https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-orphan-dresses-is-there-any-way-to-make-them-less-classic Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:40:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-orphan-dresses-is-there-any-way-to-make-them-less-classic#post-1685068 Sat, 25 Jun 2016 09:49:28 +0000 Shelly 1685068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not sure how tall you are but I wear dresses of this style if I can get my hands on them and I only wear them with a bolero length jacket or cardi. I also have one in a crochet lace. But I am petite you may not be.</p> <p>&nbsp;I think you look lovely and I also suffer from frostiness from airconditioning. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-orphan-dresses-is-there-any-way-to-make-them-less-classic#post-1685051 Sat, 25 Jun 2016 07:29:01 +0000 Elizabeth P 1685051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You might want to consider a cropped white denim jacket as well. </p> <p>Agree that these dresses look wonderful on you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-orphan-dresses-is-there-any-way-to-make-them-less-classic#post-1685022 Sat, 25 Jun 2016 03:10:00 +0000 JAileen 1685022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the dresses are a blank slate ready to go in whatever direction you want. I love the suggestions for a casual look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-orphan-dresses-is-there-any-way-to-make-them-less-classic#post-1685021 Sat, 25 Jun 2016 03:09:06 +0000 Maneera 1685021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like both dresses, Chris. They are very flattering on you, and you look super pretty in #1. </p> <p>I echo all of Angie's suggestions. </p> <p>1) Try slip on sneakers<br /> 2) Ditch the topper, use a scarf instead that you can wrap around yourself if cold. Pick pretty prints<br /> 3) I like that sandals in #5 the most. And am wondering if you have any nude-for-you sandals or flat shoes? In fact, I love the idea to wearing leopard print flat shoes with both dresses for a fun touch.<br /> 4) I like your bags a lot. But an oversized tote would also add a casual touch, alongside oversized sunnies. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-orphan-dresses-is-there-any-way-to-make-them-less-classic#post-1684973 Sat, 25 Jun 2016 01:27:29 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1684973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the suggestions you've gotten, and I would hang on to the dresses. They are flattering, fit you well, and look plenty current. They don't seem overly formal, so they should dress down with a breezier style just fine. I really like the black dress with brown bag and sandals--that's a fresh, modern look, to my eye. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-orphan-dresses-is-there-any-way-to-make-them-less-classic#post-1684968 Sat, 25 Jun 2016 01:16:09 +0000 Aquamarine 1684968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that you look great in these dresses. Until or if you get something new, I'd keep them and update the styling as suggested above. I really, really like a denim jacket over summer dresses. I do think that helps to mitigate the frump factor. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-orphan-dresses-is-there-any-way-to-make-them-less-classic#post-1684966 Sat, 25 Jun 2016 01:04:06 +0000 L'Abeille 1684966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have your lovely hourglass shape to start with but I would try those dresses with some menswear looking pieces. With white sneakers and with a vest as already mentioned. But also: I would try it with a belt: white or a contrasting bright with the blue; luggage brown with the black, along with your other brown accessories.</p> <p>I would also layer it OVER a simple white T shirt. </p> <p>If the knit is sturdy enough you could also pin a series of costumey brooches to the bodice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-orphan-dresses-is-there-any-way-to-make-them-less-classic#post-1684896 Fri, 24 Jun 2016 22:28:43 +0000 Chris987 1684896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks <b>Toban.</b> I've had those shrugs in the past and there is something about them I don't like, but appreciate the suggestion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-orphan-dresses-is-there-any-way-to-make-them-less-classic#post-1684881 Fri, 24 Jun 2016 21:38:48 +0000 Chris987 1684881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks so much everyone, this is just what I was hoping for! It seems I need to stay within the casual realm but try some more modern accessories.</p> <p><b>Jean</b>, Thanks! I've been trying to figure out what style I want to move toward for dresses and I'm not sure I have a clear answer..maybe that's part of my issue Just more modern looking somehow...or maybe dressier but that would be different dresses. I like your pics, especially the one with the striped top maybe I should consider that for fall..</p> <p><b>Suz</b> thanks for the comments...will try your accessory suggestions and look for a shorter jacket. Maybe a scarf would work as a substitute for a topper for wearing in AC. </p> <p><b>Lisap</b>, I could try the white sneakers...the fedora idea is not my cuppa I only like to wear hats to shade from the sun or snow or keep warm. I do have a bright red tote that is pretty casual but might prefer a diff color like coral or even lighter. Casual, chunky, and colored&nbsp;jewelry and accessories are good ideas, I don't have much that fits that description but could look for them. </p> <p><b>Suz</b> yeah will have to think about footwear some more. I DO have a straw bag - an old classic Kenya bag in browns that I don't use much. That could go with cognac.....</p> <p><b>Angie</b> thanks so much! Love your list of "fashionable now" styling tools will have to try some of htem ...just not the fedora :-). </p> <p><b>Anne</b>, thanks, they are not worn out at all, I'm just tired of them but with the ideas presented here I think I'll have some renewed love for them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-orphan-dresses-is-there-any-way-to-make-them-less-classic#post-1684880 Fri, 24 Jun 2016 21:37:37 +0000 Toban 1684880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The dresses look lovely and very flattering when the waist is shown. I echo Angie's comment to go cropped in the topper. These classic shrugs come in a variety of colors and would look lovely with your dresses:</p> <p><a href="https://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi37262&#038;defaultColor=7349&#038;N=12261&#038;selectedConcept=" rel="nofollow">https://www.talbots.com/online.....edConcept=</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-orphan-dresses-is-there-any-way-to-make-them-less-classic#post-1684871 Fri, 24 Jun 2016 21:13:28 +0000 Anonymous 1684871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You might be tired of them, but they are incredibly flattering on you! If they're wearing out, please consider ordering new ones because these are that great on you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-orphan-dresses-is-there-any-way-to-make-them-less-classic#post-1684870 Fri, 24 Jun 2016 21:08:17 +0000 Angie 1684870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Both these dresses look smashing on you, Chris. Very flattering shape.</p> <p>Here are the styling tools I would use to add a little more "fashionable now" to these frocks: </p> <ul> <li>slip-on sneakers</li> <li><i>casual</i> tote or sporty clutch - light or bright</li> <li>gauzy linen/cotton scarf</li> <li>cropped denim jacket or vest (looks cheekier)</li> <li>fedora</li> <li>fun sunnies</li> <li>oversized watch&nbsp;</li> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-orphan-dresses-is-there-any-way-to-make-them-less-classic#post-1684851 Fri, 24 Jun 2016 20:22:32 +0000 Suz 1684851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like Lisa's ideas of sneakers or super casual sandals also -- espadrilles will also work (your new ones?) but take it a little bit back to classic.&nbsp;</p> <p>Straw bag would also be fun.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-orphan-dresses-is-there-any-way-to-make-them-less-classic#post-1684844 Fri, 24 Jun 2016 20:10:36 +0000 Anonymous 1684844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Two ideas come to mind:</p> <p>1. wear them with white or coloured &nbsp;sneaker, or Birks. Go casual. Maybe add a straw fedora with a black ribbon trim.&nbsp;<br />2. &nbsp;swap out the jewellery for real casual pieces like a crazy-coloured watch, or leather strap-type bracelet and a chunky ring. &nbsp;Again, go coloured, and casual. &nbsp;Wear a nylon &nbsp;purse/bag - again in white or a fun colour .</p> <p>The dresses are great - they just will look more modern if you style them completely differently. Your denim jacket will still be the perfect topper. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-orphan-dresses-is-there-any-way-to-make-them-less-classic#post-1684838 Fri, 24 Jun 2016 20:02:09 +0000 Suz 1684838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These dresses are great on you, Chris. The blue is a lovely colour for you and #3 with cognac accessories fits right in with one of Angie's summer ensembles (black and cognac or tan). Looks modern classic, not "boring" classic (to me). </p> <p>For styling -- pewter shoes/ bag with the blue maybe? Cognac could work there, too. I like Jenn's idea of a scarf or a pullover also. And for jackets, I think you need a much more cropped denim jacket. You can often find one (even just to try on) at Old Navy or Gap at this time of year. My denim jackets are quite cropped -- to my natural waistline, pretty much -- and they work best with dresses as a result. I wear them a lot in summer. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-orphan-dresses-is-there-any-way-to-make-them-less-classic#post-1684824 Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:33:04 +0000 Jenn 1684824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What style are you trying to move towards? I think these are pretty versatile dresses, but if you're over them, you're over them, and it sounds like they've served you well in your time.</p> <p>I quite like the way you've styled them in #3 and 4.</p> <p>I have a few similar fit and flare dresses and have attached some photos of them worn in what I think is a less-classic way, but it really depends what you're going for!</p> <p>(BTW, #4 is the same dress as #3, with a tee over the top. I think this dress might be particularly close to yours, although mine is from Eddie Bauer.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/two-orphan-dresses-is-there-any-way-to-make-them-less-classic#post-1684821 Fri, 24 Jun 2016 19:22:46 +0000 Chris987 1684821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are duplicate summer dresses that I've worn quite a bit for a few years, but as I move away from classic styles they are becoming wardrobe orphans. They are fit and flare knits from Lands End that fit me well (after a few alterations).&nbsp;They&nbsp;bring this style back every year so it's clearly a winner for them, and are a great choice if you are looking for this&nbsp;style.&nbsp;I'm prepared to retire them as I get some new dresses, but thought I'd ask if anyone has any novel ideas of styling them that would move them away&nbsp;from&nbsp; "classic" style. I've tried various shoes/bags in the pics but I don't think any of them really do it. </p> <p>Also, since they are sleeveless, I need toppers to wear indoors in&nbsp;AC, and I've never found anything that I think is flattering with these dresses. </p> <p>Time to retire them?&nbsp; </p> <p>1 blue dress, bronze sandals, gold bag<br />2 blue dress, black sandals, black bag<br />3 Black dress, Cognac sandals and bag</p> <p>4 Black Dress Denim Jacket<br />5 B&nbsp;lack Dress Gray Print Cardi<br />6 Black Dress Grey cocoon sweater<br />7 Black Dress White open cardi</p>