Styling the "PJ" Cat Dress - YouLookFab Forum

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Styling the "PJ" Cat Dress

rae

(website)

Veteran

This dress was pretty much hated across the board on my last post. I emailed the seller about the color, but before I decide if I want to ask for free return shipping, a partial refund, or what, I wanted to give styling a real try. I'm also wondering if

I know a slouchy, whimsical dress is not my usual MO, but I still kinda like it... even if it is sort of like a pajama or medical gown, there's something I sort of like about that, too. (Vicki, if you see this, thank you for encouraging another try with it!)

The line across my hips is from folding and not from fit issues.

Pic 9 is my sad afterthought (and very poorly taped up) attempt at imagining a shorter, more mod hemline.

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Dressing

33 replies

Latest reply was from

Kiwichik

Veteran

No matter how you style sadly I still see nightie.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I quite like the skinny belt in #3 As well as #7.

In theory, it should work with the denim jacket in #5; but it seems a little off to me.

I like it as a top too! Try with a skirt?

ChloeJP91

(website)

Number 3 is the best way in my opinion, it looks lovely styled that way.. to be honest, if I the thought of it looking like a 'hospital gown' wasn't put inmy head I wouldn't have though it!

Number 3 looks fab!

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I think the dress has potential, I would love to see it sleeveless as the shape plus fabric as is does feel a little like nightwear.

Deborah

Veteran

Rae I still like it. The only styling I'm not appreciating here are 6, 8, and 9.

I think you have been able to give the dress the "Rae" factor!

How do you like it? And how do yu feel in it?

Astrid

Veteran

I'm still seeing nightie. I saw the picture from your first post on the homepage and thought it was a cute pattern. I clicked through and my first thought was that it looked like a nightie, before I read the comments.

Have you tried that cat print dress from Zara that Diana linked to some time ago?

Jjsloane

Veteran

I can live with it in 1-2. Not loving it as a dress I'm afraid.

Keix

Veteran

I like #2, 3, and 7, which have a unifying factor... the sleeves are covered up. Are you handy enough with alterations to remove or perhaps scrunch/pin up the sleeves somehow? Or alter them into cap sleeves?

Diana

Veteran

I like it best in #3 as a tunic, and the dark jacket/jeans seem to counteract the blah peach color a bit. I also think the reason I like it much better with a jacket is that I really don't like the sleeves and neckline of the dress - I think that is what is giving it the hospital gown vibe. I wonder what would happen if you chopped off the sleeves?

Julie

Veteran

#3 and #4 are my picks, and I'd wear the same in a heartbeat. But, I think you already knew that. Try different variations of that basic look, maybe boot cuts, faded, or even white jeans. Don't forget your tall boots,either; both with skinnies and under the boot cuts. Definitely works for me.

Cheers

Julie

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I guess if you don't mind the "nightie" print it has potential. I have a couple of tops I don't wear much because they feel a bit like PJs - but sometimes I am looking for a comfy feel good top and then they suddenly seem perfect. I wonder if you like it because of the print or because of the color, fabric and style and how it fits you?

rae

(website)

Veteran

Thank you for the honest feedback.

The sleeves are too slim to tuck in and see what it would look like without them, but I tried doing a very fast and lazy mock-up pic using the color the dress was supposed to be.

Does the color, length, or sleevelessness make a difference? I know the mock up is not styled. I would be open to dying it to this color or another color.

I actually *do* like the style. It fits like it is supposed to, although it's longer than expected.

Astrid, with the Zara dress, I couldn't handle the polyester or the elastic waist, and the faces on the cats weren't as cute to me.

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Diana

Veteran

Oh, it's much better without the sleeves! Much more mod and less nightie. (I do have a poisoned eye for that length of sleeve though so maybe others don't hate it as much as I do.)

I prefer the "advertised" color - it's much more vibrant and warmer toned, which works better for you. I don't know how you'd dye it without messing up the white cats though.

Meredith1953

Veteran

Nighty, night!

rae

(website)

Veteran

For dying, I could either "resist dye" by treating the cats with a substance to protect them from coloration. I could also (and I think this is easier) use fabric paint. I tried it on my citron trench, and I liked the paint even though the trench didn't turn out.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It's the style, pattern and the colour that still make it look like a nightie to me, Rae. The peach, sleeve style, neckline and boxy shape scream sleep shirt no matter how you slice and dice it.

It looks so much better on the model and sans the sleeves. Is this frock really worth the extra doctoring effort?

Marie

Rae -

I love #7 with the gorgeous white jacket & also with the jean jacket in the other post. I don't think it looks like a nightgown at all & don't shorten it.

What does hubs think?

MsMary

Veteran

I still like it as is, especialy with jeans. And I LOVE it without the sleeves!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

You look like one of my patients that put a layer over their gown to go outside and smoke. All that's missing is the IV on a pole.

Lori

Veteran

I think it has potential too. I'm not in love with the color, but do I think it is complimentary to your skin tone. I like your styling in #3 & #7. I also think it looks great sans sleeves and shorter.

Echo

Veteran

It might look better sleeveless and with a different neckline, but it is worth the effort? I suppose that's up to you, but I think you can do better.

celia

Veteran

Personally I wouldn't go to so much trouble with the dress.
Apart from when you wear it as a dress I think the best is maybe for you to actually wear it in one of the other ways and see if you feel good in it .

Scarlet

Veteran

I think 3 works the best, but I still vote return.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Thanks everyone. I wanted to give it a good effort, because return shipping is to China and I probably have to pay for it myself unless I make a good case about the incorrect color. If the return is free, that'd be great.

Right now I'm debating dying it dark rust and ditching the sleeves. From what I've read, resist dying isn't too hard. I think the neckline looks fine open, and there will be more contrast if it is a dark color. Yes, it's work... at this point, though, I feel like the only way to get a get print I like better would be to order custom fabric and sew a dress myself - more work and about the same cost.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Love it in 1 and 2 as a blouse! Also love 6, 7 and 9. It will work either as a dress (with a lighter jacket) or a top, so if you like it, keep it.

And again, I do not see a nightie.

And FWIW, I really like a little sweet and cute on you. You are young, this is when you can pull of this element.

Julie

Veteran

Can you show us some of the other "with jeans" looks? The sleeveless option is intriguing.

Meredith1953

Veteran

Had to check back in and see how this is going...I see the debate continues to rage!
@annagybe,
You made me laugh so hard with the "IV on a pole" comment!

Julie

Veteran

I laughed too at the IV pole. I was picturing Rae like so many at the entrances to our hospitals. In the gowns with the pole in tow sneaking a ciggie. At least they make them take off the oxygen masks before lighting up.

Aida

Veteran

I like it with the modifications in the lower photo. I think you would probably get more wear out if that way, too. Did you have trouble styling? You came up with a lot of options, so perhaps not If you think the cost/time is about even to a custom dress, it may be worth trying to dye. Though I think it might be good to try the resist dying on some swap meet silk before getting into this one.

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