https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 19 May 2026 00:19:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1683955 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 11:01:23 +0000 skylurker 1683955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The sleeves of the jacket bother me, not only too long, but they look too large all over too.<br /> Of the dresses I much prefer the woven ones #4 and #9-10 - but that may only be my own preference for woven speaking. The last one is the most flattering to my eyes, but it doesn't fit your criteria of "solid colour", for sure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1683936 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 09:50:59 +0000 Summer 1683936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The jacket, with alterations, will be lovely on you, Chris.&nbsp; <br />I also love the dress in 9 and 10.&nbsp; Both sizes look flattering on you, so you'll have to decide which feels the better fit.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1683922 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 09:01:28 +0000 Brooklyn 1683922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the jacket on you and the larger sized black and white dress on you. Very flattering! I also think you wear olive well - so that is a colour you could put on your radar if you wanted to try for another dress (given that you say the Anthro one feels too thin). The olive colour gives your skin a very healthy looking glow. I prefer the EF embroidered dress to the first dress but I suspect you could do better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1683784 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 02:22:31 +0000 Beth Ann 1683784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the jacket and the printed dress on you --- a printed sheath would be an excellent choice! &nbsp; As someone who thinks knees are weird, I wanted to pop on and say that I find that hems that hit right on my knee, just below, or those that are a good couple of inches shorter work --- the knee becomes a part of my leg and isn't highlighted. &nbsp; That "just above the knee" length makes me feel like they're in the spotlight, and makes me want to draw faces on them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1683666 Wed, 22 Jun 2016 23:14:57 +0000 Jenava 1683666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you rock a woven sheath dress, lady! &nbsp;Glad you took this one home, as the diagonal print is very flattering. &nbsp;LOVE that jacket on you, as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1683633 Wed, 22 Jun 2016 22:12:12 +0000 Chris987 1683633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Kiwigal! I'll go read that posting and take a look at your two dresses.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1683631 Wed, 22 Jun 2016 22:08:26 +0000 Sal 1683631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris - here you go!!</p> <p>The first one is my try on session - I purchased none of these although I quite like the polka dot one in slide 5.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dress-try-on-session">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....on-session</a></p> <p>At the time, in store it felt too short, I don't think it is. &nbsp;I look a bit ragged by the end of the experience......none are styled and the pics are of average quantity. &nbsp;There are some thin knits here which do not do me any favours.</p> <p>I did buy two summer dresses. &nbsp;I have attached pics here. &nbsp;The gingham one is a perfect dress for me - I have worn it casually with converse, with wedge sandals and with sandal boots for work. &nbsp;I do not think it is my most flattering dress but it is a bit different which was what I wanted.&nbsp;</p> <p>The evening dress is more flattering, although maybe JFE. &nbsp;I have worn this three times - a party at our home, a wedding, and a dinner out.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1682812 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 18:47:07 +0000 columbine(erin) 1682812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Absolutely love the color of the jacket on you and the diagonal print dress! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1682806 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 18:34:09 +0000 Chris987 1682806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, as usually you guys ROCK! Thanks for all the very helpful comments. I'm definitely keeping the jacket...will go start measuring those sleeves...</p> <p><b>Firecracker</b>, thanks! I brought home the larger black/white dress and will definitely think about your fit suggestions. That halogen dress was a very thin knit, which was a big negative for me. Good comments about the linen dress. You are right it is kind of retro/pretty. Will definitely try it with some more modern shoes once it arrives. </p> <p>Thanks <b>Suz</b> for the reminder about the hem seam allowance. I've done this type of shoulder take-in alteration several times, I know the "right" way and also a short cut...will think about which makes the most sense here. </p> <p><b>Thanks Anna, LisaP, Tanya, Sally, Momo, Lyn87, Bonnie</b></p> <p><b>Maneera</b> thanks so much for your comments. I appreciate everything you said and that you took the time to say it. Yes we are similar body types, with me being a bit shorter than you . And yes you hit the nail on the head thick knits are much better than thin ones, I'm starting to get that. This is one thing almost impossible to assess in online shopping, .but I'm good with try and return. <br />Your four points are great...the "shorter length" is a new idea to me. I'm about to say something negative about my knees but I'm going to honor our big discussion about body image and not go there let me just say that I'll give the shorter length a try, as you&nbsp;say it makes my legs look longer.</p> <p>I have never found a woven fabric sheath dress that fits me. If I ever decided I wanted to wear that style I'd have it custom made (maybe by me)</p> <p>Yes I have tried on quite a few denim dresses. I really like the look and I love all things denim. All the ones I've tried are straight silhouettes, and to get the width I need in the thigh/hip area I end up with armholes that are so big/long that a tank/cami underneath would be necessary. That type of alteration can be tricky, and I don't want to buy a summer dress that I know requires wearing that sort of layer. I actually own a couple of fit/flare dresses that have become orphaned...will post a separate topic on that. It's a good look for me as you say but I'm just tired of it. </p> <p><b>Kiwigal</b> did you post on YLF about your dress exploration last year? If you did I'll go look for it, sounds like it would be very helpful. </p> <p><b>Celia</b> good comment about prints, I'll focus on that a bit more (Thanks to others who also said this)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1682689 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 14:50:20 +0000 Bonnie 1682689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>#10 is super flattering and the jacket is a keeper, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1682671 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 14:28:52 +0000 celia 1682671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A big yay for the jacket. It looks really nice on you.<br /> I also like the last dress and if you can have the alterations done I think they would be worth it .<br /> Although a solid color dress might be more versatile I find that print ones tend to be more forgiving especially if you take in consideration the placement of the print.<br /> I have a very curvy bottom half and have a similar dress to the one below. I find that it really emphasises the top part and kind of distracts from the rest.<br /> Play around with prints and see what you like. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1682543 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 10:53:13 +0000 lyn67 1682543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love 1(great fit for the jacket, and yes, you don't need to close it) and wow, for the dress in 9 (or 10) you only know which size feels better. I also think nr 3 has potential. Great finds!:-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1682535 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 10:22:25 +0000 Momo 1682535@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the jacket and the black and white dress! I actually think the smaller size looks fab.<br /> And I think th dress in 6 is really nice on you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1682447 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 06:18:21 +0000 Sal 1682447@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with everyone else - the black and white diagonal and the moto. &nbsp;I think the olive knit dress is a hard one for many people to wear.</p> <p>I concur with Maneera too - especially around the fabric. &nbsp;I have knit dresses but they are all fairly thick. &nbsp;And a print is good too - although I know you want a simple dress in a solid colour!!</p> <p>I did a big dress try on session on the forum last year, it was illuminating in a couple of ways. &nbsp;Dresses that felt short actually often were just fine, and a good length. &nbsp;Secondly, bolder colours, patterns and prints suited me.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1682442 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 05:52:19 +0000 Sally 1682442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes that black and white diagonal dress is fab on you. Get it. Like others I think the moto is great too. I wear my pleather one practically everyday. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1682436 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 05:37:48 +0000 Maneera 1682436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The jacket looks great, Chris. Keep it. I love the color especially. </p> <p>Now, onto dresses. I want to be 100% honest with you. I have a feeling that you will appreciate it. </p> <p>Like you, I am curvy and I am short. I struggle with dresses too. I did a lot of research last summer and came up with a few pointers, and I would like to share them with you. </p> <p>1) You do want a dress with some 'give'. It's the only way women like me &amp; you who don't have a proportionate upper &amp; lower body look good in dresses. </p> <p>2) That said, thin jersey material is a big No. I can see why Sharan likes the dress in #6; I like the shape too. But I can see the thin fabric is emphasizing lumps and bumps. And sizing up doesn't help....the fabric still clings in unflattering ways when you move, even though a picture while standing straight looks good. </p> <p>3) The only dresses I have in solid colors are sheaths. They are formal, they are *woven* fabric and they hold me in. Note - I do wear shape wear under them though. So they are NOT casual In my honest opinion, nothing is more slimming and flattering than prints. #10 is JUST AMAZING on you. You look soooo good, I want to steal that dress. </p> <p>I agree 100% with most of your analysis. You're on the right track. I really like the last dress but would go with the size you 'feel' most comfortable in. Get the alterations needed but KEEP that dress. </p> <p>When you go shopping again, look for<br /> 1) Prints<br /> 2) Some kind of ruching on the midsection<br /> 3) Thicker knits<br /> 4) Shorter length</p> <p>I actually think a shorter length is more flattering on you. The more leg I see, the taller you look. </p> <p>Have you tried a denim dress yet? I also think a fit &amp; flare dress maybe a good silhouette on you. Here are just some ideas </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1682421 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 04:34:38 +0000 Tanya 1682421@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another yes vote or the jacket (with sleeve alteration) and black dress, both are very flattering.&nbsp; I would pass on all the grey dresses, they do not look structured enough. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1682414 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 04:30:29 +0000 Suz 1682414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am 100% with Sharan (Firecracker) and Lisa and Anna here. I really like the jacket on you and the sleeve alteration should be do-able. I also like the diagnonal pattern dress -- very flattering. Check of course to see if the alteration can be done well. There may be some seam allowance at the hem if you want to retrieve some of the length lost.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1682399 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 04:06:34 +0000 Anonymous 1682399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes to the Moto and to the diagonal print dress . The dress really works for you . Can't comment on armhole sizing etc because I'm seeing this on my phone - but this is an incredibly flattering dress . Make it work ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1682398 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 04:05:34 +0000 Anna 1682398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a similar jacket in tan and I get tons of use out of it. You should get it, it looks great on you. I always think those types of jackets look better open. I like the larger size black diagonal print on you. Very flattering. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1682395 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 03:51:40 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1682395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Chris, the jacket is great. I hope you're keeping it.<br />I love the black diagonal print dress on you. The smaller size is flattering, though I hear you on wanting it just a tad longer, for more versatility. I think you could stand to lose an inch in length on the larger one, so I would go for it if you think the shoulder alteration will give the fit you want. The dress looks good even without it, from what I can see (I can't see the armholes). I can envision it dressing up or down nicely. <br />I actually think the Halogen that you eliminated might work in a different size. But you were there in person, and I'm judging from a photo. Fabric feel can make such a difference. <br />The eyelet dress you've ordered has more of a sweet vibe to it, and a slightly retro feel to me. Ballet flats would play up that retro feel, so I would probably pair it with sandals that have a slightly tough or more current style--gladiators or the ever popular Paul Green Cayennes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/retail-research-a-jacket-and-several-dresses#post-1682390 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 03:31:32 +0000 Chris987 1682390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Today I went on a retail research trip&nbsp;to try on dresses (and one jacket). I bought a couple home to further consider them,&nbsp;but would like to examine all of them to learn.&nbsp;Would love to hear your comments.&nbsp; </p> <p>&nbsp;#1, 2 - faux&nbsp;suede moto jacket, with a perforated fabric. I've had my eye on this jacket off and on for several months.&nbsp;It seems a little bluer IRL than the pics. I would not expect to wear this until fall. Sleeves are too long and would need shortening, which I'd do&nbsp;by taking a seam in on the sleeve above the zipper.&nbsp;The bottom of the jacket is too tight and does not close, but my understanding is this would be ok if always wore it open. I really like the color and styling I need to get some more toppers. </p> <p>Next are the dresses. I'm looking for a simple dress, in a solid color,&nbsp; with modern styling and that can be styled in a few different ways. &nbsp; </p> <p>3 - Eileen Fisher Ballet Neck Shift Dress. Neckline is a little big otherwise almost JFE but not quite, a little too form fitting. It seems just a little too casual to be styled in a dressy manner. Good color and sleeve shape.<br />4 + 5 - Eileen F Embroidered Shift . Linen, and at least one size too small. Might be JFE in one size up so I just ordered it. Not sure I like this linen/cotton fabric.....no "give" and has to be ironed but will see. Like the color, print, and sleeve length. Not sure it's easily styled in multiple ways. <br />6 - Halogen French Terry Dress ; too small, too tight, and the draping/seaming at the waist is pretty unflattering. I didn't bother looking for larger size because I really didn't like the waist detail. </p> <p>7 - Anthro Olive Knit Dress ... first size; too tight, too short, VPL etc.&nbsp;<br /> 8 - Anthro Olive Knit ... one size larger; fit is good, color is good, and I like the neckline, but the knit was really thin which I didn't like so much. <br />9 - Anthro Black Print ... first size; I like the print, but too tight and too short. Photo is confusing because the other size was hanging behind me <br />10 - Anthro Black Print ... one size larger; much better fit, but would still need to take in the shoulders because the armholes are huge. That would result in the hem being just a little shorter. Not sure whether this is JFE or not...unsure about that horizontal pattern </p> <p></p> <p>THANKS!!!! &nbsp;</p>