Have you ever picked up a dress that is so not your style and fallen in love with it? That happened to me when I tried on this Forever 21 Plus Size Black Lace Up Midi Dress last month. I’m usually obsessed with all things colorful and go for bold silhouettes. But WOW, this plus size knit midi dress (or is it a maxi?) made all of my secret GOTH girl dreams come true. 

Outfit: Plus Size Black Lace Up Midi Dress via Forever 21 Plus, Ankle Booties via Lane Bryant

My style usually tends more toward structured silhouettes in powerful colors or exuberant prints, so this black knit midi or maxi dress is a bit of a departure for me. When I tried it on, I just fell in love. It felt dark and gloomy and sexy … and did I mention COMFORTABLE? The knit fabric is very soft, and I love the long lines of the dress. The Lace Up neckline gives the dress some edge and even some Elvira-like attitude which I am totally digging.

I’m 5’9 and the dress hits me right above the ankle — which is midi length for me…but for my shorter gals, it’s going to be a maxi on you! I paired my trusty Lane Bryant ankle boots with this dress, showing just a small strip of skin at the ankle. Having so much skin covered definitely showcases the lace-up grommet detail at the neck.

HOLLA! Even though this Forever 21 Plus Size Black Lace Up Midi Dress is a knit bodycon dress, it was super comfortable. It hugged my curves, but did not feel tight at all. The ribbed knit actually added some nice weight to the fabric so that it didn’t reveal every little bump and dip in my shape. This was definitely a wildcard pick for me in my latest shopping haul, but it ended up being one of my favorite go-to pieces in this transition season. Dress + ankle boots + shades = comfortable, moody, goth chic!

What are your surprise purchases this season? I want to know what you’ve fallen in love with!