The dress that stood the test of time
Hi Y'all!
Six years ago, my cousin was getting married. I knew the wedding would be a grand affair—just her style. Naturally, I needed an outfit (or several) to match the occasion. With some extra cash from a tontine with my co-workers and a storewide sale happening nearby, I decided to splurge. Instead of settling for one outfit, I walked away with four: two dresses—a black maxi dress and a layered pink dress on sale—and two peplum skirt sets, one beaded in plum and another in green.
Ironically, I never ended up attending the wedding. The plum peplum set found its moment a year later at my brother’s reception, while the green set never saw the light of day and was finally donated this year. The pink dress has been worn twice. But among all these purchases, the black dress stood out—and still does.
I remember spotting it at the store, immediately drawn to its simple elegance. My best friend, who was helping me shop, was unimpressed. She wanted something with more glam, and admittedly, the dress was quite basic for the price. I left without it, yet I couldn’t stop thinking about it. A few days later, I returned, and luckily, the store owner gave me a discount.
That purchase has never been a regret. The dress is made of synthetic fabric that resembles lace or Swiss dot, with a slight sheen. The puffed sleeves add a touch of drama, while the cinched waist and full skirt create a flattering silhouette. It’s an effortlessly chic piece, wrinkle-free and easy to wear.
Yet, despite my love for it, I’ve only worn it four times in six years: twice for 2 different weddings in December 2019, once for a work event in September 2022, and most recently at a naming ceremony in February 2025. It’s a timeless dress that can be dressed up or down, but I tend to reserve it for special occasions. The black colour also plays a role—it’s not widely seen as festive in my culture, so I always accessorize boldly. Gold jewelry, a metallic belt, golden heels, and a matching scarf usually do the trick. The last time I wore it, I opted for fuchsia accents instead. Another reason I don’t wear it often? The length. It’s just a little too long, requiring high heels to avoid stepping on the hem.
Still, it remains the perfect dress for an elegant yet fuss-free event. I truly can’t wait to wear it again.
I leave you with evidence of me wearing the dress over the years.
First time wearing the dress in December 2019
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