https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 24 May 2026 08:37:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-743401 Tue, 09 Oct 2012 05:21:43 +0000 RunningSue 743401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone for all your thoughtful responses. I am humbled by the breadth of options you have offered me. Suz, we need to go shopping together. I have two French Connection dresses that I love but am not sure if they are too body con or not. </p> <p>Rachylou I will try some DVF wrap dresses to see how I feel in them.</p> <p>Suz, I look forward to your posts when I log on since we are similar in size and build. Thanks for the links (spot on) and suggestions.</p> <p>QfBrenda, thanks for all these amazing options, I am excited to see if they work. I will also investigate sheath dresses.</p> <p>GlamOnTheInside, Shu thanks for the encouragement.</p> <p>Parsely, an Athleta store just opened in my neighborhood so I can check them out in person. I do love their stuff and thinking about doing holiday work for them.</p> <p>Traci, I am not sure if it is me or she is trying to get me into something different than what I would gravitate to my self, sort of like what not to wear.</p> <p>Thanks Angie for the other retail selections, I do usually limit myself to Nordstrom but will expand my retail horizons.</p> <p>Shiny, the Macy's by me is rather drab and dreary, maybe I need to shop downtown which is why I have not spend much time there. With all those great links you sent, I do need to reconsider. I would love to try the teal dress, let me know what we need to do to make that happen. Thank you for your generosity.</p> <p>N-Marie, I agree 100%.</p> <p>nk123 and RoseandJoan, I did not realize Boden sold adult clothes, I had not heard of them until I had kids.</p> <p> Ariadne, thanks for the styling suggestions, that is how I picture myself in these dresses as well,</p> <p>Off to shop and pictures will come.</p> <p>Thanks everyone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-742105 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 21:19:00 +0000 Ariadne 742105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear fairly body-con dresses pretty regularly as a MOTG. I wear them with things like tights, boots, and a jacket or cardi most of the time. As long as they're comfy, flattering, provide enough coverage and allow for a good range of motion, why not? Here is one (unstyled) example of one of my MOTG dresses (the striped one):<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/and-a-kr--gap-bf-jeans-br-striped-sweater-dress" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ater-dress</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-742086 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 20:39:23 +0000 RoseandJoan 742086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote for Boden. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-742076 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 20:22:50 +0000 nk123 742076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Boden has great petite dresses (and regular length tunics that work as dresses for petites). I reach for those dresses repeatedly when I'm looking for casual, comfy and stylish. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-742067 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 20:00:01 +0000 shiny 742067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>okay I have a teal sweater dress Spense brand.... It is crew neck, which doesn't work on me, and also has some sheerness... Not sure how to describe... Anyway... You are my same weight, I'm same shape, few years younger, I have only worn this once. I could send it to you? Otherwise it's probably going in the donate pile. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-742065 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 19:54:29 +0000 shiny 742065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't want to mislead: quality of Spense brand is about what you'd find at F21, but fit is better, more forgiving cut for an older body. I consider these fun one season dresses. Do wait for a sale or use the Macy's coupons! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-741913 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 16:45:35 +0000 N-Marie 741913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I love some of those sweater dresses (and hard to beat those prices for MOTG)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-741888 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 16:08:30 +0000 shiny 741888@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Would you consider a sweater dress? I am 2 inches shorter than you, but a fellow IT. I tend to have some luck with Spense brand of dresses at Macy's. I will warn you: the quality is not all that great. But if it's for MOTG, and you don't want something too nice that would make you cry if you got sticky fingers all over it, the price is right, especially since Macy's is constantly having sales:</p> <p><a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/spense-petite-dress-three-quarter-sleeve-colorblocked-sweater-dress?ID=698996&#038;CategoryID=55596#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D289%26ruleId%3D65%26slotId%3D12" rel="nofollow">http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....lotId%3D12</a></p> <p><a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/spense-petite-dress-three-quarter-sleeve-ribbed-sweater?ID=695884CategoryID=55596#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D289%26ruleId%3D65%26slotId%3D15" rel="nofollow">http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....lotId%3D15</a></p> <p><a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/spense-petite-dress-short-sleeve-colorblocked-sheath?ID=698992&#038;CategoryID=55596&#038;LinkType=#fn=sp%3D2%26spc%3D289%26ruleId%3D65%26slotId%3D66" rel="nofollow">http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....lotId%3D66</a></p> <p><a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/spense-petite-dress-sleeveless-colorblocked-shoulder-houndstooth-sheath?ID=698984&#038;CategoryID=55596&#038;LinkType=PDPZ1" rel="nofollow">http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....Type=PDPZ1</a></p> <p>Macy's petites has other brands of sweater dresses right now that may be worth a look: </p> <p><a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/ny-collection-petite-dress-three-quarter-sleeve-colorblocked-sweater-dress?ID=725893&#038;CategoryID=55596#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D289%26ruleId%3D65%26slotId%3D26" rel="nofollow">http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....lotId%3D26</a></p> <p>Well... just go look at all the petite dresses! Macy's has a good range of them. Many would work for MOTG. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-741832 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 15:38:21 +0000 Angie 741832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Casual dresses are really hard at the moment because it's just not a dress season. Nordies does not generally stock *covered* casual dresses to start off with, so that's even harder. </p> <p>AT, BR, Gap, J. Crew, Atheleta, Lands End, Boden and Macys are usually better bets for covered casual dresses. This season, not one of my clients is into seeking out new casual dresses. They are wearing their old casual dresses, but buying dressy dresses, all sorts of skirts and trousers or jeans instead. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-741813 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 15:21:50 +0000 Traci 741813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What is the stylist suggesting as an alternative to the dresses you like? Do you like her offerings? Maybe it's just a difference of taste and you need a new stylist? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-741810 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 15:16:02 +0000 Shu 741810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Everything Suz said about bodycon and MOTG! If those are the ones you're drawn to, there's usually a way to make them appropriate. I hope you reconsider trying some of your first choices along with all the other great ideas these lovely ladies are sending your way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-741809 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 15:14:31 +0000 Parsley 741809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sue, have you tried Athleta?<br /> They have some great MOTG knit dresses that should be perfect for your athletic build, and they come in petites. They look really cute with tights and flat boots</p> <p><a href="http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84089&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=265928002" rel="nofollow">http://athleta.gap.com/browse/.....=265928002</a><br /> <a href="http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=50004&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=880253062" rel="nofollow">http://athleta.gap.com/browse/.....=880253062</a><br /> <a href="http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=50004&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=772665082" rel="nofollow">http://athleta.gap.com/browse/.....=772665082</a><br /> <a href="http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84087&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=306035012" rel="nofollow">http://athleta.gap.com/browse/.....=306035012</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-741806 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 15:09:47 +0000 qfbrenda 741806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To go along with what Suz said, MOTG dresses can definitely be body con. But I can understand why the stylist is pointing you away from body con dresses. As an IT, dresses that really FIT from head to knee can highlight the shoulders and it sounds like you are wanting to balance the shoulders out a bit. </p> <p>The dresses I linked to have some things in common: no crazy decorated stuff at the shoulders, some are looser at the hip area, a couple have hip pockets... all of those features can work well on an IT if balancing the shoulders is your goal. </p> <p>Another thing: I have great success with sheath dresses. I really love dresses without a defined waist because since my long waist is often in the wrong place, a sheath dress doesn't try to put a waist where it doesn't belong. I can belt them or leave them alone. A sheath can be layered easily so they work year round. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-741722 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 13:41:14 +0000 glam on the inside 741722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have nothing to add but just had to say, Suz, I'm in awe of your wise, detailed and helpful replies. Good luck, Running Sue. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-741716 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 13:32:15 +0000 Suz 741716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh - and if you want to give yourself some hips, maybe something like this: </p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/donna-morgan-sleeveless-ponte-knit-tulip-dress/3347226?origin=category&#038;contextualcategoryid=0&#038;fashionColor=Deep+Regatta&#038;resultback=2306" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/do.....tback=2306</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-741709 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 13:25:24 +0000 Suz 741709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh...I just wanted to add...is there some absolute reason why body con is verboten for Moms on the Go? </p> <p>I know you probably don't want to look like Bombshell Betty and modesty is of course a concern....but just because something hugs one's curves a bit doesn't automatically make it tacky, or too sexy, or too ANYTHING for the PTA. A lot is in the body of the particular wearer, and the styling of the item.</p> <p>ETA: Here is a higher quality and more expensive version of my jersey dress: <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/boss-black-sleeveless-sheath-dress/3278037?origin=category&#038;contextualcategoryid=0&#038;fashionColor=&#038;resultback=1319" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/bo.....tback=1319</a></p> <p>This one is lined and in wool so a bit different in feel (jersey doesn't wrinkle, is packable, etc. and this would seem more structured than mine) but the overall FIT is identical. It curves in gently at the waist without clinging and I can layer under and over it. Totally basic, totally boring, but totally FAB styled in ways I want. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-741704 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 13:21:40 +0000 Suz 741704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, Sue - I'll bet Angie will see this if I bump it. </p> <p>But first, as another MOTG/ Work-from-home, 50 something woman with an athletic shape (and who is a bit taller than you at 5'4" but not a lot, ), here are my thoughts on your dilemma.</p> <p>1. If you are long waisted, regular size dresses will work better for you (most likely). It is easy to hem the length. So don't limit yourself to petites unless you know for a fact that regular sizes never fit you. I typically will do better in a petite dress but I always try the XS regular sizes just in case, and sometimes I get lucky. In my case I need the petites for my short waistedness. So you might do lots better in regular. </p> <p>2. On the issue of "body con" - if you are sending her links to sheath dresses (which will suit your figure) then, sure, on the models they might be body con. Maybe they ARE body con in person, too. But you won't know for sure until you try on, and some may skim you because you do not have wide hips. So they are worth trying. </p> <p>See Angie's post on "de-bombshelling a pencil skirt" for ideas about how to style them to reduce the too-sexy effect. Even a very body con dress styled with flat boots, tights, and a denim jacket over top can become a perfect MOTG outfit for someone with our figure type. All the better if it is stretchy, like the one you linked to. </p> <p>Here's one from Nordstrom's: <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/french-connection-bambi-knits-stripe-sweater-dress/3351084?origin=category&#038;contextualcategoryid=0&#038;fashionColor=Charcoal%2F+Ruby+Red&#038;resultback=1802" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fr.....tback=1802</a></p> <p>3. Another shape that might work is a sort of tunic shape. Una (Alaskagirl) wears this shape to perfection, usually with pants or leggings underneath. As a short IT, she could be an inspiration. <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/calvin-klein-dress-accessories/3385845" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ca.....es/3385845</a></p> <p>Jersey might also work. I have a great black jersey jumper-style dress that I wear pretty much constantly. It's just a simple sheath. Sometimes I belt it, sometimes I wear it plain. I layer shirts and T shirts under it, I layer jackets over it, I wear with booties, tall boots, tights, etc. It is perhaps designed as a body con cut, but I wear it a bit loose so it doesn't cling to me at all, just follows my shape. It can also be dressed up very easily in a pinch. Love that dress! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-741605 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 06:33:42 +0000 qfbrenda 741605@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most casual day dresses can be hemmed. I'm a 5'1" IT with a long waist and have to hem at least half of the dresses I buy. I get petite when I can but that isn't always possible.</p> <p>I don't know if you are limiting yourself to Nordstrom, but I just looked online and didn't see dresses currently on their site that appealed to me as a MOTG. Maybe someone else can find some there. :)</p> <p>Here's a few I found that look interesting:</p> <p><a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=82420&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=240664052" rel="nofollow">http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=240664052</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=82420&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=914029022" rel="nofollow">http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=914029022</a> (review says this is hard to iron, but I like the shape)</p> <p><a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=82420&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=240970002" rel="nofollow">http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=240970002</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.christopherandbanks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13205770&#038;cp=2958671.2958728&#038;parentPage=family" rel="nofollow">http://www.christopherandbanks.....age=family</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/womens-34-sleeve-drapey-ponte-v-neck-dress~244077_59.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.landsend.com/pp/wom.....77_59.html</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/womens-sleeveless-ponte-sheath-dress-with-pockets~242219_59.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.landsend.com/pp/wom.....19_59.html</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/womens-34-sleeve-pattern-gathered-surplice-dress~242222_59.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.landsend.com/pp/wom.....22_59.html</a></p> <p>All of those are either available in petite or can be hemmed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-741560 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 03:24:52 +0000 rachylou 741560@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey, Sue! Have you tried on a dress like the shopbop one? If so, how do you feel in it? Have you tried tunic dresses on your stylist? The wrap/faux wrap is eternally flattering an easy... made Diane von Furstenberg (sp?) a fortune right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-help-with-motg-dresses-please#post-741548 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 03:05:05 +0000 RunningSue 741548@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am really struggling with the concept of MOTG dresses that flatter me and are age appropriate. I am working with a stylist at Nordstrom (in Bellevue Square) who said that all the dresses I send her links to are too body con. I am looking for a dress that flatters me by skimming the body and has a waist. I am a 5'2", 112 lb 51 year old IT (broad shoulders and no hips) with a very athletic build. A lot of the regular size dresses do not work since they are too long. The selection of petite dress is limited and usually do not fit since I am long waisted. I am searching for a flattering dress that I can wear running errands, volunteering at school, etc. (but not to take the kids to the park). If anyone has ideas, pictures, links, suggestions, I am all ears and really appreciate your help.</p> <p>I love this style of dress (way out of my price range).</p> <p><a href="http://www.shopbop.com/tweed-stitch-dress-ribbed-back/vp/v=1/845524441948476.htm?folderID=2534374302029428&#038;fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&#038;colorId=12511&#038;navFolderId=2534374302163191#reviewsArea" rel="nofollow">http://www.shopbop.com/tweed-s.....eviewsArea</a> </p>