Gala Dress Take Two - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Gala Dress Take Two

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Hello!

Okay, I took the other dress back and went and ordered the J. Crew top (they didn't have it in stock). I got the cream color because I figured that would be easiest to pair with a skirt. Then, I went over the NM because it is in the same shopping center, and I just wanted to check out some skirts I saw online. I didn't really find any skirts there (sad face), but I did find a dress (I know, I'm crazy). It's a Nanette Lepore dress that I have seen before and loved the print and colors. It's a more "traditional" shape, no ruffles, so I think it's wearable with a cardigan and belt, or my denim jacket to dress it down a bit. Also, when I finally get my hands on some Frye harness boots and a cropped biker jacket, I would really be in business for more "smart casual" daywear. The dress was on major sale, so the J. Crew top plus the dress actually equal the cost of the other dress I took back. The J. Crew top and pencil skirt is still on the table as an option.

Here are the photos. I was wearing black tights today and just didn't take them off. I wouldn't wear them to the event (bare legged or possibly micro fishnets and heels), but I would consider it with a more casual outfit and boots:

As is:

http://i66.photobucket.com/alb.....1170-1.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/alb.....1175-1.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/alb.....1176-1.jpg

With a cami:

http://i66.photobucket.com/alb.....1183-1.jpg

So, a couple of things--without a cami, there's a little bit of "Hey, check these out" going on up top. I got this lace cami at BR, and I think it actually looks okay, but I'd love to hear what you guys think. Also, in the photos it looks a bit like the dress is overwhelming (ie, makes me look a bit hipp-ey), right? I think that is because it is too long on me (this is usually the case with dresses and skirts on me). I would definitely need to get it hemmed. I took a photo to show you where I would hem it to (also, in this photo, you can see why a cami is important).

http://i66.photobucket.com/alb.....1187-1.jpg

Okay, opinions would be so helpful! You guys have been so great helping me out with this, I really appreciate it! If this dress isn't good for the gala, I would consider keeping it just to have in my wardrobe (I've been on a dress kick lately).

Thank you!

Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from Sarah

Antje

Veteran

LOVE the dress, it's gorgeous! And it fits you super well. Great choice, I'd keep it!
I think the length you plan to hem it to is perfect. And I personally would find a way to wear it without a cami. If it really seems too low-cut to you (it doesn't look like it to me, but I know tastes and modesty levels differ), might there be an option of shortening the shoulder straps a tad? I've had that done to a dress successfully before, but it doesn't always work (you might end up with arm holes that are too tight.)
The cami isn't bad in any way, I just think it takes away from the glamor of the dress a little bit.

marianne

I think the dress is gorgeous! I also think it looks better without a cami and it doesn't seem too low-cut. Remember other people can't see as much as you Perhaps you can try a cami w/o lace? My only other thought is that it looks a bit summery, but I guess you're at a warmer place. What material is it?

Tanya

Veteran

The dress is stunning and I agree with you that it needs to be hemmed. On the other hand, I do not think it's low cut at all and I like it much better without the cami. I think it would be great for the gala!

Kyle

Veteran

Very pretty on you, Ana. The colors are flattering and the neckline makes it special. Can't wait to see it hemmed.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Thank you all so much for helping me with this! I think it looks okay from the front without the cami. When I bend over you can see a little bit of my bra because it's nude. I could get a black bra, so it doesn't show. I wonder if that would be too sexy ("alluring" for Angie) for the occasion, though? Oh, here, I found a picture that Brendan took while I was bending over (albeit, not that far):

http://i66.photobucket.com/alb.....1174-1.jpg

I guess it doesn't look too bad (Brendan says it's okay, but he's biased, hee hee). Maybe I will experiment with a black bra for the gala, but stick with the cami for everyday wear. You all have good taste, so I trust your judgment.

Marianne, the dress is silk, and it's lined. It is lightweight and a little "summery" on its own (that's probably why it was discounted so much), but it's warm here. This week is a mix between 60s and 70s (Thursday is supposed to be 77!). Last year, I wore a sleeveless polyester dress, and I was actually kind of sweaty.

Thanks again, this is so helpful for me.

Maya

Veteran

Ana I think the dress is gorgeous and you don't look the least bit hippy in it. I like the length you plan to have it hemmed to.

As for the cami issue, I totally know how you feel. I do not have a sexy/alluring style at all and cringe at the very thought of it. It just isn't me. But being a busty gal, a flash of boobage here and there is inevitable. I think if you wear a black bra it should be fine.

shiny

Veteran

You don't own a black bra?? Hee hee, every woman should have at least one!!

Black bra, have it hemmed, and see what the tailor suggests about shortening the straps *just* a tad ... don't get me wrong... alluring is fine (and you have lovely skin and bodice so why not show it off??) but it may make a difference to the overall fit.

And I think this dress is meant for heels!! I'm not sure why - maybe it's the hem - but give it a shot!

I like the idea of pairing it with a jean jacket!

Anonymous

I love this dress on you. The neckline and wide shoulder straps are very pretty. It is a bit low cut but you are not bulging out of it and with your age and your build, and your lovely skin it does not look risque.
In the picture with the cami it does not look like it is detracting from the dress so if you found just the perfect cami and felt more relaxed that would be good too.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

At the right length with the right bra and hose - KILLER. The dress is beautiful on you in every way. (Nanette seldom disappoints).

It’s great to see you venture off into printed dresses. This is a new avenue for you and you’re doing really well. Three cheers for Ana’s ever evolving fabulous style!

Inge

(website)

What a SUPER find Ana!! You're really starting to build an amazing dress and skirt collection. Very inspiring!
I can't wait to see the full outfit on you, and please do post pictures of the J. Crew blouse and skirt as well?

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I have to run off to school (boo), but I just wanted to post before I forgot. Thanks so much everyone, for all the feedback! You all have been such a great help. I'm really getting into dresses and skirts, but it's a whole new area for me (especially cocktail type dresses), so your input has been invaluable.

Inge, I will definitely post photos of the J. Crew blouse outfit when I receive the blouse. I'm still on the lookout for a skirt. I could always use more skirts anyway, hee hee.

Shiny, Brendan agrees with you wholeheartedly about the black bra thing, heh. I will talk to the tailor about shortening the straps, but I think if I did that, it wouldn't fit over my chest as well, since the bottom of the seam of the bodice cups comes right to the underwire of my bra--they fit in there pretty snugly. If I shortened it, it might make the seam come up higher. Does that make sense?

Thanks, Angie! I'm so excited about dresses now (printed dresses included). I never wore dresses before YLF, but now after your posts this summer on dresses, it just seems like a no-brainer--especially for this climate and my lifestyle. I might go over to wearing them 85% of the time, and only have a few pairs of jeans. I have a couple more dresses and a skirt on the way, they should be here Friday. The great thing about skirts/dresses (especially this time of year) is that not many women are buying them, so it seems that I can get some pretty good deals, too.

I'm doing my happy dance right now.

Antje

Veteran

Ana, while I absolutely agree with shiny that every girl needs a black bra (or several!), you could also try to find one that picks up one of the colors of the dress, like the blue or the red. Then it really becomes part of the ensemble and a little peek of the bra if/when you bend down (which is not a super common movement unless you're figuring out the hem of a dress ;-)) does not seem like an accident anymore. Women in Europe are much less concerned about showing a little peek of their bras, so I hope I'm not totally off here...

bella

(website)

Veteran

I don't know much about dresses or printed fabrics, but I just wanted to echo what everyone has previously said about hem, black bra, hose and especially heels! Other than that, it is a great color and fit on you.
I also think your hair looks especially good in these pictures!

Violet

Ana, I'm a bit late responding, but just wanted to say that the dress if fabulous! I'm looking forward to seeing the the final outfit!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Ana, I love that you are so into dresses. You're very inspiring! They are just magical for making you look instantly pulled together. I have no idea why we don't all wear them more often? Maybe a New Year's resolution!

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Ana I'm very late, but another major fan of this dress on you!!!

BLB

(website)

Another latecomer and another fan of the dress! I'm really finding I love dresses, too and want to get more of them this year. Three cheers for that and for this awesome one on you!

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

Your hairstyle lends itself so well to the femininity of the dress. I vote no cami.
Lovely dress!!

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

Ana, I love your dress! I actually like it both with and without the cami. I think it gives it a different look. But I say definitely wear it without the cami to the Gala if you're comfortable. I think it looks smashing.