Despite yet another snowstorm raging on outside, I’ve just about had enough with winter workwear and heavy layers. I’ve been slowly transitioning to lighter fabrics and fun prints, like this silk dot dress courtesy of the stylish & thoughtful Cee. She mentioned that the waist of this dress was high for her 5’4″ frame (which works out nicely for someone several inches shorter!), and asked if I wanted dibs before it got donated. I’ve always loved this dress on Cee (here and here), and was more than happy to give it a new home. 
As it still averages a brr-worthy 30-40 degrees here, I layered up both under and over the delicate silk. I used an ivory collared blouse to accentuate the soft spots, and my trusty neutral blazer + bag to pull the look together. This thrifted blouse is several sizes too big and waiting in my alterations queue, so the fitted blazer also served to conceal that fact. Worry not, there was also a wool coat over all of this.
Not sure how I went so many winters without navy tights…but once I got my hands on a pair, I couldn’t put them down (also shown here). They’re a less-harsh alternative to black, have a preppy vibe, and go surprisingly well with most colors. Just make sure the shade is a darker navy rather than a lighter blue. Mine are from Talbots and lasted about 10 wears before getting some pulls. Forever21 also has a dark navy option (& 8 other colors) that is $6.80 with very good reviews.
Amazing! Found your outfit via Pinterest and wanted to stop by and show my appreciation for great style like yours!:)
I love this look! Polka and camel is perfect
happymedley.blogspot.com
love this look, navy tights are amazing, they add just a little bit of color but its almost imperceptible from black! i have zillions of tights, in many colors!
http://www.citystylecountrysmile.com
Have you tried Wolford tights? They are supposed to last for decades!
I am so in love with your style and that bag is to die for!!! You look gorgeous and I love your blog so <3
Ps: I have my 1st giveaway on my blog, hope you'll drop by :D.
Win a Daniel Welling watch (value $199) on my blog:
http://www.freshminhtea.com
it's a great look! I'd love to see you style it for spring or summer. I imagine it'd be cute for a sunny walk or a picnic, something like that.
I really adore that Prada bag!
http://shortandsweetjoy.blogspot.com/
I ADORE this look. Perfection!
I love this look on you! It is a very timeless look and you wear it very nicely. I have the same style and color Prada, but without the strap. I am new to reading your blog as well as Wendy's and I love them! I have been looking at all of the petite blogs and the two of you have the best by far. It's not just the looks that grabbed my attention, which seem to always flow very well, but it is the quality of the clothing, shoes, accessories and poise that you both have, not to mention the quality of the photography. I am 5'2", 108 lbs. and I used to be so stylish. I have been out of the loop for years because of raising my children and not really caring about the way that I looked, jeans, sweats, tees and tennis shoes were the normal for me. I always wore awesome handbags and sunglasses though, so imagine Gucci, LV, Roberto Cavalli, Givenchy etc. with sweats and sneakers! What a hot mess!
The way that I found you and Wendy was when I was doing a Chanel Classic handbag search for reviews on Youtube. I wanted to purchase my first Chanel but be very educated in the differences in the styles and materials used. I had purchased the wallet, sunglasses and even the iphone holder but was scared to buy any of the bags, It was never a issue of finances, it just seemed a little crazy to me to spend $5300 on a bag, I love the Maxi size. I knew that it would be an investment bag, but the most I had spent on a bag was $2300 for a Gucci! Well, I finally decided that I would make the purchase and my husband and I went to South Coast Plaza to the Bloomingdales Chanel Boutique, I remembered what you had said about the discount that was available by opening a charge card. My husband thought that I was nuts because we have a Chanel Boutique right here in Beverly Hills which is about a 10 minute walk or a three minute drive from our house, compared to the 50 minute drive to Orange County. Well anyway I thought that the drive to the O.C. and the savings would justify the purchase, Wrong! I purchased the Classic Flap Maxi in black lambskin with silver hardware for $5300 on 2/9/13 and have not worn it yet! It still sits in the box wrapped and I don't even touch it. I don't want it to get damaged!
I have been changing the clothing that I wear out now, but not by much, I am a stay at home mom and do not feel the need to get all gussied up every time I walk out the door. But, I have been wearing new designer jeans, accessories and flats with some tees and sometimes blouses. I used to wear high heels like there was no tomorrow, but now it's only special occasions, charity events, etc.
I know that I need to wear my new Chanel because I want to purchase more of them this month. I want a Jumbo and a GST. They are so perfect, if a bag can be perfect. I think am going to bite the bullet, so to speak, and wear my Chanel out shopping today with my 17 y.o daughter, she wants a Chanel Boy W.O.C, so I am going to buy it for her today. It will be her first Chanel purchase, but I will make sure that she gets it in Caviar.
Thanks for listening and wish me luck!
Love your dress!
Have a great weekend!
Kate xo petite-adventures.blogspot.ca
I've never had navy tights but you've convinced me! Maybe I'll snag some on sale soon since winter is ending.
~Sarah of Sarah's Real Life
Hi Jean,
can you do some work outfits for women in their 40?
I like navy tights because I have so many navy-colored items in my closet! HUE is always a good brand 🙂 I'm wishing Uniqlo had navy in their heattech tights collection (I only have black).
Your outfit makes me want to bust out my polka dot dresses again; it's been awhile since they've been in rotation! 🙂
L&F;,
KC
http://www.lifeinpetite.blogspot.com
i like it a lot. it is actually not as noticeable as black and blends well with the outfit. I will buy one sometime.
Such a pretty outfit
Love the dress…I think I'll be picking up the Forever 21 version over the weekend 🙂
xoxo,
Andrea
http://www.andreaeveryday.com
Are those black or navy pumps that you're wearing? I never know what color shoes to wear with navy tights or if you can get away with wearing black.
Hue tights and Nordstrom tights are really good. Great price point. Loving this look.
My favorite gray tights from HUE lean very blue and go great with my blue pumps or skirt 🙂 at the same time they pass for gray so it's easy to pair and safe to wear.
hi jean! i would love to see your tips and recommendations for some asian friendly sunglasses. what are your favorite retail stores in boston? 🙂
Love the camel and with the navy! You look great in the dress, Jean. Thanks for sharing where to purchase navy tights. I've been looking for some.
I've found the most success with HUE & Spanx tights, though I also like the Assets by Spanx brand which is sold at Target because I find them a little bit thicker than your average pair of tights. I think the Assets tights retail for around $12, but Target occasionally marks them down! Hope that helps. 🙂
Love your gorgeous dress!
Havent thought of navy tights. But you are right, they do look good. I love the polka dot dress and how you paired it with the blouse and the blazer. The blazer saved it from looking like a school girl and elevated it to a chic work appropriate outfit! Love it!
beautiful! i loved it on cee, and now on you! perfection!
xox P
Lovely Jean! I wish I could wear caramel but it is too close to my skin tone.
I have two words for you – HSN tights! Actually, four words – HSN fleece lined tights! Mine are warmer than anything else (even pants), and have stayed intact (and even nice-looking) after three winters' worth of washing. And I commute from the North End to Government Center through a wind tunnel every single day. While they are nice and toasty outside, they somehow are not too warm inside. I don't know how they do it. They are soooo comfy.
I could not find them on HSN anymore though. I want to say they are the Plush Brand but a quick google shows that Plush tights are more expensive than what I paid on HSN. I paid about $25 for a package of two (one navy, one black).
When I was in Japan, I got some uniqlo heattech tights. They are warm, but not as luxe feeling as the fleece-lined tights. I will say that my Uniqlo Heattech long down belted puffer that I bought in NY in 2009 for $79 (not even on sale) is the warmest coat I have ever worn. And nice & fitted for us shorties!
I've also always loved this dress on Cee and am looking forward to seeing you feature this dress fully in warmer weather. What a difference a few inches make in terms of proportion, and yet it looks so lovely on both of you.
~Shirley
love polca dots! :*
http://landing-in-fashion.blogspot.com/
that dress looks gorgeous on you! xo
http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/
Love this outfit, especially the navy tights!
i got that blazer as a gift for the holidays not thinking it was really my style, but wear it all the time now–i love it! though i cringe that it is now 50% off…that's a pretty good deal. stay warm in all this snow (will it ever stop?)
Love the camel with the navy and what cute dots! Great alternatives you listed too. Wow, that F21 is nearly the exact, even at the waist! I would have never though Navy to be a versatile color for tights, but you've sold me! Guess I might need some navy shoes too then ;).
Stunning dress!
x Cammie
Yes I did and it runs very big : /
I haven't even thought of buying navy tights, but they look fabulous here! I love the classic look of this whole outfit. And I saw that Forever 21 polka dot dress and had decided to pass, but now I am rethinking my decision! There is something so chic about a navy polka dot dress for spring.
-Erin-
OneTwoSummer
I may have to try navy tights now! I've been a bit scared to venture out when it comes to tights, but now may just have to try 🙂
Hi jean,
Did you try the joe fresh line in jcp?
Hi jean,
Loyal reader of your blog here! Love love love your style..so classis.
I am looking for a lace top in ivory. Would love your inputs.
Sana
Could NOT agree more about being sick of dressing in layers! I live in Boston as well and I am sooooo ready for all garments spring related.
Thanks for the fun post as always Jean!
I've liked that blazer for a while now and was happy to hear its on sale… but its sold out! Noooooo!
Manon
http://fromtokyotoparis.wordpress.com/
Love this dress, the camel and navy works well together.
xo
http://pinksole.com
If there's a Uniqlo near you, their tights are pretty good.
The navy tights work so effortlessly with the outfit. They aid in elongating your frame. Great outfit and I really like the color palette!!!
❤ Temi Truly
hi jean! sounds freezing in boston. you should consider moving to the west coast since the weather is better and your brother is also here. heehee
i love this color combo and the polka dots. i just got me a navy polka dot dress from asos. i ended up ordering a size 2 regular since i've seen you have had success with their regular sizes.
I can't begin to count the number of times you feature an item only to lament how it's a bit big. Because that's when I think to myself, "If it's big on Jean, then it probably fits me well!" Off the top of my head, the Malang jacket comes to mind. I think you wished the length was shorter on you, but on me it worked out nicely. So for once, I'm glad the roles are reversed because this dress was definitely made for someone of your proportions. It fits you so well! Hope the alterations (if any?) weren't too difficult.
PS – Funny you brought up the Taylor dress because I've got my eyes on that… if I ever want a polka dot dress in my life again 😉
You look beautiful and love your polka dot dress.
I must agree with cat in calico. Out of all the tights I've gone through over the years, Hue has been the most durable and comfortable. I hear spanx has great tights too, but haven't tried them myself yet. Beautiful post, I always love all your outfits!
Christy
Sunnywithasideof…
Navy is my go to tight color since most of my skirts & dresses favor navy over black. I wore my HUE tights out and just grabbed a pair of Target ones, but they are a touch lighter than preferred. Will be checking out the F21 ones the next time I order from there.
Gap made a great navy tight this winter and te size was great. I also bought j crew which were great opaque color but the size small was huge! Probably best for someone much taller. Wishing spring would hurry up in NYC! I'm over tights!
Love the polka dots and how you combined caramel with the navy blue. I don't have a pair of navy blue tights yet, but I do love the way it looks!
xoxo,
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
You rock those polka dots!
I'm a huge fan of HUE tights, and they do come in Navy as I have a pair of them. Cheap tights hug my large thighs and pill and rip easily. HUE tights are completely comfortable for me and I can feel the quality. I love wearing tights 2-3 times a week during the 4-5 months that weather permits, and not a single one of my Opaque tights has had any damage or pilling (I have ~8 pairs). My Herringbone tights ripped a bit when I yanked them too hard, but that was my fault cause the pattern makes the tights more delicate.
I tend to buy my Hue tights in bunches from the site when it has a sale, but Macy's and Amazon carries HUE as well. I have seen them at Nordstrom Rack and Marshall's, but only in black. eBay is also another option.