Cleaning out my closet--Need some opinions

So, I am cleaning out my closet, trying to get rid of all the unflattering/age inappropriate, etc. stuff that I have in there. I have this sweater dress that I really LOVE because it's so comfortable and since it's made of light weight wool/cashmere, it's soft and I think adaptable for year round style (in the fall I could dress it up with black tights and boots, etc. None of my friends will give me an honest opinion about how I look in things (it's probably why I have so much stuff in my closet that just doesn't work!). Really, I can take it! So I was hoping to appeal to you all, since I'm still "training my brain" in fit, fashion, etc. What do you guys think? Salvageable with the right accessories or tailoring, or sell it?

[IMG]http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h275/Saintana13/DSCF0003-3.jpg[/IMG]

From the side:
[IMG]http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h275/Saintana13/DSCF0003-2.jpg[/IMG]

Here it is with a belt, which I definitely like better (although, I think the belt is a bit heavy for spring--maybe something skinnier--is the belted look still in?):

[IMG]http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h275/Saintana13/DSCF0001-3.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h275/Saintana13/DSCF0003-3.jpg[/IMG]

Thanks you guys!

18 years ago

AnaElizabeth

Active Member

Oh Darn it! I'm not sure how to post pictures...let me see if I can figure this out. Sorry!

Okay, this is the best I can come up with:

http://i286.photobucket.com/al.....0001-2.jpg

http://i286.photobucket.com/al.....0003-2.jpg

http://i286.photobucket.com/al.....0001-3.jpg

http://i286.photobucket.com/al.....0003-3.jpg

Nicole

Veteran

I dunno...i think it's too big for you. I don't know if you can have that kind of knit taken in. But if you can...then I'd say it's worth the alteration bill.

mayapple

I don't think it's too big. The shoulder seams seem to be sitting where they should be and it's not bunching up a lot under the belt. I like it with the belt, but it's too baggy without it, which might be why it looks bigger there. You have a nice defined waist so you should definitely take advantage of it. I would say it's a keeper, but have some belts at hand to wear with it, otherwise it's a waste of your waist....ha ha.

Yeah, it needs to be taken around the waist. That's the problem with big shoulders--I always have to go up a size to fit them, and then it's big everywhere else. I remember trying on the small at the store and I just felt like my arms were in sausage casings and the seams on the shoulders came in really far, but everywhere else it looked great. I know there is a place here that will alter sweater type items, but it'll cost you. I don't mind paying for it if you think it's a dress that won't go out of style, and could be fabulous, if it only fit right.

Gosh, thanks for all your help, you guys have been wonderful!

What types of belts would you wear with it mayapple? Do you think skinny belts would be better for spring? Maybe a bright color?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Nice pictures! I definitely prefer the dress with the belt. It’s unflattering without it. I like the belt that you have matched with it. Well done. Nice with knee high black boots and tights. This look suits you. Do not prefer the look with sandals though. But it’s a keeper worn in a funky way.

AntjeH

I think you have lots of great color choices for belts or other accessories (jewelry, scarfs). Red, fuchsia, cobalt blue, a grassy green, even a strong yellow could all be fab. I'd stick with the belt width you have in the picture; I think a skinny belt would get lost.

Well *I* wouldn't wear a belt with it at all But if I had a lovely waist like yours, I would probably go crazy. Since the dress is neutral, it will work with just about everything. I actually like the black, but anything would go. Maybe since it's a darker gray, I might stay away from brights or dark colors and stick to lighter shades for more contrast (though the black is so dark it gives enough contrast). Cream would probably look nice too. I would keep the belt thick. I think a thin belt is better for petite frames and shorter torsos.

Are you planning on wearing this dress in the spring/summer? It seems more like a winter outfit to me.

I like the black patent belt--but I LOVE black. I think a cream belt similar to the black one would look nice too.

The one accessory it's screaming for--a necklace.

Thanks for all the replies!

I agree, I think a thicker belt would be better.

Nicole, I was hoping I would be able to wear it in the Spring, which is why I was looking for some accessories that would sort of make it more "spring-like." What sort of necklace would look nice? I'm thinking something kind of bold and colorful, since the dress on its own is kind of drab, but I'm not sure what style. Chunky beads? I mostly have small pendant necklaces. I have a big silver necklace, but I thought that was too matchy matchy with the gray.

Angie: Ha ha! Now that I look at the photo, the sandals do give it a bit of a gladiator look. Are there any other shoes I could wear besides knee high boots, you think? It's starting to get warmer here (60s and 70s) and high boots seem like just a bit too much given the weather. Do you think ballet flats would work, or maybe some embellished sandals? Maybe a bright color or something? I guess I can put it away until Fall, if none of those options work, though.

These are kinds of things I'd wear with that neckline. There's nothing wrong with wearing grey and black jewlery with a grey dress and there's nothing wrong with introducing a bold color and keeping all your other accessories muted. And I like the idea of a single oversized silver pendant.

http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Misses

OMG I LOVE this one!!! I just might have to buy it for myself!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listi.....id=8940765

That is so cute! I like the idea of one big bold pendant in a bright color. I actually have had to fight myself because I have a tendency to buy trendy items in very seasonal colors, so I don't get much use out of the items. I LOVE bright bold color. Unfortunately, I guess I just feel like a bright pinky melon color is really only appropriate in the spring and summer, so bigger ticket items I've been trying to keep in a more muted tone. I'm trying to find brighter accessories that are easier (and less expensive) to change out from season to season. Plus, since I've figured out I'm an hourglass, but have large shoulders, I'm trying to stay away from loud, overly embellished shirts, so I won't look too top heavy.

Thanks for the suggestion, I hadn't thought of that.

How about a ballet flat? Black patent perhaps? I like yellow with grey and black. Try a necklace with a yellow pendant too. Just for me!

Hooray, I love yellow! I'll do it.

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