Style

Let’s Get Dressed for a Diner en Blanc

Yesterday, I helped pack your bags for a trip. Today I’m focusing on something a little more specific: the Alt Summit Winter Wonderland party, inspired by the French Diner en Blanc. It has everyone stressed! I decided on my outfit soon after the theme was announced because I already owned something suitable (white pencil skirt, sheer top [#13], and a white statement necklace), but now I’m second guessing it. I wish I were going a little more dressy, and what I really want to wear is the lacy little number below. What about you?


  1. sparkly dress

  2. metallic clutch

  3. blingy bracelet

  4. lace dress

  5. swingy earrings

  6. sparkly shoes

  7. patent heels

  8. drop earrings

  9. polka dot tights

  10. textured tights

  11. tie-neck blouse

  12. white jeans

  13. sheer white top

  14. colorful necklace

  15. patterned/striped clutch

  16. beaded necklace
    (or this DIY version)

  17. metallic ballet flats

  18. sleeveless top

  19. skirt

Sources & Paint ColorsNeed design help? Let's work together.

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  • CapreeK
    January 12, 2012 at 12:17 pm

    OMG, that first dress is amazing!!! Is it too late to return the one I have? ;)

  • Elizabeth
    January 12, 2012 at 12:19 pm

    This party has really set off a “what to wear” panic! I wish I’d committed to Alt, because I have the perfect outfit…

    Your options are really lovely! Even in a sea of white, that lace dress would be a head-turner.

  • Carolyn
    January 12, 2012 at 12:23 pm

    Ah I have been lusting after the Nanette Lepore white lace dress for my rehearsal dinner … it’s a justifiable necessity …. right? Right?

  • Amanda
    January 12, 2012 at 12:38 pm

    Oh my word, no. 4 is gorgeous!

  • Polina
    January 12, 2012 at 12:38 pm

    Lovely dress!

  • Katy
    January 12, 2012 at 12:39 pm

    In love with the lace dress! A rehearsal dinner is definitely reason enough to buy it! Me, work at home mommy, not justifiable… :(

    • Making it Lovely
      January 12, 2012 at 12:45 pm

      I don’t have anywhere to wear it either, except this one time to Alt, hence I have not purchased it. It’s SO pretty though.

      • Carolyn
        January 12, 2012 at 1:30 pm

        So what everyone is saying is that I should REALLY buy this dress. Rehearsal dinner in May? And every Saturday night from now until then?

      • Making it Lovely
        January 12, 2012 at 3:40 pm

        That’s what we’re saying.

  • Courtney K
    January 12, 2012 at 12:57 pm

    The first two dresses are gorgeous! I’m wearing a cream to the floor dress that used to be my Grandmother’s that I love, but never have enough places to wear. See you at Alt!

  • Melissa
    January 12, 2012 at 1:11 pm

    LOVE LOVE LOVE all the items on the top – both those dresses and the accessories/shoes. I swoon.

  • colleen
    January 12, 2012 at 1:26 pm

    It definitely has me panicked. The only season-appropriate white thing I have is a valentino evening jacket I scored in a sample sale, but it’s so serious! It’s definitely the one wardrobe thing that has me stumped.

  • myhonestanswer
    January 12, 2012 at 1:58 pm

    I love that dress, but I don’t know if it’s a bit weddingy? I suppose you always run that risk with a white theme!

  • Johanna
    January 12, 2012 at 2:04 pm

    This post is so pretty and has so much eye candy. What’s a girl to do?

  • houseofearnest
    January 12, 2012 at 2:27 pm

    I’m seriously on the fence about what I have picked out… now especially because your picks are SO cute they make me want to switch!!!

  • Molly the Waffler
    January 12, 2012 at 3:11 pm

    I’m attracted to the tie-neck blouse, though I wonder if the cut would make me look preggers. But maybe paired with fitted black pants…

  • Maggie
    January 12, 2012 at 3:11 pm

    I am literally wearing that dress #1 (which was my new year’s dress) to this very event. The sequins definitely take away from its whiteness as they are quite browny gold, but big fat whatever.

    • Making it Lovely
      January 12, 2012 at 3:13 pm

      I think people are being fairly liberal with the all-white theme. Come find me so I can see how cute you look in person!

      • Amy@OldSweetSong
        January 12, 2012 at 3:37 pm

        Um. Awkward. I’m wearing that same dress!

      • Making it Lovely
        January 12, 2012 at 3:42 pm

        Oh, it will be fine. I bet there will be a few duplicates, since everyone is shopping at the same time for an event with a limited color palette!

      • Maggie
        January 12, 2012 at 4:03 pm

        Ha! Well, Amy, at least I’ll know who you are then, right?!

  • brianne
    January 12, 2012 at 3:44 pm

    I’m with you. I picked a white cable knit sweater dress I already own and I’m starting to feel like I’m going to be the frumpy one. That piperlime dress is IN-credible!

  • Amy@OldSweetSong
    January 12, 2012 at 3:45 pm

    Agreed. Plus, I love a good twinsies (or more!) situation.

  • Small House Life
    January 12, 2012 at 3:53 pm

    I’ll take #4 dress with #7 shoes and #5 earrings.

    I love to look at gorgeous clothes like these but rarely actually wear them..

    dee :)

  • tracy
    January 12, 2012 at 6:23 pm

    I’m wearing an off the shoulder shirt/dress (first time rocking that look) with black leggings & a cute beige feather headband. Have you seen some of the new jewelry at Banana Republic lately? It’s super cute. It’s kinda got a Kate Spade vibe. (I picked a cool B&W cuff)

  • mari
    January 12, 2012 at 9:26 pm

    I love this post and the previous one! I looking through your Pinterst board now!

    Just curious on what you consider as your body ‘type’? I have felt in the past that I can’t wear jcrew because I am curvy/hourglass. But maybe it is time to stop in and try a few things on. It’s been a few years.

    • Making it Lovely
      January 12, 2012 at 9:31 pm

      I’m very curvy/hourglass, plus I have a tummy that can easily make me look like I’m expecting. I need clothes with a defined waist, feminine proportions, and I avoid shifts and tunics. I look much better in a slim, pencil skirt (like the shape of #4) than I do in a flouncy one (like #1 and #19).

      • mari
        January 12, 2012 at 10:06 pm

        Thank you! Me too.

        Any chance you would consider doing a post on somewhat cute snow boots? I’m living in the midwest again and I’m old enough to pick warmth over ballet flats when it’s zero. :)

  • Jen @ Rambling Renovators
    January 12, 2012 at 11:30 pm

    Dress #4 is sublime. I’ve bought a dress with a jewelled neckline and am pairing it with light grey tights and grey wedge shoes. I’m hoping to wear the dress more than once. I like how white can make you feel tan – especially in the dead of winter!

  • Rachel H.
    January 13, 2012 at 7:56 am

    Ok, I have no clue when it comes to fashion. I actually have to go to my husband’s office holiday party (it’s always later in the year) tomorrow (eek!) and have no clue what to wear…I have shoes similar to #6 pictured, but what is the rule with open toed shoes? Can you wear them in winter? With or without panty hose? Help, please!

  • Jessica @shimmerkai
    January 13, 2012 at 7:57 am

    I love that tie-neck blouse- thanks for sharing! Getting an outfit is definitely on my to-do list this weekend

  • Rachel H.
    January 13, 2012 at 8:00 am

    Also, can one wear boots with a skirt/dress? I don’t own any boots, but I also don’t like heels…what’s your take on flats with dresses/skirts?

  • Sara
    January 13, 2012 at 9:08 am

    I love the sparkly heels!

  • Jonica
    January 13, 2012 at 1:42 pm

    ditto on the white lace dress love! it’s gorgeous.

  • jana
    January 14, 2012 at 6:52 pm

    Hello hello! I’m going to ALT too…scored a last minute ticket (yay!) and have just been racking my brain for the white outfit…I am prone to spilling things too so, hopefully it will stay white haha. I opted for a beige, blush, cream, nude heels look…so we will see…I can’t wait to meet you!

  • Jessie
    January 15, 2012 at 11:04 am

    SO stressed about this dinner!! Plus I have a new bun-in-the-oven belly that just popped a bit, so my choices are limited further! I might have to stay in and order room service that night :(

  • Claire
    January 17, 2012 at 10:25 am

    Hi Nicole. I’m having trouble getting through to a lot of the links for the clothing items. It seems to be the ones that link to rstyle.me. Any idea why? Could it be browser (IE) or location (Canada)?
    I was curious where the white jeans are from.
    Thanks!
    Claire

  • Jillian@TheHumbleGourmet
    January 17, 2012 at 12:03 pm

    That lace dress made my heart skip a beat. How beautiful!

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  • Dee
    February 15, 2012 at 12:12 am

    Lovely choices! Stumbled upon your blog. :-)