https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 11:15:25 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses/page/2#post-1272255 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 17:56:44 +0000 Karie 1272255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Journey, I noticed that too - especially with the lines in the center of the dress. Vix, that's a good idea - regular sizes are usually for gals up to 5'7" and tall sizes start at 5'9" - I, of course, am 5'8."</p> <p>I just came back from J. Crew - I purchased the striped one Suz mentioned above and ordered the floral one. I'll post a K/R later in a separate thread. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses/page/2#post-1272217 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 16:07:55 +0000 Vix 1272217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Karie --</p> <p>Great tips above. Another elliptical Rectangle here who avoids dress/skirts that need hips to fill them out lest there's Sad Fallen Fabric Syndrome. Back in the 50s, crinolines evened out the playing field....</p> <p>Have you tried ordering Talls from the places that carry them (that's what -- J Crew, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor?) to get the length and&nbsp;waist placement right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses/page/2#post-1272112 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 14:00:48 +0000 journey 1272112@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>so much good advice above, but just wanted to add that the pattern placement is way different on the model's dress than on the one you have on.&nbsp; the model's has a shortish dark horizontal line&nbsp;right at waist level which visually draws it in and makes her waist look tiny.&nbsp; the dress you have on has the dark lines way above the waist and way below the waist which&nbsp;completely changes the visual shape of the dress, making it look bigger and looser.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses/page/2#post-1272100 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 13:37:32 +0000 Karie 1272100@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh ladies, you have all been so helpful, a million thank yous! Suz, that basket-weave J. Crew (I love J. Crew) was another item I was drooling over. Another stripe, just like the Halogen skirt! I should just give in and try them on. I mean, heavens to murgatroyd, I have one striped skirt and I think I can't have another striped bottom?&nbsp;<br />I adore that J.Crew floral dress as well - concerned about the length and looking twee, though.<br />I'm heading over to the J. Crew store in a few minutes to see if they have them (can't check store stock on-line, darn it&nbsp;- if not I will order -&nbsp;wish me luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses/page/2#post-1272051 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 11:44:33 +0000 viva 1272051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a terrible time with dresses, too, Karie, and I tend to wear only shifts as a result. I seem to have the same build as Ummilla: rectangle, small chest, wide waist. Ummilla likes elastic waists, and I can see why -- she looks fantastic in that photo she posted. But for me, shifts are the only style that make me feel modern (odd, since shifts are so retro!). Typically I avoid dresses -- and skirts too, since they are SO hard to fit. I wear a lot of pants.</p> <p>But when I find a shift, I wear the heck out of it. I just bought one on sale at Anthro and it worked beautifully for an occasion this spring. It's longer on me than on the model, it's silk, and it's easy. Not sure how you feel about shifts but I love this one. </p> <p><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/category/clothing/shopsale-dresses2.jsp?cm_sp=LEFTNAV-_-SUB_CATEGORY-_-DRESSES" rel="nofollow">http://www.anthropologie.com/a....._-SUB_CATE</a></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses/page/2#post-1272049 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 11:38:35 +0000 Anonymous 1272049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>High five to my elliptical quadruplets! Karie, I have found this post super useful because I was always wondering why I felt awful in dresses and you've shown me why they don't get us! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses/page/2#post-1271968 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 04:20:16 +0000 Suz 1271968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's right, Claire - thank you&nbsp;- I was trying to remember that word. Elliptical! So we look wider from the front than the side. I think it's true about Karie, also.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses/page/2#post-1271966 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 04:16:46 +0000 Anonymous 1271966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Karie, I have a similar build and for the first time this summer have found some dresses that fit. Suz is right, jersey and sheath are the magic words. Try knit dresses that fit like your beloved pencil skirts. The tapered hem will keep you from looking wide (I'm guessing you're elliptical like me, not round). They won't feel tight because of the stretch. I'm tall too, and it's hard finding knee length ones, but they are out there. I think I tried on at least a hundred to find 5 casual dresses that I could wear this summer. I'd link to them but they were all second hand. Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses/page/2#post-1271957 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 03:56:45 +0000 Suz 1271957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And another - in linen. More sizes. An A line rather than fit and flare.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses/page/2#post-1271953 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 03:51:36 +0000 Suz 1271953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Karie, there are not many sizes of this left, but if you want to try fit and flare, might it work?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses/page/2#post-1271948 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 03:43:37 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1271948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aw, Karie, keep up the effort. Dresses are so tricky to find, because of trying to fit the entire body with one garment. I'm a straight-ish hourglass and have an Eileen Fisher dress from last year that is very similar lines to <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/eileen-fisher-reversible-sleeveless-jersey-dress/3692966?fashionColor=Black&amp;cm_ven=Linkshare&amp;cm_cat=partner&amp;cm_pla=10&amp;cm_ite=1&amp;siteId=fV7QgDWUWe0-7nA3G_YH9THUy9HixVfWww" rel="nofollow">this one</a>. It might not be your cup of tea, but just a thought.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses#post-1271879 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 02:22:46 +0000 Suz 1271879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Haha - you are right! But with your white topper I think it could look smashing on you. It has the ruching. I have a bottle bottom print dress from last year with the ruching and I love it. I also have one without ruching but it feels much more body con. Even though both are, technically, body con.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also have it in what is probably a size too small for me. So ordering up a size could help.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses#post-1271855 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 01:53:37 +0000 Karie 1271855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha! MsMary, when I read your post I thought, "Oh no! A typo! Not me!" I'm a bit of a word girl and get a little freaky when I realize I've made a mistake.</p> <p>Suz, I haven't tried the dress - it's just waaayyy too short in the center.</p> <p>I kind of like this Kamali dress - kind of - it might be a bit much. Kind of reminds me of the Aerosmith tongue tee shirt ~ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses#post-1271843 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 01:42:29 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1271843@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You're a little taller than I thought. Those dresses would definitely be on the short side for you (I'm 5'4"). Not that short would be a bad thing, but if it's not your comfort zone...I like that bcbg dress too, colors are great, but I agree that the cut in spot has to be in just the right place. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses#post-1271839 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 01:36:56 +0000 Suz 1271839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hahaha, Ms. Mary!! :)&nbsp;</p> <p>So funny - after I wrote my post I got on the BCBG site because I know their clothes "get" you. And I saw that dress and thought about it but ruled it out because it would probably be too short.&nbsp;</p> <p>Did you try it on, though? Because you never know..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses#post-1271834 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 01:31:33 +0000 MsMary 1271834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Karie, you have a typo in your post title.&nbsp; I'm quite sure you meant to type:&nbsp; "It's going back, because it just doesn't get me!" </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses#post-1271831 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 01:29:40 +0000 Karie 1271831@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ummlila, those are all gorgeous dresses, but I've gotten&nbsp;kind of fussy about length. I like my dresses and skirts to be around my knee - which is extra difficult because I'm on the tall side (5'8"). I love the BCBG dress in "finds"&nbsp;below, but it is just too short in the middle&nbsp;:( </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses#post-1271797 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 01:08:48 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1271797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also, what about this one: <a href="http://www.clubmonaco.com/product/index.jsp?productId=32810346" rel="nofollow">http://www.clubmonaco.com/prod.....d=32810346</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses#post-1271795 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 01:07:58 +0000 MsLuna 1271795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Karie, trying the ruched dress would be a great idea! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses#post-1271792 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 01:03:16 +0000 Karie 1271792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I love high necked sheath dresses. In fact, I tried the Kamalikulture dress below - the waist was in the right spot, the top fit perfectly, but it was a little form fitting around the tummy. Perhaps one of their dresses with ruching would be better.&nbsp;<br />And I have adored that Halogen skirt since the moment I laid eyes on it. I do kind of&nbsp;wish it was a floral instead of a stripe, though. That skirt is actually next on my list of items to try.</p> <p>Ummlila, thanks for the links to the dresses. I will check them out after I post this. The Summer Rain dress is gorgeous!</p> <p>Una, that might be the answer - I'll just walk around with my clothes all pinned &nbsp;up in back! Gaylene, I can do alterations, but to me this dress just isn't worth it - I don't know if I would like it even after the alterations. Janet, that type of shoulder alteration is one that I have had to do before, but in this dress the armholes fit so there just isn't room.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses#post-1271787 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 01:01:07 +0000 MsLuna 1271787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Karie, I agree with Suz. Even on an apple-esque girl like me with slim limbs, this cut of dress, despite the vertical lines has a widening effect. Think this way - if you have slim arms and limbs, the only way to balance them out is through narrow sleeves or hemlines (unless they are long flared pant hemlines where ppl is ideal). It would make such a difference! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses#post-1271774 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 00:55:28 +0000 Suz 1271774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hahahahaha, Ms. KatieKat, that is brilliant. "Frockstars."&nbsp;</p> <p>Karie, I also think you should continue to hold out hope. This type of dress would be virtually impossible for me to wear, too. The neckline is good, and the princess lines are potentially good, but it has the effect of broadening (despite the vertical lines) because of the slightly dropped waist and the angle of the flare.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses#post-1271770 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 00:52:54 +0000 MsLuna 1271770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Karie, I'm sorry you're having dress problems! I think every woman has this kind of wardrobe issue - in my case, PANTS are the ones that make me look terrible 99.9% of the time!</p> <p>This dress, however, has issues. It's NOT YOU! The dress is too big on you, and I find this cut overwhelms your slim body. </p> <p>Given that you're a slim rectangle like Suz, I'd try out her advice as she ALWAYS looks smashing in dresses. Dresses do take time to figure out - even for frockstars like myself.</p> <p>Don't give up! Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses#post-1271769 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 00:51:54 +0000 Mo 1271769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a hard time with some dresses and their waist placement. &nbsp;The easy answer is a stretchier fabrication without a 'set' waist point that will allow your waist to decide where it goes. &nbsp;Of course, that becomes automatically more bodycon. &nbsp;I am somewhat high waisted and I choose dresses that I can tell in the photos have a higher set waist. &nbsp;Also, as Janet mentioned, just bringing up the torso with tailoring, even just an inch, can miraculously solve the fit issues of darts and waists in the wrong places. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses#post-1271764 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 00:33:26 +0000 Peri 1271764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a terrible time with dresses too...I've posted before on the same subject. I just can't find one that I like that hits on all fit points. I think it is really hard with dresses because that one item is supposed to fit everywhere. And I don't know what a tailor can or can't do to make a decision based on getting something altered. Anyway, I've been searching since March and haven't found one...really thinking that I never will. So I get your frustration. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses#post-1271761 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 00:28:49 +0000 Suz 1271761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay -- Ummilila and Una, better talk to Greg about that stuff.&nbsp;</p> <p>He is a genius and will fix it.&nbsp;</p> <p>Karie, it is not&nbsp;<b>YOU</b>. It is the&nbsp;<b>DRESS.&nbsp;</b></p> <b><br /> </b> <p><b></b>As a fellow slim hourglass/ rectangle, here is my secret, that is really no secret:&nbsp;</p> <p><b>HIGH NECKED SHEATH DRESS</b>.&nbsp;</p> <p>Get it in jersey and if there is ruching of some kind, all is forgiven.&nbsp;</p> <p>Seriously.&nbsp;</p> <p>You probably don't want something as dressy as the Nicole Miller, below. But there are lots of similar dresses out there in different fabrications. The Kamalikulture ones come to mind. Those ones are cheap as chips (as Angie might say) and pack like a dream!&nbsp;</p> <p>But if the shape just feels too dressy, no matter what, well...I don't think fit-and-flare is completely out...I just think it is trickier. &nbsp;For me, personally...a part of me really loves a fit-and-flare style -- it appeals to my girly/ pretty side. But I do find them awfully awkward looking on my angles. I can get them to fit my body, but they seem to argue with the rest of me, if you know what I mean.&nbsp;</p> <p>Still, I've seen you rock that silhouette, so if your heart is set on&nbsp;that shape, how about that great Halogen skirt that Angie sported in the spring (if still available) with a top tucked in?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses#post-1271738 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 00:10:42 +0000 catgirl 1271738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ummlila, that happens to me on my ipad too. When I open another tab all my text disappears. Irritating! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses#post-1271732 Sat, 07 Jun 2014 00:01:06 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1271732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And here is a pic of me in the summer rain dress from the aforementioned reunion. That dress is my fave. I am in the middle. Only one in a dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses#post-1271729 Fri, 06 Jun 2014 23:57:38 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1271729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nanette Lepore forbidden love dress <a href="http://www.nanettelepore.com/dresses/332-4392.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.nanettelepore.com/dresses/332-4392.html</a><br /> Like I said, need to go up a size.</p> <p>Sorry for the zillion posts. I think it must be an ipad thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/its-going-back-because-i-look-awful-in-dresses#post-1271726 Fri, 06 Jun 2014 23:55:57 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1271726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nanette Lepore palm Copacabana. I had to install a small snap on the wrap front so it wouldn't gap open. <a href="http://www.nanettelepore.com/dresses/palm-copacabana-dress-322-4964.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.nanettelepore.com/d.....-4964.html</a> </p>