WIW - rescuing an orphan sweater dress out of the donate pile

I bought this Loft sweater dress last winter when I was feeling particularly down about my style. It kind of symbolized everything that was sad about the way I felt about my look. It was gray and shapeless. I've been ruthlessly and unsentimentally leaving team keep behind, so I couldn't wait to get rid of this dress when I pulled out my winter sweaters box.

And then I saw Angie's post on sweater dresses (http://youlookfab.com/2011/10/.....on-the-go/)

I started thinking that maybe this dowdy thing could be fresh again. I added the right undergarments this time - thank you Victoria's Secret for carrying my size in a bra style that makes me look like I have a shape. I also added my YLF NYC obi belt to give me waist definition. I wore opaque tights and tall black boots to give my legs a long lean line. And to finish it off, I got a sassy haircut that changes everything. What a difference a few seemingly minor changes can make! I got more compliments on this outfit at work than I have on anything in a long time. I'm really happy with how this turned out and I think I've managed to rescue an orphan!

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12 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

nice save and a score! love love love the outfit. that belt finishes the sweater.

Lenni A

Active Member

What a sweet family picture! You look great! I can't imagine the dress being shapeless it looks like it fits you very nicely. I really like the obi belt with it.

catgirl

You look amazing and furthermore, I fail to see HOW you are an apple of any kind!

This is a good reminder not to judge items unstyled. I feel like that's how I test things - "is it a WOW even when I've just rolled out of bed?" - but obviously that's the wrong way to go!

kellygirl

Great way to re-work that dress. It looks great the way you styled it. Obi belt to the rescue. Well done, Rita!

annagybe

(website)

You look great!

Isis

This looks great! (and cute kids!)

cheryle (Dianthus)

I am really glad you rescued that dress. It fits you very nicely and you have styled it perfectly. It should also be quite versatile as you can add a hit of color or a jacket/cardi to change it up.

Deborah

Rita, this looks really good on you. I love Obi belts and I think this is perfect with the dress. I wouldn't change a thing here, and I would absolutely wear this outfit myself. Great rescue.

rae

Shocked that you'd call this dress dowdy! Hooray for your save!

Sara L.

I love the belt! I think it makes you look very sleek and modern.

modgrl

Thanks everybody! That obi belt is really like magic. When I put it at my high waist, it gives me serious waist definition. It's getting quite a workout these days. Sadly it is not long for this world. The leather is so soft, it is already ripping slightly.

@Una, it took me a long time to figure out that clothes are not going to look uhhhmazing all by themselves. They need the right styling, accessories, accompaniments, shoes, a good haircut and a bit of makeup to look good.

goldenpig

What a cute pair of kiddos! You look fantastic in this sweater dress, what a great save. That obi really works wonders! Nice haircut too!

Jenava

Hells, yah! That is not looking shapeless at all anymore. It looks fantastic!

HelenInCanada

You've styled it beautifully, modgrl - I covet the dress and the obi belt. Looks so effortlessly chic and comfortable! Great save - and adorable little ones!!!

Aida

Great save, this is styled beautifully! I can see why that awesome obi belt is getting lots of use

lyn67

Nice dress and love the obi belt with it! I have a purple sweater dress which i am wearring it like you, with an obi belt and found out that gives a great punch to the all outfit..

Joy

I can't get past the sweet look on your face as you look down at your beautiful children. Beautiful picture that warms the heart.

Jonesy

This looks really stylish and fab, and your kiddos are too cute!

Queen Mum

That is a great basic dress that you can wear several ways. I'm glad you rescued it. I have a very similar dress (also from Loft) in a heatherish taupish brown and I wear it with skinnies, boots and my cream leather jacket... I never even had a fleeting thought of feeling dowdy.