The dress that had me at “hello”…or click click scroll…”oOoooOoo”. Either way, it had to be mine, and I knew it right away. Now, sometimes I am fully convinced something I see on the internet will totally work, but then I am sorely disappointed when said item ends up being a doozy. bleh.

That, however, has not been the case with this beautifully draped, soft AF velvet dress. I tried it on and it was over, people. I now live in it. In fact, I found myself wondering if it could actually be worn to bed the other day, because the idea of taking it off just seemed so sad…

This isn’t just a dress. It’s THE dress. The dress of all dresses of all dresses of all dress…I think you get it.

Fancy & Edgy: How To Wear A Velvet Dress, 2 Ways

1. Get Fancy — Velvet Dress + Classic Slingbacks

This is a no-brainer for me, because these slingbacks are a forever favorite. They make any outfit, no matter if it involves jeans or dresses, look effortlessly…well, French! I don’t know about you, but I can do with a little bit of français thrown in any day, no matter the occasion. Oui, oui? Okay, I will stop trying to speak French now. That’s about all I know anyway, so no problem there.

The only thing this ensemble needs is a bit of sparkle in the form of earrings and bobby pins, and a pretty, WOW-ing top layer, because…COLD. Well, cold-ish. (All of the Northerns just scoffed in unison. I heard you!!). Anyway, I am ready to get down with the holidays…meaning, go to my husband’s work Christmas party. I am sure that it will be extremely festive and the best damn time I’ve ever had. You sense snark? Oh, no. That’s just me still trying to be French.

Outfit Details

Dress – Size up one, wearing M | Jacket – (TTS, wearing S) | Earrings (similar option here) 25% off everything on Baublebar right now! | Pumps – (TTS, wearing 9.5) | Wallet or this (40% off everything on Kate Spade!) | Hair pins

2. Go Edgy — Velvet Dress + Doc Martens

I wasn’t sure about this, because…big feet. I have big, old 9.5 slabs…so I usually steer clear of clunky boots. They tend to make me look like I have clown feet, which is not a look I tend to go for (maybe I should?). Anyway, I hesitantly ordered a pair of Dr. Martens and tried them on with this dress. Okaaaaaaay. There is definitely something to like about this look. In fact, I am super excited about it all together!

I layered up on top with a fitted turtleneck bodysuit, added big hoops, and the sassiest dotted tights you ever did see and…my gosh. Yes. Yes x 100,000,000,000! Grunge meets classy, and they are a fiiiiiine ass coupling.

Dress (size up one, wearing M) | Boots (I sized down one, wearing 9), also available at Nordstrom | Turtleneck | Earrings (similar) | Kate Spade Dot Tights (similar) | Lip color (similar, Love Drunk)

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Peace and joy to all of you!

Cheers,

Cams

Find me over on the gram (@camilledipaola) for more #TotallyCasualMotherhood moments. 

Photos by Christina Hussey Photography – Charlotte, NC