WIW 3/7: Fab or frumptastic? (ETA more pics)

This is a WIW but also a keep or consign thread. I had ordered a bunch of stuff from ASOS but didn't return it in time so this dress has been hanging in my closet unworn. I think I posted it once and the reviews were mixed. It's time to make a final decision about keep or consign so here it is. It's a purplish brown midi dress by Vero Moda with a floral print. Wearing it with a Forever 21 double buckle wide belt, Forever 21 bronze cuff, Mia Nanette brown ankle boots, Anthro olive parka and Fossil chevron stripe bag. Is this fab or frumptastic? I know this may not be your cup of tea...does it look dated (even though it's new) and too Little House on the Prairie, or is it on-trend with the midi length? In #5 I'm going for the full-on hobo chic effect (LOL) with the parka and pattern mixing bag. For reference, #6 is the look I'm after (Joseph Altuzarra Fall 2011).

ETA: More styling options:
7-brown parka brown boots
8-white parka brown boots
9-black belt black boots bangles
10-white parka black boots
11-brown parka black boots
12-cognac leather jacket
13-black leather jacket
14-15. hammered silver bracelet
16-black bangles

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12 years ago

Jem

Veteran

I kindof like the dress and like it with the belt. I wasn't sure in #1, but like how it looks posed in #2. I don't know about those boots. They are similiar to the inspiration picture, but maybe without a hard enough edge? How about trying it with black boots? I don't like it with the coat and boots in 5.

modgrl

(website)

Not with those boots, how about nude pumps or wedges?

Claudia

I really like the dress, cuff and belt. Nicely styled.

Agree you should try nude shoes, or blush, or cream. That would be a rich, sophisticated look, I think.

Suz

Holy toledo. I LOVE!! Love it with the belt and I even like the boots. I couldn't wear 'em, but with your slender calves, I think you can!

Mrs Moo

Active Member

I really like this dress :0) On the question of fab or frump though, I think it could be either, it depends on who is wearing it and what with.

On you, I don't think this looks frumpy, it looks very stylish. You have the youth and the figure to make this look great. I do think it *could* look frumpy on someone without youth and a slim build on their side ( no offence intended to anyone else who has this!) I think the belt is key to roughening it up a little.

I also agree with Jem and Modgrl re the boots. Like Jem, I say give black boots a go. Some really RATE biker boots perhaps and a denim jacket. I see where the inspiration is coming from in the catwalk pic but I also agree with Jem re the coat. Do keep the dress though - it has a lot of potential :0)

ManidipaM

Natalie, what's the waistline on that dress like originally? Love the dress itself, but I think that belt is a bit overpoweringly wide with the closer silhouette of the skirt on this dress, if you're aiming for the look in #6. *That* could be what is edging into Little House girdled territory. NICE boots, btw!

Vildy

Seems to have an attractive fit through the upper hip area. In agreement with others that those are the wrong boots for this. And the parka with it? Naw. That parka doesn't look intentional enough, more like you grabbed it for a quick errand. I think the inspirational photo is all about showing off the parka. That's what you tend to remember from glancing at it. I couldn't tell you what else she was wearing.

Anonymous

I would shorten it and wear it unbelted, as a tunic. I think it would look awesome with white skinny jeans. I think that is a whole lot of belt for it too... Maybe a narrower belt? Ahh... Let's see what the consensus is!

I would say don't consign yet. I see potential!

Sunita

I'm not sure how well the dress would work for the look in #6. It seems too prim & proper.

That said, the dress is nice and I like how you styled it. I'd have gone for pumps to show more of the leg. And I agree with the others about trying lighter/nude shoes.

Being very blunt & honest here: It sounds like you're on the fence re. the dress. From your WIWs in the last few months, I think this dress isn't as fabulous as the rest of your wardrobe. I think you'd be far less likely to reach for this dress over your others. If you feel you need another dress/one in this color, keep. Otherwise, consign.

Hope I didn't hurt your feelings!

goldenpig

Thanks everyone! Added a few more styling options! Wearing #13 black leather jacket out the door!

I like #13 much better, Do you have a shorter jacket?
Hehe we posted at the same time... I like 13 the best... have fun!

I definitely like the black boots better. I think I still like the first belt the best. I don't like the long coats with it (except for warmth). Maybe a more cropped jacket/coat?

Diana

I like the dress (but I like granny chic, so take that as you may). I MUCH prefer it with the black accessories. They higher contrast, so look more deliberate and edgy. The brown is too earthy IMO. Do you have a cropped jacket (a black leather moto might be fantastic)? Or a cropped voluminous, cape-like topper might be interesting...

Yes Diana! I thought you of all people might like it--I could see you in this dress. And thanks everyone for the encouragement and suggestions--very helpful!

The dress has a gathered (elastic?) high waist so I pretty much have to belt it, I don't think I can use it as a tunic. Interesting idea to try it with skinnies or nude pumps, though--I'll definitely have to experiment with those! I don't have a cropped leather jacket (the one in #13 is the only black one I have), but I do have a cropped faded denim jacket and a white denim cropped jacket too so I can try those.

I think I was getting too stuck on copying the inspiration look. Something felt off with the olive parka. I think you're right, it looked sloppy. I liked the cream and brown puffers better. But I definitely felt MUCH more fab when I put on the black leather jacket, black boots and hammered silver bracelet with the black and silver striped satchel. It's like a little switch went off and suddenly instead of Little House on the Prairie, I felt more like a 90's punk rock grunge UWP! Ahh, so much better! Thanks for helping me tweak this--I think you saved it from the consign pile. Now I have a lot more options to play with!

MsLuna

With regards to this dress, it is all about your personal style. I like the way you styled this dress in the picture and though this dress may normally be frumpy, I think you made it look fabulous

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Love the dress with the belt and booties! #2 is KILLER.

Wow, I was so not expecting that! Yay! Thanks Suz and Angie and everyone else! Fun!

What Jem said! (Jem I think you're psychic saying exactly what I'm thinking...)

Black boots much better, loved the first belt and love the idea of a shorter cropped jacket :0)

Yeah, see! You are right...you can bet on me to pick out Angie's K-verdict! LOL.

Jilly

I agree with Jem and Angie. #2 looks great. I think one of the reasons it doesn't seem to work with the parkas is because you are adorably tiny, and you seem to be swimming in your clothes in the parkas, and even a little in the jackets. I love the dress with the double strap belt.

AYoungSoul

Member

Have you anyone heard of a bootstroot, which is used to strap boots for better look? For some cold days when you must wear jeans, the bootstroot works effective in strapping your boots, without bunging or bunching. I tried one this season, and it's fabulous. I also recommend it to my friends. Just try this invention: http://www.bootstoot.com

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