https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 04:58:03 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress/page/2#post-1135800 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 01:33:03 +0000 ManidipaM 1135800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ATLynn, thank you!</p> <p>IMJ, thanks! Afraid I don't wear rust but am on a long-term quest for tan boots :-)</p> <p>Meli, thanks! Rute pointed to the leggings too so will not wear again. Do plan to try red tights and see. I don't want to change the length though. Knee-length tends to look a little 'little girl' on my frame and in mu cultural context combined.</p> <p>L'Abeille, the oxfords are a GREAT reminder, thanks. ::smacks forehead:: Can't believe I didn't think of them as 'my ballet flats' above! Actually, a dress just always seems easier to throw on to me. And since I have to demand the same skills of a top anyway... The big white shirt has great appeal too but would be perhaps a bit impractical for everyday. Well, I would if I already had one hanging about but in this case I would have to buy one and I can't justify it just now. Cardigan shape: taking notes Don't have a hoodie but, hmm, tracksuit jacket? Will see if that works.</p> <p>April, those look lovely, thank you. I especially like the heathered grey. Will have to look for similar near home.</p> <p>Pil, yes, thanks! That was one of the attractions, the camouflage. And I absolutely will try the mummy cardi when it's a bit less chilly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress/page/2#post-1135781 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 01:12:38 +0000 pil 1135781@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The dress is very flattering on you and the pattern looks to be very forgiving for little mishaps. Am I being ridiculous in asking if the sweater your mother knit would work with this? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress/page/2#post-1135678 Sat, 11 Jan 2014 00:09:08 +0000 April 1135678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some knit motos:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.6pm.com/nic-zoe-knit-moto-jacket-real-teal-heather">http://www.6pm.com/nic-zoe-kni.....al-heather</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.6pm.com/calvin-klein-moto-jacket-dahlia">http://www.6pm.com/calvin-klein-moto-jacket-dahlia</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.6pm.com/kut-from-the-kloth-french-terry-moto-black">http://www.6pm.com/kut-from-th.....moto-black</a></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.6pm.com/nic-zoe-knit-moto-jacket-night-shade">http://www.6pm.com/nic-zoe-kni.....ight-shade</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress/page/2#post-1135612 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 22:46:49 +0000 L'Abeille 1135612@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brava for even trying to wear a dress when still nursing--that is so hard to manage I think.</p> <p>I like the length of this dress on you, not sure if I like it with leggings. Tights or boots would both work.</p> <p>On top I like the porportion of something cropped that comes in at hte waist more, like a banded cardigan. What if you wore a big white shirt (till you find the chambray one) overtop, tied at the waist?</p> <p>I have a slightly similar shaped dress, navy polkadot though and came with a jacket to class it up. My favourite way of wearing it was to deliberately frump it up, a la DIstrict 12 Hunger Games, with oxfords and a short cardi. But then that's me. Or with a plain hoodie, because I never got on the denim jacket bus. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress/page/2#post-1135591 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 22:15:50 +0000 Meli 1135591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Before reading replies my instinct says hem it to the knee and don't wear leggings with it- tights that fit well or bare legs, with a real belt or sans belt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress/page/2#post-1135305 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 18:13:55 +0000 In My Joi 1135305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cute dress! I think it could be nicely paired with a rust colored cardigan or vest, match rust colored tights/leggings and british tan knee high boots. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1135281 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 17:46:07 +0000 ATLynn 1135281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am absolutely no help on the dress - I think you've gotten good advice from everyone else. </p> <p>But I love your messy hair.&nbsp; &nbsp; I think it looks really fun and playful.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1135243 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 17:11:28 +0000 ManidipaM 1135243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ohh, more lovely ideas!</p> <p>Aubergine, I am ALL about lazy these days.</p> <p>Neel, I actually prefer longer myself and M&amp;S don't seem to stock petites around here. And both these cardis are very fine knits. Both are unshaped though, which may be what you are picking up as bulk. And I absolutely plan to wear my boots with these!</p> <p>Thank you, Joy. I do have such a belt I believe, and a white poncho that I have somehow misplaced. The kind with sleeves. Going in the notebook.</p> <p>Beth Ann, great recall! Yes, floor-friendly is a must for my everyday style. And also good point about the jacket--it would certainly help to have some stretch to it! Great idea, thanks. And I have a navy tee and a black I can try layering.</p> <p>IK, that is a very interesting observation! Thank you! :-)</p> <p>April, I would love to find something like that! Definitely on my list.</p> <p>Suz, the ties are very long, as in, I can double wrap before tying off. So yes, I could cut them off and still have them handy to use. And yes, thanks, I do hope it will work in all but the worst of summer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1135198 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 16:25:24 +0000 Suz 1135198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I <b>really</b> like the scale and pattern of this print for you. I think this will be an exceptionally&nbsp;versatile, season spanning dress. </p> <p>I agree with the others that a shorter topper and maybe boots could create flattering&nbsp;proportions, but I also see that it might be more of a spring or fall or summer look, and&nbsp;actually, if you had black footwear to wear with your first iteration (leggings, long card) I would really like this just as is. I agree that it has a sort of intentional grunge vibe that is fun.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also think it will look great with your boots.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'd probably cut the ties, myself, so you can play with other belts -- maybe even including the self-one once it is off, if you know what I mean. You might be able to salvage it although maybe not if it is only ties that go partway....</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1135181 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 16:14:51 +0000 carambola 1135181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing with IK.&nbsp;I like it as is.&nbsp;I think pairing the dress with black keeps it out of old-marmish tea territory. To me, the long cardi and leggings look intentionally relaxed, boho/grunge chic, especially when I imagine&nbsp;Docs or rugged boots as footwear. A moto would be great too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1135164 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 16:02:00 +0000 April 1135164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, MM -- how about a knit moto? &nbsp;I have one that's like a sweatshirt fabric, so warm and soft. &nbsp;Feels like a cardigan but looks edgier. Could be tossed in the wash if Someone drooled on you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1135128 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 15:34:24 +0000 ironkurtin 1135128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IMO you need do nothing.&nbsp; You are dressed like every single hot mother I saw in the West Village the last time I was in NYC. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1135063 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 14:20:36 +0000 Beth Ann 1135063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the close up of the print.&nbsp; Love it's combo of colors.&nbsp; I think the the leggings are fine with it.&nbsp; It looks sort of "Indian fusion" to me, since many tunic/legging looks (salwar kameez, or something close?) have this proportion.&nbsp; Tights would work too, of course.</p> <p>The shape of the dress is extremely flattering on you, and I love that you can move throughout your day easily and modestly in it, and can even sit cross legged while your wear it -- which, if I remember correctly, is how you like to work at your computer.</p> <p>I'd suggest keeping a lookout for a really lightweight denim jacket as your HEWI, since it's not warm enough to be a coat, and your "transitional seasons" are short.&nbsp; I had one when my babies were small that I literally wore through on the elbows.&nbsp; It was lightweight and really stretchy -- almost like jegging materials.&nbsp; I miss it, and my stiffer Old Navy replacement gets far less wear.</p> <p>Can you layer a long sleeved tee under the short sleeves of the dress?&nbsp; A moto would look amazing with it too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1135044 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 13:39:08 +0000 Anonymous 1135044@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I could see this dress styled as sort of grunge-meets-prairie for cold weather. I'm thinking Docs or even Western style boots with tights, a wider distressed leather belt with a big buckle, and a short poncho for a coverup...maybe serape striped for pattern mixing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1135043 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 13:37:38 +0000 Neel 1135043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The dress is lovely and I think it would look great with your tall boots with leggings (since you prefer them) tucked in. Have you tried that combo? And I would prefer a less chunky cardi. A fine knit might look better. Not sure how that works with your weather.</p> <p>Personally, I dislike any flared dress that hits my calves. Its a tough length to pull off for petite me and automatically makes me look frumpy</p> <p>P.S All M&amp;S dresses do that to me! Their dresses are pretty long. On the models it hits just over the knee. Have you tried their petite sizing? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1135028 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 13:26:18 +0000 Anonymous 1135028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally love this dress! I feel like it might read frumpy with, say, a classic crew neck cardigan in one of the brighter colors in the print, but it doesn't <i>at all</i> with the darker, more modern-looking ones you're wearing. I think I might even like it with the first cardigan a little better than with the cropped one -- something about the way it creates a longer vertical line.</p> <p>And the belt looks great but, if it's not a pain to&nbsp;belt&nbsp;it over the ties, I'd keep them on just so you can have the option of not wearing a belt when you want something really, really, <i>really</i> easy. That might be my own bias toward laziness talking, though, so take with a grain of salt.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1135006 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 12:55:24 +0000 ManidipaM 1135006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, thanks for popping in again, Gryffin. I have grey Cons and black 'barefoot' trainers. Will give both a shot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1135003 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 12:53:08 +0000 ManidipaM 1135003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shevia, am glad. All these ideas are great but I am freezing and I need more coverage than a denim jacket in winter. I do have to investigate whether tights will work instead of leggings, given Rute's advice. Luckily I have red fleece-lined hose...somewhere. Will try that next.</p> <p>April, thanks for that very understanding comment. You are a sensitive soul! I bet Little M would thank you if he could.</p> <p>Here's the shorter cardi I tried (sorry about the smudged mirror). Better proportions, say youse? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1135002 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 12:52:17 +0000 gryffin 1135002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Manidipa - try <a href="http://www.peruvianconnection.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.peruvianconnection.com</a> and you can click on the their sweater link.&nbsp; They have a number of cropped cardis.&nbsp; I am sure you'll see them around but you can always find a variant here.&nbsp; I like this site good quality and easy to work with.&nbsp; They always are creative with their styling.&nbsp; I thought you might enjoy it.&nbsp; Good luck, I am sure you will make that pretty dress work beautifully!!&nbsp; PS I was also thinking a little sassy sneaker (even in optic white or a color would be cute and good for running around!!)&nbsp; Enjoy!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1134988 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 12:29:51 +0000 Jaime 1134988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Truthfully I like it just as you are wearing it here but the denim jacket and other ideas will look great too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1134978 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 12:22:52 +0000 April 1134978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A shorter top layer&nbsp;is the consensus, and I agree. &nbsp;I was also going to suggest that a short (think cropped) jacket would be even better, but I know it's good to have softer fabrics when you're lifting a baby up and down all day, and when that little cheek is against your shoulder. &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1134972 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 12:17:35 +0000 ManidipaM 1134972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gryffin, that link isn't working for me. Not sure whether location is affecting it. And yes, I do want to get a wider belt at some point this year. Thanks! I do find it hard to find pointy toes that fit my wide and fussy feet. But my eyes are peeled! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1134967 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 11:42:49 +0000 gryffin 1134967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Manidipa - Pretty dress!!&nbsp; Looks very nice on you!!&nbsp; I agree that anything cropped as far as topper would be a good choice.&nbsp; Cropped moto, cropped cardi, cropped denim jacket.&nbsp; Don't forget if it's warm the power of vests in all the above.&nbsp; A little bolero or shrug.&nbsp; Also what about a small corset style belt to toughen it up?&nbsp; Would you consider something like this?&nbsp; <br /><a href="http://www.peruvianconnection.com/product/105011-etoile+baby+alpaca+lace+cardigan.do?sortby=ourPicks" rel="nofollow">http://www.peruvianconnection......y=ourPicks</a><br />If you do a cardi, pointy toe flats would be cute, </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1134952 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 10:09:46 +0000 ManidipaM 1134952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, too long for leggings? Ok. Will have to be worn with boots when I can manage then. Bare legs in winter, no can do.</p> <p>Lyn, I like braided belts only have turquoise but looking for a brown. I do have a cobalt belt that should work. And I will put an ochre/yellow on my list. </p> <p>Rute, good ideas all. But I don't have the ingredients. And the overall effect is a little girlier than I prefer. Diana's grunge suggestions are more my style. But you remind me to not dismiss red things, which I tend to do too readily. Thanks for that! The closed nude shoe that isn't a ballet flat is a HEWI. Closest I got is bronze. </p> <p>And Diana, Docs are another long-term want. Not available locally so when I travel... </p> <p>Ramya, layering a t-shirt may not be practical, between the sleeve length and nursing baby. But a good idea for later may be a cami. And that reminds me I should try my sleeveless denim shirt-jacket once it it's warmer.</p> <p>I did try a shorter cardigan and prefer it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1134945 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 08:55:04 +0000 rute 1134945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's too long to wear with leggings, I suggest a shorter red cardigan and red or nude flats! Maybe a slim belt at the waist. Like the photo: </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1134940 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 08:14:51 +0000 lyn* 1134940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you tried a bright belt? I think there's a lot of different colours you could bring out with this pattern. Of course, a brown or braided leather belt would be really boho, if that's something you're into </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1134937 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 07:32:10 +0000 Diana 1134937@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, personally I'd go 90s grunge and pair it with docs and bare legs. But that's just me. Otherwise I think a cropped denim jacket is a good bet. Or a sharp blazer, although that's not really practical for baby wrangling! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1134935 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 07:15:15 +0000 ramya 1134935@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh coloured leggings may be? Chambray dhirt should work provided it's not too long. Can you layer a tee ir shirt inside like Ingunn does? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1134934 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 07:13:19 +0000 ramya 1134934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You just need a shorter cardigan Moni. Try this. Button the top one of your current cardigan. Wear it in duch s way that top button is behind your neck. You are trying to shorten the cardigan here and check if you like what you see. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/de-frumpify-this-dress#post-1134933 Fri, 10 Jan 2014 07:10:37 +0000 ManidipaM 1134933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deborah, thanks! It's heartening to hear since I feel like I am struggling through both atmospheric and mental fogs! </p> <p>The barelegged styling plus jacket would only apply to our very short transitional seasons though. Which is one reason I put the denim jacket on the back burner. Do you lovely ladies think a chambray shirt might work too in warmer weather?</p> <p>Firecracker, switching cardi now to a shorter, boho-ish one. Thank you! Will try and get a photo later to compare. </p>