yes!
Overall Rating 9/10 – If it was just a teensy bit slimmer in the shoulders and arms it would be 100% perfect for me (after a long day they loosen a bit) but they’ve since adjusted the sizing slightly for more petite women.
Feel free to shoot over any additional questions!
MORE SWING DRESS OPTIONS
STYLE + FIT DETAILS
1 | MIXED MATERIALS | With any monochrome look it’s key to take advantage of different textures. For instance, this soft drapey Jersey paired with the textural wool coat, mixed with leather boots and a touch of suede and perforation adds tons of depth to the tactile palette. The light catches each material differently creating focal points in a subtle, natural way.
2 | BOLD LIP | If ever there was an occasion for a bright bold lip, it’s when you’re wearing all black. I’m usually a big chicken when it comes to trying anything new in the beauty department but a bright lipstick seemed harmless enough. Turns out I love this one (it’s BITE Beauty’s Lingonberry blended with Burt’s Bees #245) and I didn’t feel like it was too out there. Note to self: Play more with lip colour.
3 | DELIBERATE MINIMALISM | I was initially drawn to a long statement necklace for this outfit but decided to try changing it up with a super sleek gold choker (a trend I am treading very carefully around) and my favourite statement cuff. I really like the effect of these minimal but deliberate hits of gold and how they catch the eye just enough against the black. Even the gold zipper on my bag gets to make an impact.
4 | LOOSE WAVES | I’ve come to realize that no matter what I’m wearing, if my hair is done, I feel pretty darn good. I’ve managed to work out a system in which I can add a loose wave to my hair in under 15 minutes and it lasts for at least a day (and sometimes overnight!). The next day I usually need a few touch ups but overall it’s a small amount of time to spend on something that makes such a difference.
5 | MASCULINE + FEMININE | No, not a French lesson perse, but instead I’m talking about the mix of girly elements (swingy dress, heels, gold jewelry, pink lips) topped with a decidedly masculine coat. I love how the long sleeves make almost seem like I’m wearing my fella’s coat but then the slim fit keeps it intentional.
So what do you think, would you try and all-black look like this one? Do you have a dress in your closet that you can’t help but reach for over and over? Thanks for reading and happy Humpday!
- Double Dot Choker c/o Biko (Made in Canada!)
- Jersey Swing Dress c/o Sotela (Made in LA)
- Newbury Boots by Rag and Bone | Similar made responsibly here and here.
- ISSA Bag n/a Opelle Creative (similar here and made in Toronto!)
- Shape Cuff c/o Stvdio Brooklyn (handmade in Brooklyn)
- Lip Colour by Bite Beauty (Safely made in Toronto!)
- Coat n/a Reformation (similar options here and here)
This post is not sponsored but contains affiliate links. When you shop via the links above I may make a small commission from a sale. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Style Bee!
Hi Lee! I absolutely adore this look! I’m interested in ordering this dress, but since I’m a petite 5’4 (usually size 4 in dresses) I’m worried that this dress might be too long for me. What do you think?
Hey Erica, thank you! I don’t think it will be too long on you. I’d go for a size 1, which is 37″ (shoulder to hem) so maybe try measuring a dress of a similar length that you already own to test the length. Hope that helps!
So classy! I love a good all-black outfit.
This look is so beautiful and sophisticated! I love the all black with the bright pop from the lipstick– Bite Beauty is the best!
-Lauren
http://www.chic-ethique.com/
Thanks so much Lauren! Love Bite Beauty so much! xo
Hi there,
I’m curious about wearing tights with this dress (or others)! I always have trouble with my dresses sticking to my tights, even if they’re not staticky, especially when I walk. I find wearing a slip to be annoying and I’m always worried it’ll show! Do you have any suggestions?
Hey Kirsten! Tights are definitely tricky. I find I just have to accept a little clinging when I wear them. This dress was not bad at all and I’ve found silky fibres like Tencel are good too. xo
I am a huge fan of this outfit. It us very chic and could work well on many body types. Also, that lip colour is very nice on you. This could also be a great travel outfit since it is comfy and chic.
Thanks so much Charissa! Totally agree it’s great for lots of shapes and sizes. Xo
That does help; thank you both!! I’m saving my pennies. 🙂 Hanna, I just about jumped up and danced around my living room reading that Sotela is designed to accommodate the body changes we deal with as women; that is just so huge-keep up the good work!!!
Love this look! Like some of the other comments mentioned, this challenge has also really helped me to define a proper wish list and really reign in my terrible spending habits (have exercised total will-power over the last week by recognising my style and shopping triggers – so thank you!). I have a slightly sideways question for you – how do you do your hair? Because it’s absolutely lovely, and 15 minutes?! That’s amazing!
Thanks 🙂
That’s so great to hear Laura! Thank YOU!
As for this hair ‘do. I take large chunks and wrap them around a tapered wand for about 20 seconds. Then I remove the wand and hold the curl tight for a few seconds so it cools. Then release and move to the next chunk of hair. About 10 times total. Then I brush it out and use my fingers to gently define the curls a bit. I use a coconut hair protector spray but no hold spray at the moment. Hope that helps! xo
I’m all over black-on-black looks! Also, one of my key takeaway from doing your 10×10 challenge is refining my “wish list” of items to purchase. Previously, I kept gravitating towards other versions of what I already have and love (e.g., black and grey shirts and sweaters). Now, I see how much better it’d be to invest in a black coat and black dress (as well as some patterned scarves and a warm toque:).
That’s awesome Dana! This challenge is such a great way to figure out what you’re missing and what you have plenty of. Scarves are a good way to add pattern without ‘over-committing’ haha. Thanks for sharing these great insights! xo
This look definitely speaks to my soul! I love a good all black look, and I think that you executed this one perfectly! Love the lip color, too!
YAY! Thanks so much Savannah 🙂 xo
Gorgeous! I’m enjoying this challenge; I’ve been playing along, and definitely feeling the style clarity, probably more than I ever have. I love the level of confidence I’m feeling about wardrobe decisions right now.
A question about the swing dress- do you think the fabric would stand up to my toddler? I love the fluidity of it, but anything with stretch that I wear in this life season just gets…stretched. A lot, all the time, whether it’s him yanking or just from me picking him up. Maybe the cocoon dress would be better?? Also, is it breathable enough to wear in warmer weather? Thanks!! 🙂
Hi Hannah!
My name is Hanna (ha!) and I’m the founder of Sotela. The fabric will hold up with your toddler. The 8% spandex really helps a lot. If you feel it is getting stretched, you can throw it in the dryer (tumble dry low) to regain its shape. The fabric isn’t too thick either so I wear it in warmer weather. The cocoon dress is also a fantastic piece, but it doesn’t have any stretch to it. I would suggest getting the black if you have children! My friend who has two children under 3 owns both the jersey swing dress and black cocoon 🙂
Thanks for chiming in Hanna! I was going to say the same. This dress is super resilient and perfect for a wide range of weather. I feel like the jersey is more forgiving with stains etc. Bottomline: It’s AWESOME! xo
That’s so great to hear Hannah! It’s amazing how much insight just 10 items and 10 days can provide when it comes to personal style. Thrilled to hear that you’re enjoying it!
I would say the same as Hanna about the Swing Dress. Totally toddler friendly, it’s so easy to wash and returns to it’s original form every time. I really like the cocoon dress too but as Hanna mentioned it has no stretch and I think it might show little hand prints, smudges and such easier. Hope that helps! xo