To belt or not to belt a gown - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

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To belt or not to belt a gown

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

Imagine this dress on a pear-shaped body of average height.
Would you want to accentuate the waist, which isn't clearly defined, even on the model? If so, what kind of sash or belt would you use, thin/thick and plain/jeweled?
If not, is it because you think the column of colour is a better look?

Theia Embroidered Petal Evening Gown

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Dressing

36 replies

Latest reply was from K.M.

Anonymous

I personally wouldn't belt it, and wonder if the dress would flatter a pear. I'm just thinking out loud because one of my DDs is a pear and it's nigh impossible to find dresses due to the upper body being a different size than the lower body, with a small bust.

Alassë

Veteran

I'm not picturing a belt either (because the dress's fabric is so detailed).

Liz

Veteran

I think you'd have to see it on. To me, it would depend where that dividing line fell between the medium sized sewed-on pieces and the large pieces. On the model, the line falls at an somewhat vague line below her waist, which looks a bit awkward to my eye.

rabbit

Veteran

I wouldn't belt it, because I can't imagine anything playing well rubbing against the sequins, and it works as a column of color. Actually I'd be a little worried about whether a wrap or some kind of topper could be worn with it in transit if needed or whether it would catch on the sequins too. It's a beautiful dress.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

With heels and no shapewear:

eta: This is a size 6, which I thought would be too small. My hips are technically a 10 or so.

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Diana

Veteran

I would not belt it. I think a belt would be too much going on, would clash with the lovely petal detail of the dress, and would break up the vertical line. It looks beautiful on you, by the way. You have a better defined waist than the model and I think it shows well in the dress as is. Is this a wedding dress option?

Meredith

Veteran

I like it as is!

rabbit

Veteran

I think it looks great on you! Nothing more needed.

Sarah Kay

The dress looks stunning, as is. I don't think a belt is necessary, and I agree with others that it would interfere with the texture of the dress. It looks really lovely!

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

I added a second photo for the back view, in case that sways anybody's opinion.

Diana, yes, this is *the* dress. It just arrived today. I loved it since I first saw it, but was worried about the fit, because it was supposed to be clingy. Budget friendly, too, leaving a little wiggle room for shoes.

old chic

I think a belt would just be gilding the lily; it's perfect on you as-is.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Agreeing with the others to not belt. Will it need shortening?
I'm SO happy you've found a dress you love.

abc

Veteran

Gorgeous dress - as is, no belt. I think it would muddy the waters, the dress has enough going on already, adding a belt would take it into ALGO territory.

Anonymous

Wow! You look great. No belt. Looks fantastic. It was a lucky day for the dress, your figure is perfect for it!

Astrid

Veteran

Fantastic! I'm so glad you found your dress. I wouldn't break up the line of the dress either.

Aida

Veteran

Lovely! I also vote to leave it unbelted.

Elle

Veteran

Another vote for beltless. It looks great as is! I think a belt would break up the lovely line of the dress and could interfere with the way the skirt hangs.

missvee

Veteran

Gorgeous just as it is. You look absolutely lovely in this.

Diana

Veteran

I'm so glad you found the dress! You sound so much happier about this one. And yay for a good bargain too!

LACeleste

Veteran

This dress is special and wonderful! It looks amazing on you! Great going! I'm happy you're happy!

jackiec

Veteran

Wow! No belt. Love the details on the dress

Sara L.

Veteran

The dress looks great on you and I see no reason to add a belt. The dress nicely defines your waist. In glad you found a dress that you feel good in.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Wow--just had to stop in and say you look gorgeous in that dress. Like a million bucks, as they say.

tulle

Veteran

This gown looks much better on you than on the model, because you have a lovely hourglass figure. SO pretty and unusual, a gorgeous color, and a perfect fit! It looks fine without a belt to me, though a flat grosgrain or velvet 2" ribbon sash in a teal close to the dress color could add even more waist definition if you'd like that. I KNEW you would find a dress that makes you happy--so glad for you!

Deborah

Veteran

What a beautiful dress and it looks lovely on you. I would not add a belt. It doesn't need it and would be just too much going on with the lovely textured fabric of the dress.

AJ

Veteran

Agreeing with the others that this looks wonderful on you as is. Did you say you were pear shaped? The picture does not reflect that. I see a lovely hour glass. Your hips and shoulders align and you have a defined waist.

cjh

(website)

Veteran

Wowza. Have you been convinced it looks fab as is?

Anonymous

I don't see a pear shape, either. Are you sure that's your body type?

Sheila

Veteran

Wowza ! Fantastic as is. I think a belt would take away from it.

That fabric is AMAZING ! and you have a great figure for it.

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