Quick Modest Fashion Hack for Strapless Dresses + Rent the Runway Gown
Dress: Rent The Runway // Shirt: H&M // Jewelry: J. Crew (here and here)
Floral Arrangement: c/o Dandelion Ranch
Rings: Rocksbox (use code downtowndemurexoxo to get a month of free jewelry delivery)
Sometimes a girl just wants to play dress up and put on a fancy dress. But playing dress up can be difficult when so many formal dresses are sleeveless, have cutouts, thigh-high slits, or some combination of all three. I typically pass on sleeveless dresses in particular, but I was determined to make this gorgeous dresses from Rent The Runway (RTR) work. This jewel-toned jacquard gown form Cynthia Rowley inspired me to get creative, so I used a styling trick from one of my personal style icons.
I took a page out of Olivia Palermo’s book, and threw a white button-down under my fancy gown. Sounds crazy. But I love it! The juxtaposition of casual and formal actually makes a more interesting look in my opinion. Thanks for the inspo, Olivia! 😉
[bctt tweet=”30-second #modestfashion hack: Wear a crisp white button down under a strapless gown”]
By the way, I highly recommend Rent The Runway if you need to find a formal dress for an event and don’t have thousands of dollars to blow on a single dress. If you’re unfamiliar with Rent The Runway, it’s a dress rental service that allows you rent designer dresses for a fraction of the retail price. They take care of the shipping and dry cleaning. You take care of looking fabulous, and putting the dress in a UPS box by the return deadline. It’s that simple.
You’ll have to dig a little to find modest formal dresses, but it’s worth the trouble. Most importantly, the customer service I’ve received so far has been phenomenal. Prime example: I used existing credit to get the dress for this shoot. However, the shoot was cancelled twice, which meant I had to reorder the dress THREE times. Each time, a RTR customer care rep credited the price of the dress, making it easy for me to reorder. They didn’t require an elaborate explanation for why I couldn’t use the dress 2x in a row; they simply processed the exchange multiple times. Now THAT’S what I call service.
I also have to take a minute to gush about this fabulous floral studio in Culver City called Dandelion Ranch — the fabulous floral studio that provided the beautiful bouquet for this shoot. The owner, Clover, and her assistant are even sweeter than the gorgeous arrangements they craft. Clover believes in honoring the integrity and natural movement of her flowers. That means you won’t find any corny, overly manipulated arrangements in her studio. You will find inspiring arrangements that looked like they were delicately picked out of the most beautiful California garden.
If you live in the LA area and need arrangements for upcoming holidays, special events, photo shoots, weddings, or even retail spaces, I *insist* you do yourself a favor and give Dandelion Ranch a ring. If my bouquet is any indication, you definitely won’t be disappointed.
Tell me: What do you think of this fashion hack? Would you try it?!
Linking up with: More Pieces of Me and Sincerely Jenna Marie // Style to Inspire // Manic Mondays //Mix It Mondays // Pink Sole // Still Being Molly // Turning Heads Tuesday // Style Elixir // Garay Treasures // Pleated Poppy //Because Shanna Said So //Stylish Housewife // The Wednesday Pants // Style Me Wednesday // Happiness at Mid Life // The Red Closet Diary // Mix Match Fashion // Thursday Fashion Files // High Latitude Style //Friday Favorites // Birdie Shoots // Pumps and Pushups // Because Shanna Said So // Favorite Fashion Friday
The Comments
Erin Rebar
I’ve tried wearing t-shirts under strapless dresses before. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Usually, I avoid strapless dresses altogether, but like you said, sometimes you run across one that’s pretty enough to spend the creativity to come up with a fix! A white button up is such a wonderful idea, and definitely an upgrade from my t-shirt idea.
One thing I’ve tried, that has worked really well, is wearing a lace crop top underneath a strapless. I guess immodest plus immodest equals modest? lol. The lace give the effect of an illusion neckline–which I love–and the crop top means less bulky fabric to stuff down into your bodice!
I love your idea of putting a button up underneath a strapless. What a creative hack! I’m definitely trying this.
Side note: You’re right, that bouquet is absolutely lovely!
PS: You may notice I’ve been commenting a lot, the past few days. I just discovered your blog. I’m kind of obsessed with it. Keep up the great work! 🙂
Elizabeth from Michigan
> Erin RebarHi Erin,
I love your lace crop top underneath idea. I wear stretch t-shirts under spaghetti strap dresses. I wear shrugs over dresses sometimes, but I like your idea better. It doesn’t cover up the dress just you!
God Bless.
Elizabeth
> Erin RebarHi Erin!
I LOVE seeing multiple comments from you! Seriously, that’s the most encouraging thing to see as a blogger (I’m sure you’d agree)! Thank you so much for the love and feedback. Your lace top hack is GENIUS! You get all the points for creativity. It makes perfect sense too. If I try that out, I’ll let you know! Thank you so much for sharing!
Liz
Rachel G
My favorite trick is to tie a button up on over a strapless or spaghetti strap dress (that’s exactly what I’m wearing in my blog post today!) I love this look on you, I also occasionally pull off the shirt-underneath strategy, too!
Elizabeth
> Rachel GI love that trick too, Rachel! I typically tie my chambray shirt over dresses, but you just reminded me to try a white button down next time! Thanks!
Kira Brennan
Wow, I think this combo looks like it was originally designed that way! Lovely!
Elizabeth
> Kira BrennanThanks, Kira! That’s just about the best compliment I could get for this outfit!
Alecz
What an amazing idea to add that white blouse underneath! Flawless transition between the two pieces, and it adds sleeves!
https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
Elizabeth
> AleczThanks so much, dear! I’m pretty excited about the sleeves!
Ada
WOW Liz, this hi-lo floral jacquard dress is stunning and looks marvelous on you. Impeccable styling.
Have a great week! Ada. =)
Elizabeth
> AdaThanks making me blush, sweet Ada!
IRENE
simply amazing outfit! stunning
Irene
http://www.thedailylace.com
Elizabeth
> IRENEThanks, Irene! ❤️
Elise
Amazing!! Absolutely stunning!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Elizabeth
> EliseThanks, Elise!
Denise
That dress is so so stunning! You look absolutely gorgeous in that dress and so radiant! I love all of these photos!
Feel free to stop by my blog and join my link-up! Have a lovely week!
Denise | Fashion Love Letters
Elizabeth
> DeniseThank you, Denise!
~ carmen ~
I normally avoid strapless gowns because I have quite a large bust but this is a wonderful tip I can keep in mind just in case. :]
// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
Elizabeth
> ~ carmen ~Thanks, Carmen! If you ever try it, please let me know!
Alice
Hi Liz!
You look lovely and exquisite darling! I don’t have too many strapless dresses because I don’t like to have naked shoulders, but this is definitely a great idea. Love the dress:)
Alice
http://www.protectyourglow.com
Elizabeth
> AliceThanks, Alice! I don’t like naked shoulders either, but I just HAD to find a way to wear this dress.
Jill
That dress is stunning! What a great idea to wear a crisp white shirt under it! I love this look!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Happiness at Mid Life
What a gorgeous way to wear a gown and make it comfortable for you! Gorgeous as always Liz.
Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you soon!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Elizabeth
> Happiness at Mid LifeThank you, Alice! And see you this Thursday. 🙂