Two Orphan Dresses: Is there any way to make them less "classic"? - YouLookFab Forum

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Two Orphan Dresses: Is there any way to make them less "classic"?

Chris987

Veteran

These are duplicate summer dresses that I've worn quite a bit for a few years, but as I move away from classic styles they are becoming wardrobe orphans. They are fit and flare knits from Lands End that fit me well (after a few alterations). They bring this style back every year so it's clearly a winner for them, and are a great choice if you are looking for this style. I'm prepared to retire them as I get some new dresses, but thought I'd ask if anyone has any novel ideas of styling them that would move them away from "classic" style. I've tried various shoes/bags in the pics but I don't think any of them really do it.

Also, since they are sleeveless, I need toppers to wear indoors in AC, and I've never found anything that I think is flattering with these dresses.

Time to retire them?

1 blue dress, bronze sandals, gold bag
2 blue dress, black sandals, black bag
3 Black dress, Cognac sandals and bag

4 Black Dress Denim Jacket
5 B lack Dress Gray Print Cardi
6 Black Dress Grey cocoon sweater
7 Black Dress White open cardi

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Dressing

16 replies

Latest reply was from Shelly

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

What style are you trying to move towards? I think these are pretty versatile dresses, but if you're over them, you're over them, and it sounds like they've served you well in your time.

I quite like the way you've styled them in #3 and 4.

I have a few similar fit and flare dresses and have attached some photos of them worn in what I think is a less-classic way, but it really depends what you're going for!

(BTW, #4 is the same dress as #3, with a tee over the top. I think this dress might be particularly close to yours, although mine is from Eddie Bauer.)

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Suz

(website)

Veteran

These dresses are great on you, Chris. The blue is a lovely colour for you and #3 with cognac accessories fits right in with one of Angie's summer ensembles (black and cognac or tan). Looks modern classic, not "boring" classic (to me).

For styling -- pewter shoes/ bag with the blue maybe? Cognac could work there, too. I like Jenn's idea of a scarf or a pullover also. And for jackets, I think you need a much more cropped denim jacket. You can often find one (even just to try on) at Old Navy or Gap at this time of year. My denim jackets are quite cropped -- to my natural waistline, pretty much -- and they work best with dresses as a result. I wear them a lot in summer.

Anonymous

Two ideas come to mind:

1. wear them with white or coloured sneaker, or Birks. Go casual. Maybe add a straw fedora with a black ribbon trim.
2. swap out the jewellery for real casual pieces like a crazy-coloured watch, or leather strap-type bracelet and a chunky ring. Again, go coloured, and casual. Wear a nylon purse/bag - again in white or a fun colour .

The dresses are great - they just will look more modern if you style them completely differently. Your denim jacket will still be the perfect topper.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I like Lisa's ideas of sneakers or super casual sandals also -- espadrilles will also work (your new ones?) but take it a little bit back to classic.

Straw bag would also be fun.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Both these dresses look smashing on you, Chris. Very flattering shape.

Here are the styling tools I would use to add a little more "fashionable now" to these frocks:

slip-on sneakers
casual tote or sporty clutch - light or bright
gauzy linen/cotton scarf
cropped denim jacket or vest (looks cheekier)
fedora
fun sunnies
oversized watch

Anonymous

You might be tired of them, but they are incredibly flattering on you! If they're wearing out, please consider ordering new ones because these are that great on you!

Toban

Veteran

The dresses look lovely and very flattering when the waist is shown. I echo Angie's comment to go cropped in the topper. These classic shrugs come in a variety of colors and would look lovely with your dresses:

https://www.talbots.com/online.....edConcept=

Chris987

Veteran

Thanks so much everyone, this is just what I was hoping for! It seems I need to stay within the casual realm but try some more modern accessories.

Jean, Thanks! I've been trying to figure out what style I want to move toward for dresses and I'm not sure I have a clear answer..maybe that's part of my issue Just more modern looking somehow...or maybe dressier but that would be different dresses. I like your pics, especially the one with the striped top maybe I should consider that for fall..

Suz thanks for the comments...will try your accessory suggestions and look for a shorter jacket. Maybe a scarf would work as a substitute for a topper for wearing in AC.

Lisap, I could try the white sneakers...the fedora idea is not my cuppa I only like to wear hats to shade from the sun or snow or keep warm. I do have a bright red tote that is pretty casual but might prefer a diff color like coral or even lighter. Casual, chunky, and colored jewelry and accessories are good ideas, I don't have much that fits that description but could look for them.

Suz yeah will have to think about footwear some more. I DO have a straw bag - an old classic Kenya bag in browns that I don't use much. That could go with cognac.....

Angie thanks so much! Love your list of "fashionable now" styling tools will have to try some of htem ...just not the fedora :-).

Anne, thanks, they are not worn out at all, I'm just tired of them but with the ideas presented here I think I'll have some renewed love for them.

Chris987

Veteran

Thanks Toban. I've had those shrugs in the past and there is something about them I don't like, but appreciate the suggestion.

L'Abeille

Veteran

I don't have your lovely hourglass shape to start with but I would try those dresses with some menswear looking pieces. With white sneakers and with a vest as already mentioned. But also: I would try it with a belt: white or a contrasting bright with the blue; luggage brown with the black, along with your other brown accessories.

I would also layer it OVER a simple white T shirt.

If the knit is sturdy enough you could also pin a series of costumey brooches to the bodice.

Aquamarine

Veteran

I agree that you look great in these dresses. Until or if you get something new, I'd keep them and update the styling as suggested above. I really, really like a denim jacket over summer dresses. I do think that helps to mitigate the frump factor.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I love the suggestions you've gotten, and I would hang on to the dresses. They are flattering, fit you well, and look plenty current. They don't seem overly formal, so they should dress down with a breezier style just fine. I really like the black dress with brown bag and sandals--that's a fresh, modern look, to my eye.

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

I really like both dresses, Chris. They are very flattering on you, and you look super pretty in #1.

I echo all of Angie's suggestions.

1) Try slip on sneakers
2) Ditch the topper, use a scarf instead that you can wrap around yourself if cold. Pick pretty prints
3) I like that sandals in #5 the most. And am wondering if you have any nude-for-you sandals or flat shoes? In fact, I love the idea to wearing leopard print flat shoes with both dresses for a fun touch.
4) I like your bags a lot. But an oversized tote would also add a casual touch, alongside oversized sunnies.

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JAileen

Veteran

I think the dresses are a blank slate ready to go in whatever direction you want. I love the suggestions for a casual look.

Elizabeth P

Veteran

You might want to consider a cropped white denim jacket as well.

Agree that these dresses look wonderful on you!

Shelly

I'm not sure how tall you are but I wear dresses of this style if I can get my hands on them and I only wear them with a bolero length jacket or cardi. I also have one in a crochet lace. But I am petite you may not be.

I think you look lovely and I also suffer from frostiness from airconditioning.