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Dress decision - your thoughts please

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Not even 2 days after asking Greg about having polls on the forum and I could really use one.

I have come across this dress and bought it without even trying it on, as I really liked with the simple style and the fabric. The size turned out to be spot on.
There are a few things I'd like your opinion on though.

I'd be happier if it was slightly longer, but there is some 2-3 cm (1 inch) of the fabric that would allow that. In that case, it would hit my kneecap comfortably. Also, the dress has an interesting detail around the neckline, something I asked our newcomer chouette22 about as she's got similar dress, which would not necessarily be the issue if I had any other dress of this style, but I don't and I like having basics sorted and then maybe getting more unusual pieces. I feel that this neckline pushes the dress out of the 'basics' category.

I potentially have the option of having the whole bit taken away if my friend who's a skilled seamstress tells me it's not complicated and won't ruin the dress.

Bearing in mind that I don't want to compromise too much, but also that finding the right dress for someone of my height is not easy (I am not putting pressure on you, just stating something very obvious which greatly drives my decisions), what is your opinion:

keeper - leave the dress as is;
keeper - don't touch the neckline, but make the dress longer;
keeper - don't touch the length, but remove the neckline detailing;
keeper - amend both neckline and the length;
return.

Thanks for your time

Dressing

31 replies

Latest reply was from Aida

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

If you're not sure about it, then return it, although I hear you about finding dresses the right length.

Otherwise, I vote 2. I like the neckline on you and you may find that it is actually a fab basic even though it has the neckline detail.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Assuming there is enough hem to let the dress out to your desired length, I vote #2. I kind of like the bow neckline, it suits you.

rae

(website)

Veteran

2! I love the neckline, and the rest of the dress looks great to me.

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

I think the neckline is very chic... A plain scoop neck jumper might begin to feel sort of Romper Room without a little flourish like the bow. And it is very subtle. You look pretty in this!

Kate

Veteran

I vote 2 also. I think of this neckline as a necklace replacement. It's an awesome basic, and I think the neckline doesn't push it out of the basics category. Unless you are big on necklaces and would be sad that you can't wear a necklace with this dress, I would leave the neckline as is.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

#2

Queen Mum

Veteran

I vote #2.
I don't think the neckline pushes this dress out of "basics" You could easily wear a jacket over this dress, and while the neckline would be partially hidden, I dont' think the detail on the neckline would compete with a jacket.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I will go against the current here and vote #1. I think the length is great, especially with boots or booties and tights. Neckline is interesting and looks fine with a layer anderneath. Try it with black or charcoal turtleneck or with button down shirt layered ander the dress. A jacket over it should also work.

sinead

Another vote for option 2. It's a great dress- I think it would be a shame to take away the pretty neckline. It's still a basic, just a basic with some interesting details.

catgirl

Veteran

I'm torn between #1 and #2. I think you could let the length out a wee bit but also leave as is, like Sveta said. The neckline is not froofy enough to be a problem IMHO, unless it bothers you. So the real question is: does it bother you?

chouette22

Veteran

True, your dress is very similar to mine, so I might be a bit partial. I really like it on you and the red layer underneath is fabulous. I agree with Sveta: with tights and boots, I wouldn't bother about the length; but without, I think the 2-3cm would make the needed difference.

Zoe B.

#1--it looks fab as is. If you really aren't comfortable with the length, then #2, but I like the neckline as is!

tracy

Torn between 1 & 2. Neckline is fab and certainly can be worn as a basic. Length is fine, as previously said if worn with tights and boots. Lengthen it if you are more comfortable though.

rute

Veteran

1

dottie

I really like the neckline. It gives a nice bit of detail and shows off the shoulder line. I vote either 1 or 2.

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

Cute! I like it as is, but if the length makes you uncomfortable that totally up to you. I also really like the bow detail, i don't think it's too much to make it not a basic.

Edited to add: uh, so i choose #1

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I like the dress and I wouldn't touch it.
#1

Stephanie

Veteran

It's definitely a basic--actually, it's the best kind of basic, a basic with a little something extra! If you're uncomfortable with the length, let it out, but it looks nice on you as is, too.

afterism

Keep it, wear it longer & sleeveless.

Refugee

Veteran

I think this is lovely. I vote 1 with a disclaimer. A basic does not have to be without detail. This will serve as a great basic. As far as length, that is really dependant upon you personally are comfortable with. I think the length looks great on you but, if you will feel more comfortable letting it down a bit, then let it down.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote return the dress. Not worth the fiddle. Onto something better, Ornella.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Oh dear... this is my idea of a nightmare, it was all going so well with opinions being mostly 1 and 2 and then Angie had spoken. Ah, the tears... almost.
I wish I knew about the basis of your guideline Angie, if you stop by here again I'd really appreciate it. If it's about fiddling with the neckline, I no longer plan to do it if I decide to keep it.

Thanks everyone, I find your feedback the best way to learn! I'll give my thoughts of the dress and if they do or don't make sense, please speak, I maybe see something that is not there. The length can be amended. I am not bothered by the neckline, I actually quite like it. If it was plain, the other thing that would make this dress attractive to me style-wise would have been the sleeves. They are just what I need, nice shape that gives slightly (and much needed) wider line to my shoulders. Plain sleeveless or short-sleeve style dress cannot do this. And hearing others saying that the basics don't have to be plain is very useful - I need to think a bit more outside the box.

I am torn now and for the final decision probably need to see the dress in action and style it whichever way I can think of and sleep over it a few more days. I am scarves/necklace fan so the dress limits me in that sense, but I also find it challenging for that reason (again, thinking outside my box) as I am sure the hose and shirts can do a nice few tricks with it. There are at least 5 ways I can wear the dress. My spring wardrobe is pretty slim and having a versatile dress would give it a nice boost. But, as I said, I am not prepared for too many compromises, while at the same time I must bear in mind the likelihood of finding a suitable dress soon.

Scarlet

Veteran

Before reading all the comments my reaction was return. The dress fits very well, but somehow the silhouette seems not right, and I am not sure what should be changed.

cora*♥*

I'd say return, too. I agree with Scarlet about the silhouette, although I can't say what's wrong there but there's something. It has a school uniform vibe.

Lynne

Veteran

Ornella, when you say the hem has 2-3 cm, remember that you cannot use all that length. You still need a hem on the dress, and if it's too narrow it may not sit well. You can usually only gain 1-1.5 cm length with a standerd dress hem, unless the hem is very deep. So I also vote return. Have you thought of paying your seamstress friend to make you a perfectly fitting sheath?

Marley

Veteran

I think its a Keeper - just leave it as is, and have fun with it!

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Lynne, you are right in leaving enough fabric after the hemming, and 1 inch would be final length as it the hem is quite deep. I am used to checking that first when I buy dresses, in case they need altering. This is lifetime of frustrations turned into some wisdom.

I hear you about asking my friend to make a dress for me... she's done great things for me in the past but doesn't want to get paid. I haven't found a favor I can reciprocate with to feel comfortable enough to ask her. But, I did think of custom made dress as an option.

Lynne

Veteran

If you decide to go custom made, you could have the one on the lovely card you posted made.....it would be beautiful!

Aida

Veteran

I didn't chime in on this yesterday because I couldn't figure out what felt off about the dress to me, and I think today I've got it: I feel like the bottom hem needs to be tapered a little bit. Right now, the fit looks wider on the hips and then drops straight down making you look larger than you are. Look at your pencil skirt photo from your cardigan week, and you can see what I mean. Hopefully Angie will explain why she voted return though, I'm curious as well!

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