Please help me find a summer dress - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

Please help me find a summer dress

crwilson

Veteran

I'm flummoxed. I love dresses, and I love summer because it's so much easier to wear dresses. This season, though, I've found work dresses but nothing casual, and I'm starting to get really frustrated. I live far away from any stores, so I have to order online. Everything that I've ordered has fit, but it's not flattering. Clearly I'm ordering the wrong styles, but I'm not quite sure what the right styles will be.

I'm an hourglass, but with Imogen's H-tendencies. My waist is right on the borderline and not that clearly defined. I think the bigger problem is that I'm very short-waisted and big-busted, so my waist is nearly right under my bust, and my lower waist is about the same size as my hips.

I'm starting to think, too, that what I want in a dress is too much - I want it to be comfortable, machine washable, and not black. Knits are preferred. I also like fuller skirts just for practicality, but I think that slimmer skirts look better. So, here's what I've tried so far:

http://www.zappos.com/product/7484555/color/568
The color wasn't great, but it just made my shoulders look bulky.

http://www.zappos.com/product/7381116/color/6181
This just made me look really wide

http://www.zappos.com/product/7484549/color/14
This was actually cute, but it was too sheer, and I don't like the print options.

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com.....prepushId=
Okay, this one just didn't fit. It was too thin and clingy and not good for a big bust.

My thought with all the empire waists was that it would emphasize the smallest part of my body, but that's not how it worked out. I don't know if I should look for something with no waist detail at all? I know that I look better in structured pieces, but I want to balance structure with comfort.

Oh, and I tried this too:
http://www.nyandcompany.com/ny.....d=cat60070
I posted pictures...not so good.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. My budget is around $100. Thanks!
Christine

Dressing

15 replies

Latest reply was from crwilson

HannahC

Christine,

I have this one:
http://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/W.....Dress.html
and I love it (sorry for the UK link - I am sure you can find it on the US site as well). I recommend to order one size up from what you normally wear in Boden to make room for the bust. It is really cute and flattering. It is quite low-cut, though, but I think it is ok for a casual dress (and you can always wear a cami underneath).

Maya

Veteran

Christine, once again you have proven our body type twinness. While reading through your post i kept wondering if you were just copying one of my old posts! I wish I had an answer for you but I had the same exact issues you did when looking for casual dresses (and an even smaller budget). If you find anything please let me know! I like the one Hannah posted, but it would probably be too long on me. I'm not sure if you have the same issue since you are a bit taller than I am, but I often find knit dresses are too long, and since they are knits they can't be hemmed.

BTW, did you try that Kimchi and Blue dress yet? How did it work out?

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

What about something like this:
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=26861

or this:
http://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/X.....atId=50434|50444|63883|64328

or this:
http://www2.victoriassecret.co.....#038;atb=C

or this:
http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=646380012

Do you like any of these?

shana

Veteran

Christine, can I join the club? I feel like I had an easier time finding dresses when I was pregnant (where a big bust & lack of defined waist was "normal"). For me, being petite adds an extra challenge. Do you like sheath style dresses? AT or AT loft usually has some in the summer. Honestly, I think the empirish sort of waist is usually a good bet - there's just so much variation though. I think it will be really challenging finding the right one online - finding the right casual dress feels like trying to find the perfect pair of jeans to me. I'm not sure where your closest big city might be but you might be better off just planning a shopping excursion day and just try a whole bunch of them on.

I've seen a couple of decent dresses at Target of all places.

1. This one comes in a solid red, and brown/ white polka dot print too. It is totally cute but hits me below the knees so if I can find someone to shorten it for me, I would buy it (the tailor I currently go to says that she doesn't do knits):

http://www.target.com/Merona-S.....038;page=1

2. This is so pretty but clings a little too much to my applish belly - it might work better for you since you are more of an hourglass:

http://www.target.com/Merona-C.....038;page=3

Do you have any outlet malls nearby? I just bought a cute knit dress at the Gap Outlet last week - I'll try to post pictures when I can. It has some gathering below the bust and then kind of flares out but comes back in a little at the hem. It's v-neck and has a racerback and came in purple & black.

This is probably above your budget but I have seen a bunch of pretty soft knit, jersey type dresses at Anthropologie lately. I assume that they are machine wash. Some that I have tried on that I thought were pretty flattering (except for the price:) :

1. Very simple & pretty detailing on the back:
http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....rName=BLUE

2. I loved this dress & want to buy it. Despite having a halter neck of sorts, it didn't make my bust look enormous:

http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....LACK+MOTIF

3. J crew has a version of this dress too but this one is so much more flattering. I know it looks like nothing on the hangar but it was surprisingly cute when I tried it on. The modal lining makes all the difference so that it doesn't cling at all

http://www.anthropologie.com/a.....GREY+MOTIF

shiny

Veteran

I'm joining the club too!!

I have better success finding formal dresses (and even that is difficult). Day dresses usually don't have as much structure, but to your point, in the summer that's not what you want. You want something floaty and lightweight and breezy.

You're a lot younger than me, and I don't want to get you down, but the older I get, the more structure I need. The floaty lightweight summer dresses seem to show every lump and bulge - unless they are utterly shapeless. (Yeah, I could wear major shapewear underneath, but in 90 degree weather... well... it's not comfortable!) ...

(note to self: I probably should buy that green cotton dress online... it is made of cotton so it would be cool, yet it is double-lined and has structure... best of both worlds .... hmmmm...)

My chest is not as big as yours or Maya's but I'm also more of an H shape so I do relate. Hand's down, the best dress shape for me is a sheath style with an empire waist carved in somehow. But what I want is something floatier and not so... sexy and form-fitting. But those sorts of cuts just look dowdy on me.

With that said, I do have some summer dresses that work. Unfortunately, most of them are black or brown. I own so many brown dresses, I have a moratorium now and I will *NOT* buy anymore.

One thing nearly all my best day dresses have in common is that they have stretch. This is because I want to carve out a waist, but if there's no stretch to the fabric, inevitably the waist will be too tight. Unless it has stretch. Also I go for cotton that "stands up" - i.e., has some structure - vs the kind of knit cotton you might wear for pj's, which shows lumps and bulges. I do have difficulties because often what fits on top, will be too baggy on the bottom. Or if I get it to fit, it's too long lengthwise. Just too many friggin' variables.

It's a LOT easier to choose skirts and tops, to be honest.

crwilson

Veteran

Hannah - I've been eyeing that dress for awhile, but like Maya, I was worried about the length. I suspect it will be a bit too long and impossible to hem. I may try it though because maybe it would surprise me.

Maya - I did try the Kimchi & Blu, and it was as we both expected - too small in the bust. Cute dress, just not cute on me.

Chewy spaghetti - I actually like all of those dresses, and in fact, I own the VS one. But, the waist details just don't seem to work on me, which is why I think I'm not a true hourglass, or at least not a classic hourglass. Emphasizing my waist is not a good thing because it's kind of bulky. Thank you though.

Does this look casual enough to be a day dress?
http://www.dillards.com/webapp.....R=02999110

What about these:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....0&P=1

I do have one dress with a similar shape that actually looks good, but this dress is dry clean only, which I don't like.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....0&P=5

I like this but am worried about the pleats/gathers in the front.

Thanks
Christine

shiny

Veteran

I like the London Times one! (Turquoise)

Knits like this CAN be hemmed. Actually, it's probably easier than hemming other materials - as long as your tailor has a serger, which they should.

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

I have been having a heck of a time finding some summer dresses too. I just ordered a bunch from Target and I assume most will go back. I haven't found casual ones yet, but I did find a couple of good work ones from ATL, AT Factory, and Macys. I think I will be tackling Nordstrom Rack tomorrow and Nordstroms next week.

If any of the Target ones work out, I will post links!

crwilson

Veteran

Shana - I love those anthropologie dresses! Love them. But with the exception of the last one, I don't see how I'd wear a bra. I just have never found an all-day comfortable strapless bra. Maybe it exists, but I haven't found it.

Shiny - sheath dresses work best on me too and are definitely the most flattering. But your objections match mine exactly. I might have to suck it up though and just try to find casual sheath dresses that are comfortable. And you should definitely get that green cotton dress - it looks so lovely on you!

I haven't had much luck with Target clothes. I like them on the hanger, I like them on other people, but something happens when they get on me. They just never quite fit right, no matter how many times I try.

Kristen - I look forward to seeing your new Target dresses though; maybe you'll change my mind. I did like the dresses you posted from Target Shana.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Christine, how about these dresses. I especially like the second one:

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

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

I’m having a rant about Anthroplologie. I took 4 clients there last month to shop for casual dresses and dismal is an understatement. Their frock styles at the moment are for the most part wildly unflattering – I can scarcely believe it. I hope this improves. As always, we were sorted at Macys. I say this every season – you’ll find the best dresses at the best prices at a well stocked Macy’s if you’re willing to persevere. If only their website was fabulous. Such a pity.

lwc

Christine:

I'm short-waisted too, with long legs, and I can rock a sheath dress with an empire waist. I have a smaller chest though.

I hope to find a knee length, knit dress for summer as well. I'm trying to take care of some other items first though. I did get an ATL watercolor floral sheath dress for easter, that was on sale. I still want something washable and breezy for our hot summers.

I'm thinking about hitting a boutique in my area that specializes in activewear, including knit jersey dresses that you would take on vacation. Do you have something like this near you? Just a thought. I'm also going to check out a well-stocked Macy's, since they're having a F&F discount promo.

Have you tried Susana Monaco dresses? I bought one years ago in a boutique in SF, and had it for years. This thing traveled the globe with me. The only reason that I let it go was because the fit wasn't as flattering after my daughter was born. The girls were seriously trying to escape from the low sweetheart neckline! Anyhoo, the dresses are washable, comfy, and made of fabric that is substantial enough to give them some structure. They hold up very well, I must say. They aren't cheap, but the cost per wear can whittle down to nothing. Based on my experience with them, I may just bite the bullet, get one in a great color, and wear it till it cries, "Uncle."

Also, have you tried Rachael Pally dresses? I just thought that you might have luck with them. I hear that the fabric is yummy!

Keep us posted on your progress, and I'll report back on my findings as well.

crwilson

Veteran

Angie-
I like those dresses - I'll have to give them a try. I think I hadn't noticed them because I was trying to avoid black, but with the pattern, they aren't strictly black dresses. Thank you! Ann Taylor Loft usually fits me pretty well, too, and I know what size I wear, which is nice.

lwc - I hadn't ever looked at Susana Monaco dresses, but I have now, and I like many of them. They are a little above my budget, but I found a few at Bluefly that would be doable. If they last well and look good, it's worth it because I'll wear them so frequently. I love Rachael Pally dresses, or at least I like how they look, but haven't been able to afford them. Once I have a few more basics, though, I'll feel like I can splurge here and there.

Thanks for all the feedback. As soon as I get credited for the dresses I've returned, I'm going to order at least the Ann Taylor ones and the London Times one. If I can find two that work, I'll be a happy girl.

shana

Veteran

Christine, oh, I didn't even think about the bra issue. I never wear sleeveless by itself because of my arms and I always have on a shrug/jacket/cardi so I never really worry about the bra straps!

Anyway, I am also looking for dresses not in black (that's one of my hesitations with the cream & black Anthro dress) - I want something summery & fun in turquoise or yellow or purple or a summery print. H&M had a couple of cute dresses that I tried on - for some reason, I cannot open the website right now so I'll post the links later today.

Anyway, I just wanted to warn you about that second AT Loft dress that Angie linked to. It really looks cute in the picture but if it's the one that I think it is, I just wanted to mention that it does not feel very nice. I know lots of clothing is made of synthetics or synthetic/cotton blends these days but I literally recoiled in horror when I touched this dress - it is straight out, old school, 1970's polyester!

HannahC

Christine,

I really like the London Times dress you linked to, but it doesn't seem like a casual dress to me. The third one (from Michael Kors) is gorgeous too. I am not so sure about the second one (kimono style) - it might be too voluminous.

That Boden dress I have - it is made of thin jersey, so I am pretty sure it can be hemmed. I've hemmed jersey dresses in the past. Also, it is borderline too short on me - comes just to the top of the kneecap; so you might not have to hem it at all. Do you have free shipping and return if you go to Boden via YLF? If yes, it might be worth a try. This is certainly a very casual dress - it feels like pajamas.

crwilson

Veteran

Hannah - that was my reservation with the turquoise London Times dress too - it just looks too dressy, even though it was in the "day dress" section. This is the problem - I decide that I'm going to try something, and then I second guess because it's just not quite right.

I think I am going to try the Boden dress, because there's another dress there that I've been looking at, and I can get free shipping & returns. I like the idea of a dress that feels like pajamas. I suspect that the print on the other dress is going to be too big, but I love the dress and I guess I can try it out.

Thanks for the heads up on the fabric of the Ann Taylor dress Shana - I completely would not have expected that. So that one's out because I don't like itchy fabric on my sensitive skin at all. And the slightest itchiness drives me crazy.