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THE HERO: THE SUMMER BLACK DRESS

Writer's picture: raquelraquel
Jul 8, 20245 min read

I quite like black clothes in summer. There is something about a bit of a tan that goes well with black.

For the past few weeks, I have been doing thorough research for a hero in a particular wardrobe for a client: The Hero Black dress for summer.

I am going to walk you through the steps that got involved in this fun and transformative journey and show you my edit of the best dresses to choose, and why, and the ones I stayed clear of.

So let's dive in!


STEP 1- THE ORDINARY WORLD.


My client is in her everyday environment, yet dissatisfied with her current wardrobe. She senses something is missing – A piece that can be versatile for summer occasions.


STEP 2. THE CALL TO TRANSFORMATION.

I met my client years ago in one of my online masterclasses and she reached out to me now, seeking a second pair of eyes, with my expertise. She did not yet realise the transformative power of the perfect black dress, but she trusted me to guide her.


STEP 3. REFUSE OF THE CALL.

At first, doubt creeps in. She worries about finding the right fit, and style, or even about the investment in a quality piece. She fears the journey might be too difficult or fruitless.


STEP 4. MEETING TOGETHER.

Because I always step in as the mentor, you will always learn things for life about yourself, reassuring a client and providing her with inspiration and confidence are basic. I showed my client examples of what a perfect black dress can do for her summer wardrobe.


STEP 5. CROSSING THE THRESHOLD.

The search officially begins. Together, we leave the comfort of the familiar and dive into the world of fashion. Online research for the Hero starts.

Criteria:


  1. Be able to wear a bra comfortably with the dress.

  2. A breathable fabric.

  3. A neckline that is not too revealing.

  4. Casual, relaxed look, yet put together vibe.


STEP 6. TESTS, ALLIES & ENEMIES.

Along the way, I encounter various challenges. The variety out there on black dresses can be overwhelming, no wonder she had doubts and got overwhelmed! A dress might not fit perfectly, or it may not suit her style. But I also find allies – A knack for figuring out style vision, working with their personality style, and understanding their need for practicality, and! other clients who shared success stories.


STEP 7. APPROACH TO THE HERO.

In the below pictures, you will find a critical point where I narrowed down the choices to a few potential dresses. Me and my client analyse every detail – the fabric, cut, versatility, and how each dress aligns with my client’s personality and needs.

STEP 8. THE FITTING SESSION

The climax of the journey: trying on the dresses. This can be the most challenging part as my client faces the reality of each choice. There might be moments of doubt or disappointment when a dress that seemed perfect doesn’t quite work.


STEP 9. THE REWARD.

Finally, the perfect black dress is found! It fits beautifully, complements my client’s style, and is versatile enough for various summer occasions. My client felt what I like the most about what I do: a surge of confidence and excitement. Read until the end to find out which of the dresses below was the HERO chosen.


STEP 10- THE ROAD BACK.

With the dress in hand, me and my client returned to the ordinary world. This time, my client is transformed. She has a new wardrobe staple that empowers her and enhances her summer style.

She wears the dress to an event, and the reaction is overwhelmingly positive. She feels the transformation and the validation of her choice. The dress isn’t just a piece of clothing; it’s a symbol of their style evolution.

The journey ends with my client not only having a perfect black dress but also newfound confidence in her style choices. she happily shares her experience with friends, on their fashion quests.


It’s not just about the dress; it’s about the journey and the personal growth that comes with it.

Let's have a look at the choices and guess the Hero. read until the end!



1. THE A-LINE SKIRT, MIDI DRESS.

When it comes to the A-line shape of a skirt, I choose to contrast the top and make it more casual. I love this type of dress, the casual tank shape of the top contrast with the longer drape of the full skirt.

However, If I were to go for this type of dress, I would go for the lighter colour ( third picture).

The black version can give the impression of too much fabric for some people since the fabric is usually heavy cotton. Otherwise, find a skirt that is in a more flowy fabric.







2. THE MINI DRESS

Fancy a mini dress this summer?

To achieve a more mature look, either opt for a wider strap or cover up the top part of the dress.

Plus, you can wear a bra!


I like the hourglass shape of the dress below, I would probably ditch the belt in this dress though.

It has the option of opening up the neck a little bit more to reveal a bit of skin or even a V-neck shape, and the drop shoulder gives it a modern vibe.

Can you see the difference with the second & more classic cut on the second picture?




This dress is ideal - it's made of linen, looks comfortable, showcases your legs, and is perfect for days when you're not feeling too confident about your stomach area.



3. THE FLARED CORSET MIDI DRESS ( or how I call it, the lady dress)

This dress is incredibly versatile, offering a win-win situation. It provides support in the chest area while remaining loose from the hips, creating a flowy silhouette. Additionally, its black colour ensures that you don't have to worry about any underwear showing through.




4. THE FITTED ( not tight) MIDI DRESS SHOWING SHOULDERS.

I adore garments with flowy fabric as they tend to complement various body shapes and provide a flattering fit. Showing shoulders gives it a casual look at the top part of the body.








Types of Dresses I Steered Clear Of and Why


1. Tight Dresses

They can appear too young for my liking, and I lean towards a more laid-back style in this search.




2. Anything that screams "adorable" or "cute"



3. Knited dresses.

The knit just doesn't sit great on all body parts. 



4. Open-back dresses

Some women prefer wearing a bra with straps rather than a strapless one because it requires more effort, and at some stages in your life, the breast changes so much, so strapless becomes equal to uncomfortable, so I usually save the open-back choice for evening events instead of daytime.




5. Maxi Dresses

Admire their beauty, they are stunning, but they don't suit everyone. It can feel like you are engulfed by a bold pattern as if the dress is wearing you instead of you wearing it. The initial impression when someone sees you can be of an overwhelming amount of fabric.




How about work?


Check out these work-appropriate styles that will keep you comfortable throughout your workday, whether you're giving a presentation, moving around the office, commuting, or attending a Zoom meeting. Suit up and feel fresh and professional!



THE HERO...REVEALED...

This dress in linen fabric from &Other Stories is the Hero.

My client was particularly focused on not accentuating the tummy area, yet to provide a shape to her body.

Her best features are legs and arms, she can wear this with heels or trainers and throw a light weight trench coat or a blazer for the cold summer days and nights.

A winner.



If you want to start your journey, do so by listening to your current lifestyle and wardrobe, and seek a second pair of eyes with a different vision!

Start with a wardrobe Analysis, the online session. Taking July bookings now.

Book below or email me at raquel@raxanie.com





What is your style out of the dresses shown?

I read you!


Thanks for reading!

x


Raquel



 
 

Comments

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    Yes. This service is designed for individuals who are truly ready to commit to discovering their authentic style and breaking free from impulsive, unfulfilling purchases. We work with clients who are at a stage in their lives where they want a more intentional and sustainable approach to their wardrobe. By trusting the process and fully engaging in it, you’ll achieve lasting results—a style that feels effortless, cohesive, and truly you.
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    The Style Simplified session is a great starting point because it allows you to gain essential insight into your wardrobe and style goals, without committing to a larger service right away. If you’re not sure where to begin or feel overwhelmed by the thought of a full transformation, this session helps break things down into manageable steps. Think of it as a powerful checkpoint that gives you the information you need to move forward with confidence—whether you choose to continue working together or implement the insights on your own. If you’re ready for a shift but need help figuring out where to focus, this session is your ideal first step.
  • What can I expect to gain from the Style Simplified session?
    n this session, you’ll gain clarity on your current wardrobe’s strengths and weaknesses, a deeper understanding of your shopping and style habits, and a personalized action plan for moving forward. You’ll walk away with key takeaways that will help you avoid wasting money on pieces that don’t serve you and begin creating a wardrobe that aligns with your authentic self. It’s a highly informative session, and by the end, you’ll feel empowered to make better shopping decisions and be clear on the direction your wardrobe needs to go to reflect who you truly are.
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  • What if I don’t like the style you suggest for me?
    There’s no one-size-fits-all “look” that I impose on clients. This process is collaborative, and everything is built around your personality, preferences, and lifestyle. You’ll be involved every step of the way, ensuring that your final style direction feels natural and authentic to you. My role is to guide, refine, and bring clarity—not to dictate or change who you are.
  • What is a Wardrobe Audit?
    A Wardrobe Audit is a deep assessment of your current wardrobe to ensure it aligns with your personal style, offers versatility, and works cohesively as a whole. This process isn’t about discarding everything you own—it’s about understanding what serves you, what doesn’t, and how to create a more intentional, well-balanced collection of pieces that truly reflect who you are. Using a structured methodology, we evaluate your wardrobe for consistency in style, cohesiveness, variation, and balance—even if those terms don’t mean much to you yet, don’t worry! The process is designed to give you clarity on what works, what’s missing, and how to make getting dressed effortless. By the end of the audit, you’ll gain a clearer sense of direction, ensuring every piece in your wardrobe contributes to a style that feels natural and empowering. If you’re tired of feeling like your closet is full of clothes but nothing quite works together, this is the step that will change that. Check out the Style Simplified one-hour session, which will give you a taste of an Audit today and start building a wardrobe that truly works for you!
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    This isn’t just about picking a few outfits—it’s a deeper process of understanding why you’re drawn to certain styles, what actually works for your life, and how to break free from habits that keep you stuck in a cycle of dissatisfaction. It’s about rewiring how you think about your wardrobe so that you no longer second-guess yourself or make impulse purchases that don’t serve you. If you’re ready to commit to that shift, this will be the last time you need to “find your style.”
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