Black is considered the ultimate classic color for dresses, and nearly every style can be found in the neutral shade. However, countless black dresses following one another in a monotonous parade of uninteresting, unembellished frocks quickly become unoriginal. The task in finding the perfect “little black dress” is looking for slightly unique or unexpected details. Between Fall Term’s Sadie Hawkins and this past Saturday’s Blue and Silver, trends in high school fashion, even those for formal dances, are constantly changing. During the winter, the biting temperature and frosty landscape causes general wardrobe shifts towards more subdued colors than fall’s punchy jewel-tones. Inversely but simultaneously, a deeper, more neutral palette encourages experimentation with unexpected color combinations and different silhouettes. Here are the looks of a Blue and Silver couple who nailed the “semi-formal” look. Andrew Khang ’10 and Sayer Mansfield ’10 collaborated sophisticated vintage looks with a casual class that set them apart from the teeming crowd and harmoniously brought their styles together. Khang achieved a striking median of white oxford and tan khakis at Blue and Silver. His button-down presented an aesthetic twist with subtle, vertical pinstripes, while his sandy-colored slacks were the perfect shade between dark taupe and pale khaki. Together, they were an excellent basis for the outfit. Khang’s white-gray shirt, black shoes and belt were a good span of monochromatic shades. The neutral, but warm-toned slacks added a depth and a charm to the outfit. Combined, the look was an emulation of simplicity. Mansfield’s dress was a classy number in black velvet and satin. Because Blue and Silver is advertised as a semi-formal dance, long dresses are unnecessary; her dress was an excellent compromise between the length of a casual day-dress and an overtly formal floor-length with the hemline just above her knee. Another characteristic of the dress was the slight gathering above the ribbon and continuing down to the hem. The gathering and ruffle details against straight velvet fabric give it a visually different appeal while still emphasizing the rich texture. The empire-waist was body conscious, while still maintaining a level of class. Empire-waist dresses are not to be confused with babydolls, which tend to flare outward from beneath the top section. Empire-waist dresses work to both highlight slender forms and to flatten larger hips. The thicker straps added fullness to the top of the dress juxtaposed with the plunging halter-neck cut. Wearing the right accessories often defines the success of an outfit. Contrasting the warmer neutral of his slacks, Khang donned a satiny, pewter-colored tie, which accentuated the slight stripes of his shirt. He also wore black leather shoes and a black belt. The buffed shine of the shoes matched the sheen of his tie, and the black belt was another well-added accessory. Additionally, Mansfield’s shoes and bracelet suited the occasion extremely well. Her black medium-height heels reached a pinnacle of class with a matte finish, a beautiful silhouette, and a hybrid pointed-rounded toe. Tying the outfit together was a simple necklace with a thin, silver chain, and small dangling charm. Bereft of dangling earrings or copious bracelets, her style for the night was minimalist and sophisticated.
