Accessorizing for dummies

Rabbit In The Moon

So, I bought this dress from Gap, and I'm not sure about it. I'm a size 20 and don't have a "pixie" body like the model, so I'm afraid that I look like a whole wall of grey! I have a very short waist and belts just ride up to my bra strap, and with the sleeves on the dress, I wasn't sure about a cardigan over it, how that might look. Any ideas? Since we're going into Spring, should I return this and look for more of a Spring style instead?

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13 years ago

Urgent

13 replies

Latest reply was from Kristin L

harmonica

Veteran

Seems like a very nice and versatile dress. If belts are not an option, I'd say add different scarves / jewelery / shoes / handbags to create different styles. Adding a scarf with fresh spring colours will give a spring look. I can see this dress with pumps, wedges, sandals and boots. Different hose will also alter the outlook.

Cardis and blazer are making the outfit look different as well.

13 years ago

Traci

Veteran

I have that dress! It works really well with a light weight button up underneath it. For a cardigan it will depend on how thick the cardigan is to keep the sleeves from showing through. Honestly, that wouldn't be an absolute deal breaker for me, though. I also think it could be really cute with a colorful chunky necklace and simple sandals. It may feel a little heavy in the heat of summer, but it's good for now.

13 years ago

Rabbit In The Moon

Active Member

Oh, Traci, that's a good idea! I never thought of that.

I'm in the PNW so this may still work for Spring weather, it depends. I'm a SAHM so I don't have an office to wear this to, that's my other qualm about keeping it. But I love the seam placement and how it makes me feel a bit leaner.

13 years ago

Aida

Veteran

If you're in the PNW you can probably wear this dress all the way through June, with the weather we've been having I think a light jacket or blazer would look great with this (and add a little structure since the dress isn't structured) along with a pair of booties. Or maybe a denim jacket with a bright or light colored scarf and some pretty bangles. Or a lightweight button-up blouse underneath with a chunky statement necklace. It looks like quite a comfy and easy MOTG dress!

13 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

the seam detail is very slimming. you can play this up with vertical elements like long chunky necklaces, light scarves in a flattering color or pattern, open jacket.

lots of options. are you up for posting a photo?

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Looks like a super dress to me. I like the styling suggestions. And I think the colour can be beautifully "spring-i-fied" with white, pastels, or brights, and then made autumnal with cognac, or navy, or purple...or...the possibilities are endless.

13 years ago

Sarah A

Veteran

I can see how the seaming could be quite nice looking. FWIW, I am also a SAHM (to 1 yr old and 3 yr old) and find that I wear dresses all the time....

13 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I vote keep! Any dress that makes you feel lean will get a lot of wear, and this one seems so versatile. It actually looks like a spring dress for PNW to me--with the short sleeves and v neck. I could see you wearing it three seasons. I like Aida's suggestion of a denim jacket and scarf with this dress. I also like the look of a vest over a dress--I could see this one with a light sweatery vest, maybe with a drape front. That has the benefit of giving a nipped waist look, like a cardigan would, but without the sleeve problem.

13 years ago

Kari

Veteran

I love pairing gray items with colors that brighten the color when I wear frat in spring or summer. Soft teal can look really pretty next to that shade of gray and feels kind of seasonally versatile to me. White is a good way to brighten a gray outfit too.

I'm also in the PNW and agree with Aida-in our climate, you could probably wear this dress most of the year!

13 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

What about a light vest over the dress instead of a cardigan or full jacket? Could be in a fun color or texture - even like a linen blend vest worn with a straw or woven bag and summer wedge sandas...Or a bright orange red vest...

13 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Are you looking for warmth? Would a long-sleeved tissue tee underneath be possible? Or is that too casual? Maybe a sweater coat, instead of a thin cardi?

I don't think you'd look like a wall of grey with the seaming, which indeed adds interesting detail.

13 years ago

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

This is a wonderful dress, Rabbit, & you've received some great styling tips here already. Accessorizing with a long necklace (which is elongating), jackets, pops of scarf color & pretty bags, boots & shoes will keep this cute dress busy working throughout a number of seasons. I say Yay!

13 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

I like the dress. And agree with what was said above, like adding pops of color and great accessories. I'm not sure what the climate is like where you are, but this could be a great dress for at least 3 seasons just by swapping out spring pastels summer or winter colors.

13 years ago

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