June Challenge: The old maxi - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

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June Challenge: The old maxi

Joy

Veteran

Yesterday on the thread asking what is the oldest item in your closet that you still wear, I had to admit to still having this 80's Carol Little set of long wrap skirt and she'll that I have worn ( very seldom now) as a 2- piece dress. It mostly lives in the holding zone while I consider having it shortened, but am not sure it's worth it.
1: top tucked
2: top untucked ( kind of like this proportion better)
3: tucked and belted
The fabric is a wash and hang dry rayon. The pattern is reminiscent of an animal print, black and coppery brown dotted areas.
What do you think? Toss? Shorten? Wear as is? I need some help on this.

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Dressing

26 replies

Latest reply was from karymk

Sara L.

Veteran

Usually I liked untucked outfits better, mostly because I don't like to tuck anything. However, in this case, I prefer the #1 and #3 with the top tucked. Maybe because it looks more like a dress when the top is tucked. I'm not sure about shortening, hopefully others can provide more help with that question.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I also quite like it in #1 and #3, and I also like the length of the skirt.
I think in #2, the line of the top is at about the 50/50 mark, so the proportions aren't ideal. It's the least flattering on your body. And I think Sara is right in that it looks more like a dress in the other two.

So my vote: Wear!

kellygirl

Veteran

I like it tucked in 1 the best. I think it's the most flattering of the 3. The length looks pretty good to me too--it seems like a long midi since it doesn't skim the floor. If you like it, I'd wear it as is. Looks great!

MTBGirl

Veteran

Just for curiosity's sake did you try it untucked with a belt? Or is it to thin to do that?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I like it tucked, Joy! But beware...it seems my preference for tucking may be a sugar eye.

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

I have to confess that I'm a huge sucker for maxi skirts n dresses - especially those with thin long pleats like yours. I find that they are graceful n feminine while being so easy n fuss-free to wear. And they work so well with flat shoes.

I absolutely love it in #3 with the belt. In fact #1 is very good too. It's such a gorgeous 2 piece dress.....I would never throw it away. You look so polished and classically elegant in the maxi look. I say keep and wear soon!

Sal

Veteran

I am with the others, I like it tucked in 1 and 3. I love it as is, I think shortening it would be a shame.

I would wear to summer dinners or BBQ nights, or birthday parties or functions. To my mind it is very elegant indeed.

If you don't think you would wear it, I would sell it or give it away as is, I suspect some vintage lover would snap it up.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I really love the belted version!

Kristin L

Veteran

I like the tucked and belted versions myself. And please don't shorten it! I think it looks great the length it is.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I agree 1 and 3 are best. I like maxis that skim the floor (highly impractical I know) so to me the length is not ideal and I would consider shortening to midi length. But it looks like I am in the minority on that! It is a flattering shape and hard to find colour so I definitely would not toss it.

Rubygirl

Vote wear!! I like the look in number 2. I love the flow.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Tucked is better. I think the length is fine. The color is not one I usually associate with you.

Wendi1984

I also like it best tucked with the belt. I think the length is flattering on you.

Joyce B

Veteran

I also like it tucked. It's a very nice outfit but you have to see if you are going to wear it.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I quite like it and also prefer the tucked in version - with or without a belt. Consider it a new 2-piece dress and wear away!

Jjsloane

Veteran

I like it tucked both ways best. I like the length, it's breezy for summer with the right footwear it still looks good.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Oh I like it in #1 with those shoes that are very today!

Echo

Veteran

I love the look of this outfit tucked - with or without the belt. It looks like a lovely, flattering maxi dress and I absolutely would not shorten it; it's perfect the way it is!

Joy

Veteran

Ack! I keep losing my replies. It is so helpful to get feedback from so many stylish women. The consensus seems to be to keep it as it is and wear the top tucked.
Brooklyn and Kellygirl, the length is rather more of a long midi, isn't it. I hope that doesn't look too awkward.
Ummlila, the color used to be close to the color of my hair's natural color before it turned grey. It is still close to my eye color.
Donna, I used to wear a hip slung belt with the top untucked. I'd forgotten about that.
Kiwigal, we have an event tonight . Thank you for the encouragement to wear this outfit.

unfrumped

Veteran

Love it worn as a dress look, tucked.

The length to me is a practical question. Dies the current length encourage or inhibit wear? As in, is it for dressT glamour and/ or summer maxi coolness, or would it be more useful at a typical midi- tea length?
And do you still want to wear it or is it " splitting wears" (!) with other dresses?

donnat

Veteran

Wear it. It is beautiful and elegant.

Joy

Veteran

Unfrumped, you pose excellent questions that I will have to think about. Almost all my dresses are sleeveless and a similar level of dressiness. I usually wear one twice a week, maybe more when the weather is really hot. This would be different from anything else I have. I'm thinking that it may be just what I have wanted for summer festivals. I may even add it to my travel to Boulder CO capsule. It is machine washable. Drying it in the dryer may be the reason for its length. Maybe I can stretch it a little.
Donna, after your sweet words, how can I not wear it? I do feel elegant wearing it and that doesn't happen very often.
Now to figure out a topper for it and ways to style the pieces separately, if possible. Especially if it goes travelling.

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Hi Joy,

I'm so glad you decided to keep this 2piece dress and also add it to your travel capsule. It truly is a classic.

Ok, now onto your new question. How to pair the 2 separates. Here are my thoughts:

1. The top is almost tunic length and hence very versatile. Wear it with black leggings or skinny pants --- it'll also work like a comfortable outfit for flights and for exploring the city. If you don't love black, you can pick any other neutral like beige, tan, navy, dark grey .... Whatever you love. The print on this dress is quite the star, so any solid neutral color works. Personally, I love black because it is also a great color for travel as it masks stains easily and allows for more wears when everyday laundry is out of question

2. I suggest the same colors for the top. You actually have a great shape for tucking. But if you don't want to tuck, any fluid blouse or shirt in solid neutrals that's ends at your hip bone will work. Tops with little details like gold/silver buttons and lace/sequins/embroidery detailing will keep the look fancy. Simple solid tees will dress down the skirt got a casual look.

I hope that helps.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I'm so sorry Joy, but I'm going to be a bit of spanner on this one...I adore the color for you and I like the maxi skirt idea. But there's something dated with this look IMHO. I don't know if it's the overall shape and fullness of the skirt or what...but it's not my favorite outfit for you. However, I can see the practical side of the outfit and the comfort for the warm weather.

Joy

Veteran

Maneera, thank you for the great suggestions. I do wear black mostly if it is matte, not shiny.
Shannon, thank you for your honesty. It's what I need.

karymk

Veteran

You look good in anything but this makes you look frumpy which you are definitely NOT so pitch it Joy and make room for a new love...