Several months ago, I bought a sleeveless, button-up Chanel shift. It wasn’t my wisest purchasing decision — I didn’t know why, when or how I would wear it. But the price was so low, I figured I could flip it on eBay (where I saw it listed for double the price).
I don’t recommend making purchases this way — it’s a dress, not Apple shares, so there’s no definitive appreciable value. Learn from my mistakes.
But sometimes, bad decisions pay off. The dress can be worn two different ways — as a dress and as a gilet. (A gilet is a sleeveless coat, which resembles a vest. Hermes and Dior offered notable versions last fall.)
As a dress, the Chanel shift is rather boxy, so it has to be belted. The neckline is very deep, so layering is essential to make it work appropriate. The tweed is overlaid with sequins and woven with ribbons, making it look bold, graphic and texturized.
Last week, I wore the dress as a gilet over a turtleneck and jeans. I felt a little bit like a schoolmarm — it’s a heavy look that screams 1992 — but I’m curious what you think. Is this Chanel piece more successful as a vest, a dress, or is there another look I should try?
