https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:51:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses/page/2#post-1531568 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 22:14:08 +0000 Anonymous 1531568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This reminds me of a Lenten article in Guideposts magazine several years ago about people who cut back on their possessions so that they could give more to others. One story was about a woman who donated all her lovely clothes and bought 7 identical dresses in a flattering shade of blue...now the only thing in her closet, they said. She wore a fresh one every day. At the end of a year, she donated the dresses and bought another set of 7 identical dresses. I've thought of that story often. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses/page/2#post-1531560 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 21:41:26 +0000 unfrumped 1531560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Who can find 20 dresses that tick the boxes? So elusive!<br />I can't really play the game because of that!</p> <p>But, I think it's harder to get lots of different silhouettes that match body type (maybe more so for work, which could have more limitations on styles) , so often one might duplicate, either exact dress/different color, or very similar dress style.</p> <p>Diana's point about summer wear and washing makes having multiples sensible, so maybe you're "splitting wears" in the narrow sense, but you need them to avoid laundry&nbsp; bottlenecks.</p> <p>Using my dress-scarcity mentality and the French wardrobe mentality, I would be grateful for&nbsp; &nbsp;fewer, but very excellent-fitting/fabric dresses for work,&nbsp; more of the blank canvas type, and might do more with scarves or jewelry or shoes. Oh, drat, except it's hard to find comfortable workday shoes for dresses, so I might only have one or 2 pair in a dress-shoe capsule! <br />Also&nbsp;it's fun to find&nbsp;dresses that you can wear a&nbsp; sweater over, either a boxy pullover or a&nbsp;buttoned cardigan, &nbsp;and make it look like&nbsp; a skirt and top, for more versatility and for warmth. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses/page/2#post-1531551 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 20:45:22 +0000 Penny 1531551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As someone who only wears dresses, I have about 15 for work (which I typically wear with cardigans or blazers, with tights in the colder months), 10 sleeveless dresses for summer weekends, 10 sleeved dresses for winter weekends, and about 10 formal / occasion dresses (believe it or not, the numbers used to be much higher because I love fancy dresses - I kept my favorite and most versatile ones). Makes dressing so easy, especially since all my coordinating pieces are in the same palette (navy, black, grey, burgundy, and jewel tones), and wearing dresses makes me so happy. Have fun with your collection! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses/page/2#post-1531439 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 17:29:39 +0000 celia 1531439@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is just one thought I wanted to share regarding dresses.<br /> There is a fine line between choosing the fits and colors that look good on you and ending up buying dresses that are so similar that only you or YLF inclined people would spot the difference. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses/page/2#post-1531429 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 17:11:11 +0000 Anonymous 1531429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As an obsessive dress-wearer, I have to weigh in! I'm not sure how many summer dresses I have and kind of fear to count (although some, especially for work, can cross seasons), but 20 sounds fair as a minimum to get through a long summer.</p> <p>I'd break it down as 12 for work (enough to get you through two weeks, with two extra so you're not stuck in a cycle where you're always wearing the black flowered on Monday, the purple on Tuesday, etc.), 6 for weekends (enough so you can match the feel/silhouette of the dress to the activity and to get you through a vacation), and 2 for going out. </p> <p>Interestingly, I've actually been wearing more skirts and tops, especially at work, over the past two summers. I love dresses, but I do like having options that let me mix and match more, too, so I don't feel like I'm wearing the same exact things all the time.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses/page/2#post-1531408 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 16:37:28 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1531408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would definitely be in the camp of 20 dresses for variety and to avoid boredom. I could also justify even more if many of them could transition to Fall/Winter with layering. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses/page/2#post-1531397 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 16:28:19 +0000 MuseumGal 1531397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for playing along, everyone.&nbsp; Forgive me for not replying to everyone individually.&nbsp; Interesting that 15-20 seems like the sweet spot for many of you, and I think that is what I am going to aim for.&nbsp; As soon as I'm done with this post, I'm going to go inventory my summer work dresses and see where I stand.</p> <p>The reason I prefer dresses over separates is that a) I just find them easier - it's like a onsie for adults!, and b), my waistless, torso heavy (yet buttless) figure is more comfortable in a dress that skims my midsection than anything with a waistband.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531356 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 15:37:54 +0000 celia 1531356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pertinent question. I love to wear dresses on summer although they are my major go to I do wear separates also.<br /> Even so, I did a quick count and without separating by categories I have 25 dresses. Some of them I can wear for formal and less formal events, some of them I will layer under cardigans or blazers or with thights or leggings for fall and spring. I probably wouldn't repeat the same dress in a same week but I would wear it the next week with different shoes or another belt.<br /> To your point 20 dresses for 5 months if you only wear dresses it doesn't sound excessive. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531324 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 13:56:19 +0000 Anonymous 1531324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>14-15 for me. &nbsp;I would want a minimum of a two-week rotation. &nbsp;Although I could do 7, I would not be as happy with my wardrobe or myself. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531315 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 13:43:36 +0000 Traci 1531315@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It would depend, for me, on the style of dresses, and fabrication. &nbsp;I'd be good with 5-8 if they were simple and basic layering type dresses. &nbsp;If they were more complete outfit in one type dresses I'd probably want 15 or so. &nbsp;Lately I'm more into simple dresses and then changing them up with a light jacket or sweater, footwear, jewelry...even my hairstyle (up with big earrings, or down with studs) seems to totally change up a simple dress.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531287 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 12:53:29 +0000 Word Lily 1531287@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I'd need 15 or so, too. (Also: Is summer really only 5 months in Oklahoma?)&nbsp; </p> <p></p> <p>And yes, Staysfit, hope you're feeling better soon!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531286 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 12:52:43 +0000 Lucy 1531286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Staysfit - I hope you are feeling better from your migraine!!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531283 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 12:46:24 +0000 Staysfit 1531283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thistle, I just read that you say you cannot wear dresses because you are nursing. I definitely wore dresses when I was nursing both of my children. There is at least one company that makes decent looking dresses with concealed openings for nursing. I cannot recall the name, but I'm sure it exists. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531281 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 12:40:24 +0000 Staysfit 1531281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As a dress maximalist owner of 32 dresses, I think 20 is about the correct number. I wear dresses almost exclusively in the summer, although I also mix in skirt/top combinations, and I don't like to repeat more than 1.5 to 2 times in a month, so I actually have around 16 per seasonal group. </p> <p>My August challenge is to wear dresses every day. I should be starting with today but sadly, I am in the hospital with a severe migraine that just wouldn't go away. I guess a hospital gown can count as a dress. :-). I will know soon if my 16 spring/summer dresses are enough to comfortably get me through a month. </p> <p>The dresses take up a lot of closet space, so that is the one difficulty with them. I am moving towards finding dresses that are made of materials that can work year round if I add in wool tights and a long sweater for fall/winter, etc. that would allow me to reduce my numbers. One of my goals is to fit everything into my closet, and to do this I am trying to find ways of reducing without compromising too much on my wish for variety. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531278 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 12:30:00 +0000 Maneera 1531278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would need about 20-25. I would want Atleast 14 casual dresses( I work from home) in a range of colours that are all knit or woven cotton/linen with stretch. That would be to avoid boredom and to stay 'Happy'. </p> <p>I would need about 8 for going out - 4 could be colours I would wear in daytime (or pretty prints) and 4 night/date dresses(in dark colours). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531274 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 12:02:00 +0000 Lucy 1531274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL, you have mirrored my recent dilemma!&nbsp;<br />I moved in January to a much warmer climate (still in Australia), where it is absolutely impossible to wear anything more than once for 8 or so months of the year. Everything needs to be washed all of the time!&nbsp;<br />In the height of summer, dresses are definitely more comfortable than separates, which I do wear a lot in autumn and the glorious season that passes for "winter" here.&nbsp;<br />So I go work in the office 4 days per week, and then one day at home. I had only a few office worthy summer dresses, as at my last academic job we tended to dress down over summer when the students were not around. So I had only 4 or 5 good work dresses. Before we moved, I bought another 5. And then in June I bought another 5 because I really needed the variety!! By this stage they were on deep sale, as it was winter, but they were lovely frocks I would have paid more for :)&nbsp;<br />So I think I can't do less than 20 summer frocks, at least 15 for work and 5 for play. For some reason I am much better with repetition on the weekends than on weekdays..... I must say it has been lovely, however, to get out my clothes for the cooler, more temperate months....&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531226 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 03:51:00 +0000 E 1531226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I thought we were talking about you and whether your order from j Jill was justified! lol My maximalist heart can't even conceive of giving up separates or layering pieces for 5 months out of the year. But 15-20 would cover my favourite colours and a few patterns...if I could divide them between linen and cotton/silk voile blends, and have a couple that were long sleeves and could be layered over/under the sleeveless ones, I might even be happy. Interesting thought! I'm working on seeing my very first dress now; perhaps in a few years dresses will have taken over my closet and separates will be a distant memory. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531224 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 03:39:55 +0000 Anonymous 1531224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a hard question because I am so used to mixing separates. If I love the dress and fit, i don't mind repeating often. I think I'd need about 10 daily easy care dresses and 5 dressier ones,or 15 total. A mix of color and neutrals, plain and pattern, length, sihillouettes, and necklines would help. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531221 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 03:25:02 +0000 frannieb 1531221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another I like variety and find dresses to be somewhat limiting.&nbsp;<br />If I only wore dresses I would need 15 for work - my personal rotation for wearing a dress is about once every three weeks, even my no statementy dresses. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531209 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 03:06:35 +0000 Banoffi 1531209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If it were an all-dress work wardrobe, I would need at least 10 dresses. &nbsp;I like to go two weeks before repeating an outfit if possible.</p> <p>I don't have many work dresses, but love wearing the few I do have. &nbsp;It makes getting ready in the morning so easy. &nbsp;All I have to think about is shoes and jewelry and I'm set. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531203 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 02:58:25 +0000 Diana 1531203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I wear them equally. The nice thing about dresses is you don't have to really pair them with anything so print mixing, etc isn't an issue. I think for summer the sleeveless ones are more versatile because they are cool enough for really hot days and easy to pop a cardi or jacket over for AC. With the sleeved ones not all my toppers fit over the sleeves, and they are a bit hot for the really dreadful days. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531129 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 01:10:25 +0000 rose 1531129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love dresses in the summer!I find them cool and comfortable, and quite figure -flattering. I'm quite a lazy dresser so probably that is part of the reason- underthings, dress and shoes and I am ready! I think I probably wear them more often than not now for work. A quick count gives me 6 for work and I have 4 'going out'… but always want more! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531118 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 00:48:44 +0000 Windchime 1531118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting question! Okay, so this is only dresses and no skirt/top outfits, right? Here's what I think I'd want...</p> <p>Work: 18 (I dress for work five or six days most weeks and like variety.)<br /> Casual: 8 (for days when I change clothes after work)<br /> Dressy: 4 (I am frequently a musician for weddings and funerals)</p> <p>These numbers would all be multiplied by 2 or 3 to cover all seasons of the year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531099 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 00:29:16 +0000 Angie 1531099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will wear the same dress two days in a row and not mind one bit.&nbsp;</p> <p>MG, I think you're looking at bout 20 dresses to cover all settings over 5 months.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531082 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 00:16:03 +0000 MuseumGal 1531082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diana, I love your blue dresses.&nbsp; Do you find you wear the plain blue ones more often than the patterned ones?</p> <p>Laura, 15 does seems like a sweet spot.&nbsp; That's my goal for the summer, I think.</p> <p>Suz, I do have different dresses for home, and some dressier ones too.&nbsp; </p> <p>Linda, agreed - I want at least two weeks between wearings, I think.</p> <p>E - only 15?&nbsp; I thought your maximalist heart would want more (one in each of your favorite colors and each of your favorite silhouettes, and each of your favorite fabrics ...)</p> <p>annagybe - I've been fascinated by that project, BUT, it seems she has an entire wardrobe she wears on top of her basic dress</p> <p>Kiwi, you're too minimal for me!&nbsp; </p> <p>carter - so 55 items for 5 months?&nbsp; that sounds extremely doable, especially if it's summer.&nbsp; although this summer i've had to pull out cooler weather things that normally never get worn in the summer, like granny boots!</p> <p>Brooklyn, you numbers add up to 19, which sounds pretty reasonable.</p> <p>yay, Thistle, someone else who admits to wanting variety just for the sake of variety!</p> <p>This has been interesting!&nbsp; I'm going to do an August dress challenge, experiment.&nbsp; Anyone want to join?? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531066 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 23:56:20 +0000 Thistle 1531066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't wear dresses right now as I'm nursing. But if I did wear them daily, I would want between 10-15. No fewer than 10 so I don't get bored and as I don't love doing laundry. This is even with my shorter summers. I would get bored of dresses faster as there are fewer remix possibilities, hence why I would want closer to 15. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531050 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 23:15:52 +0000 Brooklyn 1531050@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think for summer I would need at least 10 for work, 7 for casual wear and 2 for fancy wear. I would need at least one per day for casual wear because it gets so hot here and that would allow enough time to launder. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531047 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 23:08:34 +0000 carter 1531047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd be all over a P333 is I only wore dresses. By my math, you should plan a P555! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531045 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 22:56:14 +0000 Sal 1531045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would think 14, if I was to wear nothing else.</p> <p>2 evening/going out<br />4 casual/weekend<br />8 work appropriate</p> <p>Given I work from home that would give me enough options.</p> <p>I wash clothes every day, at least one load, so I rarely have laundry bottlenecks!!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-only-wore-dresses#post-1531007 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 21:25:03 +0000 Diana 1531007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, you have me thinking about this some more.&nbsp; </p> <p>So of my 7 dresses, five of them are some shade of blue (2 navy solid, 1 cobalt print, 2 navy print) and six of them, with the exception of #5) are some variation on the waistless/sack/swing dress silhouette (although a couple of them have waist ties and of course I can belt many of them).&nbsp; When I want a different silhouette (or something that's not blue, lol) I just wear a skirt+top.&nbsp; I have for some reason a lot more variety in my skirts.&nbsp; I wonder if ALL I wore was dresses I'd want some more variety?&nbsp; </p>