"Out Of Africa" or "Meter Maid?" - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

"Out Of Africa" or "Meter Maid?"

tarzy

Veteran

I had high hopes for this safari dress, but it's going back.

I like the cut, but the color is horrible on me. It's that dull khaki beige, with a slightly golden cast. I tried it with a brown belt, and red shoes. I feel like I should be writing tickets for expired parking meters. It's a good shape, but I just can't get past the color.

http://i387.photobucket.com/al.....G_1102.jpg

Dressing

15 replies

Latest reply was from yublocka

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

You are too funny! I dunno, if Robert Redford will wash your hair, is it really that bad to wear a khaki dress? *g*

That said, I do understand what you mean about not loving the color. Those safari dresses are tricky; they look so crisp and perfect on the hanger and the models always look so trendy and comfortable, but when you put them on...yeah, it's rare that it works on our own bodies. Khaki is a tough color for many people.

April

Veteran

Tarzy -- I think you're right about the color. Someone recently pointed out in another thread that you look wonderful in outfits of high contrast because of the high contrast in your own coloring: fair skin and dark hair. I think this is true, so what follows is that any sort of "camouflage" colors are not going to be the best for you.

Also, I think this dress violates the "a little goes a long way" principle of certain looks. For example, as Angie says, if you are wearing a moto jacket, you have to temper it with something girly. If you throw in biker boots or something similar, it goes over the top and becomes a costume. I think the same is true of safari-inspired gear. If it's also in safari-esque colors, it's too much. Particularly if it's a dress, which is one big piece, as opposed to a jacket or shirt that is just one component of an outfit.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Tara, you make me laugh!

I have to agree on the color, though. Did the dress come in any other flavors?? (NOT black!)

shana

Veteran

Wow, the cut of the dress is simply perfect on you! I agree about the color - very blah. I just recently had a chance to read the Color me Beautiful book and I remember is said that the colors to avoid when you are a winter are brown, taupe, tan etc. Though I have much darker skin than you, I am also a winter and find that these colors are not that flattering on me. I bet it would be gorgeous on you in navy or aubergine.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

*chuckle*

Great silhouette but to your point, not the best colour. Fab shoes, btw!

Have you tried these yet?

http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Misses

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....ory=Misses

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....ory=Misses

Kyle

Veteran

I love so many of the dresses they have at AT and ATL right now, but they all look so short! I just don't feel comfortable showing that much bare leg anymore. Boo-hoo.

lwc

I'm with you, Kyle. The hemlines have been raised across the retail board I think. And I think that it is tough for most women to pull off.

HannahC

Tara, you are too funny! Yep, not the best color for us, winters. Fab cut, and great shoes, though.

Angie, I bought the last dress you linked to! I really like it, despite the fact that it is black (why, ATL? why so much of summer merchandise is offered only in black??) I really have to post a picture.

Tara, I know you probably don't need another black dress, but the last one Angie linked to is really cute. It looks like a true wrap, but it isn't - it is sewn shut inside. So you only wrap the right part around you (ok, this is a very clumsy description, sorry).

tarzy

Veteran

Thanks, guys. I thought it was a thumbs-down, and now I'm sure!

Darn - that last ATL dress is not available in my size online, and it's not at any store near me. I really don't mind that it's black (big surprise.) I can't believe I missed it when it was first out in the store.

April - you are so right! I have actually been employing the "high contrast" theory, and it really works for me. (Sometimes I have a hard time remembering all my "rules," but they do help a lot!)

shiny

Veteran

Tarzy, my first thought was Reno 911!

But I don't think this beige, as a color, is all that horrible on you.... your hair looks redder in the photo (or maybe that is a trick of the lighting?). I just think it's too much beige, and I guess I'm convinced that this shirt dress style really only works in black. Probably because Angie looks so fab in her black shirt dress! The beige version does look too much like... a costume.

I know we're trying to get you out of black, but if you want a shirt dress, do try on the one at Ann Taylor:
http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Misses

The outlet also has a similar version, that is more empire-waisted and with elbow-length sleeves. Both are very cute and I was *this* close to buying one myself...

Can you wear a sheath dress? I like this one - and it has contrast!

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....ory=Misses

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Tara, I have the second ATL dress -- with the waist and the lantern sleeves, and OMG, I love it.

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....ory=Misses

I agree with Angie's advice, you definitely need to try this one on!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Good going, Hanna and Kristin. Bet you both look smashing in those frocks

Tara is allowed more black dresses as long as she incorporates non-black shoes, bags and accessories. (The red specs really help). Is that a deal Tara?

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

Hi Tara,
You are soo funny.
I just want to add that the contrast thing is such an important factor in your look. I have to do the opposite and wear kind of medium to low contrast, and I wear the beige everyone avoids. Dramatic contrast and bright hues- fab for you!! White camis would help the black dresses and red, as Angie suggested.

Anonymous

Too bad the safari dress didn't workput because it looks very comfortable, but I agree it is too much beige. You got some great recommendations though. I can't wait to see which one you try next.

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Tara I agree with others that the shape looks great on you so don't despair!! Some of the other dresses are gorgeous as well - I hope that you try them on!!!