K/R - is the wrap dress just not for me? - YouLookFab Forum

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K/R - is the wrap dress just not for me?

pil

Veteran

I was so excited about this dress, but now I don't know what to think. Love the color and the fact that it is made in the USA. I've wanted a multi purpose dress for husband's office party, dinner out, funerals, etc. This is about as dressy as I ever need.

My other Karen Kane knot front dress is a large, so I ordered a large in this also. Is this just too small? Is the cut just not for me? Does it look off because I'm short waisted? I am wearing a slip in the pictures.

There is a knot front dress on the Karen Kane website, but even though it is black I think the pattern is too much for a funeral.

Thanks for your thoughts.

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26 replies

Latest reply was from pil

Carole

Veteran

What's not to like about this? I think It looks fab, is it just not comfortable? I'm short waisted, too, so maybe it just feels like the waist is too high if that makes sense. Beautiful color, but keep looking if it doesn't make you happy.

pil

Veteran

Carole, it is very comfortable. Doesn't it look too small from the back though?

Carole

Veteran

Hmmm, I see what you mean, I'm wondering if a little shape wear might help that or maybe size up.

Anonymous

You might want to size up and see if a larger size would work better. The fit in the back doesn't look right, and I'm thinking it's because it's too small.

Tina

Veteran

You could try a size up and see. I really like it on you. With a solid color dress, especially one in a color, the supporting cast makes all the difference. Shape wear, as Carole mentioned will also change the look. I hope you can make this work, I can see it filling all the needs you mentioned just by changing up the accessories.
I think the black print would work for a funeral if toned down with dark shoes and jacket. I just like the idea of a color for a foundation, something different.

rute

Veteran

Gorgeous! Love the fit! The fabric is thin, so you need shapeware!

pil

Veteran

Thanks also Ruth, Tina and Rute. I've ordered the XL so will wait and see!

cinnamon fern

Veteran

I think the wrap dress is definitely for you, but maybe not this wrap dress. I think the fabric is not right. The dress doesn't seem too small, but you can see your bra straps really clearly through the fabric from the back. Also, in the back view look at how wrinkled the bottom of the skirt is - there is no need for jersey to wrinkle like that!

sarabcook

(website)

I think that wrap dress looks amazing from the front and side but I agree that something just isn't quite right about the back. Sizing up and shapewear should fix it. Good luck. Plus that is an amazing color.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Sizing up may help, but Tina makes a good point about the solid color -- this is probably one reason I end up with more printed dresses than solids!

pil

Veteran

Cinnamonfern and Sara, I think you have a point about the fabric and Janet, thanks for reinforcing Tina's point about the solid color. Cinnamon, this fabric has a little more spandex than our black and white dress but otherwise feels very similar. Maybe a little more sheen. I think I'll see if I can cancel the new order and keep looking. It isn't like I need it tomorrow - I have a black pencil skirt and blouse or sweater to go with if need be. Thanks all - you're great.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

How is it that a dress can look this gorgeous from the front and not as great from the back? I think the color is great on you and the wrap style is very nice.

I find that a more substantial fabric is best for this style of dress. The thinner, stretchier fabrics often create this issue from the back.

I do think wraps are good on you so worth trying the larger one or a weightier fabric that will drape better.

pil

Veteran

Thanks Dianthus. They were able to cancel the order.

I was eyeballing your Lands End ponte dress but decided the cut wouldn't work for me. it sure looks nice on you though!

rachylou

Veteran

You were made for a wrap dress! But I see what you mean. I don't think this is too small. Or too large. I think there is just an excess of material. The gathers aren't quite right. Probably wouldn't show the same with a print, but you know it might.

Glory

Veteran

I dont think it is too small either. The cut is fantastic - I think it is the fabric. Maggie London has several of these wrap style dresses that might suit you. I think the colour is great for you!

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I'm short waisted too & have the same problems - I think there is just too much length in the upper back part of the dress. I find a raised waist (empire) on a wrap works better on me.

pil

Veteran

Rachylou, Glory and caro It's back to the drawing board for a better fit. There aren't many good shopping options where I live so I've been doing quite a bit on line lately. This dress isn't carried in a local store but at least I can return it there and save return shipping costs.

Thistle

Veteran

Keep looking. I think the wrap dress look fab on you, it is just this one that doesn't fit.

I also second looking for a more substantial fabric. It hangs better and looks nicer. I am not a fan of any dress that requires shape wear.

I bought a faux wrap from talbots this summer that had good fabric, but I don't see any for fall at the moment.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I think sizing up can help but I also support idea for a more substantial fabric. I find that thin jersey tends to cling in places I am not most proud of
This color looks great on you though.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

It's probably the fuddy-duddy in me, I would not wear a red dress to a funeral. Fit issues aside.

Deborah

Veteran

Anna makes a good point... Im not sure I would wear a red dress to a funeral. Red accents to my outfit yes, but a dress?? pil I love you in a wrap dress, it is incredibly flattering on you but I agree this one isn't it. The concern I have is that the fabric looks very thin. I prefer a more substantial fabric that can 'hold its own" so to speak.

pil

Veteran

Annagybe, you have a point on the color. The color is fairly subdued in person so I was thinking between that and being a solid it would be ok - and I am quite the fuddy duddy too. Apparently I experienced a brain fart. I was trying to stay away from black. Maybe navy would be a better direction.

Sveta, Thistle and Deborah - more substantial fabric will be at the top of the list! I don't mind shapewear on the bottom but *all over* would be more than I want to fuss with.

Thank you all for the suggestions and observations. I'll say it again - what a great forum!

teri

Veteran

another short waited girl here......................... I have a hard time with wrap dresses.
I'd either size up or try some shapewear. I always prefer a print to a solid.

shiny

Veteran

The color is GORGEOUS on you.

Okay I'll be odd man out here: I think the dress is fine, but you need a better bra, which I think was suggested with the other dress as well? If the fabric was too thin, wouldn't we be seeing your panty lines, not just bra straps? I'm not seeing panty lines. So, I vote that it's the bra that is not fitting you right, and creating back bulges where there shouldn't be any. Keep the dress, and invest in a better fitting bra. In fact, consider taking the dress bra shopping with you.

shiny

Veteran

... and every woman needs a red dress...

pil

Veteran

Shiny, after the other dress thread I remembered having another bra that had been professionally fitted. That is what I'm wearing in these photos, so apparently I need to be refit.