At first glance, the dress Scarlett Johansson wore to the Avengers: Age of Ultron premiere in L.A. last night looks like your standard step-and-repeat red carpet outfit. But, on closer inspection, this black Stella McCartney number is more than meets the eye. And, we have a weak spot for dresses than can turn into two dresses (and sometimes three).
From the angle shown here, you can distinguish the two pieces: One is an LBD, and the other — draped around her like beetle wings — is a mid-calf extension. It's last summer's "mullet skirt" trend, but given a sophisticated treatment. Like Rebel Wilson's cape-dress, this frock shows off the body's shape in the way of a classic cocktail dress, but serves up an extra bit of drama with the clever overlay.
The secret to reviving the high-low hem trend of seasons past is breaking away from that mullet-skirt mindset, and playing more creatively with multiple levels. The abbreviated hemline in the front of the dress meets the cocktail requirement, while the midi-length of the back upgrades it to black-tie status. And, while some fancy-but-casual frocks can wind up in no man's land — feeling appropriate for neither sort of occasion — we think this one is that perfect mix that works for both.
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