Not-So-Basic Black

You know when you see a dress and buy it before you have anywhere to where it? That was me with this burnout velvet leopard midi situation. It was too good to pass up! (Oh, and lucky for you, it’s now on sale to the tune of FORTY PERCENT OFF.. I really need to learn how to exercise some patience.)

Honestly, though, I’m not even that mad about it because the opportunity did present itself. One of my best girlfriends from college, Ellen, is essentially family at this point, and we’ve all gone to her dad’s company’s Christmas party for as long as I can remember. Well, I missed last year because I was living in Mexico City at the time, but we’ve been going since we were in college! So basically a decade, which makes me feel REALLY FRICKEN OLD. 😳

But I digress… I feel like this dress is oh-so-perfect for any type of work-related holiday party! The leopard print is so very subtle and couldn’t be classier… The velvet detail adds a festive touch… And the slightly sheer sleeves keep it from being too matronly! It’s the perfect midi length, and the fit and flare shape is flattering on every body type. ✔️✔️✔️

Just an FYI on sizing: I’m usually a 4-6 in dresses, but I always take a 6 in this brand! I’ve got some room in the waist and could have probably taken a 4 there (although it might be snug), but I have broader shoulders and the 6 fits perfectly throughout the top. The material doesn’t have any stretch, so I always like to err on having a little extra room! (More room for cake and cocktails! Or a steak and pasta, let’s be honest.)

Oh, and I’m wearing the Regular length! I’m only 5’5” (my legs makes me look taller than I am), so if you’re shorter that me, you could probably get away with the Petite because the midi length is definitely on the longer side, hitting me at mid-shin.

I kept my accessories super classic… Ankle strap pumps (yes, my toes were cold, but hey, no snow on the ground so I was feeling adventurous)… Crystal statement earrings… A fun flower ring… And a burgundy suede clutch to match my lipstick and nail polish!

Shop My Outfit…

Boden Velvet Leopard Dress
Schutz Ankle Strap Sandals (similar here for less!)
Old Navy Burgundy Clutch (old; similar here)
J.Crew Velvet Hair Bow
Loren Hope Earrings
Capwell + Co Flower Ring (similar here, here, & here)
Lipstick: Bite Beauty in ‘Beetroot’
Nails: OPI ‘I’ve Got the Blues for Red’

Oh, and if you’re feeling a bit more daring, this dress also comes in a fabulous navy and copper combination. Again, also on sale! It’s so much fun and I actually have the perfect pair of copper pumps that would look so cute with it, but I went with the option that I’d probably wear more often.

But, like, if you’re local and a size 8.5 and want to borrow my shoes to wear with it, you know I’d let you. 😂

And if you are ordering the dress, it’s free shipping, too! No code necessary. And for what it’s worth, my orders from them usually arrive pretty quickly even though it’s coming from the UK!

And a few more subtly cheetah-print pieces…