https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:38:21 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1636642 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 14:21:16 +0000 lyn67 1636642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I commiserate with you Peri, but pls. don't give up! Dresses should be easy! Did you tried softly tailored (a few darts only, but not body con!) shift dresses, I find them most flattering of all for a little apple belly, which I do have it, too:-).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1636548 Tue, 29 Mar 2016 05:37:01 +0000 goldenpig 1636548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>From one apple to another, I totally empathize with your dress woes. I was wearing one of my favorite old dresses (the Bailey 44) but just realized in horror after I wore it all day that I look pregnant in it! </p> <p>Definitely try the shirtdress style, either belted or not. I don't always like elastic or tie waists because they tend to fall right at the biggest part of me (shaking my fist at you, DVF!) but I do like belts because I can put them above my apple belly to make it look like I have a waist. Also sheath dresses and fit and flares work well. I do have a big apple belly but I've gotten used to (mostly) being able to hide it. You just have to make sure any waist in the dress is higher at the natural waist and not at the belly button.</p> <p>It's not you, it's just you haven't found the right dress yet, but don't give up! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1636428 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 23:19:49 +0000 elpgal 1636428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Peri, sorry about your dress troubles. Have to echo Shiny in looking for waistband-less dresses or dresses with set in waists. Try the petite section at Boden and AT. Also Eliza J and Tadashi Shoji at Nordstroms. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1636311 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 17:39:57 +0000 Mochi 1636311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh dear. I certainly commiserate. I'm waiting on the arrival of the WHBM dress that supposedly didn't work for you. Not keeping my hopes up, but you never know. Hope you find one that works soon!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1636300 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 16:52:02 +0000 Janet 1636300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Peri, I feel your pain! We have different body types, but I share the difficulty in finding dresses that work for me, especially something simple and casual that doesn't look bland or matronly on me. </p> <p>Keep trying! You'll find something great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1636293 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 16:27:54 +0000 shiny 1636293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Peri, I nixed all those WHBM dresses without even trying them on. I just don't have the hips to carry any of those off.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you are an apple like me, I look for sheath dresses that have no defined waist. I just checked AT as they are the source of many of my favorite sheath dresses, but all the sheaths they have online right now have set-in waistbands. Check back frequently as they nearly always have one or two styles like this.&nbsp;</p> <p>There are lots of dresses out there that have no defined waist but add waist definition by the way they are cut at the sides - gracefully inward at the waist and out again at the hips -- rather than straight down. But without elastic or set-in waistband.&nbsp;</p> <p>My other favorite dress shape is one that has strategic ruching around the waist area.&nbsp;</p> <p>Bonus points for dresses with a pattern that fools the eye around the midsection. Color blocking is great for this.</p> <p>I also like dresses that are intentionally more voluminous around the midsection (like pic 1 in Firecracker's reply). To get these to work, they've got to be sleeveless or have very fitted sleeves, and be on the shorter side to add back in structure in the arms and legs, and/or I can pop on a slim fitting topper to reign in some of the volume.&nbsp;</p> <p>Midi length can be excellent as well -- I'm not sure why, but it seems to draw the eye up and down rather than lingering at the non-existent waist! </p> <p>ETA: also shift dresses can be fantastic, especially if you don't mind going a bit shorter on the length to show off some leg. A shift dress for me is a fit-and-flare for others.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1636256 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 15:12:21 +0000 Roxanna 1636256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey Peri, I am on the shorter side (5'3") and found that every dress I bought with a defined waist didn't fit me properly until I started buying petite. It's so important that the waist (elastic) hit at the right place and that the torso isn't too long. So if you are also on the shorter side, I'd suggest that when looking for dresses with defined waists, try petites? The funny thing is, I don't need petites in anything else - pants or tops - but with dressed, it's a dealbreaker. Might be the same for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1636251 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 14:37:03 +0000 Peri 1636251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the sympathy, <b>Suz, Tonya, Smittie, Bettycrocker, Angie, Style Fan! </b>Good thing about planning ahead...no forced mistakes just to get something. Bad thing about planning ahead...getting bogged down in the hunt for perfection. Or at least high happiness.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Donna, Debbie and Beth Ann</b>, I will try Macy's, and take another look at Lands End. Thanks for all those recommendations. For a skirt-blouse combo though, they always just look so weird on me. I don't have the proportions figured out so I don't find that any easier than the dress hunt.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Vix,</b> I will definitely be taking a closer look at the shirtdress style. I was always passing on those before. But no, I've hunted...no seamstresses. I've heard of one about an hour away, and it may come down to that yet!</p> <p><b>Shiny</b>, IT Apple too. I think my DH and I will never agree. He's always wanting tailored fits and thinks everything needs a belt. All Apples, raise your hands if you like belts. Yeah, didn't think so.&nbsp;</p> <p>On the other hand, <b>Firecracker,</b> very intriguing EF suggestions. I may check some of those out. DH will hate them.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks Fab Women!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1636120 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 02:47:33 +0000 Debbie 1636120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you tried Macy's believe it or not I have had fantastic luck there.<br /> If there is one in your area it might be worth picking through. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1636063 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 00:49:55 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1636063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Peri, I'm sorry to hear your frustration with finding dresses. I forget whether you've tried Eileen Fisher. Her tops have worked so well for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1636060 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 00:45:57 +0000 shiny 1636060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dresses are difficult and I agree with Angie that you can't trust how they look on the hanger. Once you figure out what looks best on you, it's easy to add more. I went from someone who never wore dresses to someone who wears dresses more often than not. I am an IT / apple figure so anything with elastic or defined waist I skip right past automatically now. I have excellent luck with RL and AT dresses in particular.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1636056 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 00:41:28 +0000 Style Fan 1636056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dresses are very difficult to fit.&nbsp; I never realized that until now.&nbsp; I am also looking for a dress for my stepson's wedding in late August.&nbsp; Very discouraging.&nbsp; </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1636047 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 00:21:45 +0000 Beth Ann 1636047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh ---- and check out Land's End for dresses! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1636046 Mon, 28 Mar 2016 00:21:22 +0000 Beth Ann 1636046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Drat! &nbsp;I love dresses, but I find them hard to shop for at the moment, too. &nbsp;I've decided to consider 2 piece dressing. If you're thinking of a dress to wear for visiting hours and funerals, or for a serious daytime performance, I think a skirt and dressy blouse can work just as well. &nbsp;Of course, then you have to find two items instead of one, but fit would be a tad easier, and you'd be able to multiply the useful of each item. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1636005 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 21:57:13 +0000 DonnaF 1636005@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you!!!&nbsp; In MY dress search for fit and flattery, I am also looking for machine washable and non-black, so that disqualifies like 80 or 90% of what's out there, lol.&nbsp; But since I am short and long-waisted, I am also expanding my search to Regular sizes (vs Petite), so that opens up some options.&nbsp; If I were really serious about finding a dress, I would look at Macy's which seems to carry a lot of dresses.&nbsp; Have you looked there? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1635904 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 16:49:53 +0000 Vix 1635904@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Peri --</p> <p>Since you liked the shirtdress-at-the-top look, have you checked out any of the silk shirtdresses? Nordstrom Rack continually has a lot of the Equipment ones (various styles) on pretty deep discount. The DVF show up now and then.</p> <p>I think a smaller, even print would be quite suitable for even the most serious occasions -- but they have solids too. Those *can* go a bit drab IMO but I have no doubt you'd be able to keep them chic. You'd probably have to do a half-camisole to deal with the deep armhole thing on sleeveless versions....</p> <p>It's been a while since I trotted out my broken record, but have you considered going custom? You're easy in that you have some styles you know work, you just can't get the fit. Surely there's a Diane (or a Firecracker who sews professionally!) in your area? You could ask for recommendations at bridal shops, fabric stores etc.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1635888 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 15:27:34 +0000 Anonymous 1635888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry to hear about your bad luck. At least you're not making the mistake of buying things that aren't going to fit or work for you. Those things can stay in the store and you can move on. Good luck in your future searches. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1635886 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 15:21:08 +0000 Angie 1635886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rotten luck, Peri. Glad you learned something too, so it's not all in vain.&nbsp;</p> <p>FWIW, I'd have liked to see #3 on. It may not have been too clingy by our standards since you're used to wearing very loose fits on the bottom daily (wide black pants). That is something to consider. If you're looking for a "pass for serious" dress, this is not it. Too casual and playful.&nbsp;</p> <p>Fit &amp; Flares are best on curved figures with defined waistlines - hence #4 worked really well on Tanya. You need to go up a size to get the top part of the bodice to fit, which creates a bad fit everywhere else. It does make sense.&nbsp;</p> <p>Although an elastic waist "hints" at a fit and flare silhouette, it's usually more forgiving on the midsection when the pouf is subtly voluminous and the elastic hits the body in the right place.&nbsp;</p> <p>Shirt dresses are another way to go. They can be straight, fitted at the waist, or voluminous.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've never fired a client, and don't intend to either!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1635879 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 15:05:10 +0000 Anonymous 1635879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well you seem to have a bit of a sense of humor about your fails, so that's good. It's just such a strike-out-prone activity, shopping for dresses, so best to have the attitude of "I'll be excited if I find something" rather than having high expectations going in...or you can figure out a dress shape or a brand that you know works for you, and stick to that.</p> <p>I have not managed to find a dress that fits this year, despite trying on a few every time I go shopping. The shoulders, waist, and hip are all off. I then put my jeans back on and breath a sigh of relief because I do look good in jeans, thank goodness there's that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1635789 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 04:13:42 +0000 Tanya 1635789@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am sorry that none of the dresses worked out for you, Peri.&nbsp; Dresses are hard for me too.&nbsp; For what it is worth, the final one fit me perfectly and I may get it in the future.&nbsp; Different bodies need different dresses, I guess. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1635773 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 03:09:38 +0000 Suz 1635773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, Peri. That is tough luck. It's hard to go shopping and come up with nothing but nos.&nbsp;</p> <p>But I think there is something really great here. You are extremely clear on your dislikes. And you're learning about a few more *likes* including some you would not have expected. Trying on and failing is frustrating but it is the only way to learn these things.&nbsp;</p> <p>In my first year on YLF I don't know how many fails I had. (And more than I'd like to admit were worse fails than this, because I talked myself into buying and then hated the item or couldn't figure out how to style it so it languished and I lost money and self-respect...or else it was a thrift or consignment item that felt shabby to me after the second wear.)&nbsp;</p> <p>With enough "tries" you eventually find the maker that works for your body and needs.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/continuing-failure-in-the-dress-hunt#post-1635763 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 02:47:26 +0000 Peri 1635763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Apologies to Angie, I have to disagree. All dresses look much better on the hanger than they do on me! I tried the ones below with a 100% fail rate. I guess they are not quite what I was looking for anyway...I want a "ready for the serious occasion where last minute shopping would be awful" dress, and these are more party than what I really need. Still, if one of them had been great I would have kept it happily. They weren't.</p> <p>1) This is where I actually learned something, so that's good. I really liked the shirt dress type look of the top part, and that is something I hadn't considered before. The fail was the elastic waistband not hitting me in the right place and puffing out the fabric above the waist like a parachute. It might be worth trying petite instead, but I don't think I will re-order.<br />2) I just don't like the fabric. It isn't soft and drapey lace like it appears, it is about as stiff as cardboard.&nbsp;<br />3) Sorry Angie, but no. I found this very clingy in the rear view, not for me.&nbsp;<br />4) This one has potential, but it did that thing I asked about last week, where it is quite tight in the bust but sticks out under the arms. That still doesn't make a lot of sense to me but I might consider trying a larger size and then tailoring...I think I saw this one in the store. This one comes the closest to the "pass for serious" vibe I'm looking for. It does have one big issue...the fabric is very heavy and yet it is sleeveless. Too hot for summer and too sleeveless for cooler weather. It would always need a topper to get any wear in my climate.</p> <p>Yes, I am the worst, most picky hard to please shopper alive. Angie would fire me I'm sure. I bet I would be her first fail.&nbsp;</p>