White Dress: Magnificent 8 Collaboration

White is often thought of as the color of purity. It is said that dreaming of a white dress is connected to your emotions. According to Auntyflo.com, to dream of trying on a white dress in a shop can suggest people around you would like your attention. An obvious association of a white dress is a wedding. However, beyond the standard for a wedding, a white dress can evoke some deep feelings and imagery.

In the latest collaboration installment of The Magnificent 8, the chosen theme for our outfits is White Dress, as you might have guessed. Why have I brought up its meaning in dreams? True confession, I’ve not been exactly thrilled about this theme and nearly threw in the towel. While it would be an exaggeration to say that I was having nightmares about this post, I didn’t have anything close to a white dress in my wardrobe. Lately, with my now silver hair, I find myself preferring darker colors over lighter ones. My younger self with dark hair would have been ecstatic about the theme and she had many options in her closet but not anymore. So reluctantly, on the hunt for a white dress I went.

It was a challenge, too. I looked in stores as well and online but white dresses were few and far between. Since I was buying something new, I didn’t want to buy it just for the blog and never wear it again. Many of the dresses I did find were either much too dressy or too youthful for my tastes (or figure). Not one to give up, I managed to find a few contenders. There were two that I found on the Chico’s website and ordered; this white linen dress and this floral striped one on a white background (a bit of a stretch on the theme, though).  Neither was quite right and will be returned, but the winner was found at Kohl’s (and apparently no longer available).

Trying on the dress caused a bit of panic as I thought it looked too plain on its own. And it showed a few figure flaws that I’d prefer to stay out of sight. My first inclination was to reach for a denim jacket until I stumbled across a still unpacked box labeled “summer sweaters”. That phrase may seem like an oxymoron but remember, I do adore my completer pieces. I’ve had this raffia colored swingy sweater for years and it provides just the right amount of coverage without looking too heavy. With that decision made, I moved onto my choice of accessories and footwear.

Building on the natural fiber aesthetic, I opted for my straw beach tote accented with a breezy scarf in muted tones of green and blue that I bought a garage sale for $1. I could’ve worn my white leather wedge sandals but chose my canvas ones because they echo the raffia motif of my sweater.

And last but not least, a beaded necklace (another thrifted find) that pulls together the colors of the scarf and adds a couple of darker tones for a tad of drama.

This is the fifth edition of the Magnificent 8 Collaboration. The previous ones were; Life’s A Beach, Distressed, Workout Wear, and Spring Pattern Mixing.  Have you visited any of the other Magnificent 8 gals yet and seen their spins on the theme of White Dress? In case you haven’t, let me show you the way.

The intent of the Magnificent 8 is to show that there are no age restrictions on style. So wear what you want, when you want, add a smile, and strut your style with confidence. And be sure to check out all 8 of these amazing gals! We are sharing these posts on a quarterly basis … be on the lookout in October for the next post in this series.

Grace of Graceful Rags is representing teenagers.
Michelle of Michelle’s Pa(i)ge is representing the 20-somethings.
Roxanne of Glass of Glam is representing the 30-somethings.
Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge is representing the 40-somethings.
Rena of It’s All Fine. Whatever Tickles The Fancy is representing the 50-somethings.
Eugenia of The Age Of Grace is representing the 60-somethings.
Nancy of Jodie’s Touch of Style is representing the 70-somethings.
And Charlotte of Jodie’s Touch of Style is representing the 80-somethings.

Remember, you can’t put a number on style!

So, with a mix of textures and accents of color, I’ve conquered my fear of a white dress. However, don’t expect me to sit down or eat while wearing it.

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