Summer clothing cleanout

marianne

I went through my summer clothes (yes, I know we have 3 more months) and I am looking for advice on these 3 items that I am not sure about.

Dress - bought it last summer while I was nursing, now it's too big in the chest and kind of revealing. I really like the colors, but the style is not ideal. Could I maybe have it altered? Is it worth it? I don't suppose the style would work with a cami.
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....G_6420.jpg

Denim jacket, 10 years old - too outdated or passable?
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....G_6423.jpg

BR linen skirt - I know it's not YLF favorite color. I used to wear it with an olive top that has been retired. Sorry about the wrinkles. Is it too long or passable? Worth shortening? What could I wear it with?
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....G_6416.jpg

17 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from marianne

Anonymous

Dress: I'd try it with a white or cream cami. You might see if you can find one with some nice lace or crochet detail that doesn't look like it came from the Juniors' Dept. The dress is pretty on you and looks perfect for a hot summer day.

Denim jacket: It looks like the classic jean jacket so should be fine. Is it fitted on you? You might want to have it taken in. How does it look with the dress in the first photo?

Linen skirt: If you like linen, it looks like it would be worth shortening. It looks like it hits at a wide part of your calf, although your legs are so slender I'm not sure that 's a problem. I like this natural linen color with crisp white or with chocolate brown. The yellow looks good with it too.

17 years ago

Patience

Veteran

Marianne, everything is a potential keeper. The denim jacket may need tailoring but it's good. The dress looks fine to me but I know that style can be fussy even if it fits perfectly. I think it's more of a comfort issue there. I think you are tall enough to pull off the linen skirt as is-- it's not ankle length or anything. It looks fine on you too, but it may look even better hemmed. I'm not really sure.

17 years ago

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

Marianne,
I like the dress, looks great on you.
I think that the jacket is too boxy for your great figure but would maybe work with a skirt or dress.
I have the same linen skirt from BR. I do not know if I would bother shortening, I like that length and it is linen is so cool for the summer.

17 years ago

Antje

Veteran

Hi Marianne, my comments:

Dress: It looks nice. Are you considering it revealing as it is in the photo? Personally I don't, but I know that cleavage preferences vary. Or are you saying it is revealing when you move, e.g. bend down? A tailor might be able to take up the straps a tiny bit (if the armholes are still big enough.)

Denim jacket: Looks too big to me. Not sure tailoring would fix this.

Skirt: I think in the current length it looks a bit dated and not super flattering. Shortening might help and would be worth a try if you find a reasonable tailor. But it might also be a potential toss.

17 years ago

shana

Veteran

Marianne, I think all three pieces have potential. I think the dress is cute and I agree with Joy about trying it with a white or cream cami. There are plenty of v-neck camis out there that might give you a bit more coverage if you feel uncomfortable. I agree with Patience's suggestion - how about trying the dress with your denim jacket? I bet it would be cute with a white denim jacket as well. Your denim jacket looks like a classic but a bit boxy. The arms look very loose on you - how does it look with the sleeves folded a couple of times to give you more of a 3/4 sleeve? I don't know anything about altering such a piece and whether it would be worth it but I would keep it until you find something better. I think the linen skirt is just fine as it is. You seem tall and are certainly thin enough to pull off that length. I picture you wearing this with a big floppy hat, sitting on a porch drinking lemonade. It seems perfect for summer!

17 years ago

marianne

Active Member

Thank you very much! The problem with the dress is that now that I've almost shrunk to my normal self, the top is looser and you can see the top of the bra - I have to stand very straight to avoid it, but the slightest move ruins it. There is a tie in the back, but it creates a bump when wearing a cardi over. I could try have the straps shortened if you think it wouldn't make it too short.

If the jacket were a size smaller it might look current. It was one of my favorite pieces back in the day, but I didn't hold much hope for it. I can probably find a new one for the cost of tailoring. Shana - I'll try rolling sleeves up like you suggested, I think that might help.

I am leaning to keeping the skirt as is for hot casual days.

17 years ago

marianne

Active Member

Bumping - sorry to be a pest, but I would love to get more opinions on the dress and possible alterations. I get the idea with the other 2 items. Thank you!

17 years ago

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

Marianne, it may work with a cami. I think the dress is cute as is but not worth the cost of alterations. I think you could find something that you feel more comfortable in. I am not a big one on alterations because I can usually find a good fit. If you adored the dress which it does not sound like you do then I would alter. I would love to see you in a printed sheath dress that would show off your great figure. However,the dress does seem fine to me as it is.

17 years ago

shell

Active Member

i really like the dress on you, marianne! i think it would be worth altering to have it fit perfectly. i also like the suggestion of utilizing a cami.

i also really like the linen skirt. it may not be the most flattering length, but you can definitely get away with it! i also don't mind the color - looks great with your skintone!

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I think the skirt is worth keeping. Wear a black top and you'll look great. The colour is away from your face and it’s a good option for very hot days.

The dress looks oddly juvenile and not your style. Does that make sense? I say pass that on. The denim jacket needs altering but as you said, you might find the perfect denim jacket for $40 instead!

17 years ago

marianne

Active Member

Angie, you're absolutely right about the dress. That might have been part of the struggle. I may save it for the next swap, maybe there will be younger ylfers

Thanks everyone!

17 years ago

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