https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-gala-dress-option-for-critique Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 03:08:44 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-gala-dress-option-for-critique#post-1384736 Tue, 28 Oct 2014 04:24:04 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1384736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the dress on you, unfrumped. Such an elegant look! I got a chuckle out of your momentary panic at whether you had it backwards. Maybe you could wear it the other way around for next year's gala! I agree with Meredith--go with the shoes you have, and enjoy the evening. You will not only be perfectly appropriately dressed but also lovely!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-gala-dress-option-for-critique#post-1384691 Tue, 28 Oct 2014 02:54:40 +0000 Jaime 1384691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great find! Nothing to add to Angie's advice but sounds gorgeous! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-gala-dress-option-for-critique#post-1384667 Tue, 28 Oct 2014 02:13:47 +0000 Sara L. 1384667@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the dress looks great on you. &nbsp;With that back, there's no way it could be frumpy! Different shoes might be fun, but the ones you have on look fine and most people will probably be focusing on your upper half, not your shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-gala-dress-option-for-critique#post-1384586 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 23:05:07 +0000 Carole 1384586@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>lol, unfrumped...I can just imagine the whole scenario...you look lovely in the dress and think the gold accents are perfect! Hope we get the final snapshot before you are out the door. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-gala-dress-option-for-critique#post-1384570 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 22:29:23 +0000 unfrumped 1384570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for the encouragement and suggestions.<br />Here's a funny thing:<br />When I was taking the photo of the dress itself, I suddenly noticed that there is a <u>front seam</u> all the way up to the neckline. I guess it's fairly subtle because I didn't see it before. And you don't normally have a center seam like that. And I saw darts in the "back". My first thought was, ye gods, I'm wearing it <u>backwards</u>. My second thought was, sheesh, I'm gonna&nbsp;show up at a gala&nbsp;wearing my dress&nbsp; backwards because&nbsp;I don't have an alternative plan. </p> <p>I couldn't&nbsp;see how I'd make that mistake&nbsp; because, even though I lack real estate, the cowl-back is pretty low, even for busty types. Or so I'd like to believe.</p> <p>Then I double-checked ( I even tried it on the other way, I was that panicked) and saw that yes, there&nbsp;is princess seaming on the front (my front) and the tag is in the low back.&nbsp; And the little band thing&nbsp; of course is a&nbsp;back detail.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;So I'll be wearing it correctly with its weird front seam, and life as we know it will surely go on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-gala-dress-option-for-critique#post-1384562 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 21:57:33 +0000 SW Ann 1384562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the dress, and think the back detail saves it from any frump factor....I do think a different shoe would "amp" it up a little, if that's a possibility.&nbsp; I think nude hosiery and a black shoe is good, but will concede that Angie probably knows best! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-gala-dress-option-for-critique#post-1384505 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 20:21:39 +0000 Susie 1384505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that this is a great dress for your gala. The shape is very flattering on you and the interesting back negates any potential frumpiness. If you do decide to try other shoes, I would stick with black, rather than gold, but dressy, like silk or with beading. I like the gold bag with it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-gala-dress-option-for-critique#post-1384501 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 20:11:33 +0000 abc 1384501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like this best of all of the options you have posted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-gala-dress-option-for-critique#post-1384472 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 19:10:39 +0000 Anonymous 1384472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh yes! I like it very much. I agree with the others that the back negates any frump completely and I see no neck issues at all. I love Angies suggestion for hose and shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-gala-dress-option-for-critique#post-1384438 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 18:26:36 +0000 unfrumped 1384438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, thank you for stopping by! I'll play with accessories a bit. Gold shoes could be fab! Probably in my dreams, though.<br />Meredith, that's exactly right.&nbsp; I&nbsp;always feel&nbsp;conflicted because I know what I'd like to wear if I could, and I'd love it if I could&nbsp;make&nbsp;that statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;But, this isn't "my life"&nbsp;and it's just hard (for me, anyway) to keep up this wardrobe area.&nbsp;. I'm supporting a cause I believe in. I could support it with donations alone and no gala-attendance, but it means something to the people I work with for people to attend.<br />One thing I've learned over the years is to leave my fashion "judging" eyes at the door, at these events. Fashion-looking and admiring and style note-taking, yes. But I'm highly sympathetic to the imperfect outfit! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-gala-dress-option-for-critique#post-1384420 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 18:03:32 +0000 Meredith 1384420@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't attend many of events of this nature, so take what I have to say with a grain of salt. &nbsp;If I were you, I would wear this dress. &nbsp;It's a flattering shape and the back makes it seem special. &nbsp;Try it with nude hose, but I wouldn't worry about finding new shoes or accessories. &nbsp;The reason? &nbsp;I don't think you want this to be your investment gala look. &nbsp;You found a fun dress that is fresh and new, but this is not your Le Smoking suit. &nbsp;Why not work with what you have for now and save the upgraded accessories for when you find that truly special outfit? &nbsp;Change the earrings and bag if you must, but I would make the shoes work because shoes bought just for this dress may not work&nbsp;with a suit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-gala-dress-option-for-critique#post-1384408 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 17:56:56 +0000 Angie 1384408@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>GREAT. Much better for the Gala event then a pants suit. I like the back detail. How about gold shoes, and black micro fishnet tights?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-gala-dress-option-for-critique#post-1384407 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 17:54:08 +0000 unfrumped 1384407@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Laura, Isabel and Suz!</p> <p>Wow, this is why this forum is so great. </p> <p>I always think of the off-black sheer hose as being "evening attire" with dark dresses, but now through your eyes, I can see that that might be&nbsp;increasing the heaviness of the look, compared to very sheer nude hose. That may be&nbsp;part of what&nbsp;I was &nbsp;sensing when I look at the photos but I couldn't identify what else to do. May look livelier. Can't wait to try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-gala-dress-option-for-critique#post-1384400 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 17:40:52 +0000 Suz 1384400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The shape is terrific on you! And the gold, plus a bit of skin, do help prevent it from seeming too dark. I do not see giraffe neck syndrome, either (and you know how sensitive I am on that score). The back is unexpected and very gala appropriate.&nbsp;</p> <p>How about nude sheers instead? I think they would balance the bare back a little better.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you can find some new shoes, terrific, but if not, these will&nbsp;certainly do. I don't think the dress is frumpy in the least, and the length looks elegant, but a different shoe might take it up a notch.&nbsp;</p> <p>Hard to tell about details of the fabrication from the photos, but remember that the lights will be dim! :)&nbsp;</p> <p>Not sure about the earrings. I don't think clip ons are nerdy per se. Not if you have the right pair. But as you say, they might feel like too much with the dress detail.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-gala-dress-option-for-critique#post-1384382 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 17:09:00 +0000 Isabel 1384382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too like the dress and agree with Laura that the back in particular saves it from &nbsp;"frump". &nbsp; &nbsp;Though I do have to agree with you that different shoes would amp it up. &nbsp;But if you don't have the time, then you don't have the time and I think that this is a fine way to go. &nbsp;Have fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-gala-dress-option-for-critique#post-1384366 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 16:35:09 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1384366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The shape is lovely on you, and I think the low back saves it from frumpiness. Obviously it's hard to see the details of fabric in photos, and I know what you mean that some fabrics look cheap in person no matter how expensive they actually cost. But I like this outfit from the photos and think that the shoes and clutch are fine. </p> <p>Congrats on the bargain - I think it will do well for your event, and then you can keep an eye out for your hewi dress in the future. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/new-gala-dress-option-for-critique#post-1384352 Mon, 27 Oct 2014 16:16:13 +0000 unfrumped 1384352@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>First, many thanks to the fabbers who have followed my gala and<br /> other dress-up angst posts over time. Thank you for your helpful input!</p> <p>I had a little time this weekend to do some dress shopping. I<br /> only made it as far as one dept store ( I had looked a little online and even<br /> tried the Tracy Reese dress as in an earlier post).</p> <p>As usual, dress fit is tough for my shape, to get all the“parts”<br /> fitted. Here’s what I came home with: an “Anne Klein” dress that is black with<br /> a little gold metallic dot pattern. It has a low, cowl back—sorry for weird<br /> back photos. So giraffe neck is in full view! Yay, it fits, I think. Nay , it<br /> is not any sort of upscale dress in a delicious color (such as a delicious<br /> neutral) or fabrication. </p> <p>I think a sheath style is more sophisticated on me, and I keep<br /> looking, but is a HEWI due to pear issues. I haven’t yet found the right<br /> combination of separates, which can help solve the top &amp; bottom issues.</p> <p>Shown with my existing shoes and gold clutch. I can take a<br /> gander in dept store or DSW for some more stylish shoes, but it'd be a long<br /> shot.</p> <p>What do you think? For its $19.99 price , I’m probably keeping<br /> the dress. It’s funny, I just gathered up a dozen to try on and it was the only<br /> one that fit and that was the price! But, I wish I could find that perfect<br /> dress up/down great dress.</p> <p>Are the shoes just awful? Is a gold clutch “too much”—enough to<br /> go find black or something else? Does it just scream, I’m a low-tier jersey<br /> knit dress? Too long? (higher shoes help that, but hard to find for me). I<br /> looked at a small selection of dresses by several better makers (Nicole Miller,<br /> Trina Turk, others) but just nothing in store for me at this time. I might be<br /> able to shop one more evening at a couple other places. </p> <p>Also, I should decide whether to wear clip-on earrings or just<br /> leave it at the dress and clutch, since there are all the doo-dads on the<br /> dress, and perhaps clip-on’s are too nerdy. I have stopped wearing them and am<br /> about to give them all away, except for this type of event and no-necklace<br /> neckline.</p> <p><span>Regardless of the upcoming event, as usual, shopping brings new<br /> insights. First, it confirms that this dress is <u>not</u> in my target color<br /> palette—but acceptable for $20. For years, I collected gold and bronzy dressy<br /> items because of my brown hair with reddish highlights. Now, with, ahem,<br /> maturity, my hair looks lighter and almost“taupe” in some lighting. So silver,<br /> mauves, pewter, burgundy-purples and dressy taupey colors are the direction I<br /> want to go, both for clothing and accessories. Second, there’s something<br /> bordering on dowdy for this dress—maybe more than the shoes? Is it the flair<br /> and length? Whatever it is, I have in my mind’s eye some other style that looks<br /> more modern or energetic or something. Good things to keep in mind for PPP<br /> dress or separates.</span></p> <p>Thoughts? I know I'm down to the wire for achieving big changes,<br /> but it has still been helpful to me to hear your ideas for "ideal"<br /> style and outfits even if I can't execute in time for this event. Thank you for comments.</p>