https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 10 May 2026 17:58:38 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants/page/2#post-611342 Thu, 03 May 2012 15:22:41 +0000 Irene 611342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I actually really like the blue one on you. Maybe it's because I'm Spanish and we have a different culture, or maybe it's because I'm well endowed and therefore used to worse cleavages than yours, but I see nothing wrong with those necklines. You may add a cami if all else fails (done that with seriously low necklines before) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants/page/2#post-611311 Thu, 03 May 2012 14:50:55 +0000 Angie 611311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy, you are SO right in your assessment of most of the frocks out there this season. It's a really bad and disappointing assortment. The longer and more wearable work options are available - but you just have to look harder for them. Kari has sorted you out nicely :)</p> <p>I echo what the ladies have said. The colours in the dresses that you chose are GORGEOUS on you! Too bad they weren't completely right. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants/page/2#post-611300 Thu, 03 May 2012 14:45:13 +0000 qfbrenda 611300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love that blue on you! Too bad #4 won't work.</p> <p>I don't know if this suggestion will appeal to you, but I found several great dresses at Kohls recently. It might be worth checking out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants/page/2#post-611298 Thu, 03 May 2012 14:42:00 +0000 Suz 611298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy, you are getting great shopping advice here already from others more knowledgeable than I, but I just had to pop in to say I LOVE you in these colours; they bring you alive. And I love you for being such a great sport. Also, despite have zero bust, and being at least 5 inches shorter than you (I think) I have experienced BOTH these issues. For the cleavage (or bony chest, in my case) a camisole or tank has solved the problem. I just get into a little summer layering. For the length, I don't know what to say. I do not understand these manufacturers!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611286 Thu, 03 May 2012 14:33:46 +0000 Classically Casual 611286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy - To followup on IK's comment re EF, Nordstrom carries a small EF collection too that has slightly different styles or colors than the EF stores. I haven't bought online from EF, but if you use Nordy's, all their usual policies apply. (I bought an EF dress from Nordies this spring for a college reunion...it's a beautiful color, packs well, is comfortable &amp; machine washable. Also no cleavage issues and the length was at my knees.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611280 Thu, 03 May 2012 14:30:58 +0000 Vix 611280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Amy --</p> <p>Most days I'd take shopping for dresses over pants shopping, but I hear ya! </p> <p>Question for you re length issues, since you say you're "not short": Have you tried ordering Talls from the places that carry them online (know Ann Taylor does, think Banana Republic might)? If the upper torso fit wasn't too off it might solve your length issue.</p> <p>I love #3 and #4 on you. Most of the dresses I like for/on myself have deep Vs as well and I just wear a full slip with a plain straight across-neckline and/or tonal camisole under them. [Generally I buy $3 cheapies and cut them to bralette length vs buying the specialty products but I may cave.] </p> <p>I have the energy to obsess about many things, but doing more than that for necklines isn't one of them, ha. Bonus of the slip solution is that it reduces the cling factor. </p> <p>I must say in a world where time and money was no object for you I'd suggest you chop off the top of #1 and sew it to a solid black/charcoal/blue pencil skirt bottom. The print and colors are stunning on you!</p> <p>Aside from that I know I've seen some Michael Kors (whatever his more discount line is) and Calvin Klein (ditto) dresses with higher necklines in places like Nordstrom/NRack and Marshalls/TJMaxx. Don't know if the length would work on you, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611250 Thu, 03 May 2012 14:06:52 +0000 ironkurtin 611250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy, try on some EF dresses full price, and I can troll ebay for you. Here's her current collection:<br /> <a href="http://www.eileenfisher.com/EileenFisher/collection/ShopByCategory/Dresses.jsp?bmLocale=en_US" rel="nofollow">http://www.eileenfisher.com/Ei.....cale=en_US</a></p> <p>They are pricey but worth it, IMO, especially if you can find previous seasons marked down or gently used. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611228 Thu, 03 May 2012 13:13:59 +0000 Transcona Shannon 611228@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow Kari - you've given Amy some fantastic options! </p> <p>Amy, I agree that none of these are "the" dress for work. Although that coral beauty in #3 would be gorgeous for a date night with hubby if you needed (he probably wouldn't mind the "view" - lol!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611226 Thu, 03 May 2012 13:09:27 +0000 Jjsloane 611226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your expression in the first photo. </p> <p>I have the best luck with dresses at Lord &amp; Taylor if you have one nearby (or online). They often have a rack of dresses that are marked down and coupons on top of that. Brands that work for me (I think we're similar height) are Jones NY, Ralph Lauren, Suzi Chin (I have to size up), Maggie London, Donna Ricco, Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors.<br /> I've also had some success at Nordstrom Rack, but it can be hit or miss. Same brands there for me (except Jones). They also have racks of knit dresses by Max Studio that alone are casual, but with a jacket or cardi can be work appropriate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611218 Thu, 03 May 2012 13:00:32 +0000 ManidipaM 611218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy, I laughed out loud at your expressions and the post. But I do feel your angst. Especially with the ever-so-pretty print of the last dress. And the so-close-yet-just-too-notched first one!</p> <p>I don't know WHERE designers think our cleavage is, or whether they imagine people regularly wear specialty undergarments. The other day I tried on a pretty draped top that would have need to be fashion-taped to the top of my *tummy* to stay decent! AND it was a regular size, which would account for the extra depth on petite me... except for the fact that it was also barely grazing my hipbone in length! CAN"T imagine who it would fit correctly, or how. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611141 Thu, 03 May 2012 06:19:24 +0000 CocoLion 611141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Arrgh. Cleavage dresses. What up with that? I have no office to dress for, no PTA, no church. Yet I don't want those cleavage dresses, they can look tacky. My solution, if I like the dress enough, is to wear a meant-to-peek cami bra. It means there are more dresses I can wear now. If you had one of those #4 would work, I like the simplicity, cut and color. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611128 Thu, 03 May 2012 05:52:50 +0000 Kate 611128@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All I can say is, colors love you. That cobalt blue shade is particularly gorgeous on you. I really do like #3, but will take your word about the dangers of full frontal nudity. I'm quite envious actually; if the top of my dress fell down, no one would blink an eye. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611107 Thu, 03 May 2012 05:02:30 +0000 rae 611107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You found some amazing prints! I'm a dress novice, but the other ladies have you sorted, it seems. Good hunting - and hey at least if nothing else you can glean inspiration to sew something up, right? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611089 Thu, 03 May 2012 04:32:55 +0000 goldenpig 611089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Amy, I love your hair! You look really cute in #1 and #5, but I do agree they may be a bit short unless you want to wear capri leggings underneath? Coral leggings under #5 would be so cute! OK, maybe I've spent too much time dressing DD...</p> <p>I love you in the coral color in #3. Have you looked at the orange-red J Crew origami dress that I bought? I think you would look so fab in it, and it doesn't have the cleavage problem...<br /> <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/dresses/weartowork/PRDOVR~43712/99102528412/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~0~15~all~mode+matchallany~~~~~origami/43712.jsp" rel="nofollow">http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../43712.jsp</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611088 Thu, 03 May 2012 04:32:53 +0000 Kari 611088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy, I'd be more than happy to! That would be fun. Just don't let me buy any more dresses for ME, okay? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611084 Thu, 03 May 2012 04:30:29 +0000 Amy 611084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kari, I'm going to kidnap you and make you go shopping with me, lol. You're very good at this. I'm starting to add things to my shopping carts (yes, plural). :D</p> <p>Claire, given more free time, I would absolutely sew every last dress and pair of pants for myself. I know how to make them fit. Unfortunately, it takes so dreadfully long now that I can only snatch a few minutes here and there to work on these projects. I'm impatient :)</p> <p>Donna, thanks for sharing all of that! Very helpful.</p> <p>Sarah--I don't like shopping either. There. I've admitted it. I do love fiber and fabric and style...but not the hard work that's shopping. I don't much like cooking either, but I like to eat good food. Someday, when I come into my millions, I'm going to have people who do all this for me and wash and wax my car too!</p> <p>Anne, I haven't tried the Shabby Apple, but it looks interesting. Thanks for the suggestion!</p> <p>Thanks all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611068 Thu, 03 May 2012 04:18:54 +0000 Kari 611068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy, a couple others that I came across:</p> <p>On my computer these look a bit more orangey (though not bright) than the red-coral dress I posted. Haven't seen them in person though.</p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/alex-ava-jersey-wrap-dress/3164146?origin=category" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/al.....n=category</a><br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/lauren-by-ralph-lauren-drape-neck-dress-with-ruching/3243895?origin=category" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/la.....n=category</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611060 Thu, 03 May 2012 04:09:58 +0000 anne 611060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel your frustration. However I don't think dresses could be quite as bad as the horribleness that is pants shopping.</p> <p>I am small bust and not tall and I still have these problems. And like Claire, having a long torso means the waist is often not right.<br /> For many months of the summer a cami is too hot to add to a dress.</p> <p>Have you had a look at Shabby Apple? I have never had anything from there (being in Oz) but might be worth trying out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611047 Thu, 03 May 2012 03:53:23 +0000 sarah 611047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your expression in #1. But honestly, 4 looks good to me! I'm no help. I HATE dress shopping. Well, I actually hate ALL shopping, but that's my dirty little secret here on YLF. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611045 Thu, 03 May 2012 03:51:55 +0000 DonnaF 611045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy, too bad you're *regular* in height. Since I'm 5' 1", I finally figured out that maybe I should seek out dresses in the *regular* section rather than *petites*. Ummm, but then they don't always hit me in the right places elsewhere.</p> <p>I am now the proud owner of three (3!) dresses after basically going without for over a decade. When the third dress arrived earlier this week and DD said, "Mom, it looks like you," I figured out she said that because they were all: 1) sleeveless. 2) sheath dresses, 3) in a sort of blackish 4) zebra/animal/jungle print. The first was from Ross, the second from Nordstrom's, and the third was from Zappos which I notice also has the Nordstrom dress at full price. The Zappos dress is a petite, so I really need to decide if I want it a couple of inches above my knee or if I should get a regular size which might be too loose.</p> <p>Soft, flowy fabrications have made me look frumpy my entire life which cuts out 90% of dresses for me. I've discovered that structure, ponte and linings are my friends. But the sheath thing is so much more constricting than wearing pants/jeans with flats!!! Adrianna Papell makes body con cocktail dresses that take off about ten pounds, but aren't really suitable for work or PTA. </p> <p>Nordstroms and Zappos have free shipping, so I find them very convenient. I find it easiest to accumulate returns, then make one trip back to the store if it is Nordstroms, and one trip to UPS or just give them to my UPS guy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611038 Thu, 03 May 2012 03:42:05 +0000 Anonymous 611038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are so pretty! But not quite right, I agree. I am in the same boat when it comes to dresses. Please, just a little bit longer and higher cut? I have a long torso so in addition to being short on me, they seldom fit right in the waist. Ugh. Feelin' your pain. This is probably one situation where it makes more sense to design your own, since you're such an AMAzing seamstress! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611022 Thu, 03 May 2012 03:25:47 +0000 Meredith1953 611022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love you in all these dresses but only you know if you are in danger of flashing your "mommies" so I'm glad Kari has some advice to offer. I don't know enough about dresses and anything with a vneck automatically gets a cami when I wear it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611021 Thu, 03 May 2012 03:25:21 +0000 Amy 611021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been looking everywhere, really, but don't know which brands might be more suitable to my style. Thanks for the tip, IK. I'm going to start looking there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611013 Thu, 03 May 2012 03:17:33 +0000 ironkurtin 611013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Where are you looking? I like Eileen Fisher. Brilliant cuts, lovely fabric, wears well. I get mine off ebay but they sometimes have it at the rack. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611003 Thu, 03 May 2012 03:07:58 +0000 Echo 611003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that a camisole or neckline insert could solve some potential issues. And hemlines are part of the reason I am REALLY embracing the "midi" trend. It is such a relief to be able to move around and sit or even bend to pick something up without exposing oneself! I am almost willing to forgive potentially less-than-flattering lengths just for the confidence a longer hem gives me.</p> <p>FWIW, none of the dresses actually look bad on you. But I understand that a person has to feel good in order to look good. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-611001 Thu, 03 May 2012 03:03:04 +0000 Amy 611001@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>wow, Kari, you're awesome! I really like the green Anne Klein and the Suzi Chin. I'm just not good at shopping and am so glad I have friends like you to ask for advice!</p> <p>P.S. I think my hair appears lighter because my gray is coming out again, lol. I need to see a hairdresser ASAP! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-610990 Thu, 03 May 2012 02:52:37 +0000 Beth Ann 610990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So glad Kari is weighing in. She's a dress queen! I like 3 &amp; 4 quite well, cleavage aside. Could you create a little "insert" in one of the tones of the dress for #3, and perhaps wear a cami with 4?</p> <p>I know this experience well, Amy. Now imagine:<br /> 1. Being a singer and bowing onstage -- high above everyone so they can see up your skirt.<br /> 2. Being a Pastor's wife and flashing your gems.</p> <p>Sigh. We should go into the dressmaking business.</p> <p>BTW -- You're expressions are priceless! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-610989 Thu, 03 May 2012 02:52:11 +0000 Amy 610989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, ladies. Really, you'll have to trust me about 3. When I moved my arms, those flaps posing as a bodice would fall down. It's risking full frontal nudity, not just a bit of cleavage, lol.</p> <p>Kari, I'm mostly looking for work. If I go out with my husband, the occasion is 99.999% of the time going to be casual. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-610987 Thu, 03 May 2012 02:51:13 +0000 Kari 610987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just posted about a wrap dress that I really liked <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/recommendation-tahari-coral-and-white-wrap-dress">here</a>, but these are a couple other dresses I spotted that looked nice - keep in mind that I was also looking at dresses with longer sleeves.</p> <p>I don't know if any of these will tickle your fancy, but just in case:<br /> <a href="http://www.zappos.com/donna-morgan-sunburst-pleated-side-tie-jersey-dress-azure" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/donna-mo.....ress-azure</a><br /> <a href="http://www.zappos.com/donna-morgan-3-4-sleeve-pleated-jersey-dress-multi" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/donna-mo.....ress-multi</a><br /> <a href="http://www.zappos.com/karen-kane-wrap-dress-splatter-print" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/karen-ka.....tter-print</a><br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0067ID0GA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_7?ie=UTF8&#038;m=ATVPDKIKX0DER" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ.....PDKIKX0DER</a><br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nic-zoe-scattered-blocks-dress/3270822?origin=saveforlater" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ni.....veforlater</a><br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-sleeveless-print-chiffon-dress/3233234?origin=saveforlater" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....veforlater</a><br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/donna-ricco-twist-front-jersey-sheath-dress/3187861?origin=category" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/do.....n=category</a><br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/anne-klein-petal-abstract-knit-dress/3253526?origin=category" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/an.....n=category</a><br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/suzi-chin-for-maggy-boutique-ruched-faux-wrap-dress/3036369?origin=category" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/su.....n=category</a><br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/suzi-chin-for-maggy-boutique-ruched-jersey-dress/2931159?origin=category" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/su.....n=category</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shopping-for-dresses-is-as-bad-as-shopping-for-pants#post-610982 Thu, 03 May 2012 02:45:05 +0000 Deborah 610982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Amy I here you but I have to say look great in #3, 4 &amp; 5! </p>