https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 30 May 2026 02:02:59 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses/page/2#post-692992 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 22:50:45 +0000 shiny 692992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks... it isn't offered in the next size up, and is almost sold out. But anyway I am now realizing sizing up is probably not going to fix this: I realized that there is a seam running through my breasts... that I only notice looking at the pictures (my bedroom mirror is too dark). Looking at the pic on the model, I see now this should go UNDER the chest... and there's just no underwire in the world that would lift my breasts up high enough to accomplish this.. I tried today... and I don't think sizing up would work, or even a regular. </p> <p>This dress, FYI, is designed for an A cup, I think. Which I'm not. So it's going back. :-(</p> <p>Too bad because I DID like this color -- I was envisioning it with that belt and red shoes or bag... I also like the scoop neck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692962 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 22:05:11 +0000 Angie 692962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look fantastic in olive, Jennifer! To my eye, the green dress looks a tad tight on top. I would love to see a size up because I think it has killer potential. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692706 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 15:41:31 +0000 shiny 692706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Angie. Looking at the photos, I might size up in the olive dress. I ordered it online (it's online only offering). I don't mind body-con for going out, but I'd likely get more use (where to work) if it was a size bigger. Not to mention to accommodate for inevitable weight fluctuations. </p> <p>Do you think the dress would work one size up? Or not bother? I.e., is it the silhouette you aren't crazy about, the color, or the fit? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692668 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 15:02:29 +0000 Angie 692668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW, I find the shape of the black dress more flattering than the olive dress! </p> <p>Keep the length on the black dress. You have plenty of shorter dresses so this makes for a nice change. But you might like to taper the side seams (from lower hip to hem) a little to create more curve on the bottom. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692630 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 14:09:34 +0000 Beth Ann 692630@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm late to this party, but I just wanted to say that I think your rock the midi length! The dress is classic and sleek, and all one color, so I think this would be a perfect way for you to explore the trend. A longer midi skirt with a contrasting top might indeed make you seem ultra-petite, but this is quite lengthening as it is. Give it a whirl! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692452 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 03:41:51 +0000 shiny 692452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aida, check! I will challenge myself to wear the dress with flats, not just heels. </p> <p>Which is good, because I threw my back out yesterday and have spent 95% of the day flat on my back nursing it...and I should probably wear flats for the next week just to be safe... </p> <p>Now let's hope the weather isn't 90 degrees this week, because this dress is a tad too hot for that, since it is lined. And I do not have any in-office (frigid AC) days planned. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692451 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 03:37:46 +0000 shiny 692451@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deborah, this is what I get for not following the blog close enough for awhile.. and it's why I came back. To acclimate my eye to new trends. </p> <p>Those blog posts -- first thought was "oh so wonderfully 1940s!" And that is one of my favorite fashion decades. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692450 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 03:36:25 +0000 Aida 692450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I think that flat/unexpected shoes really does wonders for making the midi length look current. Especially for us shorties. Personally, it makes me feel like I'm showing that I know what it takes to look modern, and so what if I'm short? Can't wait to see you style this gorgeous dress! (And thanks for the compliment!)</p> <p>EDIT: Added one more with oxfords, one of my favorite unexpected shoe choices! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692449 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 03:34:08 +0000 shiny 692449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW Aida! Just wow! Love all your looks!</p> <p>Yes, this does look fresh and modern.</p> <p>Okay, I'm sold. I will wear this dress a few times at least, before committing to alteration. Now if only I could find some booties.... </p> <p>I may start off by duplicating your #6, because I have some awesome cobalt suede pumps... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692447 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 03:30:36 +0000 Deborah 692447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For shoes, I think you could do tall boots, ankle booties, Ballet flats, pumps, the world is your oyster. I am at work so can't add any pictures but have a look at these blog posts from Angie:</p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/2011/09/28/footwear-for-midi-length-skirts-and-dresses/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2011/09/.....d-dresses/</a></p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/2011/04/08/how-to-wear-midi-skirts-and-dresses/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2011/04/.....d-dresses/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692445 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 03:29:35 +0000 Aida 692445@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You could wear tall heels, of course, but also kitten heels, wedges, tall boots, short boots, even flats (ballet, loafers, oxfords...). I've worn all of these with my midi length skirts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692437 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 03:13:23 +0000 shiny 692437@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have me leaning towards wearing #2 as is, at least a few times, before committing to alteration. Because I'm lazy I'd probably do the same for the cap sleeve dress as well.</p> <p>Second question: what shoes with a midi? If you have similar length dress can you please post or link to posts with styling -- particularly shoes -- ideas? It really may just be my eye that isn't used to it. </p> <p>I do love the outfit Angie wore in her blog post with the skirt that is the banner for this month. It's just that, to my eye, her skirt is narrower than this sheath. If I kept the length, I still might find myself wanting to taper it in -- just slightly, not too much. </p> <p>But yes I will give it a try a few times. </p> <p>Thank you all - it is so great to have extra eyes and opinions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692428 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 03:02:30 +0000 Aida 692428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WELL #2 is just stunning! I adore the length, and I am a fellow shortie I agree with QM that you may as well wear this sheathe a few times at the midi length before deciding what you want to do with it; if you DO end up shortening, I would vote on the knee (in the middle). I also quite like #1 as-is, but slimming the sleeves would be okay too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692399 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 02:21:58 +0000 KathyL 692399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a fellow petite at 5' nothing and I don't feel like that length of midis is flattering on me. I would vote to hem it. I like the cap sleeves in the first dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692394 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 02:06:25 +0000 catgirl 692394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I'd keep the second dress at midi length - you can always shorten if the midi looks fades away. And I'd chop the cap sleeves, though I don't see anything unflattering. It's more that antsy feeling I get when I feel my shoulders confined by fabric that way. Free the shoulders! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692373 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 01:40:46 +0000 Jaime 692373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love #2 as is, but am also a midi fan these days. Because you look so stunning sleeveless, I am in favor of removing the sleeves in #1 - it looks fine as is but I think it will go up a notch sleeveless. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692342 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 01:03:46 +0000 Deborah 692342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I cannot believe you haven't worn #2. That is a stunning LBD! I love the midi length on you, it is sophisticated and elegant and the boots add a bit of a 'cool' factor, but pumps would look wonderful also. Please wear and enjoy. In my wardrobe that dress would be a work horse:)</p> <p>I like #1as is cap sleeves and all. But I understand if you feel better in the dress without them. </p> <p>Shiny, I am thinking I may have found my style twin:) I am just over 5" not quite 5"1. Your style resonates with me and your recent postings have been quite similar to some of my work outfits. I have versions of both these dresses in my wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692309 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:20:17 +0000 Suz 692309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My eye has completely adjusted to midi lengths and I far prefer the dress at its current length. LOVE. That is gorgeous sophistication. You look so wonderful! </p> <p>I do understand. I'm a bit taller than you but only by a few inches and I also feel that as a rule, "at the knee" looks best on me. But if I wear a heel or a wedge I think a midi can work beautifully. And I have really enjoyed wearing midis in the past season or two. </p> <p> I do hear what you are saying about flats. I just wouldn't wear it with flats, in that case! (Said by a person who only does low-ish heels because she walks everywhere.) </p> <p>I think the sleeve on #1 look fine on you, but if you'll feel better by making it sleeveless, that will look wonderful, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692306 Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:15:14 +0000 sarah 692306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I actually like the cap sleeves, but I know I'm an outlier around here as far as cap sleeves are concerned, and it would look great sleeveless, as well. I like the midi length - it looks more fashion-forward to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692289 Sun, 12 Aug 2012 23:57:56 +0000 Clarissa 692289@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since you say you are 5', as am I, I would get the black dress hemmed unless you plan to wear heels 3 inches or above. I always wear flats except for special events, so I would go with the shorter length. I am a teen though so I don't know if you think that's too short for your age but I think it will be fine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692279 Sun, 12 Aug 2012 23:50:29 +0000 Anonymous 692279@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dress 2 looks absolutely perfect as a midi! Please do wear it, it looks great on you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692276 Sun, 12 Aug 2012 23:49:29 +0000 Lyn D. 692276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I am older than you and didn't like to show my knees for years, till a fashion stylist pointed out that knees are well- just knees! (and when you are 70ish you will look back and wish you showed them more when you were middle-aged!)<br /> When I look at dress length I look at the whole silhouette , and would only be a little judgemental if I was seeing a lot more than knees showing on someone 40+. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692273 Sun, 12 Aug 2012 23:44:54 +0000 Transcona Shannon 692273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm all for removing the cap sleeves in dress #1 Shiny. Although it looks fine (I don't see any shoulder problems to speak of), it might be more versatile without the cap sleeves as it would fit better under sweater or blazers.</p> <p>I love #2 as is and wouldn't change a thing. I love the midi length and find it more modern to my eye. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692271 Sun, 12 Aug 2012 23:42:08 +0000 Queen Mum 692271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>#1- yes, remove the cap sleeves for instant sex appeal </p> <p>#2- I'm torn. I'm trying to look at the longer length through the eyes of sophistication, but I really prefer it a bit shorter... especially with boots. If you plan to wear with pumps, that could be a different story.</p> <p>But declawed's suggestion makes sense. What do you have to lose by wearing it a few times as is and see how you feel? You can always shorten it later, but you'd hate to regret not leaving as is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692260 Sun, 12 Aug 2012 23:32:10 +0000 Anonymous 692260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love #2 as is. Perfection to my eye! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692251 Sun, 12 Aug 2012 23:22:10 +0000 DeclawedJaguar 692251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also like dress number 2 as is. The length is flattering and modern. Do you think you could try wearing it as is, just to see how it feels? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692241 Sun, 12 Aug 2012 22:58:24 +0000 shiny 692241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You think the longer length looks sophisticated, Kari? Hmmmm.... maybe I'm just getting stuck because I know this is a regular, not a petite? For a regular, it fits just fine elsewhere, waist is at the right spot, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692238 Sun, 12 Aug 2012 22:54:07 +0000 shiny 692238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lyn, I vacillate on skirt/dress length. Since I'm only 5', I do tend to think a little above the knee is most flattering to my height. But then I think "I'm 47 years old -- who wants to see my aging knees? I should be more modest!" At the knee strikes the right note between those two, so most of my dresses are that length. But then, when I want to wear flats, to my eye it looks better with a dress a bit shorter. </p> <p>Actually looking at the pics again, I probably hiked #2 up too far. I might not go that high. Although since the neckline provides modest coverage, maybe I would show a bit of leg?</p> <p>You are right: it's gone unworn but not for lack of trying. I've put this on several times... and taken it right back off again to choose a different dress instead. It is a VERY comfortable dress. The fabric is luscious. I have reached for this on occasions when I wanted a more modest neckline (like work). I just keep getting hung up by the hem length!! Then again, midi's haven't been in style. That's why I'm now pausing ... maybe I just need to get over that? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692236 Sun, 12 Aug 2012 22:52:21 +0000 Kari 692236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I think that though you carry off cap sleeves quite well, if altering dress #1 will make you feel secure, do it. Celia actually altered a dress of her own that's quite similar to yours to remove the cap sleeves; I saw it in person and she looked GREAT!</p> <p>I actually like #2 as a midi length dress. I'm rather drawn to longer lengths these days. The length in #3 doesn't seem at all bad, though; it's just that to me there is something extra special about the divine fit of #2, and the length makes it look quite sophisticated. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/alter-or-not-a-tale-of-two-dresses#post-692229 Sun, 12 Aug 2012 22:44:36 +0000 Lyn D. 692229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Shiny,<br /> when I first saw dress 1 I thought it was fine as it is. Seeing you without sleeves in pic 2 makes me lean toward altering though because I see only lovely shoulders and arms, definitely not broad at all!<br /> I also quite like the length of dress 2 as is, especially for cooler weather- BUT if it is unworn after 2 years there is a reason, and if altering means this great dress gets worn then go for it! </p>