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Belt help

Maya

Veteran

I'm trying to determine how to best wear my new shirt dress tunic thing. Initially I thought I'll probably try and find the turquoise one in my size, but once I found some earthy shoes and rediscovered my beaded belt that I got in France a few years ago that I never wear, I thought I can make it work. I actually have *2* earthy belts. One is a hip belt and one is a waist cinch belt, but I never really wear either because they never seem to yield a flattering result.

I forgot to change into the jeans/pants I'd actually wear them with, so just ignore them. I'll probably opt for my super skinny jeans and white pants instead.

This is what it looks like unbelted:

http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....G_0971.jpg

Waist belt:

http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....G_0970.jpg

Hip belt:

http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....G_0968.jpg

I don't like the waist belt. I think it cuts me off at a weird spot and I'm reminded of those slim fast commercials with the belt around a can. That's how I feel. I don't really like it unbelted either though. I thought it looked good in the fitting room but now that I see the picture I'm not crazy about it.

Here's a detail of both belts:

http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....G_0972.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/alb.....G_0976.jpg

Should I get it altered at the waist? Try a different type of belt? Just look for a new one? I didn't have any luck at Macy's, Express, or H&M. For some reason these types of tops always seem to come in black or white which is boring. The white ones especially look like lab coats to me. I don't know that it's special enough to have altered.

Dressing

37 replies

Latest reply was from Tanya

Maya

Veteran

Oops, I submitted by mistake. Well I don't have much more to say except HELP.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Have you tried a brighter and or/skinnier belt? That might not make you feel as though your waist was so short, but the bright color would make it so it doesn't get lost on the shirt. Maybe 1" or 1.5" would be nice. I honestly don't think the belt looks bad. Can you take a shot from farther away so we can see the whole outfit?

Maya

Veteran

I have a skinny belt but it's like a tomato red which isn't the greatest color with brown (at least that's my preference). I could try it to see if it works stylewise and if so I can look for another color. You might be onto something with the thickness.

That is the whole outfit I think...am I missing something?

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Oh, sorry, I just saw the ones with the belts close up. That's what I get for cooking and posting and the same time. I still the think the belt is okay, and a skinnier belt might do the trick.

Don't take the tags off yet, but keep the shirt and try some different things with it. Maybe some other people have some other suggestions. While I was at NY&Co they had a 1" coral colored belt that I bought because it looked nice with the shirt, and I was trying to think ahead to fall as well. Take the shirt out belt shopping with you, too--that way you can tell right there whether it will work or not.

Another thing I would try is unbuttoning the shirt to the belt and wearing a cami underneath. This might make you feel like the belt doesn't cut you off so much, and the deep V it creates will help elongate your torso.

Nicole

Veteran

I'm having a hard time seeing the dress. The photo itself is grainy, and the color of the dress is blending in w/the background. Does your camera have a timer button so you could take a photo directly? (I just stacked a bunch of books ontop of a little table and put the camera on the books.)

But from what I could see of the dress..it looks too big in the waist and gives you no waist definition at all. I may need to be taken in, and maybe even shortened a little bit. I thought the hip belt made it look messy and a little sackish. The waist belt looked better IMO.

Tanya

Veteran

I agree with the above. It would be nice if you could take it in, but if not, than definitely belted! And I think Ana is spot on with the skinny belt and unbuttoned top suggestions. I would try it with skinny yellow patent belt, cream cami and chunky red beads. I think it would also be cute with white/cream skinnies.
Btw, what size is it? Is it an XS? I's like to get the turquoise one so much but fear it will be too baggy on me as well.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Tanya, it probably will be baggy. Mine is baggy as well, but I am planning on having it taken in plus wear it with a belt. It doesn't *have* to be taken in if worn with a belt, but there is a bit too much excess fabric when belted for my taste. I am washing and drying mine tonight before I take it to the tailor's. I will let everyone know how it fares.

Nicole

Veteran

Maya, I wonder if a layer on top of the shirt dress will cinch it at all? Like I said, it's hard to see in the photo, but just a thought.

Maya

Veteran

I'll try finding a better picture taking spot. I forget that I have a really good monitor and colors I see often aren't visible on other people's screens. That might be why as well.

Tanya, I got an XS so it might not be ideal for you. NY&Co seems to run pretty huge.

Ana, I tried putting a cami underneath but it didn't really show because the shirt wouldn't stay open enough.

I'm leaning towards returning it, assuming I can find something to replace it with. If not I'll probably need to get it taken in because I would rather leave it unbelted.

Nicole

Veteran

Is it this tunic?

http://www.nyandcompany.com/ny.....=cat350004

Ana

(website)

Veteran

That's the one, Nicole.

Maya

Veteran

Yeah, that's it. I suspected it might be a bit shapeless because the model has it belted. As for wearing a layer over it, it might help but it's also not so convenient is it? My intention is to wear it in the summer and besides, it's no fun buying something that REQUIRES being covered up!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I can't really see how it fits! It looks a little big on the shoulder, Maya. My 2 cents worth:

o Open up the neckline. Un button and wear a cami if necessary. Better to elongate. The short necklace worn over the collar cuts your long lean line.
o Could be altered, length and shoes are great. Like the jeans!
o Skinny belt is a fab idea
o White belt cuts your vertical line, but a narrower darker belt could do the trick
o Love the idea of white skinnies

Very pretty belts. Would look great over a cream tunic. Tribal is in.

Maya

Veteran

I went to a bunch of different stores today (a different Express, 2 different H&Ms, and the dreaded Macy's) and found NOTHING! Tried on a few different styles and all of them were awful for their own reasons. Belted ones did not belt at the right place and even when I tried moving the belt around it looked wrong. Unbelted ones were baggy and unflattering. All of them were too long. I think this is a look I will have to admire from afar.

shiny

Veteran

Maya, have you considered using a silk scarf as a belt? Perhaps even tying it Obi style?

Otherwise, I dunno... the shirtdress look isn't really my thing. I find that either you can pull it off, or you can't. So don't get too frustrated. It just might not be your thing.

Maya

Veteran

I already returned the top.

I think you need to have a waist that is extremely defined and elongated to pull this look off, which is why Ana and Tanya carry it well. Others may disagree, but this has been my experience. So like so many before it, it's going in the pile of things I can't pull off *sigh*

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, but you can wear a blousy tunic and skinny jeans like nobody's business, and if I tried that I'd just look pregnant. We all have our crosses to bear.

Julia

Hmm.. I'm not sure if it's your thing or not Maya. Maybe a more fitted one would work? I got a similar one from Chadwicks and had it shortened, here's the pic. I'd never thought that I could share my pictures online, but you gals really encouraged me, so here you go.

http://s282.photobucket.com/al.....tdress.jpg

What do you all think? Does my waist look too thick? maybe a skinny belt would work better?

Tanya

Veteran

Julia, I love your outfit! Very cool! I think you waist is not thick and the bet is about the right width! And, off topic, i think your post would get more traffic if you started a new thread with your outfit

Maya

Veteran

How tall are you Julia? I don't think your waist is thick. It looks slightly longer than mine to your benefit. Love the zebra shoes!

Ana, I can't pull off skinny jeans unless I'm very deliberate about what I wear with them. I'm convinced almost anyone can wear them if they wear the right length shirt. It's the gals who can wear them with shorter tops that impress me. If I leave my hips exposed I look like a soup spoon!

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Maya, I think Julia is on to something. It looks like you and she have a similar body type/shape. I would just keep searching for a more tailored top you can wear without a belt if you feel uncomfortable wearing one.

I think you make great choices when it comes to skinnies, then Maya. I know what you mean about upside down soup spoon. I feel like a chicken drumstick, myself.

Julia, I think that belt is great. The dark color is good because it doesn't break up the vertical line.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wow! Is that you Julia? It looks like Maya! LOVE your outfit. Details make ALL the difference. Tunic is at the right length and you’ve added a deep V at the top and broken up the torso and bustline with a cami. Belt works brilliantly. Adore the shoes! You look fab!

I hope that you are inspired Maya. Otherwise I’m booking you onto a flight to Seattle!

Julia

Thanks everyone, I'm glad that you liked it.

Maya I'm only 5', shorter than you and my waist might be thicker than yours (28''). I think the fabric has made the difference here.

Tanya I'll try to post more pictures in coming days, thanks for encouraging.

Maya

Veteran

Well I am impressed Julia. I don't think you look the least bit "thick" or short. I actually thought you were taller than me judging from the picture.

I guess it might just be a matter of finding the right shirt dress. It took me forever to find the right trapeze jacket, but when I found it I loved it. So I'll keep my eyes open. Is the one you got still available?

I think this one has some potential because the belt is thin:

http://www.ardenb.com/catalog/.....ctId=10634

I saw it in the store and the detailing on it is gorgeous, but it wasn't quite in my budget. Luckily just today I found a gift card that I had completely forgotten about! Maybe it's meant to be.

If not, then I expect to find a ticket to Seattle in the mail Angie!

Tanya

Veteran

That's a very pretty shirtdress Maya. Give it a try!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Halleluiah Maya! Yes, finding the RIGHT shirt dress and matching it with a self colour belt is key. Why don’t you get the same dress as Julia from Chadwicks? ( I don’t know that store). The Arden B one looks super too.

Julia

Yes it's still available and on sale for $29.99.

http://www.chadwicks.com/cloth.....haseType=0

The picture there is not very flattering but if you click into the 'alternate images' there are better ones. Also I had it shortened about 3 inches.

Maya

Veteran

Great price and I love the scarlet color! How did it fit Julia? According to their size chart I'm all over the place.

Julia

It's true to size. I ordered 6P and I wear 4p - 6p depending on brands.

Also check this site before you order, you can save more probably.

http://www.dealtaker.com/Chadw.....a64-c.html

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