Ever buy a piece of clothing because it’s pretty and then struggle with how to style it? This was the dilemma I faced with Anthropologie’s Penelope Cowlneck, a top that seems simple from the front and hides a pretty open lace back (seen below). The top will get the full review treatment over on Effortless Anthropologie later today.

I always envisioned it as a going-out top and I think the outfit I came up with is a pretty good start. I started with a simple, neutral chemise dress. Then I set the top at my waist with a belt and bloused the top out over it. The back never really sits against the body anyway so the result is blousey but appealing.

A few accessories and one colorful artistic clutch later, I was ready for the gallery event I’d been invited to. My outfit was one of the quietest ones there but I was happy to just blend in. After I left one group chat a lady came up to me to say that the top was a ‘work of art’ from the back. I couldn’t agree more.

In this outfit:
Top: Anthropologie Penelope Cowlneck
Chemise: Anthropologie Stand-In Slip, Mushroom
Belt: Esprit distressed leather belt in Espresso (old)
Tights: Hue Super Opaque Tights in Espresso
Shoes: Fergie Tazed in taupe, previously seen here, here and here
Bracelet: Kate Spade Hinge Bangle in cream
Necklace: Anthropologie Lapsed Meridian Necklace in silver
Earrings: Anthropologie Oseleta Hoops
Clutch: Anthropologie Brushstrokes Still Life Clutch, Roses