Katharine McPhee arrived for a meeting in West Hollywood, July 2010, wearing an olive utility mini dress and platform peep-toes — a look that tries to do a bit too much.
I’m not convinced this utility-meets-corset thing really lands. When Katharine McPhee in West Hollywood stepped out for this public appearance in July 2010, the intent was clearly “tough but feminine,” but the execution is where it gets messy.
The mini dress — which looks like it belongs in an action movie wardrobe — features a sweetheart neckline and vertical stud detailing. That’s fine, I guess. But then you have these black lace-up corset panels running down the front. It’s too many ideas for one small garment. The fabric has that stiff, utility-twill finish that doesn’t really play well with the dainty, lingerie-inspired lacing. It doesn’t quite work.
And then there are the shoes. She’s anchored the look with olive green peep-toe heels featuring a heavy stacked platform. While they match the dress perfectly in color, the proportions are just clunky. In the world of celebrity street style, there’s a fine line between a “look” and just wearing a costume, and this leans a bit too far into the latter.
Look, the fit is actually quite good, but the styling feels dated even for the era. She’s piled on several gold bangles and rings, which just adds more noise to an already busy celebrity event outfit. It’s the kind of combination that almost works but eventually falls apart under the weight of its own accessories.
A missed opportunity.
Would you keep the corset-style lacing on this dress, or would it look better as a clean utility piece?
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