Q&A about individual items, ensembles, and wardrobe

wardrobe edit - summer dresses

As part of my mini makeover challenge I am editing my summer wardrobe.
I would like your opinions on these three dresses; keep, ditch or rework.

1. blue crepe dress. fits beautifully but wonder if the blue crepe fabric is a bit dated
front view http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....0_7522.jpg
side(statuesque) view http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....0_7523.jpg

2. Turquoise empire line. I love the detailing in this and picked it up very cheaply. Cons - wonder if I look pregnant in it or too little girly
wonder if it could be shortened to wear with clams (though I already have a shirtdress tunic with similar lines
http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....0_7519.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....0_7520.jpg (side)

3. This white dress is a hand me down and too big. Also a bit stained under the arms
here it is as is http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....0_7525.jpg
and with me holding the fullness in to make it more of a fit http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....0_7526.jpg
Is this worth my taking it in ?

The latest reply was from anne . You can follow further contributions to the conversation through the RSS 2.0 feed.


13 Replies

Posted 5 months ago

1) I think it might be a tad dated
2) I love this i'd get it shortened to wear with clams
3)Looks good pulled in though would you feel a bit self concsious if the underarms are stained? x

Posted 5 months ago

Thanks Loulou

BTW I have just edited this to include a side view of dress #2

Posted 5 months ago

I agree. No. 1 seems dated, no. 2 is lovely. No. 3 looks good to me (maybe a little too long), try to hem it and use a nice cardigan as a layer..

Posted 5 months ago

The side view of 2 is great no pregnant visions! Is it a silky material? If you're concerned about it looking girly how about over skinnies with chunky boots and a biker jacket to give it a harder edge? x

Posted 5 months ago

Loulou - I like where you are going with that suggestion! The material is shiny/slippery, BTW.

Posted 5 months ago

I don't think the first dress looks dated, just classic. Making it work will all depend on how you style it. If you popped on some funky shoes and jewelry, I think it could be a nice piece.

I like number two. I think you need some bright accessories to make it seem more summery with that color. Yellow would be fun.

Number 3 is nice, the most free-spirit summery of the bunch but the armpit stains are a real consideration. It would make me uncomfortable and, if I kept it, would limit use to when it would be layered with something over it.

Posted 5 months ago

I agree with Alecia--I think that the first dress looks classic, not dated. It fits you really well, and I would keep it. You can play around with accessories, and that light blue is a color that pretty much every other color looks good with. It's also a great dress to wear to work, or to a work-related event.

Is number 2 too baggy for you right below the bustline? In the front view, it looks to me like it is bagging out a bit there. Could you alter it in at all?

I like dress 3 when you pull it in, and I assume a tailor could recreate what you have done. But like everyone else, I agree that the armpits might be a concern? Perhaps a dry cleaner could work some magic? Would bleach work? (I never use bleach myself, so I don't know if that's something that could ruin the dress.)

Posted 5 months ago

#2 is my favorite and it's very current. I think if #3 is stained then it's a goner. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable in stained clothing!

Posted 5 months ago

Oh wow! I love #1 and don't think it's dated in the least. Sheaths are huge right now. Totally on trend, don't you think? And, it's a gorgeous color on you. Throw on some pearls for summer and you're all set for a garden party, or add a black to it for more sophisticated look (blazer, belted BF cardi, black pumps or boots).

#2 is my favorite and I think it offers loads of creative options. It seems "on trend" to me too. You might want to shorten it but I don't know if I'd go as short as tunic-length. Just a bit above the knee, to make it a little more flirty? Since it's a higher neckline I think you can bare more leg. Would have to play around with that. It's got such a great vibe, I think you need to experiment! I'd love to see a BF blazer over this. Leggings. Shorten the hem and add slouchy boots? Cascading cardi?

#3 is my least favorite, and if it's got stains, I say give it up. Only thing I might do with it, is possibly make it into a skirt? But is white practical for your MOTG lifestyle?

Posted 5 months ago

I actually really like the first dress, you could maybe shorten the hem by a couple of inches but with the right accessories I think it could be a knock out. I would love to see it paired red accessories.

Dress number two I absolutely love, shorten the hem a tad if you wish but I would not go as short as tunic length.

Number three I would dispose of, if it needs altered and is stained I think it would be to much trouble.

Posted 5 months ago

Anne, I'm chiming in to say I agree with other comments. #1 is a classic sheath, quite summery and flattering on you. You can wear it a lot of ways.

I really like #2! Definite keep. It is a trendy shape right now and I'd love to see how you could wear it.

I'm not really feeling #3. I don't love that style in general - maybe keep if it feels very right to you? But given that it's stained it might be time to give it up.

Posted 5 months ago

You are going like a Boeing, Anne!

o Hmmm. I think you need to shorten the light blue sheath. To me, something about it just doesn’t look current. But the bodice fit is GREAT.

o Nice empire cut frock! You look hip and cute.

o I don’t like the fact that this frock has stains. Also, it’s too long and I don’t whether shortening it will work. Say good bye.

Posted 5 months ago

Okay so dress #3 will not be worn out of the house

Dress #1 has gone into my holding zone. Despite many positive comments I still feel like the crepe fabric dates it.

Dress #2 - Angie did you this it ought to be shortened as per most other comments?

Steph - I don't think it is loose under the bust - maybe the tie wasn't firm enough though.

Posted 5 months ago