My Valentine's Day Outfit & Theory of Classy Dressing


Flashback Summer: My Valentine's Day Outfit & Theory of Classy Dressing

My husband and I go to church on Saturday night (it's actually really great; no waking up early!), so we went out the night before Valentine's Day to celebrate.  We, as usual, celebrated by eating meat.  (Yes, steak and a sweet potato like I told you about in the Q&A video!)

The place we went to was very casual, and while that doesn't usually stop me from donning a dress and heels, I just got some new jean capris from Modcloth that I hadn't debuted yet, and I figured it was time!  They were on sale recently, but if they happen to come up again at Modcloth I just wanted you guys to know that the sizing runs a bit big in the waist and strangely tight on the thigh area.  I don't have abnormally large thighs and these are pretty constricting on me.  Not enough that I won't wear them though, as you can all clearly see. :)


Flashback Summer: My Valentine's Day Outfit & Theory of Classy Dressing


Flashback Summer: My Valentine's Day Outfit & Theory of Classy Dressing

Since I was on a date with my husband and it was a special occasion, I went a little edgier than I normally would and showed a bit of midriff.  My theory on classy dressing is that it's okay to show a bit of leg, midriff, back, or cleavage, but never more than one at a time.  If you're going to show skin, pick one area to show off and cover the rest.  This seems to be a good formula for a look that balances sexiness with being classy and appropriate for most occasions.  This time I went with midriff, as you can see.


Flashback Summer: My Valentine's Day Outfit & Theory of Classy Dressing

Flashback Summer: My Valentine's Day Outfit & Theory of Classy Dressing

Flashback Summer: My Valentine's Day Outfit & Theory of Classy Dressing

Outfit Details
Shirt: Charlotte Ruesse (how the heck do you spell that?)
Jeans: Modcloth
Belt: ?
Shoes: Um.... Payless maybe?
Lipstick: Estee Lauder
Jacket: F21 several years ago

Even if you don't agree with my "theory of classy dressing," are there ever times when you dress a bit edgier than you normally would?  What does that look like for you?  Do you have a "theory of classy dressing" for yourself?

23 comments

  1. I think my theory is about the same as yours...and high-waisted bottoms make wearing crop tops so much classier, whatever you do! Capris with a leather jacket like that make me think Grease, which is NEVER a bad thing ;) CC x

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  2. I agree! That seems to be the formula for most of the classic style icons- legs with long sleeve shirt or cleavage with a longer skirt or pants. I'm so in love with your capris! I've never tried Modcloth pants because I was nervous about the sizing. I should try some before summer though!

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    1. Same here, but since they were so on sale I went for it. Like I said, the sizing on these particular pants are a bit strange, but they're good enough I'd be willing to risk it on another style soon!

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  3. It is fun to try different styles sometimes. I don't usually go edgy but this look is so chic. I like your theory of classy dressing but I would add that fit is so important too as well as your age. Classy dressing is definitely a balancing act.

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    1. Yeah, that's very true, I totally agree. Fit can make a world of difference, and I think age is an important factor, too. Good call.

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  4. What an adorable outfit. Great capris. (And it's Russe.)

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  5. You are adorable. And the outfit is very Sandra Dee, post makeover of course. I am in agreement with your theory on classy dressing. I think that more people should follow that rule. ;)

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    1. Ha, I thought of Sandra Dee, too, after I saw these pictures!

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  6. I also see post-makeover Sandra Dee here - it's a really cute look on you. Love that leather jacket, and the capris are a really fun take on a Valentine's Day outfit.
    I don't really worry too much about looking classy, in general. I think it's all about what you're comfortable with and what makes you happy.

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    1. Yeah, not everyone cares about classy. Classy and appropriate is something I want my clothing to communicate, so it's important to me. Other people, not so much, and that's okay. As long as your clothing effectively communicates what you want the world to know about you!

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  7. agh! you look so awesome! like 50s biker chick. love the pop of color the red heels give. perfect outfit, lady :)

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  8. Cute outfit! You look fantastic! I own these capris, as well, and I just adore them. I think I wore them at least twice a week over the summer last year. And I'm totally on board for that formula for keeping it classy while still giving it some edge; pick cleavage OR legs!

    Cheers,
    Jenny

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  9. Beautiful!! Live the complete outfit.

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  10. Ohhh you are too cute! What a fun and flirty outfit! It's to experiment and try new things. Make those capris apart of your staple bc they look super fab on you! xox

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  11. With my zaftig body, I have to be careful with what I wear. What might look sexy on someone else looks ill-fitting or ridiculous on me, and what looks modest on someone else doesn't do me any favors thanks to my naturally large bustline.

    Your outfit is really cute!

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  12. Depending on how hot it is and how I'm feeling sometimes I will wear something a bit shorter than usual, like a short strapless dress. Sometimes I will show a bit of leg and a bit of midriff and a bit of cleavage when I wear a vintage style two piece. It's all about personal taste and preference. I would never wear a crop top without high waisted bottoms though. I also believe that it depends on your body and there should be balance. Although on 45+ degree Celsius days rules about balance seem to be less important.

    When I was younger I would wear a dress that I thought was classy, but as I got older and my boobs got much bigger, grew taller and gained weight around the hips it made me feel so uncomfortable. If you remove heat from the equation I believe it's all about balance and confidence. I see people pull of much more revealing outfits than I would personally wear and they still look classy. :)

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  13. You look fantastic in this fun, stylish, somewhat rockabilly-esque look. It reminds me, in a 100% positive way, of something Sandy might have worn at the end of Grease.

    That's really strange about the fit of those capris. Perhaps the thighs will stretch out a tad with future wearings and washes. The tight fit looks great on you though and suits the alluring element of this outfit to a tee.

    ♥ Jessica

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  14. Okay my comment got stolen because I was late to the game:) I totally thought Sandra D when I saw your pictures. The leather coat gives your outfit a lovely edge. Very cool shoes too! I really like Freddies for their jeans but PM me if you decide to get some, I have a couple of tips for you.

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    1. Ooo, thank you very much, I definitely will! I've been pondering them for a while, but I'm on the fence about sizing...

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  15. So cute! I don't have a lot of choice on showing cleavage, haha. I am large chested and shirts that normally don't show cleavage do on me. But I don't like to show my stomach and don't really wear short skirts so I guess it works. :)

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  16. Totally cute outfit, and it's fun to see you in something so different from your usual blog style. I have just falling in love with capri jeans, largely by chance since I just happened to find some maternity ones second hand and they were so comfy! I need to get some more now! I was raised in the theory of classy dressing too, but these days I think the areas I am comfortable exposing are becoming fewer and fewer! I'm not sure midriff is for me any more, but I sure loved it when I was in my university days :)

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  17. This is a really cute outfit!

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