A couple of years ago, I met the luminous Nicolette Mason for tacos at my favorite SoHo spot, Tacombi (I’m a tacos al pastor devotee). She arrived dressed in a white tee layered underneath a slip dress and my first thought was ‘dang it, are we doing this again?’ and followed immediately by ‘oh yes, we definitely are’. The slip dress, like tattoo chokers, space buns, and Gap’s Dream fragrance punctuated my 90s experience. I’ve remembered her style moment since that day and kept my eyes open for a plus size slip dress, so when Universal Standard announced the launch of the Damara Slip Dress, I ordered it immediately.
Based on previous experience with the brand, I sized up and ordered the 2XL. It fits exactly as I envisioned it, with a loose, comfortable fit that easily allows me to layer over and underneath. I’ve had a challenging relationship with my arms recently, so I wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing it alone at the moment. It’s cut a bit generously in the underarm area, so if I were to wear it alone, I would reach for a bralette (I recommend the options from Torrid or Target’s Ava & Viv intimates range) to wear underneath for added coverage. The straps are adjustable, making it easy to show as much or as little cleavage as you prefer. For reference, the straps are shortest in the office look and longest in the evening look. Plus, it has pockets!
If you’ve been eyeing the 90s-inspired slip dress movement, I cannot recommend this particular style enough. I am pleasantly surprised how versatile this style is and it’s quickly become a staple piece that I reach for in nearly every occasion. It’s polished, comfortable, and extremely versatile. What more do you need?
With A Kimono
What I’m wearing:
Dress: Universal Standard Damara Slip Dress
Kimono: J.O.A. via Gwynnie Bee
Shoes: Torrid (similar, similar)
Handbag: a TJ Maxx clearance find (similar)
Dressed Down
What I’m wearing:
Top: ASOS Curve (similar here and here)
Dress: Universal Standard Damara Slip Dress
Choker: my actual 90s choker from high school (is this vintage yet?)
Sequined sneakers: Converse (a TJ Maxx find, hightops here)
Dressed Up
What I’m wearing:
Dress: Universal Standard Damara Slip Dress
Tee: Target (extremely similar)
Belt: Torrid (similar)
Shoes: Torrid (similar)
Handbag: Dagne Dover (read my Petite Tote review)
This is the first time I’ve done a styling post like this, so if you enjoyed it, please let me know in the comments below. If there’s a particular trend or item you’d love to see shown this way, please share those thoughts as well.
Thanx – my fav fashion articles are this kind, where you interpret the piece! Sat down with my enormous salad, with a scoop of tuna salad I made yesterday, and crumbled tortilla chips on top, so it is nice to have this fun read.. . .
Thank you so much! It took a tremendous amount of work, so I’m delighted to hear that it’s appreciated. PS – your salad sounds delicious!
Here is a photo of a salad from weeks back, but they look alike, and I make them in a mixing bowl:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DdRIa5mV0AAcUbD.jpg
I love all three of these looks! Each one is different but still so true to your aesthetic. I love it!
Thank you so much! Your style has been such a major source of inspiration lately!
you just look like you’re having fun & I love you for that! <3
Thank you so much, sweetheart! I was having fun, but it was also SO VERY much work! I want to do more posts like this, so I hope in the end that the ROI is enough for me to do this once or twice a month. I appreciate you! xo
But this is an article about fashion, not food. Your evening outfit looks corporate executive to me, or could double as corporate executive, or if you meet in the boardroom of a high rise with other executives . . . Fake it until you make it! I can imagine the styling and photos took time and effort! May I suggest you space them out, like every six weeks max?