YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Garçonne dresses

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Garçonne dresses https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:31:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php bj1111 on "Garçonne dresses" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses#post-2327869 Mon, 26 Jun 2023 12:21:58 +0000 bj1111 2327869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shirt dresses are magic. Cos is a strong contender—although they gone off the rails with their atelier offerings. Here are a few that might fit your brief <a href="https://www.zara.com/us/en/adjustable-waist-dress-p02548040.html?v1=229790127" rel="nofollow">https://www.zara.com/us/en/adj.....=229790127</a> <a href="https://www.cos.com/en_usd/women/womenswear/dresses/product.bow-mini-shirt-dress-white.1198044001.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.cos.com/en_usd/wom.....44001.html</a> —also comes in a delicious green <a href="https://www.cos.com/en_usd/women/womenswear/dresses/product.eyelet-shirt-dress-white.1176161001.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.cos.com/en_usd/wom.....61001.html</a> —I know you said no to eyelet. Here it looks modern in a shirt dress style. This may be cut a bit narrow for the booty-endowed <a href="https://www.cos.com/en_usd/women/womenswear/dresses/product.voluminous-v-neck-dress-black.1199474001.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.cos.com/en_usd/wom.....74001.html</a> <a href="https://www.cos.com/en_usd/women/womenswear/dresses/product.gathered-strappy-mini-dress-blue.1166638001.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.cos.com/en_usd/wom.....38001.html</a> —how do you feel about showing your arms? <a href="https://www.cos.com/en_usd/women/womenswear/dresses/product.a-line-short-sleeved-shirt-dress-black.1164226001.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.cos.com/en_usd/wom.....26001.html</a> <a href="https://www.cos.com/en_usd/women/womenswear/dresses/product.pleated-mini-dress-black.1163319001.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.cos.com/en_usd/wom.....19001.html</a> —only in poly Anonymous on "Garçonne dresses" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses#post-2326862 Fri, 16 Jun 2023 11:24:32 +0000 Anonymous 2326862@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Something like this? I'm with you re: the dress hunt. Despite my curvy shape, I'm definitely not a girly girl! Anonymous on "Garçonne dresses" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses#post-2326747 Thu, 15 Jun 2023 21:42:45 +0000 Anonymous 2326747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am not nor ever have been a girly girl. I often wear button down dresses as toppers and leave them open. I like striped tee shirt dresses and have a few dresses in prints.. large scattered flowers or polka dots or stripes. Most of my dresses are plain. I wear sweater dresses in winter and sleeveless sheath dresses more the rest of the year. They have a topper like a trucker jacket or bomber in transitional times or for air conditioning. I have a small collection of trucker jackets in colors or plain denim..in different fabrics. quietloud on "Garçonne dresses" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses#post-2326713 Thu, 15 Jun 2023 17:47:02 +0000 quietloud 2326713@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jessikamms - I would love to rock a jumpsuit or romper, I think it would be perfect for my style, but...with my long torso/big butt situation, I've yet to find one that doesn't give me a painful wedgie, lol. I have been considering sewing one before though, maybe I should get serious about that... Joy - asymmetric hems, necklines, I love it all! ;) DonnaF - I'm with you on denim dresses! The fabric makes them naturally less girly. I've also been considering a black denim skirt this summer, perhaps a jeans refashion... DonnaF on "Garçonne dresses" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses#post-2326616 Thu, 15 Jun 2023 01:49:29 +0000 DonnaF 2326616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am a sucker for denim dresses. . . Anonymous on "Garçonne dresses" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses#post-2326587 Wed, 14 Jun 2023 23:25:43 +0000 Anonymous 2326587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like skorts for summer and swim skirts.  I size up to get more length..  you might look at golf skirts and get a swim tee to wear as a top.  I size up a little in them as they are made to fit tight.  They wash and dry quickly, with no wrinkles.  Just hang them up wet, or immediately out of the dryer.  I stretch mine a little vertically.  I agree that an asymmetrical hem adds something special but assemmetrical  necklines are awful on me. Jessikams on "Garçonne dresses" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses#post-2326555 Wed, 14 Jun 2023 19:45:39 +0000 Jessikams 2326555@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ How do you feel about rompers and jumpsuit? That might give you the pretty, breezy feel of a dress without the “femininity.” As a petite person, I often find rompers are a better length for me than dresses. quietloud on "Garçonne dresses" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses#post-2326553 Wed, 14 Jun 2023 19:32:55 +0000 quietloud 2326553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz - I so appreciate your detailed response, and I'm glad to know someone who feels the same (and shares my love for asymmetry!). :) You make a great point in regards to juxtaposition, and it's something I usually aim for in my outfits. I don't mind wearing a hint of frill in my tops for example (I have a soft spot for white eyelet blouses), but I will always pair them with more mannish trousers or tough jeans, and most often sneakers or oxford shoes. Or I'll throw my old beat up utility jacket on top to tone it down. One piece dressing is obviously more challenging in that regard, but you've made some great examples that I will make a note of when looking for dresses. And also the 2 piece style is definitely something to try, it would certainly make a good fit easier! You've posted some great examples, I especially like the striped dress, and the sarong shorts from Zara! Barbara Diane on "Garçonne dresses" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses#post-2326549 Wed, 14 Jun 2023 17:40:18 +0000 Barbara Diane 2326549@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What people have said above, and adding hard elements, like combat boots, a more unisex thick leather bracelet, etc. If your hair can be styled more than one way, a sleeker look can be a nice contrast.  Good luck with the hunt! Greyscale on "Garçonne dresses" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses#post-2326533 Wed, 14 Jun 2023 16:25:48 +0000 Greyscale 2326533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is very very relatable. I enjoy wearing dresses these days - still mostly jeans and trousers but dresses are no longer anathema for me - and I’m really happy with the non-feminine gender vibe I’ve curated. I rely on shift dresses and shirt dresses with no belt. I know you said you preferred a defined waist, so maybe there are versions that work for you (shirt dresses with a defined but not too fitted waist, etc). One of my current favorites is probably more volume and less definition than ideal but I like it: <a href="https://www.everlane.com/products/womens-daytripper-shirtdress-black?collection=womens-dresses" rel="nofollow">https://www.everlane.com/produ.....ns-dresses</a> Edited to add a few things from my Finds that show the styles I like Suz on "Garçonne dresses" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses#post-2326531 Wed, 14 Jun 2023 16:09:31 +0000 Suz 2326531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can identify with almost every word of what you said.  I actually did like "girly" or feminine dresses as a little girl, but beyond the age of ten, they all started looking and feeling costume-y on me if the details were overly feminine.  (I didn't always recognize this at the time, alas -- hence my eighth grade graduation dress which combined dotted swiss puffed sleeves, a kind of milkmaid style bodice, ditsy print and ruffles -- no wonder I looked so bad and no one would dance with me!)  And, you know, my style moniker is "laid-back luminous garçonne" so I certainly get the appeal of an androgynous, gamine style and aim for this in individual purchases and more, perhaps, in outfits.  The last few years have proved difficult ones for me when it comes to finding dresses and skirts that work, because of the preponderance of frills, ruffles, obvious tiers, puff sleeves, and ditsy prints. I do like some of these details, visually, and can wear some of them, too, but only in combination with other, "stricter" elements.  So in addition to the list you've made for yourself, I'd suggest remembering the value of item and outfit juxtaposition. For instance -- one item I and Janet both own embodies item juxtaposition. What could be more feminine than a tulle skirt? But it's got a ragged asymmetrical hem and it is in plaid -- more masculine.  Another example -- this time of outfit juxtaposition. My J. Crew 2-piece dress has a very feminine Liberty print, and the skirt is a full, feminine shape. And yet it works extremely well on me. Why? The colours are excellent for me, and the shapes in the pattern are harmonious, Not too large, not too small, somehow. Just bold enough to make a statement. The dark background colour may help. AND I typically wear it with a "boyish" topper like a slightly distressed cropped denim jacket. Often i wear with sneakers instead of dressier sandals. Etc. I have other toppers that technically could work just as well with this -- but for me, the lightly distressed denim adds just the right friction to what would otherwise feel overly feminine on me.  Anyway -- a 2 piece is definitely a style to try. It's versatile (I wear both pieces separately!) and it makes a kind of waisted shirt dress when put together. There are a lot of two piece pants sets out this year but also some with skirts. I'd definitely recommend trying this trend. Another option would be a dress or skirt that isn't one -- i.e. sarong type shorts, or wide culottes. Anything you can move in.  I don't wear minis well myself, and I'm not a minimalist or truly "strict" in my style, so my list of characteristics/ features to look for in a "garconne" dress differs a bit from yours. Having said that, there is lots of overlap. I will wear prints -- but not ditsy ones, and I prefer stripes to any other print. Like you, I like some feminine detailing, but it needs to be moderate. For instance, I can wear a tiered dress -- but probably not a tiered lacy dress. And it is probably best if it also includes a more "masculine" element like a shirt collar. (See the Zara dress as an example).  Unlike you, I have found that I can easily surrender the waist (as that dress demonstrates). And in fact, that's true to the 20s looks from which the garçonne style derives.  The dress from Comrags offers an example -- it's a drop waist with an asymmetrical handkerchief hem that on a different dress might look too "frou frou" on me. I understand how this might not work so well with decided curves, though. But with a dress as wide and tent like as that Zara, it would be no problem.  I like shirt dresses, too. They can look overly classic or preppy, sure -- so styling's key. Admittedly, I do have a bit of a preppy gene (the playful element of my style) so may have a higher tolerance for it but I suspect keeping to solids for these, and adding a bit of edge  and/or femininity with accessories would be the way to go here.  One last point: asymmetry of any kind is a magical detail in my opinion. I can't often find the pieces I like that include that element but when I see it at my price point, I jump -- it almost always works or adds the right je ne sais quoi. :)  quietloud on "Garçonne dresses" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses#post-2326521 Wed, 14 Jun 2023 15:07:44 +0000 quietloud 2326521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for the feedback! I should have probably also mentioned my body shape, as that plays into it as well, and I don't have the typically garçonne body shape! I am relatively small and slim, but I have about 30 cm difference between waist and hipline, and it's all about the butt, lol (i.e. I don't look too wide from the front). So dresses are difficult, as they tend to pool in the back, which is why I prefer some kind of waist tie/belt, etc, to cinch in the waist.  I like the idea of a simple t-shirt dress, the one you posted might work Toban, as it has an elasticated waist.  RobinF, Irina and Star - I do like shirt dresses, it's the one style I've always tended to gravitate towards. I often feel like look a little too preppy on me though, so would love some advice on how to style them to make them less so.  Joy - I would love to be able to wear simple sheath dresses, but they are difficult with my body type! Star (Lise) on "Garçonne dresses" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses#post-2326503 Wed, 14 Jun 2023 14:06:05 +0000 Star (Lise) 2326503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I also was thinking a slim-line shirt dress.  One that is not too long or circular in the skirt. Irina on "Garçonne dresses" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses#post-2326500 Wed, 14 Jun 2023 13:56:58 +0000 Irina 2326500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Agree with others who suggested a shirt dress. Try one in midi length, experiment with belts. There are so many available at different price points. Anonymous on "Garçonne dresses" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses#post-2326499 Wed, 14 Jun 2023 13:46:03 +0000 Anonymous 2326499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Have you tried slim sheath dresses, no frills? RobinF on "Garçonne dresses" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses#post-2326489 Wed, 14 Jun 2023 12:50:40 +0000 RobinF 2326489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Maybe shirt dresses would work?  Toban on "Garçonne dresses" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses#post-2326485 Wed, 14 Jun 2023 12:21:56 +0000 Toban 2326485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What about t-shirt dresses and simple shift dresses? Also, check out universal standard’s dresses. Often very simple lines and good drape. This one came to mind: <a href="https://www.universalstandard.com/products/afternoon-tee-dress-brick-red" rel="nofollow">https://www.universalstandard......-brick-red</a> quietloud on "Garçonne dresses" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses#post-2326459 Wed, 14 Jun 2023 10:01:21 +0000 quietloud 2326459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I bought these two linen wrap dresses in desperation before a holiday last year. This wrap style with a frilled hem was everywhere in stores (seems to be still), though most were super colorful with ditsy prints, which is out of the question for me, so I figured this was a compromise. I ended up feeling too girly wearing them though, and the length was also too long. I had decided to pass them on to my sister, but I picked them out again this morning and experimented a bit, and I think they might work if I remove the frills, so I'm planning to give that a try today.  quietloud on "Garçonne dresses" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/garconne-dresses#post-2326458 Wed, 14 Jun 2023 09:54:43 +0000 quietloud 2326458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ One of the things I’ve realized after working on and analyzing my personal style for a while is that it’s just not super feminine. My natural appearance has always been quite feminine and cute (petite, slightly curvy, small features, long hair), but as far as dressing myself I think I’ve always subconsciously tried to counter that impression as I don’t think it suits my personality. Even as a child my mother tended to dress me in slightly boyish clothes as she felt it suited me better, and on the rare occasion that she put me in frilly dresses it felt like wearing a costume. I much preferred overalls and tennis shoes. So I’ve been leaning more and more into the garçonne style over the years (choosing to go with garçonne as a description rather than tomboy, as it feels more elegant and less preppy in my head). One thing I am struggling with though is dresses. I happily wear pants most days, but there is something to be said for throwing on a breezy dress in the summer. But whatever I try tends to feel slightly off, and I haven’t found a style of dress I feel completely comfortable in. I love looking at pretty dresses, and have bought a fair few over the years, but never end up wearing them, so now I have been trying to really analyze and define what I need from a dress. I have been searching online and found a few examples that I think might work, but would love some more help and suggestions!  Here are the guidelines I’ve come up with for myself: <ul> <li>Minimal in overall style</li> <li>Classic with a twist - an overused term, but the best way to describe it. I always thought my style was very classic, but my husband pointed out that my most flattering clothes/outfits tend to have some kind of details that break the straight up classic style, otherwise it looks too preppy or sweet on me.</li> <li>Relaxed/effortless feeling</li> <li>But nothing oversized</li> <li>Neutral colors (black, white, beige, olive, navy, denim blue, etc.) </li> <li>No prints (except a narrow/subtle stripe)</li> <li>Natural fabrics, preferably with some weight</li> <li>Mini (above the knee) or maxi lengths are best on me</li> <li>Defined waist</li> <li>High neck (can do a deeper neckline as long as it’s more narrow/sits close to the neck, but prefer crewneck)</li> <li>Some kind of asymmetry in garments seems to work well for me</li> <li>I do have a weakness for pretty details, like embroidery, eyelet, crochet, knit textures, etc, but in very small doses only - the overall effect has to be minimal.</li> </ul> <ul> </ul> Some examples below of dresses I think might suit me: #1 Apiece Apart Catania Wrap Dress - love this, the wrap front breaks with the classic shirt dress, and adds an asymmetric detail.  #2 Apiece Apart Palmera Mini Dress - this might be a little too slouchy on top, but I like the idea.  #3 Apiece Apart Nina Cinched Mini - a classic t-shirt dress with a twist, again I love how the cinching and the waist tie adds some asymmetry, and I love the wide sleeves. #4 Sezane Pippa Dress - Somewhat similar to the above, but maybe too feminine. #5 Boden Halterneck Linen Dress - love this type of neckline and the shape of this one. Would probably add a waist tie.  Based on all this, do you have any suggestions for other styles I should try, or any specific examples?