Organizing the Closet: First up, Dresses!

Hello!
This is my first official post though I also posted on the Who's Who thread. I am hoping to work through my closet and create a style that is unique to me. Sometimes I settle for being a little on the plain side when what I'm really drawn to (and if I had unlimited funds!) is more a eclectic/bohemian/artsy/retro style. Oh, and I am a definite pear-shape....

On a whim I took out all my dresses and took photos this evening. Have to start somewhere! They are sort of a mish-mash of thrifted and bought on clearance, etc.

As a sidenote: I am 28 and currently stuck with braces and glasses so the jewelry and combining accessories near my face becomes a bit challenging. Any tips in that department are welcome

These maybe aren't shown exactly as I've worn them but more for my own chronicling of how they fit and for brainstorming on accessories. Any feedback is welcome! I'm especially low on interesting shoes and bags so suggestions for colors/textures/styles for those would be fabulous. Or suggestion of what styles of dresses to add next. I feel like these are all in a similar category...

black/white print dress (a Kohl's brand), thrifted
---wore this one today but the print is so overwhelming/busy, I always have second thoughts about keeping it. an unremovable, thick sash prohibits adding a different belt
http://farm3.static.flickr.com.....f84d_b.jpg

beige/black print dress, Dress Barn
http://farm3.static.flickr.com.....6189_b.jpg

blue print dress, H&M
--i've rolled under the sleeves a bit to be shorter
http://farm4.static.flickr.com.....7a08_b.jpg

black/white print dress, a Kohl's brand, thrifted
--added belt, came with a front tie/sash in same fabric
http://farm4.static.flickr.com.....4161_b.jpg

black/turq/cream print, London Times, eBay
--love this but have my doubt about the cap sleeves, not the most flattering for my arms ---came with a skinny belt, i substituted a wide one, seems more balanced?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com.....dac4_b.jpg

color block dress, Dress Barn
--bought for a wedding, any ideas on making it more of a day dress?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com.....2b3e_b.jpg

Thanks! I am enjoying all the posts I've read so far and of course, Angie's blog. I have been reading it for a while...

16 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Welcome to the forum Jessica!
You have a lot of wrap style dresses, but those look great on you.
Try dress #1 with a cardi or jacket over it to break up the pattern and see if you like it more.
Dress #2 I would pop a colored cami under. The fit is nice, but the khaki color next to your face is probably not the most flattering.
Dress #3 would be great with leggings underneath.
I agree about the sleevs on dress #5- maybe a taylor could fix them?
If you put a cami under and a sweater over dress #6 it would read more casual. You could also try leggings or a blazer.
I'm in love with chunky necklaces (natural stone, beaded, etc), and I think they would look good with most of these dresses, and also encorporate more of the vibe that you like. For bags and shoes I would look for metallics and/or animal textures- lizard, snake, etc. If you have more solids in your separates, then animal prints would work, too- giraffe, zebra, etc. You have a great start and I can't wait to see more from you

Anonymous

Welcome, Jessica! Your figure is made for dresses. With so many busy big prints I'd suggest that accessories need to be kept simple in spite of your boho leanings. No artsy detailed jewelry with these except maybe the last dress.
It looks like you could use a cream or metallic pewter bag. You could use beads that are not a mix, such as a string of gumball beads that are red or black or yellow, etc. I could also see you wearing bangle bracelets with these dresses.
A dark denim or white denim or twill cropped jean jacket will do wonders to make any dress fit in for a smart casual occasion. I second the leggings idea too, especially with #3. I'd like to see the sleeves longer on this dress. The blue color is great on you.
Finally, look for some dresses that are not prints...a "little black dress" in a flattering color...something that you can use as a background for your creative artsy accessories. Have you tried sheath dresses? I'm looking forward to more of your style.

Louise

Wow you have some lovely dresses. I'd keep them all perhaps get a taylor to alter the cap sleeves to make them sleeveless. Perhaps add leggings under the last dress and flats to make it into a day dress x

rute

Welcome Jessica,

You look lovely in dresses! My favorite are the black and white dresses! all the 3! They look lovely on you. I'm also organizing my closet (i'm a big fan of organizing) and it helps having the pictures to help decide what to choose in the morning!
You can also organize and take pictures of your accessories. It helps! You can use bracelets with your dresses, a nice bag and nice shoes and you are ready!

jessica

Active Member

Thanks for all the suggestions! These are all really helpful. For some reason I had given up looking for jackets but I need to put those back on my shopping list. I really only have one that I love and it's leather, not appropriate for most dresses or summer attire....:)

Bracelets too had never entered by brain but that would be a nice add to a dress. As well as a cream bag! That idea really grabbed me, Joy. Thanks everyone for being so specific.

I am on the quest for more necklaces and solid colored dresses. I am sick of buying wrap dresses but they are hard to resist at the same time (especially if I see them cheap). I have large thighs/saddle bags so a true sheath is fairly impossible for me to even get on my body properly I can wear down to size 6 on top but for bottoms I need a 10 with a wide cut or trouser leg, if that gives you an idea.

Here is the #3 dress with sleeves at the intended length if anyone is still curious. This is how I have usually worn it. http://farm4.static.flickr.com.....9a0a_b.jpg

Oh, and here is a close up of the cap sleeve dress. It's a little grainy but I wanted to show the drape in the fabric. I wonder if it were tailored if the drape would be out of place once the sleeves were gone. I don't know..I think it could still work. http://farm3.static.flickr.com.....10.jpg?v=0

Ele

(website)

Hi, Jessica, welcome to YLF. I don't have too much to add, but I wanted to say that I love all your dresses. To my eye, you are well on your way to that "unique to me" style. You already know how to dress for your body and that can be a huge step for some. Also, you clearly love prints, which goes along with the whole boho/arty/eclectic style that you're looking for.

I agree with Khris and Joy that a cream or metallic bag would probably serve you well. Same goes for shoes, those colours work well with prints. As for accessories like necklaces, I wouldn't exactly keep them delicate, but simple. A bold, chunky necklace in a solid colour (red?) would look great with a lot of these dresses, but jewelry that's too small and delicate might get lost with all the print, if that makes sense. I think with a more boho/arty style you really have to own the look and not be too timid. Mixing bold accessories with prints requires some thought, but when done well it looks so great. It seems as if you're halfway there with all these fab dresses.

Oh, almost forgot- you said you wear glasses, which I can see from your pics, too. Here at YLF we're big fans of statement specs and I think a bold, colourful pair would look fantastic with your style. Not sure if it's on the cards right now (I only treat myself to new frames once every 2 years or so), but it's something to think about.

Alecia

Welcome, Jessica. I think you've done smashingly on your own already. Those dresses look fabulous on you. The only one I have some doubts about is the color block dress, but I think that's because I have a personal mental block on color block.

I agree with the others that accessories will make a world a difference and could help you get more out of each dress, too. Accessories can make the same dress look so different. A jean jacket is a must, I think. You may also want to consider a tissue weight cardigan. That would work especially well with the cap sleeve dress.

I love the prints you've chosen, even the first one you don't like.

Ele, is right on with the glasses, too. So many ladies have made a major change in their look just by changing their glasses. (I shouldn't say "just." Glass shopping is a process but the forum members are ready and eager to help.)

Chris

You do look great in dresses. Thought I'd chime in on accessories since that is really my love.
You do prints very well! I'd look for non-metal statement necklaces that you can mix and match. Since you like the boho/artsy vibe then look for dark wooden beads, natural stones, turquoise, etc. Also, a gumball set of pearls (costume in the best quality you can afford). To make it boho - get a freshwater/baroque look set.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Welcome Jessica! Your frocks look fantastic. I LOVE the last one. It's gorgeous. Add a killer handbag and you are there.

Thanks, all I think I'm due for new frames w/my insurance in January. I will probably make a lengthy glasses complaint post then and ask for some help! I have trouble committing since I have to wear them ALL the time and can't wear contacts.....

I really like the sleeves down for the blue print dress, but I'm not a fan of short sleeves in general. That said, the cap sleeves look fine to me as they are. They seem to visually extend your shoulders to balance your hips and make your waist look tiny.
I'd keep the last dress for dressy occasions rather than try to make it a day dress.

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