Help me accessorize my "nutcracker" dress?

[bisous]

I'm going to a performance of the Nutcracker with DD, my SILs, and my nieces. I am planning on wearing this dress which I already own:

https://www.amazon.com/WNEEDU-Womens-Sleeve-Dresses-Pockets/dp/B0B5C6M96K/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3TAC0BNCF08PJ&keywords=black+maxi+dress+3%2F4+sleeve&qid=1670078447&sprefix=black+maxi+dress+3%2F4%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-5

It is super comfortable and can be dressed up or down. I can't wear heels yet and I'm not sure I'll be able to in the three weeks or so until the performance so I'll need to wear flats. In fact, I'm not sure I won't have to wear a sneaker of some kind, although I'm interested in recommendations for flats with this dress as well!

I have these flats which I think might work style wise and I'm wondering if I should spring for black? Or if I just want to lean into ballet pink for the nutcracker?:

https://www.amazon.com/Jessica-Simpson-Womens-Mandalaye-Ballet/dp/B00GBJMXR2/ref=sr_1_2?crid=RVWMDEN24MJF&keywords=jessica%2Bsimpson%2Bballet%2Bflats%2Bwith %2Bankle%2Bribbons&qid=1670078600&sprefix=jessica%2Bsimpson%2Bballet%2Bflats%2Bwith% 2Bankle%2Bribbons%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-2&th=1

My question is, what accessories should I wear? It's such a blank canvas. I love this dress. It fits great and is very flattering and feels like a nightgown. DH thinks it looks very plain though and without jewelry or other color to dress it up, it isn't his favorite. So I'd love suggestions for jewelry, jackets, shoes even? I know I'll get a range of opinions and that's fine!

FWIW, this is what I'm wearing to church on Christmas Day and is an option for the Nutcracker as well. Again, I'm still not sure what footwear I'll end up being able to wear so that's something I need to consider!

https://www.amazon.com/OUGES-Womens-V-Neck-Pattern-Floral-7/dp/B078Z6SBMQ/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3V12TRJ5EWCFA&keywords=maxi%2Bdress%2Bwith%2Bv%2Bneck%2Bshort%2B sleeves%2Bouges&qid=1670078906&sprefix=maxi%2Bdress%2Bwith%2Bv%2Bneck%2Bshort%2Bs leeves%2Bouges%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-7&th=1

[SnuggleBuggles]

Maybe a jewel tone cardigan?

[bisous]

Maybe a jewel tone cardigan?

I didn't even think of that! What style cardigan are you thinking? Like a schlubby one for a cozy look?

[SnuggleBuggles]

I didn't even think of that! What style cardigan are you thinking? Like a schlubby one for a cozy look?

Definitely not a schlubby one. More tailored like

https://www.loft.com/crew-neck-cardigan/602182?skuId=34000960&defaultColor=0323&catid=catl000012&selectedColor=8507

Or https://www.loft.com/jeweled-button-v-neck-cardigan/598640?skuId=33998565&defaultColor=2222&catid=catl000012&selectedColor=&selectedColor=2222


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[bisous]

Definitely not a schlubby one. More tailored like

https://www.loft.com/crew-neck-cardigan/602182?skuId=34000960&defaultColor=0323&catid=catl000012&selectedColor=8507

Or https://www.loft.com/jeweled-button-v-neck-cardigan/598640?skuId=33998565&defaultColor=2222&catid=catl000012&selectedColor=&selectedColor=2222


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Ok. Thanks for suggesting this. I would never have thought of that. Won't it look funny that the bottom is voluminous and loose and you loose the tightness in the bodice if you cover it with a buttoned up cardigan? That would be my fear but I'm NOT great at fashion! Maybe I need to wear the dress and go try it on with a few cardigans and see how it looks!

[bisous]

I was thinking you meant something like this, left open so that the silhouette can still show off how it nips in at the waist and bust:

https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-5597627/womens-sonoma-goods-for-life-plush-cable-cardigan.jsp?skuid=54637264&CID=shopping30&utm_campaign=MISSES%20SONOMA%20TOPS&utm_medium=CSE&utm_source=google&utm_product=54637264&utm_campaignid=9836152034&gclid=CjwKCAiAhKycBhAQEiwAgf19eiMxv0KSzmlJ5Hh9sIpM I5lSPElJfgB0YNZnBfQPP5b6PpX0nR2bRBoCR4IQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

But maybe THAT would look bulky overall!

[SnuggleBuggles]

I was thinking you meant something like this, left open so that the silhouette can still show off how it nips in at the waist and bust:

https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-5597627/womens-sonoma-goods-for-life-plush-cable-cardigan.jsp?skuid=54637264&CID=shopping30&utm_campaign=MISSES%20SONOMA%20TOPS&utm_medium=CSE&utm_source=google&utm_product=54637264&utm_campaignid=9836152034&gclid=CjwKCAiAhKycBhAQEiwAgf19eiMxv0KSzmlJ5Hh9sIpM I5lSPElJfgB0YNZnBfQPP5b6PpX0nR2bRBoCR4IQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

But maybe THAT would look bulky overall!

Bulky and the opposite of dressy. [emoji4] cute for day to day though! Just not if you’re trying to dress up.


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[bisous]

Bulky and the opposite of dressy. [emoji4] cute for day to day though! Just not if you’re trying to dress up.


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Ok. I can see that! Bulky and definitely not dressy! I guess I don’t need to ask if my cropped Jean jacket could work for the event? Lol. I love it with that dress.

Maybe the dress itself just isn’t dressy enough? Like all the material at the bottom makes it casual, and the fabric?

So maybe I need to start with something else?

[SnuggleBuggles]

I think the denim jacket could be ok but it really depend what look you’re going for. It’s not really Christmas-y festive but I also don’t think you really need to get that dressed up for the show. Most people do because it’s fun but it’s certainly not a requirement. I’ve seen jeans and holiday sweaters in our city for the Nutcracker.


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[Mommy_Mea]

I always love the excuse to wear velvet around the holidays, and it could be a nice way to glam it up (maybe too much?) and add interest,

Velvet blazer: https://www.macys.com/shop/product/inc-international-concepts-womens-velvet-blazer-created-for-macys?ID=4988963&pla_country=US&CAGPSPN=pla&trackingid=424x1054147490&m_sc=sem&m_sb=Google&m_tp=PLA&m_ac=Google_Womens_PLA&m_ag=GGL_PLA_Womens_Catchall&m_cn=RTW-LIA-Womens-Catchall-GS&m_pi=go_cmp-17326393828_adg-137612557632_ad-600016348741_pla-306854907574_dev-m_ext-_prd-766380992921USA&gclid=CjwKCAiAhKycBhAQEiwAgf19em5tLXL6LKlILqhuPqdP rWGt3wbHajj-9RA85weYKE_7K8t9pv-FRRoCd4sQAvD_BwE

Allegra K Lightweight Cardigan Sweaters for Women's Shawl Collar Drape Open Front Velvet Cardigan https://a.co/d/dHznSOg

Allegra K Women's Velvet Lapel Collar Zipper Crop Moto Biker Jacket https://a.co/d/4zJnI2O

Womens Velvet Blazer Cozy Lightweight Outerwear Retro Buttons Long Sleeve Pokets Jacket Cardigan Coat Office Blazers https://a.co/d/bLkpm9R

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[SnuggleBuggles]

I always love the excuse to wear velvet around the holidays, and it could be a nice way to glam it up (maybe too much?) and add interest,

Velvet blazer: https://www.macys.com/shop/product/inc-international-concepts-womens-velvet-blazer-created-for-macys?ID=4988963&pla_country=US&CAGPSPN=pla&trackingid=424x1054147490&m_sc=sem&m_sb=Google&m_tp=PLA&m_ac=Google_Womens_PLA&m_ag=GGL_PLA_Womens_Catchall&m_cn=RTW-LIA-Womens-Catchall-GS&m_pi=go_cmp-17326393828_adg-137612557632_ad-600016348741_pla-306854907574_dev-m_ext-_prd-766380992921USA&gclid=CjwKCAiAhKycBhAQEiwAgf19em5tLXL6LKlILqhuPqdP rWGt3wbHajj-9RA85weYKE_7K8t9pv-FRRoCd4sQAvD_BwE

Allegra K Lightweight Cardigan Sweaters for Women's Shawl Collar Drape Open Front Velvet Cardigan https://a.co/d/dHznSOg

Allegra K Women's Velvet Lapel Collar Zipper Crop Moto Biker Jacket https://a.co/d/4zJnI2O

Womens Velvet Blazer Cozy Lightweight Outerwear Retro Buttons Long Sleeve Pokets Jacket Cardigan Coat Office Blazers https://a.co/d/bLkpm9R

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I really like the 1st and last ones of that list!


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[Liziz]

Depending on how it fits you, you could add a red or green belt for a pop of color. (If you look at the images on the Amazon reviews, there's a couple examples of it). I had a similar dress (but knee length) and I used a bright red belt thick belt and bright red heels to make it look more Christmas-y. You could probably do that in combination with some of the blazer/cardigan suggestions, which would also help with making sure the waist seems defined, like you mentioned!

[gamma]

I love the velvet jackets!

[echoesofspring]

I just bought that macy's velvet blazer, I decided I needed a red velvet suit for my weekly performances when I'm not feeling like wearing a dress :) TBH I'm not sure how well it would look over that dress. The reason I say that is that I initially paired it with a shirt with a similar neckline to the dress it just wasn't feminine enough for me. But I also was wearing pants and if you had a coordinating scarf or the right necklace that might not be an issue.

Rather than a cardigan I'd look for a shrug that nips in at the waist, although I'm having trouble finding any that are calling to me and it might hard to get it on with the long sleeves If you wanted to lean into the 'cozy' look maybe something likethis (https://www.macys.com/shop/product/inc-international-concepts-topper-with-sequined-animal-print-border-created-for-macys?ID=14207930&CategoryID=31957&isDlp=true&isDlp=true)might be fun. Another option (https://www.macys.com/shop/product/calvin-klein-womens-lightweight-metallic-evening-wrap?ID=13158806&CategoryID=31957). This pink one would be fun (https://www.macys.com/shop/product/steve-madden-womens-open-front-solid-boucle-lurex-cape?ID=14380895&CategoryID=31957) if you decide to wear your ballet flats.

Jewelry wise I feel like you can probably wear anything sparkly and dangly.

[AnnieW625]

I would just wear the dress as it is, take a wrap or a jacket and for the ballet flats I love the pink color (Jessica Simpson flats are surprising comfy for the price) but I wouldn’t want to deal with the ankle wraps especially with an ankle injury. I would add a drop necklace to the dress and a pair of simple drop earrings (if you have them). If you Dansko like clogs you could easily get away with them as well especially here in SoCal. I used to see a wide variety of dressed up at DD1’s Nutcracker performances and even the big ABT production at a large OC Performing Arts Center wasn’t as formal as I remembered the Sacramento Ballet being in the 80s and 90s.

I wouldn’t do the velvet coat unless you were wearing the same style dress and it was sleeveless. I don’t think it would go with the floral dress. A fitted cardigan with some jewel buttons would be a nice addition to a plain black cardigan, but agree don’t go too drapery (although the drapery cardigan is cute and might work with a fitted top, black leggings or pants that don’t need a belt, and flats).


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[SnuggleBuggles]

I would just wear the dress as it is, take a wrap or a jacket and for the ballet flats I love the pink color (Jessica Simpson flats are surprising comfy for the price) but I wouldn’t want to deal with the ankle wraps especially with an ankle injury. I would add a drop necklace to the dress and a pair of simple drop earrings (if you have them). If you Dansko like clogs you could easily get away with them as well especially here in SoCal. I used to see a wide variety of dressed up at DD1’s Nutcracker performances and even the big ABT production at a large OC Performing Arts Center wasn’t as formal as I remembered the Sacramento Ballet being in the 80s and 90s.

I wouldn’t do the velvet coat unless you were wearing the same style dress and it was sleeveless. I don’t think it would go with the floral dress. A fitted cardigan with some jewel buttons would be a nice addition to a plain black cardigan, but agree don’t go too drapery (although the drapery cardigan is cute and might work with a fitted top, black leggings or pants that don’t need a belt, and flats).


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Where did you see that her dress was floral?


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[KpbS]

https://www.jcpenney.com/p/silver-treasures-crystal-sterling-silver-pear-drop-earrings/ppr5008047705?pTmplType=regular&country=US&currency=USD&selectedSKUId=05817980018&selectedLotId=0581798&fromBag=true&utm_medium=cse&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Drop%20Earrings&utm_content=05817980018&cid=cse%7Cgoogle%7CWomens%7CDrop%20Earrings_058179 80018&storeId=2064&gbraid=0AAAAADq1iuDJOWRLcgZzZeb0esLZxICqE&gbraid=0AAAAADq1iuDJOWRLcgZzZeb0esLZxICqE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI08aZqOnp-wIVTBXUAR11Ng3TEAsYAiABEgL1O_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[KpbS]

https://www.jcpenney.com/p/sparkle-allure-crystal-pure-silver-over-brass-rectangular-drop-earrings/ppr5007960322?pTmplType=regular&deptId=dept20000020&catId=cat100240091&rrplacementtype=pdppla1_jrecs

[KpbS]

https://www.jcpenney.com/p/womens-lab-created-red-ruby-sterling-silver-pendant-necklace/ppr5008233890?pTmplType=regular&catId=SearchResults&searchTerm=silver+sterling+necklace&page=3&productGridView=medium&urlState=item_type%3Dpendant%2Bnecklaces

[KpbS]

GOXO 925 Sterling Silver Good Luck Polished Celtic Knot Cross Pendant Necklace for Womens https://a.co/gfk3Tmz

[KpbS]

This 3 Circle one seems like a good size
S925 Sterling Silver Long Chain Sweater Large Necklace for Women Statement Pendant Fringe Necklaces Jewelry Gift https://a.co/avAd0Za

[smilequeen]

I have this red cardigan for Christmas…the jeweled buttons are my favorite, it could work…would have to see what you think
https://www.loft.com/jeweled-button-v-neck-cardigan/598640?skuId=33998626&defaultColor=3708&catid=catl000012&selectedColor=3708

You could also use a scarf to add some color.

The necklace on amazon is similar to Kendra Scott…I have some of those, I’d probably do a red or green for the nutcracker
https://www.kendrascott.com/olivia-long-pendant-necklace/olivia-pendant.html?dwvar_olivia-pendant_stoneColor=508

Do what you have to do with your feet. I’d do black, but they won’t be seen enough with that long dress for anyone to notice any details anyway.

[mom2binsd]

If you are going with those shoes, do black.

If you need a jacket, try the last one linked in red.

I don't think the floral dress is the best choice for nutcracker evening it is a day dress.

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[bisous]

Thank you so much everyone! I really like a lot of those linked jewelry pieces!

I agree, the floral doesn’t feel right to me—must be because it’s a day dress. I think it will still work for Christmas!

Sooo…I ended up wearing the dress to church. I paired it with this chunky geometric gold necklace and I got a million compliments. The shape of the dress is kind of geometric. I have gold flats that I can’t wear YET but I’m hoping maybe the swelling on my foot will be down enough to be able to sit in them comfortably during the performance? I’m tempted to just repeat the outfit. It isn’t overly “ballet” or “Christmas” but it worked…

Though I confess I would love a new necklace and am somewhat tempted by the pieces you posted!

I think I’ll skip a jacket/cardigan of any kind. Weather here shouldn’t be too cold…we’ll see! I liked the idea of the velvet jacket!

[SnuggleBuggles]

For some reason I assumed you meant the black one- that's what the link took me to. All my thoughts were based on that. :) If you are up for a new dress, I just bought this and it was very easy to wear but looked put together. I returned it because it hit mid-calf but I'm only 5'2" https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BCQ7LPV9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[bisous]

For some reason I assumed you meant the black one- that's what the link took me to. All my thoughts were based on that. :) If you are up for a new dress, I just bought this and it was very easy to wear but looked put together. I returned it because it hit mid-calf but I'm only 5'2" https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BCQ7LPV9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I linked both dresses. I assumed the suggestions you made were for the black one! I pretty much don't wear anything shorter than mid-calf. Not for modesty reasons but I just find the silhouette more flattering and comfortable for my body type. I am 5'7, 140 pounds (trying so hard to lose those 10!), with an hourglass figure. I also tend to have muscular calves so dress length can be an issue. My best silhouette is tight through the bodice and waist and flowy. I'm grateful there are loads of pretty dresses in this style right now--but it is trickier with "evening" wear!

[SnuggleBuggles]

I linked both dresses. I assumed the suggestions you made were for the black one! I pretty much don't wear anything shorter than mid-calf. Not for modesty reasons but I just find the silhouette more flattering and comfortable for my body type. I am 5'7, 140 pounds (trying so hard to lose those 10!), with an hourglass figure. I also tend to have muscular calves so dress length can be an issue. My best silhouette is tight through the bodice and waist and flowy. I'm grateful there are loads of pretty dresses in this style right now--but it is trickier with "evening" wear!

Ah! I see the floral one now! Reading skills clearly need some improvement [emoji4]
I feel like that flowered one was one that was a collaborative effort on here at some point?


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[bisous]

Ah! I see the floral one now! Reading skills clearly need some improvement [emoji4]
I feel like that flowered one was one that was a collaborative effort on here at some point?


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YOU were the one that found that dress! I bought it in a different pattern and ended up loving it so much I bought the red and black one too. It is a great dress for the price and works well for church. :)