https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 07 May 2026 20:57:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back/page/2#post-715670 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 14:31:07 +0000 Anonymous 715670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wonder if the shape could work in a different color and fabrication, like this Milly dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back/page/2#post-715651 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 14:03:26 +0000 Lyrebirdgully 715651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi AG! What a great frock this is to study – its style is so clear and uncomplicated. No printed pattern and virtually no details to distract the eye. It reminds me of looking at a paper cutout dress on a paper doll :)… which is useful, as it allows full concentration on the core aspects of SHAPE and VOLUME. The frock has strong positive features - gorgeous colour, great fit, nice neck and shoulder lines - but there are 2 critical features that aren't really working for you:<br /> 1) Silhouette.<br /> A flared skirt dress is great for A- shaped bodies, as it disguises wide hips by adding more volume beyond where the hipline ends. But you don’t need all that extra volume added to your standard-width hips. The all-time classic shape for a simple basic dress for you would be the sheath (a shape incidentally that A- and X- shapes find very tricky to wear). Anyway, I think your IT shape is right in line with modern fashion aesthetics and I don’t see any need to disguise it. What do you think of Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene (the World’s most celebrated IT, and a former Olympic swimmer - check out those fab backstroker’s shoulders!) in this sheath dress worn in May this year? Uber cool IMO.<br /> 2) Proportion.<br /> The point in the frock silhouette where the sides are indented (and the skirt flare begins) defines the waistline, which marks out the top half of the frock from the lower half. With this red frock, we can see that the lower half appears to be nearly double the length of the top half! This creates a short-waisted effect, and is what is making the frock look unbalanced, and the lower half “too full/overwhelming”-- as some others have remarked. (If you shortened the frock into a tunic to wear over pants – or, you had the sides of the frock taken in to create a sheath outline - the balance problem would be solved.) As it stands now, the frock looks better worn with the black jacket – (pic #3), because the jacket hem lowers your apparent waistline; a longer jacket e.g. your Theory one, would be even more effective.<br /> So I don’t see the problem of this frock as a question of compatibility with your personal style, simply as a question of what flatters your body shape. When a frock is as plain as this (no eyecatching print, no arresting draping, stitching, buttons etc), the silhouette and proportion are doing all the heavy lifting in the look, and jump right to the forefront of attention. In my view a totally plain red frock could definitely fit in with your style, if it had a flattering silhouette and balanced your natural proportions. Here’s Kate Bosworth wearing another silhouette that would work for you (though it requires a mini hem length)-- a classic A-line mod shift. (The term “A-line” is rather loosely used these days; but this is a true example of an A-line cut). A tube dress like your Bailey is another example of a silhouette that suits you. Finally, here’s a pic of Alexia Niedzielski, for the RATE vibe she brings to her frock-and-matching-coat outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back/page/2#post-714909 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 19:00:06 +0000 shiny 714909@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you have to make room for the Theory leather jacket, return this. </p> <p>I think it's lovely on you but something tells me this may not get enough wear. Then again who knows. I'm not sure I can explain why it's not my favorite on you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back/page/2#post-714842 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 17:51:11 +0000 cciele 714842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lovely color and it's fun to explore a different style (or anti-style, as the case might be). But I'm with MaryK -- I think it's too long. Also, the proportions seem off to me -- I think the flare is too flare-y. To my eye, the dress is wearing you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back/page/2#post-714731 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 16:09:25 +0000 Anonymous 714731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laura you are not alone. I happen to like it too but I blamed it on lack of coffee this morning. I think the dress is so out of character and unexpected, it's cool. It reminds me of those portraits of ladies in their wedding gowns rocking some punk boots. Awesomeness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back/page/2#post-714726 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 16:05:30 +0000 nancylee 714726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like a lot of others, I'm loving this color on you, Una. And the fit seems perfect. Is this a style you're flirting with, perhaps? A small sign of a different direction? Angie wears flare dresses like this with a black moto jacket, and I can see you doing the same for a dressy UWP look. I actually think it has statement potential. </p> <p>So, I guess I'm not totally in favor of sending it back. Maybe let it hang around for a while (well....30-45 days is the new BR return window, I think!) and see if it grows on you. </p> <p>(Claire..you're so right about this being very Michelle Obama. She always looks smashing and wears color so well!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714716 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:54:10 +0000 Laura 714716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the dress and I love it on you. Sorry if no one else thinks that, but I would love to see you in a dress like this. The juxtaposition with your hair and persona is fabulous. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714715 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:53:00 +0000 MsMary 714715@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL, Claire! All three Obama ladies were ROCKING that silhouette last night! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714712 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:48:08 +0000 rachylou 714712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's a fantastic dress and fantastic on you. The way you've style it, making it tough, is a knockout. The bright color is a big statement.</p> <p>But you have to want to wear it, be near it. If not, there is just no point. It's all about love ;&gt; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714701 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:32:54 +0000 Anonymous 714701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, this is very much what my fashion brain is thinking about these days. To the point where it's ready to explode. So what if it fits, flatters your body type and the color is good on you (and this is where I usually stop)? The STYLE is the last hurrah, and maybe even the most important thing that needs to be checked off out list before a purchase. </p> <p>This dress is *not* a blank canvas IMO. The shape and color definitely send a style message. A slouchy black sheath with a slash neckline and elbow length sleeves would be a better blank canvas for you (serving suggestion only). I love the way you turned this around to a learning opportunity. And the anti-style Pinterest board is hilariously brilliant in true Una fashion! Thanks for hanging around here to always inspire me and make me smile. We will get there, I just know it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714690 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:20:16 +0000 ironkurtin 714690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AG, this dress is the un-you. It's not a perfect basic for you. Just because it is considered a basic shape doesn't mean it's a basic for everyone. If you were a different person with a different style, maybe this would make your heart thump. But - no.</p> <p>If it helps, I couldn't wear it either - wrong neckline, wrong fabric, and just so very not me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714688 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:19:00 +0000 Anonymous 714688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I SO get you Una. It's just wrong for *you*. Send it to the First Lady. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714685 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:16:42 +0000 Queen Mum 714685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Kelly- it seems a bit sweet for you. Either that (or maybe it's why....) but the skirt seems just a tad full. I could see this working better with a few inches taken from the circumference of the skirt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714681 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:13:51 +0000 Beth Ann 714681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I want to see your anti-style board, Una! I've learned a lot from the comments on this thread, and you don't need my input, but I wanted to say that you look beautiful, even if the dress needs to go back! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714573 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:44:33 +0000 MNsara 714573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Contrast this with your newly hacked B44 dress. SO fab, and still much more your stye.</p> <p>Why can't the B44 hacked dress serve the same purpose as this would have? Neither one seems court room appropriate to me, but everyday wearable and capable of lots of variations for footwear and toppers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714568 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:40:34 +0000 Transcona Shannon 714568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Funny how technically it's right but Una-wise, it's wrong. I do love that colour on you though.</p> <p>I laughed at your idea of an "anti style" Pinterest board - that's actually a great idea. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714561 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:36:37 +0000 Anonymous 714561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, we don't love it. Perhaps I did not have enough coffee today. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714548 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:24:06 +0000 MsMary 714548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yep, it's the shape. I also think it's a bit long on you. I think I would like it a lot more if I could see more of your gorgeous legs. As it is, it' a Whole Lotta Dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714545 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:20:21 +0000 Mo 714545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with the shape not being your style. I had a similar moment at the start of this summer with my red fit and flare dress. Looked great, fit like a charm, but just didn't feel 'right' anymore. I'd moved on to more grecian style drape, and the stiff a-line shape of the skirt and banded waist were the antithesis of my new direction.<br /> This looks like it would pair with pearls and slingbacks with a shrunken cardi in a second. Not exactly your style hee hee. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714539 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:13:25 +0000 Suz 714539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm late to this party, but just chiming in to say it doesn't work for you, but not because it's a simple backdrop essential. Lots of simple backdrop essentials COULD work for you, e.g. a black tunic in a great fabric. It doesn't work for you because it's not your STYLE. </p> <p>Yup. It fits, flatters, and looks practical and even nice. But it's not you. </p> <p>Please don't confuse "essentials" with "styles that aren't you." I think YOUR essentials can be equally versatile. They just won't look sweet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714531 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:01:37 +0000 Jonesy 714531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's the shape of the dress! I remember a thread a while back that Jean/Greenglove started (I think) in which we talked about dresses cut this way. I don't feel like myself in them, and neither did she most of the time (if my foggy brain remembers correctly!). It's a sweet, ladylike shape to my eye, and those descriptions don't work for my style direction, and perhaps they don't for you for the same reasons? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714463 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 11:03:29 +0000 Anonymous 714463@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ummm... I'm with Rae on this one, but if it does not feel like you, it is best to send it back. I actually think this dress can fit very nicely in that capsule of more formal pieces for court appearances and such. Yes, It is a classic dress but the fact that is in your bod, not mine per say, makes it edgy. The color is interesting too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714415 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 07:25:31 +0000 Lyn D. 714415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It reminds me of how I felt the one time I was a Bridesmaid- nice dress that fitted but would not wear again by choice. It is frustrating though when things we are excited about at first don't live up to expectations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714395 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 06:28:52 +0000 Mona 714395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It looks like you have already made the decision to return this but I just wanted to say that the fit is beautiful on you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714389 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 06:23:39 +0000 ramya 714389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, it looks more like what I wear than what you wear... No UWP in it :)... It's not you... If you know what I mean </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714354 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 05:14:01 +0000 catgirl 714354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, there's no question it's going back. I feel like me in a very specific setting - say, a casual summer evening WASP-y wedding on the Cape. That Me does not exist but once every 10 years. I just want to pinpoint why I felt compelled toward something that was not me. Because it's not SO SO SO not me, it's just obliquely wrong somehow.</p> <p>I think I'm going to start a Pinterest board of my anti-styles, so I know them better. Things I am drawn to and/or admire on others but would orphan. Then I can admire them online instead of being a dope and going through this little process. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714348 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 05:08:49 +0000 Scarlet 714348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's just not you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714343 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 05:05:57 +0000 DonnaF 714343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This might be Una in another dimension. [Watch Fringe?] Looks a bit twee and the length plus fullness overwhelms you; seems like it would be a lot of work to make this UWP. I think it would be easier to start from UWP and then add *whatever* to soften the look then to go super Princess and take more steps to toughen it.</p> <p>Do you feel like YOU in this dress? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714342 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 05:05:44 +0000 MNsara 714342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't see Una's style coming thru in this dress at all! I can see it fits fine and it flatters, but you'd have to be in the right mood to take such a departure from your signature style. (Nothing wrong with departures, but I don't know how many of them you have.)</p> <p>I see Una's style in that leopard shift dress. I saw your style in the coral lace dress. There have been others too, but I'd worry that you're going to orphan this one. . . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/following-beth-lets-talk-about-why-this-dress-should-go-back#post-714330 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 04:52:43 +0000 Gaylene 714330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This dress looks too lady-like for your style, Una. To my mind, a statement piece has to reflect your style in and of itself, not just serve as a background. That dress is far too preppy and ladylike to serve as a statement piece for an UWP.</p> <p>This is the sort of thing that I really struggle with-- a garment fits, is flattering to my shape, and is the right color, but wrong for my style. I made that mistake last Christmas when I bought a preppy-looking jacket. Nothing wrong with the jacket or the way it looked on me, except that I felt uncomfortable every time I saw myself in the mirror; it was so not me. That jacket made me realize I DO have a very specific style preference even if I can't articulate it in words. And, unless you are looking to change your style, that dress is probably going to stay in your closet unless you find a way to punk it up every time you want to wear it. Too much work, IMHO </p>