Styling Advice for a Dress I Made - YouLookFab Forum

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Styling Advice for a Dress I Made

Amy

(website)

Veteran

My poses below are awkward, so hopefully that's not too distracting for you to take a look at this and give me some suggestions for styling this dress. I love how it fits (it's not bunchy in the back...my torso's twisted), but am a little worried that the strappy style + plaid might read Catholic Schoolgirl. What would you add to this to give the outfit a little more drama?

Thank you, as always!

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Dressing

21 replies

Latest reply was from Amy

Parsley

Veteran

Pretty jumper!
I'm not seeing Catholic schoolgirl, especially with the patterned hose and pumps.
What about a solid colored scarf that picks up the stripe in the plaid?

I can't tell if it's burgundy or magenta or what, but that would take attention from the straps if they're worrying you.

Atlantia

Veteran

Adding a leather moto will always keep something from looking too schoolgirlish. Or anything edgy like that.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Both great ideas! Thank you.

The bright color is pink

Parsley

Veteran

Great idea, Atlantia!
Any cropped jacket that coordinates with the plaid would look good. Or a denim one, but i'm guessing you're wanting this for work you wouldn't wear denim with it.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Look at your sewing skills! All that matching.....Fab dress, Amy. I am always drawn to these kinds of dresses despite the slight schoolgirl vibe. I can't help myself.

How about booties or boots with it? That would add a bit of edge. I like the leather jacket idea, and of course you can wear a top that picks up one of the colours in the plaid as well. You can also layer OVER it to turn it into a skirt.

You could try a pattern mix with another plaid, if you were really brave....or some other type of pattern.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Yes, this would mostly be for work, so while I love denim jackets, I probably wouldn't wear it all that often with this.

Great ideas, Suz! I hadn't thought of layering over it. There are lots of possibilities with that...yay, so exciting.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Gorgeous dress, it fits so well. Love the suggestions so far. Do you have a turquoise shirt or knit that would work under this? The contrast of pink & turquoise could be fun.

fern

Veteran

Colored hose & same color booties?
I'm seeing green in the plaid in your photos (but it might be charcoal). so deep green or deep magenta?
The dress is lovely - great work.

amyreh

(website)

Veteran

You are such a fabulous seamstress! I love those tights you are wearing too. I second the cropped jacket and bootie idea.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

you've got fabulous suggestions here Amy - just wanted to pop in to say your sewing skills are amazing 'cause this is just gorgeous and talk about a perfect fit!

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Caro, Fern, Amy & Shannon.

I'm tempted to ask my hubby for this scarf for Xmas...

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ma.....rf/3392468

It would go well with the dress and has that whimsical element I like so well. It is rather pricey though.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Oh, yeah. HUGE thumbs up for the frock and scarf! Love it with the hose.

How about a pink button down shirt?

Deborah

Veteran

Oooh Im a bit excited because I was going to make the same suggestion as Angie:) Finally, I must be learning something lol. The dress is beautiful, the fit perfect. Love that scarf, it would create quite a cool contrast.

Jamie

Veteran

I'm in awe of your sewing skills!!! No Catholic school girl going on here to my eye. I love the idea of the scarf you've linked. How about a pink top or turtleneck to coordinate with the pink in the plaid? The fit of your dress is superb. As a fellow sewist, I know how hard it is to nail this. Well done!

DonnaF

Veteran

What a fabulous and patient job you did on laying and cutting the pattern on the plaid, then all that matching! Ver-r-ry impressive! Maybe even mix some cobalt in with the pink? Just no white shirt. I'm drawn to that style, too, but do not have the patience to complete such a complex project. . . .I love it when you share your sewing projects and have been missing your posts. Was surprised by your relative height when I saw the get-together pics.

Joy

Veteran

In awe of your sewing skills. I was going to suggest pattern mixing...maybe a polkadot or floral of off set the straight lines of the plaid. I like the black with your dress, but what about navy? Would it work as well?

ManidipaM

Veteran

Seeing how well the hose works to put a spin of 'unexpected pattern' here, I'm with those suggesting a bright colour or pattern for the jumper or shirt on top!

Black is more expected, and fades into the background here so that the shape of the dress on top is more front and centre, I think... White would do the same, as would perhaps a beige, pastel blue or yellow. But even a pale pink (coordinating) or any bright or pattern should do the trick. Um, how about some more animal print? Or some stripes or dots?

Beth Ann

Veteran

Such a wonderful job in fabric selection, matching and fit. Brava! I like the idea of a pink button down with the scarf, although you could embrace the schoolgirl with a pair of funky oxfords and opaque tights (perhaps in a color).

Good to see you, Amy!

lyn67

Veteran

Oh, I missed your posts, sooo much, Amy!! Now I know you were working on your beautiful dress!:-) I second all suggestions already made, a pink/grey or green(?) button downs, turtlenecks or tights-- with booties/or boots, a vivid scarf...and what aboat a white leather indoor jacket?

krishnidoux

Veteran

What a beautiful dress! You are very gifted.
I would encourage you to try it with a brighter colour than black, to make it even more fun. Black tights look good here.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

You ladies are so creative! Thank you for your fun suggestions. I'm looking forward to trying them out!