We're nowhere near the spring season. But it sure feels like it's time to spring forward, thanks to Natalie Portman's floral dress, which the Oscar winner wore to the Toronto International Film Festival this week. With long and voluminous sleeves, slightly puffed shoulders, and the short, leg-showcasing hem, the pink and lilac floral print frock also had quite an unusual edge.
Look closely and you'll see that the edge came from the chain "vest" placed on the top half of the dress. It may have been sewn in and physically attached to the dress itself or it may have been added externally. But whatever the case, it was eye-catching.
I don't know if you can technically call the metal bodice accessory a "vest" or a "harness," but it comes pretty close to being both.
Nevertheless, the circular chain top added some toughness to an otherwise precious and feminine dress, which the actress wore with sexy, skinny strap heels.
Portman's style was so insanely classic and ladylike and I totally think Emily Ratajkowski is her doppelganger. I adore this take on a somewhat '60s look. Long sleeves with a short hem is always a chic and sexy combo and Portman owned it.
But she definitely took the ensemble to a different place, due to that chain piece.
Everything else about Portman's styling was unfussy, with her smoky eye and neutral makeup and her brown hair slicked back and off her face. Nothing was competing with the top of the dress.
Let's peep Portman's floral frock from all the angles.
It's like she was born to wear this dress. The color was so darling, with the pink blossoms sprinkled over the lilac base.
You can see the pleating and that the back was largely demure and didn't show any extra skin. Again, that wasn't necessary, since the chain was so striking.
Here's a closeup of the chain. Who needs necklaces when you have this?
The chain provided her with a high fashion shield and accessory armor.
The shoes were also simple but sultry.
Notice all that volume in the sleeves and her satin-y, pale pink Christian Dior clutch.
See it from the side, with the initials, of course.
My verdict? Insanely beautiful on every level.
While Portman's chain vest may have been part of the frock's construction itself, you can always accessorize any of your print or solid dresses or LBDs with something similar.
Here's an option that even has a pretty brooch element. ($95, etsy.com)
This is a simple and small but sweet body harness that would work, as well. ($36, etsy.com)
There are plenty of other options if you want to punch up a girly dress with a metallic accessory that goes beyond the usual necklace. A body harness or chest plate needn't be dominatrix-y to achieve the Portman effect.
Try it!
Images: Etsy (2)
