The perfect black sheath?

Anonymous

I know I need to try to get a photo posted, but maybe some of you saw or bought this Semantics 'Athena' black sheath at NAS:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....8&P=1
I've been looking for the perfect one and had ruled out a knit but I like Shiny's ATL sheath on her Channeling Angie post. Is a ponte knit a better choice than a woven wool or blend?
I ordered the Athena without seeing it and it's here. I like the fabric and fit better than I thought I might but wonder if the front pockets are a problem.
Sewn shut they are not very noticable, but I wonder if I should keep looking. Do you think this dress can be dressed up enough for a banquet event ?

16 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from medusa

shiny

Veteran

I think a woven wool or blend is preferable to a ponte knit. Ponte knits are nice, but I don't know how they are going to wear compared to a wool. And your sheath should have a long shelf-life, because it never really goes out of style, and you will wear it often. But on the plus side, ponte knits provide a lot of structure to hide bumps and bulges, which I like.

If you have to sew the pockets shut, hmmm, I might keep looking? Have you tried Jcrew - this one is cute:
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../18843.jsp

Yes, I think you can dress a sheath up for a banquet! It's all in the accessories.

16 years ago

lwc

Active Member

I didn't purchase the Athena. However, I am on the hunt for the perfect black sheath dress. I think that a wool blend is the way to go.

Great link, Shiny!

Any other great shift dresses out there? I want something very "blank canvas." I wonder if BR has any for Fall/Winter?...

I hope others will chime in and post links to awesome shifts.

YOO-HOO, Angie!!!

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I think we are going to see a GREAT season of black sheaths. My suggestion is to hang on if nothing appeals to you now.

Sandy tried on that dress, Joy. The cut of the Theory frock worked better for us. But it’s still a lovely dress! I LOOOOOVE my new Theory sheath dress. As soon as this heat wave is behind us, it's on my body.

16 years ago

shiny

Veteran

I was going to mention Theory too!

A few months back, I tried on a Hugo Boss sheath at Nordstrom's. I don't see it online there anymore, but it was GORGEOUS. The fabric was absolutely sumptious. Unfortunately, it didn't fit me (too long for a petite). Oh, and it was very pricey, but was worth the $. A real investment piece.

BR will likely have sheaths - they usually have a style or two in their suiting wool. Unfortunately I have rotten luck with BR dresses in general. I am sure that AT will also offer sheaths, if they don't already. I'm pretty sure I saw summer-weight sheaths at the AT outlet last time I was there. (But again that is another brand that is difficult for me fit-wise when it comes to their dresses).

16 years ago

Anonymous

Thank you for your responses. Angie, I was thinking that you and Sandy bought this dress:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....5&P=1
I can't find the Theory dress. Was it the one that gradually faded to grey? That one looked beautiful in the pictures.
Usually AT and BR dresses and skirts are shorter than ideal, but I haven't checked in months. It makes sense that many places will offer classics in this economy so I'll keep looking.

16 years ago

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

That's the sheath I got, Joy. Angie and Sandy got one from Theory that didn't have the neckline.

I too will be on the hunt for sheaths this winter, so let me know what you find!

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Joy, I got the sleeveless Theory sheath frock that fades from black to grey (not the one that Kristen has). It is no longer available at the NAS, but this is the picture in the changing room:

http://i477.photobucket.com/al.....0_0425.jpg

I have just been to Nordies and there are stellar black sheathes in already. I tried them all on just to make sure and the Theory one is still best for me. If you look fab in a sheath, I think it’s worth paying a little extra for the BEST fabric. Can’t help it ladies, I love nice fabric and will pay for it.

16 years ago

Anonymous

J. Crew always seems to have sheaths in stock online for their work collection; you could try that as well.

I hope you have good luck finding one!

16 years ago

Anonymous

Yes, Angie, that's the sheath I should have tried for. I didn't see it in our store and also had doubts about the black to grey, wishing the colors had been reversed with grey on top.
A sheath is my best dress style and I do want wonderful 3-season fabric and am willing to pay more for it. Do you think Theory will have the one you bought back in or another of that quality? I would go with grey as well as black, and the best black on me is a soft black and not shiny. It needs to hit at the knee area. Just where depends on how narrow the skirt is so that sitting in it isn't a problem.

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist