https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 08 May 2026 08:12:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress/page/2#post-934528 Fri, 17 May 2013 00:57:49 +0000 Karie 934528@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think the dress looks fine with the belt the way it is. Without the belt, you do need to have it altered. If you decide to have it altered, you should find an expert seamstress, not just some sewin' Jo with a needle &amp; thread (like me) - this is a job for Wonder Woman. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress/page/2#post-934465 Thu, 16 May 2013 23:40:33 +0000 Anonymous 934465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such a lovely neckline&nbsp;and the color is quite good with your complexion. I'm off to read your other posts (on the edge of my seat)! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress/page/2#post-932758 Wed, 15 May 2013 07:19:04 +0000 lyn67 932758@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Like Deb said, such an interesting and beautiful garnment, I like it as it is, with or w/o the belt, and fuchsia clutch is perfect, too! If you trust the WW and&nbsp;have time for alterartion, then you can &nbsp;go that way, too-but dress is a keeper, anyway! love it's neutral color,&nbsp;subtle&nbsp;&nbsp;sheen, and dramatic colar! Very Suz!:-) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress/page/2#post-932692 Wed, 15 May 2013 02:49:51 +0000 Sarah A 932692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The dress color and neck detail look lovely on you. I would probably wear it belted a few times as a "test run" before making alterations. Love Beth Ann's idea of finding a coustumer and Diane's detailed instructions. Brilliant! <br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress/page/2#post-932603 Wed, 15 May 2013 01:22:32 +0000 Jaime 932603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Delighted to see you in the dress Suz! And I am so glad that you are getting such good advice on how to alter it to make it perfect. I love the color and material on you but I see the problem with the fit and I would have no idea how to solve it. I think the idea of the dress is almost a simple shift&nbsp;with all the attention on the shoulder area so whatever can be done to get that effect seems like the right idea. I hope you can get it altered because I think it will be stunning on you!<br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress/page/2#post-932596 Wed, 15 May 2013 01:15:36 +0000 Deborah 932596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz, this dress is beautiful.&nbsp;&nbsp; I see and undertand the need for the alteration but I do really like your styling with the belt.&nbsp; I also would not put&nbsp;a horizontal seam at the waist, but I am not a sewer, and this is based purely on aethetics.&nbsp; I personally think you can wear the dress as is with the belt. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932564 Wed, 15 May 2013 00:27:37 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 932564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It sounds like altering is possible, but I would question whether you wanted the seam at the waist or not. Would you feel compelled to cover the seam with a belt? If so, that's going to change how you'd wear the dress and how it looks. As gorgeous as the neckline and color are on you, I would be tempted to pass it up for a dress or skirt-and-blouse option that doesn't need so much work. <br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932558 Wed, 15 May 2013 00:17:11 +0000 Nicole D 932558@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That is gorgeous on you. &nbsp;I like it belted too, Rae. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932553 Wed, 15 May 2013 00:14:04 +0000 Caro in Oz 932553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gorgeous dress on you.&nbsp;I agree with Gaylene - I don't think the dress would have the same line if it had a straight seam at the waist.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932209 Tue, 14 May 2013 18:39:35 +0000 Gaylene 932209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I totally agree with you, Diane, that shaping the waistline seam would be the way to solve the fit issues without compromising the look and drape of the original. But I'd hate to see that dress just hacked off in the middle and sewn up with a straight horizontal seam that needed to be covered with a belt.<br /><br />Suz, maybe you need to plan an overseas trip? Or at the very least, if you are opting to look for someone closer by to do the alterations, mention Diane's idea of taking up more in the centre of the back and shaping the seam to a bit less on the sides; if the person looks confused, don't leave the dress in his/her hands!<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932162 Tue, 14 May 2013 18:10:13 +0000 CocoLion 932162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have this problem with garments (tops, jackets, dresses) as well. &nbsp;I'm short waisted AND short.<br /><br />I like the dress belted. &nbsp;(If you can't alter). &nbsp;Maybe hunt for a really elegant belt, or shorten the dress and have a belt made with the dress fabric. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932156 Tue, 14 May 2013 18:06:39 +0000 deb 932156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Or you could make a fabulous top out of it. I love the neckline and the color is wonderful on you. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932152 Tue, 14 May 2013 18:02:04 +0000 Anonymous 932152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh how I wish there wasn't a massive ocean and thousands of miles between us. I would fix your dress in no time and retain the shape. I can see in my minds eye how it would work but to articulate is difficult. Whatever you decide to do with it I hope it works out for you. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932084 Tue, 14 May 2013 16:47:24 +0000 Gaylene 932084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with Diane G that the alteration you're considering might be a bit more complicated than just shortening a hem or sleeve length. If the seam allowance was large enough, you could gain an extra inch by letting out the hip area 1/4 inch on the seam allowance, but that wouldn't address the waist length issue.<br /><br />Diane's suggestion is a good route if you want to re-design the dress to incorporate a waist seam and wear the dress belted. My biggest reservation, though, is such alteration would radically change the designer's original vision of how the dress should fall on the body. If the dress was an inexpensive bargain, I'd have no hesitation chopping it up and re-designing it, but I'm a little more cautious when it comes to a designer original. <br /><br />If you want to go with the re-design route, I'd take the time to find a good dressmaker/designer/costumemaker and talk over your options with her/him. IMO the average tailor/seamstress might just slice into the garment to create a horizontal waistline seam without much consideration for how such an alteration would affect the overall drape and look of the dress. It might turn out fine, but it could also be a disaster.<br /><br />It's a tough decision because the top of the dress looks fabulous on you.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932074 Tue, 14 May 2013 16:38:05 +0000 rae 932074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't have anything new, either. I love it belted if you would be ok wearing it only like that. But if you don't mind a waist seam, that would be awesome, too! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932070 Tue, 14 May 2013 16:32:22 +0000 catgirl 932070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You've gotten great advice!&nbsp; Nothing to add except the color is stunning on you, and Shevia is so generous - I benefitted from a pair of sunglasses she sent! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932067 Tue, 14 May 2013 16:30:25 +0000 Suz 932067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Diane - that is super helpful. This is more or less what I was imagining. It's a bit of work to do it, though....oh to be taller!!&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932062 Tue, 14 May 2013 16:20:53 +0000 Anonymous 932062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Whats needed is for the lower half of the zip to be unpicked from waist down. and possibly the side seams from waist down,. then a seam around the waist at the back maybe taking up a bit more in the centre area and shaping to a bit less at the sides. then a seam round the waist at front. Finally the zip needs re-sewing in. Hope this helps you to explain to a tailor. You will need to pop&nbsp;the dress on for a fitting&nbsp;and have them pin around at your waist. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932042 Tue, 14 May 2013 15:51:01 +0000 Suz 932042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, all. And thanks especially to those of you who sew. Diane, that is very interesting what you said; I should take your comments to my seamstress. I'm a bit nervous about trusting her with this particular alteration. She's fine with hems, and taking things in at the sides, but I worry this one might be a bit much for her. It's really a reconstruction job we are talking about, albeit a relatively simple one.&nbsp;<br /><br />CF - I am not sure about the length. That's as high a heel as I would ever wear -- it's a wedge, but almost 3&nbsp;inches. If the dress is cut up in the middle it would by necessity become shorter. While it might be possible to let it out at the low hip a bit, I don't think that would really solve the fit problem, which is that the waist isn't where it should be, proportionately, so there is too much fabric through the body length.&nbsp;It is supposed to fit loose through the waist, however, so I wouldn't want to take it in there. &nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932038 Tue, 14 May 2013 15:45:33 +0000 Angie 932038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wooohooo! Three cheers for Shevia, Suz and Diane! If you can have the frock successfully altered - a hundred thumbs up :)<br /><br />I like #1 and #5 best. <br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932032 Tue, 14 May 2013 15:38:08 +0000 annaj 932032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love it! I'd take it in slightly, so that the skirt is pencil straight, rather than subtle a-line. I think that would make the dress perfect "as is" (in preference to wearing with a belt). Love the colour and the collar/sleeve detail! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932031 Tue, 14 May 2013 15:37:09 +0000 Beth Ann 932031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Taupe!&nbsp; Soft but architectural!&nbsp; Of course it's fab for Suz!<br /><br />Diane has given you some terrific feedback, I think.&nbsp; Do you have a Wonder Woman?&nbsp; I'm working on my own alteration ability, so I can do some of these things myself, but I'm keeping it simple for now -- baby steps.&nbsp; If I have bigger alterations, I'd look for a seamstress who has worked in costuming before I'd try a tailor from a dry cleaner.&nbsp;&nbsp; Costumers are great at thinking outside the box, and know everything about reworking the same garment over for different bodies.<br /><br />Great thinking, Shevia!<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932030 Tue, 14 May 2013 15:35:51 +0000 Anonymous 932030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This dress has that artistic edge. I hope you can get it altered to perfection. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932026 Tue, 14 May 2013 15:22:53 +0000 Eliza 932026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz- I like this color on you and the general shape of the dress with the color is stunning. It clearly needs tweaking to be perfect, but what that is should be left to the finer minds than mine. So many experts have already weighed in on possibilities. It reads quality and simple, understated elegance to me. Hope you can work it in to your life.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932014 Tue, 14 May 2013 15:06:22 +0000 Diana 932014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd keep it. As is, it looks good with the belt, although casual like you said. You would need to alter it to wear it w/o the belt. I'd get an expert opinion because it doesn't look like you can raise the shoulders, so you'd have to create a seam somewhere, I think. I have this problem all the time w/dresses... It's easily fixable on sleeveless things but harder with sleeves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932010 Tue, 14 May 2013 15:01:07 +0000 Debbie 932010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Love the dress. As suggested I would take it to a seamstress and see what she suggest. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932005 Tue, 14 May 2013 14:52:15 +0000 pil 932005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a beautiful dress Shevia and Suz, I hope you can come up with a solution. It probably isn't something you ever use but would shapewear help with the fit through the hips? I prefer it unbelted as the belt seems to draw attention from that fabulous neckline. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-932001 Tue, 14 May 2013 14:46:22 +0000 Anonymous 932001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I definitely think keep and alter. The side view&nbsp;in #2 is helpful because it shows that the dress is actually a little off balance and going forwards with the side seam angling forwards towards the hem. I would suggest if you have a seam put through the waistline that its possible that&nbsp;a bit more needs to come off the back neck to waist length in relation to the front.&nbsp; It is do-able but may need adjusting at the hem as well. I love how you styled it with pink and it suits you. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-931991 Tue, 14 May 2013 14:37:05 +0000 Anonymous 931991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The colour is nice, and the neckline is nice also on you. But I think you will have to do as Shannon says and put a seam in the middle. I don't know if that would detract from the look of the dress.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-dries-dress#post-931941 Tue, 14 May 2013 13:32:59 +0000 Transcona Shannon 931941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a tough one Suz - the color is positively scrumptious on you and I love the subtle sheen of the fabric. I also adore the interesting collar and find it incredibly flattering on you.<br /><br />The top half of the dress fits well but the bottom does not because of where the waist hits, as you've pointed out. Shortening the dress is not the issue. Wonder Woman East could cut the dress in half and take it up at the waist but that would mean you'd then have a seam at the waist, which isn't bad it would just be a different detail. This is what my Wonder Woman did with my blue lace dress - exact same issue where the waist on the dress was too low on my body.