https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:56:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2132384 Thu, 09 Jul 2020 16:55:27 +0000 Zaeobi 2132384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>@slim cat</b> How interesting - for me, 'romantic' styles usually call to mind pale watercolours &amp; pastels than a vibrant yellow. But I can see what you, <b>@Brooklyn</b> &amp; <b>@torontogirl</b> are getting at when you say the bright yellow colour doesn't read as 'Boho'. I think the colours you mentioned are precisely why I don't really gravitate towards such a style normally - I tend to look a little washed out in earthy colours near my face, because the trend seems to be for those colours to be offered in mid rather than deep tones in 'Boho' clothing (think a 'washed' khaki rather than deep mossy green). I like your suggestions on how to wear it in a more sporty way, though - maybe I'll have to buy a pair of fashionable trainers! </p> <p><b>@minaminu</b> Thank you - I'm trying to find a good balance between wearing more 'summery' colours &amp; ones that suit my colouring - I think this 'dark coral' shade helps. Haha thank you, but it's taken a lot of trial &amp; error to get my hair to its current status - I follow the 'Curly Girl Method', to keep the typical culprits of frizz (such as sulphates &amp; parabens) out of all of my hair products. I still have some frizz but at least it's around now well-defined curls instead of my previously limp waves! </p> <p><b>@brooklyn</b> Thanks for mentioning the power of accessories - maybe I'll get lucky in finding a round straw bag that's practical one of these days! Yes I wonder if the white version of the dress would look more romantic than boho too - I was worried that it might read as a nightgown instead on me, but I think you're right that the structure would help to avoid that connotation. </p> <p><b>@avicennia</b> What kind of belt were you thinking? Still a fabric one in a different colour? Or a stiffer belt?</p> <p><b>@rachylou</b> 'Jane Austen' is a cute way to describe it - I guess that would count as the British version of romantic prairie? </p> <p><b>@Angie</b> Haha thanks, blink &amp; you'll miss it though </p> <p><b>@Christina F.</b> How do you know when someone has tagged you in a post? I've always been curious, since I usually end up missing it when someone says my name on these forums (if that includes anyone reading this, it's not intentional!) </p> <p>That makes sense about J Crew's quality issues - unfortunately most brand's don't seem to be going back to the 'made to last' days any time soon. I did buy a few of their boatneck 3/4 sleeved tops along with this dress though (stocking up on cotton for summertime) &amp; they seem OK, but only time will tell how long it'll take for them to eventually disintegrate in the wash :P</p> <p>I used to window shop Fat Face when I was back in the UK, but I find their casual vibe just ends up looking sloppy on me (I'm not sure if they'd classify as 'boho' so much as more RATE outdoors looks in earthy colours? Feel free to weigh in if you think I've completely misunderstood what Boho means lol!) I'll admire the cool- &amp; pastel-toned Joules looks on you once you can travel again, then </p> <p><b>@shevia</b> No worries, we all get busy &amp; wrapped up in things during the week - would have tagged you in the post if I knew how! Thanks - I think maybe 'Boho in unexpected colours' could become my MO for making such a look work better on me (I often end up looking a bit overwhelmed or scruffy in all-out earth tones &amp; loose hippie looks, so this could be a good summertime compromise) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2132222 Thu, 09 Jul 2020 01:48:42 +0000 Jaime 2132222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry it took me so long to see you updated this thread with your beautiful face! You look fantastic in yellow! But I do agree with Brooklyn - the color actually makes it less boho. It could be styled in several directions as she and others point out. Regardless of labels, you are stunning! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2132105 Wed, 08 Jul 2020 13:43:34 +0000 Christina F. 2132105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought I'd replied, since <b>Suz</b> mentioned me, but my phone must have eaten it. Anyway, J Crew has some quality issues but if an items seems nice and well made, it probably is. I think the problems have been more in the real of thin tee shirts and knitwear that pills. Old school J Crew fans miss the old JC, which will never come back, and moan about it constantly, basically. The dress is beautiful and seems like a quality items! Thanks for mentioning the other brands - Fat Face has intrigued e in the past. I think I went to Joules store in Dublin, back when travel was a thing for Americans ;)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2132103 Wed, 08 Jul 2020 13:38:29 +0000 Angie 2132103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How lovely to see your lovely face </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131882 Mon, 06 Jul 2020 17:57:43 +0000 rachylou 2131882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I say it’s boho, but the boho is also tempered by the bold colour of dress and hat. Also, there’s a touch of Jane Austen there (long dress, long curls) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131825 Mon, 06 Jul 2020 13:22:07 +0000 avicennia 2131825@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m with Brooklyn re “boho.”’ To my eye it looks best belted. I wonder how it would look with a different colored belt? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131823 Mon, 06 Jul 2020 13:21:04 +0000 Helena 2131823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I would call this 'modern boho' or 'edgy boho' because the strong yellow gives it a different, somewhat contrasting feel to the relaxed floaty lines ... I think this contrast makes the dress extremely cool, interesting and unique. YLF! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131805 Mon, 06 Jul 2020 10:58:38 +0000 Brooklyn 2131805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t see the dress as particularly boho, largely because of the colour, which is dramatically non-boho. I associate boho with earthy and soft colours. Quite a lot of structure too - the belt and the sleeves. I think of boho as less structured. I would go for preppy meets prairie. I also see the romantic and Victoriana vibes you mention (but very modern because of the colour). I think your hair and the hat makes it more boho, as would Birks or gladiator sandals, a straw or suede bag, lots of chunky silver jewellery. And, as Slim Cat says, you could go less boho too: white or bright sneakers, bright satchel, delicate or no jewellery.</p> <p>But it looks fab on you. It’s definitely a colour you can wear. It creates a nice contrast with your colouring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131794 Mon, 06 Jul 2020 07:23:32 +0000 Minaminu 2131794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wise idea to combine it with red/coral ! In the picture 9, it is clear to see that this colour really suits your skintone.</p> <p>I do remember the huminidity level in HK, your hair seems to cope very well! When I was there, my hair was constantly frizzy! You have beautiful curls! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131783 Mon, 06 Jul 2020 04:18:21 +0000 slim cat 2131783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bohemian dresses are often done in patterned fabric ( paisley, floral print, ikat, tribal ..) or solid earthy colors ( natural white linen, khaki, light brown...). For that reason your fab bright/almost neon bright yellow dress feels more romantic to me - personal feeling.&nbsp;<br />I've worked for Lucky Brand Jeans for a few years ( it's on the boho side for sure in tops, dresses and kimonos ) and that particular yellow color was never used in fashion collection.&nbsp;<br />I guess accessories will make outfit more bohemian ( floppy straw hat, bracelets, booties, crossbody bag with fringe..) or less so ( sporty shoes, delicate jewelry, classic bag..). Any way it's all great combinations as long as you like it. And I love your dress the way you styled it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131779 Mon, 06 Jul 2020 03:49:19 +0000 Zaeobi 2131779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>@Suz</b> that makes sense - unfortunately we no longer have physical J Crew shops in HK, due to the pandemic, so I think this may be my first &amp; last order from them (unless a shopping trip to the States is in the cards for me at some point in my future). Purely online shopping is a big risk to take if you're big on the breathability &amp; machine washability of fabric, like I am! </p> <p>Yes I think I would classify J Crew as colourful prep, same as Boden. I've been wary of both brands before this though, since they should *technically* work for my colourfully classic style, but the colours they use are often more on the cool side (hence my question about the suitability of this yellow on me). I don't know if you also have the brands Joules, White Stuff &amp; Fat Face, but they're a similar style (albeit a bit casual) if you &amp; <b>@Christina</b> like that look. </p> <p><b>@Slim Cat</b> Interesting - how do you differentiate between romantic &amp; Boho, then? I actually have my usual burgundy crossbody inside the backpack shown - to be hands-free for the picnic - &amp; I wore my gold aviator sunglasses with some khaki Birkenstocks (difficult to see under all of the poof though lol). I think it adds some 'edge' without going full-on sporty (i.e. I have yet to own a pair of non-gym trainers, but never say never lol!) </p> <p><b>@RainB</b> I love 'breezy' - especially when, in my case, it's really code for 'more space for ice cream'! </p> <p><b>@Angie</b> &amp; <b>@Sal</b> Thank you for the colour &amp; hair love! It may be time for a trim when it gets too heavy to stay up off my neck (when it gets too long, the curls hang down instead of staying put on top of my head). </p> <p><b>@suntiger </b>, <b>@kellygirl</b> <b>@Runcarla</b> It's interesting how one of you class this as Boho but the others call it Boho Lite. Where do you draw the line between the two? I know this isn't an exact science btw, so I'm not expecting you to defend a thesis here I do agree with @suntiger though that this dress didn't strike me as very J Crew at first (though I've never shopped the brand before this, so what do I know lol!) </p> <p><b>@Notsaf</b> Thank you - the shades are an unexpected workhorse!</p> <p><b>@Runcarla</b> Thanks! I think I know what you mean about the ruffle - I'm honestly not big on tiers, but I prefer longer skirts so I felt that this was a good compromise for me. If the skirt was all one piece of fabric for me, that would have made it perfect. But then it probably wouldn't read as Boho (lite) anymore, right? Or is the neckline &amp; placket still enough for that vibe? </p> <p>I like the idea of wearing it with a straw bag - am still on the hunt for a big round one that can be zipped up &amp; has a crossbody strap. Would make a nice beachside look! </p> <p>Good call on pairing it with my paisley shirt, too - maybe when it's cooler again? The shirt is knee-length on me though, so I'll have to check whether I can layer it successfully over such a poofy skirt without looking like the Michelin Man stuck inside a cupcake </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131754 Sun, 05 Jul 2020 23:07:03 +0000 Carla 2131754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I&nbsp;<i>really&nbsp;</i>like the vibe of this dress on you, but I am soooo tempted to pick off the bottom row of ruffle. &nbsp;Yes, it definitely checks the boho ‘lite’ box. My fave styling in #1 with the rolled/crunched sleeves. &nbsp;I can visualize it with flat sandals or espadrilles, a jean jacket, and a bright multicoloured straw bag.</p> <p>*Just for fun, does your yellow paisley layer over it? &nbsp;Tie a knot at the bottom of both sides and wear it as a second layer on a cool day?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131748 Sun, 05 Jul 2020 21:46:29 +0000 notsaf 2131748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm another fan of this: I think it looks wonderful on you. Love the shades too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131740 Sun, 05 Jul 2020 20:58:16 +0000 Sal 2131740@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This looks really great on you - the colour, the style.&nbsp; Perfect as it is modest and cool and fun!!</p> <p>You indeed suit the colour and whilst I can imagine your hair is hot it looks wonderful!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131738 Sun, 05 Jul 2020 19:52:47 +0000 kellygirl 2131738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing with Angie. You have styled this to perfection. Love this boho lite look on you! So fab! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131710 Sun, 05 Jul 2020 13:56:52 +0000 Angie 2131710@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE this colour! And you wear it with panache, <b>Zaeobi.</b>&nbsp;Boho-lite with a hint of Modern Prep. Super fun with the bright boho hat, and '80s aviators. Your curls are romantic and glam </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131693 Sun, 05 Jul 2020 10:40:01 +0000 Anonymous 2131693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pretty! Yes I'd call it boho, cause of the tiered skirt. Would not have guessed it was J Crew! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131677 Sun, 05 Jul 2020 04:27:55 +0000 RainB 2131677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gorgeous colour on you! Breezy maxis like these are the best . I love your curls </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131676 Sun, 05 Jul 2020 03:59:43 +0000 slim cat 2131676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love that bright dress on you - gorgeous with your hair and skin tone!<br />I'd call it more romantic than boho dress. <br />Cross body bag, sunglasses &nbsp;and sporty sandals would look less boho if you'd like that ( at least to my eye ). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131671 Sun, 05 Jul 2020 03:46:39 +0000 Suz 2131671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Zaeobi,</b> yes, that's how I play it. I order enough to get free shipping and then, if I want to take stuff back (which I typically do) I return it in-store. I am lucky that there is a store in a neighbouring city and the policy is within 60 days (or something like that -- it may have changed now!) Anyway, that was my modus operandi. And I often order sale items. I agree with you -- the look is "prep with a twist" or "prep with extra zing" (especially as regards colour) and the cuts are more interesting than pure classic -- they are always updated. I would say that on the whole, my experiences with them have been positive. <b>Christina</b> does really well with them, too.</p> <p>Love your photos with face and hair. I do think the colour works. It's really strong, but you have the presence to wear it.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131669 Sun, 05 Jul 2020 03:31:43 +0000 Zaeobi 2131669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>@Suz</b> Yes I wasn't sure if the overall effect of the collarless shirt placket &amp; full skirt read more romantic Victoriana or 'Little House on the Prairie' than Boho, but I suppose what we discussed on @shevia's thread was that the two looks can intersect (especially in the context of USA boho). </p> <p>Thanks for linking your Finds - I've added the dress ones to my OP! You can see that there's an overall polished or preppy vibe of look to J Crew's overall look, but without being too 'in your face' about it (I've never been one to wear polo shirts &amp; boat shoes, for example). I like how they push the envelope sometimes with colours - I bought a pair of red lace trousers from them that match my Chinese wedding Qipao (albeit a little darker in colour). They probably sound hideous lol but I think the few details they added, like functioning pockets &amp; a scalloped hem, help to elevate such items from 'basic' prep to more long-lasting &amp; timeless. </p> <p>I'll have to admire the further J Crew looks on you &amp; others, then. I may get lucky &amp; be able to thrift some of the brand here, but I'm not sure how willing I would be to shop them now that they're all online for me since I don't want to take a gamble on the quality (maybe if I found enough items to justify the shipping cost?) </p> <p><b>@Minaminu</b> Haha I agree that it is *very* yellow - with or without the 'right' lighting. But a yellow maxi dress has been a HEWI of mine for a while (those of you who have been around long enough to see @Angie's 'YLF Ball' forum challenge may remember that I wanted to wear a yellow maxi dress to that too!) It's a bold choice though, especially in today's political climate (the HK protestors here wear yellow &amp; black), so I decided to pair it with a red/ coral hat &amp; multicoloured embroidered bag, just to be on the safe side. </p> <p><b>@nuancedream</b> Yes I'm far too lazy for 'dry clean only' these days - even 'hand wash only' items get thrown into a mesh bag on the delicates cycle (once I know the colour won't bleed too profusely). </p> <p>I think the belt goes a long way in making the dress 'just fitted enough' - I like it this way for summer, though. High five to you wearing 'J Crew yellow' too! </p> <p><b>@Jenni NZ</b> Haha I'm also unsure how to write it - I think 'Boho' gets across that it's fashion related &amp; not the exact same as the political Bohemian idea, but who knows lol. I guess in my mind, a more 'Boho' hat would be one that's a little RATE, but maybe that's just me? </p> <p>Thanks for the hair compliment! It's getting rather long now, so it stays clipped up most of the time because it's very humid here these days (I envy the girls who make 'summery waves in long hair' look effortless - for me, it's like having a blanket stuck to my neck!) </p> <p><b>@ChristelJ</b> Thanks! We always want what we can't have, I suppose - I would love to be able to pull off pastels or 'quieter' looks with panache. </p> <p><b>@Shevia</b> Haha I've added two face photos at the end, just for you! But it's difficult to get an accurate photo of the yellow shade when my dark hair &amp; facial features are competing for the camera's attention </p> <p>I'm interested to hear how you think this dress could be styled in more non-Boho ways? In my mind, the floaty cotton &amp; tiered skirt give it a very specific, casual summertime vibe, so I leaned into that styling - but I'd love to hear otherwise! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131654 Sun, 05 Jul 2020 02:31:20 +0000 Jaime 2131654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful dress and you seem to wear the color well (hard to tell with no face ). I would definitely see this as boho leaning, especially with your beautiful curls and a hat. But it could also be styled in other ways. All in all a great pick.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131618 Sat, 04 Jul 2020 21:37:51 +0000 ChristelJ 2131618@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are lucky you can wear such dramatic colors and shapes, and this is wonderful. I would say it’s boho too. Especially with the great hat, and your gorgeous hair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131610 Sat, 04 Jul 2020 21:02:47 +0000 Jenni NZ 2131610@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You look gorgeous in this dress! It counts as “boho” in my book ( does it help the conversation if I put quote marks around the word, lol?)<br /> And looks even more so with the hat. And your hair is so pretty! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131590 Sat, 04 Jul 2020 18:57:55 +0000 nuancedream 2131590@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would definitely consider the dress to be boho.&nbsp; The fact that it has functional pockets as well as being 100% cotton and machine washable are all big pluses too.&nbsp; I love how the dress fits you yet doesn't swamp you.&nbsp; Petite women absolutely can rock a maxi dress.&nbsp; Also, that yellow is stunning with your hair and skin tone. Perhaps it's just pure coincidence, but today I am wearing a J Crew cotton shirt in that exact same warm yellow shade! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131588 Sat, 04 Jul 2020 18:46:38 +0000 Minaminu 2131588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! That is very yellow, maybe the light is affecting the colour. And with pockets! I admire people who can wear yellow! It goes beautifully with your hair and it must be a workhorse for the summer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131584 Sat, 04 Jul 2020 18:14:13 +0000 Suz 2131584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, I'd say the dress counts as "boho" or at least boho-lite. And it totally works on you! The colour is gorgeous! I wish I could wear that happy yellow. It looks great on you -- striking, yes, but not overwhelming. If I saw you, I'd smile.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's essentially a collarless maxi shirtdress. The tiered skirt and fabrication make it feel "boho." Or at least "romantic" which is a kind of overlap category.&nbsp;</p> <p>J. Crew's quality does indeed vary, but every summer they seem to make at least one or two amazing items -- all cotton, cotton lined, really well made. My two piece dress from two years ago falls into that category. GORGEOUS cotton fabric, beautifully made and exceptional summer weight.&nbsp;</p> <p>I actually own a LOT from J. Crew. Partly because there's a bit of prep in my style, and partly because I can usually get free delivery if I order enough &nbsp;(and return items for free in store) and partly because the clothes are cut quite well for me. My current J. Crew wardrobe items, below. Many, as you'll see, are years old now and still in great shape. Worn <b>a lot.&nbsp;<br /></b><br />"Collection" items tend to be the best (but they are also pricey). Sales are excellent, though.&nbsp;</p> <p>Other forum members who also have quite a few J. Crew items include Viv and Christina.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw-yellow-belted-maxi-dress#post-2131579 Sat, 04 Jul 2020 17:23:17 +0000 Zaeobi 2131579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is the J Crew 'Belted Button-up Maxi Dress' in Bitter Lemon (it is also available in two other colours, white &amp; pink):<br /> <a href="https://www.jcrew.com/hk/p/womens_category/dressesandjumpsuits/belted-buttonup-maxi-dress/AP187" rel="nofollow">https://www.jcrew.com/hk/p/wom.....ress/AP187</a></p> <p>I found it difficult to show exactly how long this dress is on me with a selfie, but I'm 5ft3.5 &amp; it just hovers above the ground on me (so no dragging on the floor, but it also isn't ankle length on me, like it is on the model). I'd say the colour on the website is more accurate than my photos - I included the photos #7 &amp; #8 to try &amp; demonstrate how it's more of a warm than neon yellow. Do you think that it's still too bright for my colouring, though? </p> <p>I've never bought anything from J Crew before, but they were in HK before closing their physical shops here because of COVID-19. I've heard horror stories about the brand's quality control these days, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised; you'll see I took photos of the dress with the sleeves at full length (buttoned to just past my wrist), pushed up *and* rolled up but they didn't bag out of place. The belt loops are securely stitched in place, with thread that is in the same colour as the dress fabric, and there are even extra loops of thread holding the lining to the skirt (did I mention it's *fully* lined? Not easy to find this feature in modern summer dresses!) I do wonder if the belt is slightly too low for my natural waist (you can see how loose it is when unbelted in photo #6) but I think the loose look is great for summer, considering it's 100% cotton and has *pockets*! </p> <p>Anyway, just thought I would share what feels like a good summer dress with you all (machine washable cotton, available in multiple colours &amp; just about structured enough around the shoulders &amp; neckline to not look overwhelming when worn unbelted). </p> <p>Lastly, I'd like to hear you weigh in: does this dress count as 'boho' (like we discussed in previous YLF blog posts &amp; on @Shevia's thread)? What about when worn with the wide brimmed hat? Or is that more 'prairie' or Victoriana? </p>