The *other* black dress - the midi - YouLookFab Forum

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The other black dress - the midi

Mo

(website)

Veteran

The Patagonia midi dress came. I love the hem. The fabric is more t-shirt like than I expected, which is fine for a dress intended for my rugged casual (sweat in it, sit on rocks in it etc) capsule. The self belt can be swapped out. I'm not sure I tied the back of the neck so great. I might have to tie it lower and wider for my sloping shoulders.
What do we think of the fit? I know black is hard to see details, I hope these are bright enough.

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15 replies

Latest reply was from catgirl

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I shouldn't say it probably but I actually prefer the tulip dress. Not that this one is bad - because you look great in most everything you try on - but for flattering fit, neckline, etc. I like the tulip dress better.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Well, good thing I still have it lol. The cost of return/consigning didn't equate so I figured I'll just play around it.
I'm not sure if I should size up in this midi maybe? It fits, but doesn't have that more dramatic draping I thought it would.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Oh, that's right - this is the one you thought you may need to size up on. I guess I'd try that because it is still a nice dress. I'll be curious what others have to say.

kellygirl

Veteran

Does it feel to narrow on top--the triangle part? I almost think you need a little more fabric width. The length and fit look good otherwise. I kind of feel like I'm being picky though--I wouldn't mind seeing the next size up. I didn't comment on the other dress but I really liked it.

shiny

Veteran

It looks like the right size to me, though I really want to tug the back up or down a pinch, to get ride of the puckering at the back waist. I can't tell on my screen -- is there draping on the bottom that I'm not seeing? If there is and that's your concern with the size, I can't say because it's not showing all that clearly on my screen.

Otherwise - I LOVE THIS. I like this better than the tulip dress. There's something romantic, except it's black, so not uberly girly girl romantic. And easy (esp since you say it's a knit). The midi length is modest yet it bares your shoulders. And it's so different. I just ... love this! Not sure how to describe why, exactly. But I do.

Ariadne

Veteran

Hmm. I'm not in love with it on you--somehow it reads "toga" or "dressing gown" to me (no idea why since it's definitely not cut like a dressing gown--maybe the belt?). It's not bad, but it doesn't do anything for me. How would you style it? That might make a difference.

Anonymous

Can you post another picture that shows head to heels? I feel like I need to see all of you in one shot. I never thought of you as having sloping shoulders. Is this supposed to be a bad neckline for them or something?

rae

(website)

Veteran

Pic #1 makes it look like it might be a bit small in the underarm area? Plus, you're right, it's not draping like it did in the pics you showed us before. Or maybe this is the issue with how you tied it that you mentioned?

I do really like it otherwise. Grecian-inspired, yes, but in a cool way.

DonnaF

Veteran

Sorry to be a mare, but I'm feeling like this is not a *10* on you. You have a MUCH better figure than this dress makes you out to have, plus I would love to see you in a color other than flat black. Moreover, if this is a thin knit, I can't imagine that it would stand up to sitting on rocks and the like. . .

catgirl

Veteran

I'm a nay on this. Patagonia has the most annoying fit issues. Love their gear, but everything else is cut for one person. And I happen to know that person - she's my friend's daughter, a Patagonia model. She's tall, flat-chested, athletic, and a perfect size 8. This proves my theory that these clothes are designed for completely breast-free women!

It's not you, it's the clothes!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

thank you all. I think it has to go back - sigh. I have to admit to myself that the top is too small, even if every other part of the dress fits fine. Which is really unusual for me, to your point Una. I've never been described as busty lol, but the fit is not cut generously enough through the bust for the pretty draping I was hoping for.
The next size up is 50% more in price (and not returnable to boot) and I fear the skirt and length will then be too big/long. Cutting my losses on this and just going to return. At least I have my silly confused ruffly tulip to keep me company ha ha ha.

rae

(website)

Veteran

How interesting about the fit model! Bizarre if you ask me. Wouldn't it be great if brands used a variety of fit models for things other than jeans? Like if there were a "hidden hills" cut for ladies with bazooms, etc?

JAileen

Veteran

We have a Patagonia outlet here and I bought a Nano Puff jacket in large(!). Generally, I'm a medium, but they told me some of their stuff is sized for climbers who, evidently, have very little or no body fat.

jayne

Veteran

I still like the first one best. It suited your frame better. This has alot of material in the lower half.

catgirl

Veteran

JAileen, that's exactly right.

I kind of hate it, being an avid climber with an actual set of 32DDs. None of the cute little spaghetti strap "support" climbing tops fit me - Prana, Patagonia, North Face... all built as if women athletes have no chest. Obviously when you are ice climbing or even rock climbing outdoors, you want a close fit and minimal bulk. But there is almost no difference in the cut of the items between the men's and women's. In fact, I have a pair of men's XS climbing pants.

This is why I am bitter yet oddly gratified to know that this dress is too small for Mo. Sorry, Mo.