Working It

Outfit Mission Statement: To dress denim up for a special occasion look, throw on the fancy—think tulle, sparkly gems, embroidered velvet, statement pieces, and amazing shoes

Sunday Best POW outfits are special occasion clothes for dinning, theater, opera, holiday parties, church, and other such occasions that need something special. The POW (Piece of the Week) is the cabi Spring 2016 Bardot Shirt. There are many ways to dress up a denim shirt. Check out Sparkling & Flannel Sunday Best for dressy look you can make work with a denim shirt (denim and a lace pencil would be Fab-u-lous!). One fun thing you can do is choose a very dressy skirt. Denim tends to dress things down a bit, so with very dressy bottoms, you can average somewhere dressy, but not overly dressy. Tulle can easily be very dressy. Add denim, and bam, nice special occasion look that does not go too far. Adding fancy, statement pieces as accessories ups the dressy too. Together, you can end up with a fun, sparkly, pretty special occasion look with a touch of boho. I love the tulle and denim combo. Opposites attract, right?

Tips:

When dressing up a denim shirt, feel free to go far on the dressy side for the rest of the pieces to average the perfect amount of dressy
Add special, striking, and/or fancy statement accessories to further emphasize the dressiness (or go the other way and add casual accessories [like cowgirl boots, a distressed leather bag, and rustic jewelry] and end up in a casual, fun look with a touch of princess)
Mix metals for a lighthearted touch that may also allow you to bring together pieces you might not otherwise consider
Consider tying the denim shirt in a knot at your waist to emphasize the waist and continue the lighthearted touch
Keep colors in the same general tones for a more put together look, such as the blues and greys I focus on here, making sure each element has at least one of these colors

Outfit:

Shirt: Bardot Shirt from cabi Spring 2016
Skirt: 6-layer Tutu Ballet Ruffle Bridal Petticoat Princess Skirt Mini Dress (long name, huh?) from Amazon—this is only $14.89, which is a cheap way to try this trend. However, they only seem to have the red one left. For a similar skirt, but slightly pricier and higher quality (I ordered one of these too) try the V28 Women 6-layer Mid Tulle Tutu Ballet Ruffle Bridal Petticoat Princess Skirt (for $18.99).
Clutch: This Peacock Feather Embroidered Velvet Clutch is based on a print in Combinaisons Ornementales—“the ‘bible’ of decorative Art Nouveau elements according to the Metropolitan Museum of Art Store. R While this is no longer available, there is a jewelry roll with the same design. Or consider the Peacock Feather Clutch from Its So Clutch, the Teal Feather Clutch from Red Ostrich (actual feathered clutch), or the Embroidered Peacock Feather Clutch from Paulownias all on Etsy.
Shoes: These are from Target several years ago. Consider instead the Imagine Vince Camuto Gem, Chole from Blue by Betsey Johnson, or the Cascade II by Badgley Mischka.
Necklace: I think this was a Charming Charlie necklace from a few years ago. For other striking pieces, contemplate the Pearl Bib Necklace by Bella Emy Jewels, the Floral Rhinestone Assemblage Necklace by Holly Glimmer, or the PICO - statement necklace by Les Bijoux De Joe—all on Etsy.
Earrings: Vintage Crystal Studs from Stella & Dot
Bracelet: INC International Concepts Gold-Tone Beaded Faux-Leather Bracelet at Macy’s

1. Plaid POW: Sparkling & Flannel Sunday Best

2. Plume POW: The Stylish Safari Princess Thursday

Plaid POW: Sparkling & Flannel Sunday Best posted February 28, 2016. Turn flannel elegant by adding a dressy skirt and accessories.
Plume POW: The Stylish Safari Princess Thursday posted April 14, 2016. For a trendy outfit with masculine and feminist touches, mix tulle and military/safari style.

Tips:

Layer pretty, fancier, and/or elegant pieces over your more casual sundress for a special occasion look

For more formal situations, consider layering neutrals that match the dress, as this comes across as more sophisticated

Wear vintage/vintage-inspired jewelry and accessories to give your special occasion outfit a classic touch, which may add to the sophistication and dressiness of the outfit

Layer a lace top over your sundress for pretty way to dress it up

Add a jacket for warmth or just stick to this
A higher quality lace with texture come across classier and dressier—be care with cheap laces as they can make the look cheap

Choose a jacket with rich textures, mixed media, and special touches to further make your look special for your special occasion

Consider if under or over works best for some of your layers—for instance the lace may also work under the sundress