Hi Jacyln! I have a little dilemma. I sing on stage at church every Saturday and Sunday and our colors that we normally wear are black, white, gray, and jeans. I don't have many chic options in my closet and was wondering I you had any tips or places where I can go to step out of my usual blazer, v-neck and jeans. Pease help! :) Thank you so much!
I am BIG believer in wearing as much black as possible if you’ll be performing up front at a church. Conservative pieces are best, but you can still get creative with cuts/textures. (I used to do this every weekend for years too and oh my god, thought I’d never wear black pants again for as long as I lived.) Still—I think a mostly black outfit looks the most chic and appropriate. Since it sounds like you can go a little more casual, I included a few fun things.

This is the most conservative and typical of what we wore for more formal concerts. A long black dress ($45) with a jacket ($35) and mid-height heels ($55) will be your bread and butter. It may be a bit more dressy than what you need, but it’s good to have on hand.

This is more playful, but still appropriate. The top ($49.50) stands out, but it’s cut high and will look sleek with these pants. Go for a higher shoe ($37.33) if you won’t be standing for too long.

Not sure if you’re okay to wear prints, but if you are, keep it simple with a striped top ($12) tucked into a pencil skirt ($59.50). These Target shoes are cute ($30). If you have to be standing for a while, go for lower heels or pointed toe flats.

This pretty close to what I used to wear every weekend. Ankle-length trousers with a high-waist are flattering ($45) when a fitted 3/4th-sleeve or long-sleeve tee/blouse ($17) is tucked into them. In the winter, switch it out for a turtleneck. Sling-back pumps with a mid-height heel ($42.43) are comfortable and look good with the cropped pants.

Once again—if you can do prints, go for it with a polka dot blouse ($69.50) tucked into a maxi skirt ($30.55). Keep the shoes simple, like these practical (but still cute) pumps ($39). To go more casual or comfortable, you could choose black sandals or black flats.
I hope this helps and gives you a few ideas! Have fun!
I am desperately in search of something that may not exist (I feel like I've exhausted the internet): a sleeveless/tank strap black maxi dress with a scoop neck and a t-back (preferably twisted). I've got the world's shortest legs and longest torso so I'd like something not terribly fitted that I can cinch with a belt to give the illusion of longer legs. I would appreciate any advice you can give!
Phew! I may have exhausted the Internet too. I don’t think I found something that fits EXACTLY what you want. But, I did find a few options for you that might work:
This ASOS maxi ($112) is probably the closest to your criteria. I’m not sure how tall you are, but the model is 5’10”, so it might be just the right length on you.
If you’re not completely married to the idea of black, this purple dress from Urban Outfitters ($80) might be a good option.
Jen’s Pirate Booy T&B Coastal dress might be pretty darn close to what you want, save for the back not being twisted. It’s $146.
Monrow’s t-back dress ($76) may be a little more clingy and strappy than you’d like.
I’m sorry I couldn’t find something perfect, but I hope you like one of these! :)
Getting more invested in this Helly Hansen jacket ($89.40, from $149) the longer I look at it. I’d wear it this fall with black skinny pants and stiletto ankle boots. Or I could dress it down with slim boyfriend jeans and flats.
Have an important work meeting coming up or starting a new job? Gorgeous Theory dress marked down to $96 (from $275). Available in size 10.
Like this maxi (and its interesting bodice) by Local Celebrity, marked down to $79 (from $121). Still available in size XS/S.
Cute summer work dress by Tahari and on sale for $70.80 (from $118). Sizes 8, 12 and 14 are still available.
Pretty great deal: these Target ankle boots are marked down to $14.98 and most sizes are still available.
Get 25% off at Steve Madden (plus free shipping) with code FRIENDSFOREVER. It works on sale shoes too, hence these:
Top row:
- Lennix Flats, $41.98 (from $60)
- Sworda Sandals, $55.98 (from $80)
Bottom row:
- Kismet Sandals, $53.98 (from $90)
- Binggo Sandals, $47.98 (from $80)
My picks from LOFT’s $25 and under sale today:
- Paisley Print Sweater Tee, $25 (from $49.50) - Saw this on Erin and loved it!
- Exotic Stripe Tassel Scarf, $25 (from $39.50)
- Vaughn T-Strap Sandals, $25 (from $29.50)
Need some new activewear? Nordstrom has added new markdowns to their popular in-house Zella line.
Top row:
- Good Sport Stripe Half-Zip, $34.80 (from $58)
- Streamline Jacket, $52.80 (from $88)
Bottom row:
- Everyday Racerback Tank, $22.80 (from $38)
- Everyday Stripe Racerback Tank, $25.20 (from $42)
(Love the long length on those tanks!)










