https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 02:34:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster/page/2#post-1306660 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 23:54:13 +0000 DonnaF 1306660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Are all your dresses washable?&nbsp; If something is DCO other than skirts and jackets, I tend not to wear them.&nbsp; I save them for. . .what?&nbsp; Becoming out of date?&nbsp; But knowing that old habits die hard, I pretty much won't buy anything, even non-leather jackets, unless it is washable.&nbsp; So if these were my dresses, I would cull the DCO ones if I thought that factor was keeping me from wearing them or would cause me to yell at my kids for getting me dirty. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster/page/2#post-1306217 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 17:14:18 +0000 Neel 1306217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you AviaMariah! I think that's a great suggestion and I am going to do exactly that.</p> <p>Rachy - You made me laugh! I don't think I am ready for that approach just yet </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster/page/2#post-1306202 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 16:47:06 +0000 rachylou 1306202@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have a lot of nice dresses! I'd save a number of the ones shown, for better or worse. But let's go with the severe approach... purge all except #13. #13 is trendy, so I'd keep through the summer at least. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster/page/2#post-1306096 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 15:09:49 +0000 AviaMariah 1306096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't read the other's posts. &nbsp;You have a great eye for picking out dresses. &nbsp;After just a quick flip-through my favorites are #11 &nbsp;&amp; #15 &nbsp; . &nbsp;I think you should make a point to wear them all in the next few months and evaluate the dress after wearing it for a day. &nbsp;If it "bugged" you somehow during the day, ditch it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster/page/2#post-1306075 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 14:53:27 +0000 Neel 1306075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow Suz! Thank you for writing such a detailed and well thought out post. You really gave me a lot of questions to ponder over. And I don't even know why and for what occasions I bought these dresses. I think my thought process was something like *I look pretty in this ..... I have the money....let's buy* when I decided to buy them! And the fact that none of them are pricey individually (everything there is below 30$) . but collectively I have squandered much more than I would have if I had bought a few perfectly flattering occasion appropriate dresses like you did.</p> <p>I have already purged 1 and 2 based on feedback here. I didn't get around to altering the dresses that seem big on the top because I never had any occasion to wear them (they are with tags)! I do love all the dresses and I think my only option now would be to wear the heck out of them, so as not to feel as guilty. I have to stop saving them for a *better* occasion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster/page/2#post-1305949 Thu, 17 Jul 2014 12:39:31 +0000 Suz 1305949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay. I missed this yesterday somehow.&nbsp;</p> <p>First, you look sensational in every one of these! As others have said, no one would ever guess you're not a dress girl. Also, I respectfully disagree with T about the flats with the dresses she mentioned. With your slender legs you wear this look exceptionally well.&nbsp;</p> <p>Now. Here is what I would do in your position. I would first take out any dress that doesn't fit right. (Okay -- you can keep if it can&nbsp;<b>REALLY</b>&nbsp;be easily be altered to fit. But first, think:&nbsp;If those alterations are so easy, and you love the dress so much,&nbsp;why haven't you done them yet? If you love it so much you&nbsp;<b>want to wear it right now</b> -- that's when you know you should buy (or keep) something. And if you want to wear it right now, you will fix it so it is wearable.&nbsp;</p> <p>Assuming that you get rid of a few on that basis, then which ones give you super high happiness factor? Toss out any that do not.&nbsp;</p> <p>With whatever is left, think about the <b>TYPE</b> of dress you need and will actually wear. Below are the types of dress that I can and do tend to use often enough to justify a place in my closet. Your needs will be different, but maybe it will give you some sense of how to decide.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Special occasion dress.</b> I need at least one for summer and for winter. If I had more special occasions, I might need more. But this type of fancy event is rare in my life.&nbsp;</p> <p>(1) My&nbsp;summer one is on the sexy side (cocktail dress) and can be used for date nights on the rare occasion we go somewhere dressy. (2)&nbsp;My winter one is sleeved and more sober and could go to a funeral or but it flatters me enough that it can also go to&nbsp;a winter wedding or similar.&nbsp;I probably wouldn't wear it to a cocktail type reception in winter or on a date night,&nbsp;but my dates and winter events&nbsp;tend to be super casual anyway (and I have some sparkly tops for the holiday season when they might be dressier).&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Casual, MOTG dress.</b>&nbsp;(3,4, 5)&nbsp;This is the kind of dress I can just throw on for errands, going to dentist or doctor, meeting my daughter's teacher, inviting friends over, going out for lunch with friends,&nbsp;or even an "at home" date with Mr. Suz, i.e. a night when we have supper on our own without the kid and watch a movie together.&nbsp;</p> <p>The summer ones need to be cool, breezy, easy to wash. (3, 4)&nbsp;The winter ones tend to be jersey, easy to "top" up with a denim or other jacket or a sweater. I like to have at least two summer dresses of this type and one winter dress of this type. (I wear fewer dresses in winter.)&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Travel worthy dress. </b>&nbsp;(6,7, 8)&nbsp;There might be overlap with the MOTG category or even the occasion category&nbsp;here. But usually it will be jersey or a knit. I can wear on the plane, layered over and/or under. I can wear on trains, in the car, on buses. It will work with lots of different kinds of footwear.&nbsp;</p> <p>At the moment, I have three of these. One is more "dressy" (a Kamalikulture ruched sheath) (8) yet I can throw it into a suitcase without worry about wrinkles. My other two are sleeveless shift type dresses that can be easily worn with tops under them as well as worn sleeveless with or without a topper. One's black and one is navy; very plain -- I can accessorize the yin/yang out of them. (6/7)&nbsp;</p> <p>I also currently have a sundress/ special occasion day dress for summer -- because my main special occasion summer dress is so dressy, I have a pretty cotton dress that could take me to a daytime wedding or similar or to a casual date night. (9)</p> <p>And those are my categories. Any extras, I know I won't wear, so I purge them. I could actually stand to purge a couple of these. I only wore the black jersey one in 7 twice or three times last fall/ winter and not at all in the summer (it's almost a year round dress for me -- but has seen a <b>LOT</b> of wear in other years and is showing its age). &nbsp;I rarely wear the blue knit in #6, either. And have not yet had occasion to wear the sundress in #9, which is starting to look a bit dated to me. So it might be on the chopping block.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster/page/2#post-1305293 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 18:18:01 +0000 Neel 1305293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Peri! I jump to the pics too .... always :D. Going forward I wont look at dresses .. I promise </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1305282 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 18:11:59 +0000 Neel 1305282@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am wowed by the responses ... Thank you so much everyone! I have read each response and I think the common agreement is that 1,2 (Both were bought 3 years back) need to go. And they are going :)</p> <p>Since many love 3 on me, I have to mention that it was a gift from MIL :)</p> <p>Rute - I don't work! I am a SAHM. I know what you are thinking. Lol!</p> <p>Deb - DH dislikes 13 too! Thinks the hi low is very dramatic. But I kind of like it. I would probably put it in the holding zone.</p> <p>Diana - The sheaths are the ones that I find a wee bit hard to style without feeling officey! I really need to bring that number down. Great eye!</p> <p>Texstyle - Today a lot of my dresses made me look 10 weeks pregnant! I have no clue why. But I could wear shapewear with the dress so it looks better.</p> <p>E - I haven't thought about leggings as option. I should. Thank you.</p> <p>Thank you once again all for chiming in! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1305256 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 17:52:43 +0000 Peri 1305256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So I always look at pictures first...impatient I guess...and I was clicking through pictures looking for the disaster, and loving every single one on you. I was prepping a scolding answer in my head about how fantastic you look and to quit being so hard on yourself!!!</p> <p>So, should have read first, the disaster is just having more dresses than you need. Okay, can't help you there! Seriously, I don't see a toss in the bunch. If you could return, I'd get picky, but if not it is just a lesson for the future. Seems like you have dress needs covered so direct your attention to other holes.</p> <p>But yeah, no wonder you buy them. You look great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1305165 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 15:33:43 +0000 Aziraphale 1305165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look so cute in dresses! I can see why you keep buying them. :-)</p> <p>#1 --&nbsp;Cute dress; belt too low.</p> <p>I particularly like dresses # 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, and 14. You look HOT in #9 especially. ;-)</p> <p>Least flattering, at least based on a single image, is #12. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1305155 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 15:25:00 +0000 Gracie 1305155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In order, I like best: 11, 10 and 3. I Love the cut and color of 11 – modern and flattering. 10 and 3 are so feminine and show your figure to advantage. My least favorites are 13 and 2.&nbsp; Good luck – let us know which ones survive the purge! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1305138 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 15:08:51 +0000 E 1305138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>&nbsp;Love the shape of 8, 9, 10, and 14. You look SO good with that fitted&nbsp;higher waistband (which is among my least flattering shapes ever, so I will admire it on you): really stunning. And any type of skirt, from fitted to full, looks great on you &nbsp;when coming from that type of waist. Just stunning! You look like a movie star in all of those dresses. (And don’t need any shape wear.)</div><div><br /></div><div>I like 3 &amp; 4 the most from your casual options. I don’t think 1 &amp; 2 are as flattering to you as a lot of the other dresses: something about the colour/fabric/shape combination doesn’t make me go ‘Wow.’ (Though you do look good in that shade of pink.)</div><div><br /></div><div>The rest look good on you, as you wear dresses well. I just saw your reply re: why you don’t wear dresses…what about trying some of them over leggings/churidars? That might make them more sporty (obviously for casual wear). But if even that doesn’t work, perhaps only keep your favourite occasion dresses?</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1305134 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 15:03:01 +0000 texstyle 1305134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>3,4,8 and 10-16 all seem pretty great to me. The others I'm not as sure about, but I'm not sure I can articulate exactly why. I guess I'm not crazy about the mint *and* lace combination in 2. Number 1 just seems a bit off in the fit. 9 is a bit fitted in the tummy but it is a pretty style and it's not like your tummy is anything to worry about, it's just that I'm personally self-conscious about that.</p> <p>You wear dresses really well so I can see why you've been attracted to acquiring them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1305110 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 14:47:17 +0000 Diana 1305110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My faves are 3,8, and 13. Not wild about 14 - that baby doll style seems a little young and dated. I think is prefer #1 without the belt. </p> <p>And a general question. Are you a sheath dress kind of girl? Do you wear them in everyday life? Because I am NOT, at all. I only wear them for dressy occasions. I find them too fussy/self conscious/constricting for daily wear. Anyway, if you are like me I think you should think about how many sheath dresses you really need since I see several here... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1305102 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 14:42:48 +0000 Mo 1305102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have much input on which are best to keep beyond agreeing that 1 and 2 seem off. &nbsp;I did want to congratulate you on taking the time and breaking down the dress category and tackling it head on!!&nbsp;<br />I so hear you on only being able to wear each dress once a year at the rate of wear vs the number you have in the closet. &nbsp;I am also a member of 3 wears or less on some of mine. &nbsp;But I'm happy to say I only have one not worn, and it's more for the funeral capsule, so if I never wear it, that is good news!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1305084 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 14:14:36 +0000 carambola 1305084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Neel, you wear dresses so well. My favorites are 3, 4, 7, 10, and 11. I think 4 and 7 look modern and fresh with flats and seem easy to dress up or down with jackets and shoes.&nbsp;</p> <p>Since you said this is ruthless culling season,&nbsp;I&nbsp;don't think the black cami under 1 and 2 quite works, and since you also said&nbsp;that you don't feel your best&nbsp;in those,&nbsp;I vote purge them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1305081 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 14:11:24 +0000 jackiec 1305081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL I am also&nbsp;<i>so guilty&nbsp;</i>of shopping for my fantasy life!!!</p> <p>I have to run but will say that I LOVE #3 - the longer sleeved dress on you. Wowza!</p> <p>And that black and white rendition that you posted a photo of with the denim jacket is fantastic. I think you can style up any of these dresses in your own way, when you have the time and energy. I do prefer some over the others but will stop at saying #3 is outstanding in my book.</p> <p>Good work! Very inspirational Neel </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1305080 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 14:11:18 +0000 Thirkellgirl 1305080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think 10, 14, and 15 are the best! No matter what else goes, #1 should go...it doesn't show off your cute shape! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1305043 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 13:35:31 +0000 Neel 1305043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I take a nana nap (I can see a sore throat coming) .... And I have 14 posts to read :D. You girls rock!</p> <p>First to answer Janet and Shannon (and an aha moment) I definitely don't feel my super best in *some* of these dresses. Looking at 1 and 2. Now the overall comfort level in dresses is much lower than pants for me. I feel *sexy and prim* in dresses. So when the ocassion calls for it I do love to wear it (for parties or say dressy occasions) But on regular days my lifestyle is pretty on the sporty and comfy side. Which is probably why pants are part of my FFBOs and not dresses. That said, I do feel comfortable in dresses.</p> <p>Now let me down a coffee into my system and get back to each post! So much to ponder! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1305013 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 13:08:37 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1305013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good for you for going through the dresses Neel and doing a purge of those that aren't working.</p> <p>Now to the ones you have posted - technically you look great in all of them. You wear dresses so well. Like Janet, I'm curious how you <i>feel</i> in them and what your happiness factor is. I'm not crazy about the style or fit of 2, 12, 14 and 16. My favorites are 3, 10 and 11 - great fit and fabulous styles on you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1305007 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:52:21 +0000 T 1305007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>#4 looks amazing in the second image you shared with jacket. You look really good!&nbsp;I change my mind on that to keep! :)&nbsp;<br />For #1, I guess you could wait to see what others have to say as well. I would wear a fun, printed bra (with polka dots) in pink or some other fun lacy&nbsp;print to offset the deep neck. Like Angie says "it is just a bra!" but then you need to feel comfortable in what you wear, so go with your gut feel.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1305005 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:50:42 +0000 fuzzylogic 1305005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sooooo jealous of your fab dresses! Why don't you wear dresses often?</p> <p>I super-love #3, 8,9,10,15. Not so keen on 1,2. Everything else looks to fit well and is in between! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1305003 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:46:34 +0000 Janet 1305003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Neel, I only looked through very quickly for the moment (I'll come back later), but my honest first impression is that you do not look as comfortable and confident in a lot of these dresses as you do in some of the amazing outfits you've posted with pants, shorts, etc. I only had to see the first photo before that thought entered my mind. </p> <p>They're fine but how do you FEEL putting each one of these on? You've put together some really, really cool outfits with your separates, and I'm not sure these dresses are up to the same level. I hope that doesn't sound harsh, but since you said you have no sentiment about these dresses, I'm pushing you a little bit. </p> <p>With all that said, I probably need to take another hyper-critical look at my own dress mess. 19 sleeveless summer dresses and 12 sleeved f/w dresses. Plus a couple of special occasion dresses in the extra closet. Just so you know you have company. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1304996 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:34:21 +0000 amiable 1304996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh - terrific exercise! &nbsp;I think I should do this really soon with dresses (and probably skirts) too. &nbsp;I wonder if I'll get some time for pis in good light....<br />I trust others' opinions more than mine on these things, but my favorite dresses are 13 and 16. &nbsp;3 is also super fun.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1304989 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:24:01 +0000 Anonymous 1304989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, I think you need to wear your dresses more because you look great in them and dresses rule! Maybe start out with a few of the day dresses since they're easiest to throw on and you don't need an "excuse" to wear them.</p> <p>Second, I really like a lot of these on you. After a quick look, #1 and #8 stood out as possibly candidates for purging. I especially like 3, 4, 5, 10, 13, and 16. 4 in particular looks like something that can dress up and down really easily. And I really want to see 13 with metallic shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1304971 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:08:24 +0000 Anonymous 1304971@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really, really like them a lot on you. &nbsp;You say that in your fantasy life you are a dress girl? &nbsp;Maybe you are in real life too. &nbsp;I would suggest keeping them and making yourself wear one dress per week until one day you are reaching for them all the time. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1304962 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 11:52:31 +0000 deb 1304962@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My fave is #3. I do not think #13&nbsp; is still in style. You look&nbsp;so good&nbsp;in dresses and should wear them often. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1304950 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 11:29:27 +0000 rute 1304950@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>don't you wear dresses to work?<br />6 to 12 are perfect to the office!<br />You look amazing in dresses. Keep them all and wear those dresses!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1304948 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 11:26:47 +0000 Anonymous 1304948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, exactly Neel. I think the right footwear could really change the vibe of some of the dresses. I think you need to play a little more before any final decisions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/analysing-the-dress-disaster#post-1304943 Wed, 16 Jul 2014 11:15:59 +0000 Neel 1304943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diane - I did wonder if I looked lie a little kid in many of these fit and flare dresses o_O. But I can toughen them up with sneaks/boots for footwear. And with leather jacket/vest in winter. I wonder why I bought officey dresses! </p>