Should I buy this? - YouLookFab Forum

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Should I buy this?

Joy

Veteran

This denim Brooks Brothers piece is on sale at a consignment store. I left it but keep thinking of it. It is long and out of my comfort zone because of that. It is still not inexpensive enough to buy just to play with. The SA tried to talk me into it but I don't know and am not sure how I'd style it.
I'd love to know your thoughts. The condition is like new and I could wear it open or buttoned comfortably.

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Urgent

15 replies

Latest reply was from Deborah

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Huh. I kinda like it open, but buttoned it seems a little awkward. I have this issue with shirttail dresses, the length on the sides makes it unlikely for me to wear as a dress without something underneath, especially if I add a belt to try to give it waist definition.

Joy

Veteran

Laura, that was my thought too, that this piece would not work for me as a dress. Thank you for helping me think rationally about this piece.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

The shirt dresses I've seen have had a more relaxed fit Joy (like the one Angie bought). It doesn't look like it could be worn on its own as a dress but hard to tell from the photos

unfrumped

Veteran

I am not loving it for some reason. Though I can see the appeal of nice fabrication and construction. It is either too straight and also duster-like, for the length. Hmmm. Not seeing it as achieving the wow or fun factor of other items you have.

AM

Veteran

I actually really like this. But would only wear it open. And I wouldn't think of it as a dress but simply a long topper.

rachylou

Veteran

Mm. Yeah. It's not a wow.

frannieb

Veteran

I agree not a wow, but I can see it worn as a long topper - So maybe not worth it.

Echo

Veteran

I'd like to see it working as a long topper, but the buttons scream, "I'm a dress being worn open!" instead. If it would work for its intended purpose (as a dress), then I would favour giving it a try, but otherwise I think it is too limited and not fab enough.

shiny

Veteran

The fabric looks luxurious in the photos - but only you can say. I would love to see this belted, or with heels, or shortened just a tad. I do like it opened. You could also just chop it and make it a tuck-able top.

Marley

Veteran

Joy - if it is roomy enough when buttoned, I'd wear it as a dress in the spring/summer/fall - unbelted, sleeves rolled/cuffed, and either slip-on sneakers or regular tie-sneakers. I think it could be really cute!

Anonymous

I agree with Echo that while you could wear it as a topper, it just doesn't look like a topper. I think it would always read as an unbuttoned dress. (I say this as someone who's thrifted and discarded more than one denim shirtdress in a similar quest.)

Zibbets

Veteran

I don't think the cut or buttons say "topper." If you could belt it, roll the sleeves and wear it as a dress, then yes.

Joy

Veteran

Thank you for your comments and helping me see this piece through your eyes. The fabric is very nice but rather stiff. Caro, you are right that there is no drape. I don't know if it has ever been washed or would soften. I felt that I would be uncomfortable with the length on myself if worn as a dress. The fabric and sleeves would be too warm for our hot summers.
Those of you who pointed out that it looks too much like a dress to be worn open really hit on what I was wondering. I think of older actresses like Judy Dench looking great in dusters, but they have flow and drape. The idea of that look appeals to me but I'm a completely different body type.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Joy imo it is not you - it's the dress I think you would look fab in this style it just needs a more relaxed fit.

Deborah

Veteran

Joy, I actually bought something very similar a few years back now. It wasn't comfortable to wear, wasn't really reflective of my style and I never wore it. I feel that this may fall into the same category for you. It's classic I guess but lacks the modern touch of the shirt dresses that are currently around.