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WIW: NFE (Not Flattering Enough)

amiable

Veteran

I picked up this summer dress at Goodwill this week - due to laundry bottlenecks. I wanted something easy and breezy like my Old Navy striped dress and my Eileen Fisher black drape front dress. In the dressing room, it seemed like it would fit the bill.

So I wore it today (with new light sneakers too, that proved comfy enough for my picky feet!) I thought it was JFE, and felt good in it - it was indeed cool enough for our 97 degree heat.

However, two people told me that it wasn't flattering, and a third commented that she had pajamas just like that. So I'm guessing it 's NFE (not flattering enough) rather than JFE.

So here's my question: What makes it NFE? Teach me

And thanks!

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32 replies

Latest reply was from amiable

Deborah

Veteran

Well based on what you wrote Amy I was expecting something quite different

Who exactly made these comments?? I think the dress is quite nice and very suitable for home and running around. I think the fit looks good, the length is fab for you and it works perfectly with the sneakers. Is it tshirt type material?

I have to be honest and while the dress is not really my cup of tea, I do think it looks quite lovely on you. Definitely has that nice easy breezy look.

How much do you trust the opinions of the people who made the comments??

columbine(erin)

Veteran

Maybe these people wanted to see more body con fits? I think you look fresh and pretty though! I like your choice of footwear with the dress.

amiable

Veteran

Thanks Deborah and Columbine - those who made the comments are ones that would not take the style advice of - both are interested primarily in figure flattery (and body-con on me, for some reason, reads figure flattering to them). So no, if it was fashion advice, I would thank them and disregard it. I just thought it interesting that they deemed it bad enough to comment. I do think it fits well, though is preppier, (maybe? at least different), than my normal style.

It's a knit dress, but not cotton - almost like a heavier version of swimsuit fabric. It's got a nice drape, and I find it very comfy. However, I suspect it might be dated?

Vildy

Veteran

I would've guessed, based on the comments about sleepwear and it being comfortable in such heat, that it might have been flimsy fabric and a shapeless cut like a little girl's pillowcase dress. But since you say it's not cotton and thicker than a swimsuit, I'm clueless. In any case, I don't think it's dated.
Sleeveless, stripey summer shifts are always around because they make sense and are unfussy. You look quite on target for running around in the heat. Pretty color, too. Just a casual summer dress to throw on. What were they wearing?

jennifer

Veteran

The style is sporty and cute ,and the color and fit seem quite nice on you. My eye is drawn to the hem though so a neck accessory or large earrings might balance the border solid and bring the focus to the face more. The proportion seems a bit 1920's ish to my eye. So a peter pan collar necklace , anchor pendant necklace ,a gauzy scarf, or some big earrings would all be fun ways to accessorize it for different looks.

Neel

Veteran

Hmmm ... I love the color of the dress and the shape too. Looks like a nice summer dress to me. I wear a lot of these cuts because I prefer it over bodycon dresses. I also like the light colored shoes here.

However, do you think wearing dressier shoes might elevate the dressy factor of the outfit? In any case ... I think the dress by itself is JFE.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I also think this looks JFE at the very least on you and would question the point of view of the commentators more than your taste in dresses.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I think it served your purpose very well--it looks like an easy casual summer dress and it's just right with your sneakers. It fits well--nicely skimming, great length, not body con, not droopy. It looks maybe a little different for you, kind of polished rather than RATE, perhaps? How do you feel about the color? I wonder if it's a little bright or maybe not the most flattering shade of blue for you, and perhaps that's what drew the comments. I don't think it's a bad color on you, it's just one that makes me notice the dress first, then you, if that makes sense.

Marley

Veteran

Wow - I'm in shock! There is nothing about your outfit that would warrant those kinds of comments! I think that the dress itself is perfect for what you got it for - the oversized, boxy cut is very current - and the length paired up with the sneakers is perfect. I really like your outfit Amy - and think that it is more than JFE!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I like it on you, I think it's JFE. I think we are more attuned to oversized or fluid fits here on YLF though.

amiable

Veteran

You're right Denise - I think my eye has adjusted to oversides and fluid fits (which, truthfully, I have ALWAYS preferred - I remember arguing with my mom over these fits when I was a kid - she preferred fitted or bodycon too).

And Firecracker - I agree that it's not my best shade of blue - one of the commenters suggested that I dye it, both suggested that I take it in (which I adamantly refuse to do - I bought it because I like sack dresses).

You're confirming what I saw in it though (you're not trying to flatter me, right?) that my eye has adjusted, but more than likely those around me simply haven't. I'm okay with that. To me this is, indeed JFE. But when laundry isn't an issue, I'll choose a deeper toned sack dress for hot days

unfrumped

Veteran

Yes, I think NFE. Is an overreaction!
It sounds like their comments are driven by " eye" for more fitted looks.
After that , the color and stripe placement may be a bit skewed toward younger summer apparel. The same style in a solid linen- look fabric would read differently. I love your sneakers ! I wouldn't try to over-think accessorizing a fun fill- in dress, but this bold clear color probably " likes" crisp white, such as the white Birks( which I can't wear) or slipons or maybe even some bits of black.

Glory

Veteran

I like it on you and agree JFE. The colour and shape is very nice. I completely agree that often the eyes around us have not adjusted to more fluid fits etc. I experience this at home quite often and I am not fashion forward at all.

frannieb

Veteran

I agree with all the above - to me it looks JFE for a hot day and running around doing errands.
I think those commenting prefer a bodycon style.
I do see that the dress has more of a flare out/ A line at the bottom instead of being cut straight up and down -so it does have some swing on you and I think you have a shape that looks fab in a sheath dress that is straight up and down - not body con - just no extra volume - if that makes sense.

I also think a necklace of some sort would amp it up a little if you wanted but not needed.

Nebraskim

Veteran

I think you look super cool, cute and attractive in this. I love it with the sneaks. Did the commenters know you got it at Goodwill? Are they the type to make judgy comments based on that? The source of a garment can bring out the snark in some folks, sad to say.

Traci

Veteran

Wow! I usually read the text first and then look at pics. This picture was not at all what I expected. I actually think this dress looks fantastic on you!

Is it possible that the dress comes across differently either in person or when it's in movement? I'm just genuinely shocked that some people found it unflattering if they were looking at the same thing we see here.

A bonus to a dress of this fabrication...I have one that I wear in day to day life, but I also love to take it along with me to the beach or to the showers when we're camping. It is the most comfy thing to throw on when I just need to be covered, but I'm also not in optimal conditions to get fully dried off and dressed. It doesn't cling to damp skin like a cotton dress would.

Jules

Veteran

I think that style of dress can be difficult on some figures (mine!) but on you it highlights your slim arms and legs. And what make are those sneakers, are they off white? I really like them.
Sometimes people are projecting. They can't or won't pull something off, so they tell you it doesn't work for you either.

Emily

Veteran

Skipping the other comments...
To my eye the a-line shape and very bright colour together make it look quite girlish, especially when worn in such a minimal outfit with white sneakers. i think a jacket (white denim?) and some jewelery (arm party?) would make this look more intentional without losing the fun, casual vibe.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Gosh, Amy. I'm completely in shock. I think it's more than JFE. To my eye, it is downright flattering! I'm being completely honest. It's fresh, breezy, highlights your slender arms and legs, and seems utterly suited to the purpose.

I'm stunned about the comments.

What Traci said, too -- it will be a fantastic dress if you ever have pool or beach days followed by errands.

I love this style.

Diana

Veteran

Um, I would totally wear that. Definitely more than JFE.

I think you definitely have to consider the source of such comments. I know that there are certain people, whenever I wear a dress like that, who would always tell me I should wear something more form-fitting, add a waist-cinching belt, etc. I just ignore them.

jackiec

Veteran

I like it. Agreeing with all other comments. We are more used to fluid fits around here, and I'm betting that pairing the dress with the sneaks (which I love) is influencing the negative comments. Lots of people don't get that look.

bj1111

Veteran

I like it just as you wore it with the tennies. Very very stylish motg. It is more polished that others are used to seeing you, as Firecracker says. Could that be what the commenters are reacting to?

Anyway, how did you feel in this super fun and super flattering outfit?

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I'm assuming you want things that are flattering and prefer it when you get compliments so I'm basing my comments on that fact. I think it could be the particular color is not your best, then combined with the horizontal stripes - esp. the horizontal stripes without a break in a spot that defines your waist, sort of keeps it looking blockier than you really are. The neckline is pretty high and rounded, which is fine for many tops but with all the horizontal lines overall there's not much elongation happening. I wonder how this would look if it had a v-neck.

I've been looking for stripes lately that are a bit more varied so that for example there are a few thin stripes, then some fatter stripes especially down towards the torso, which (for me at least) seems to help keep it from making the eye see a wider shape.

The shoes don't help to elevate it, but that's something you could easily change, as well as adding some jewelry. You could add a belt but I realize you were trying to keep it breezy. It might be worth experimenting as a learning tool to see how various changes could make it look.

I have a very hard time with dresses so my comments must be taken in light of the fact that I very rarely wear a dress.

Aquamarine

Veteran

Hmmm....unless the side view is very off, I think this is more than JFE. To me it looks like a perfect summer dress for a busy work-at-home MOTG.

I have learned to consider the source of any comments directed at me. Is this someone I strive to emulate? Do I respect their fashion-sense, child-rearing sense, business-sense? If not, I just ignore them and I never ask them for advice, either!

kellygirl

Veteran

Another vote for more than JFE. I wonder if the sneaks were a contributing factor to the comment. Not everyone is on board with that look. YLF

minimalist

Veteran

What do you mean by flattering? You look very fit and this outfit does nothing to hide that.

This type of stripe combined with non-navy blue does say pajamas to me personally, but I would never say something to create that connection in someone else's mind. What an odd thing to say.

I disagree with suggestions of dressing it up with shoes and jewelry; wouldn't that defeat the point? Like someone else said, the high neckline combined with this stripe arrangement wouldn't be universally flattering, but you just need personal JFE. At 97F, we should all look so good.

MuseumGal

Veteran

I think you look darling in this dress. I'd wear it all the time on hot casual days.

Gaylene

Veteran

OK, I'm going to take stab at what might have led to the comments. There is nothing wrong with the dress itself, nor with how you've styled it. If it works, I think you ought to ignore the unsolicited comments and wear it happily.

That said, I think the commenters might have been reacting to the youthful, rather unsophisticated vibe more than the dress itself. Normally, even your casual outfits have a bit more oomph than this particular dress gives you. The horizontal stripes, the blockier shape, and the sneakers just don't measure up when compared to your usual style quotient which might be why the commenters gave it a thumbs down. I guess that's the downside of looking stylish even in your casual garb.

Style Fan

Veteran

I think the dress shows off your slim legs and arms. I steer clear of dress styles like that because I feel my legs are not my best feature. I don't know why someone would say the dress was not flattering. It looks like the perfect dress to do what you were doing. I love your shoes.

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