What she's wearing: the little black dress

I wore this dress for a lovely Father's Day celebration. In the morning, we went to the International District and had yummy dim sum at Sun Ya. My daughter and I also attended her friend's dance performance that evening (Spectrum Dance Theater's All School Demonstration at the MOHAI)

Crosscut archive image.

The little black dress you shouldn't not have. (Meredeth McMahon)

I wore this dress for a lovely Father's Day celebration. In the morning, we went to the International District and had yummy dim sum at Sun Ya. My daughter and I also attended her friend's dance performance that evening (Spectrum Dance Theater's All School Demonstration at the MOHAI)

I wore this dress for a lovely Father's Day celebration. In the morning, we went to the International District and had yummy dim sum at Sun Ya. My daughter and I also attended her friend's dance performance that evening (Spectrum Dance Theater's All School Demonstration at the MOHAI). It was a welcome, warm spring day, and I was really excited not to have to wear a sweater. I was trying to achieve a look that was a step up from casual, but not too dressy.

This dress works so well because it is actually made from a super-soft T-shirt knit with a bit of Lycra. The fabric has a nice drape, is washable, and is wrinkle-free. When I first bought the dress, it was an unflattering length (mid-calf), so I had it shortened a couple of inches to make it a little less dowdy. I may feel old and worn, but at least I can appear kicky.

I added the tall boots and the dangly earrings for interest and color.

  • Karen Kane, short and sassy, LBD (one year old, Macy's, $98, plus $12 to have it shortened)
  • Pointy-toed, black pleather, knee-high boots (three months old, DSW, $24, replacement pair)
  • Cheapo fake gold and coral earrings (two years old, Target, $8)
Previously worn: a designer's own knock-off  

Please support independent local news for all.

We rely on donations from readers like you to sustain Crosscut's in-depth reporting on issues critical to the PNW.

Donate

About the Authors & Contributors