Alter or not? A Tale of Two Dresses.... - YouLookFab Forum

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Alter or not? A Tale of Two Dresses....

shiny

Veteran

Okay need your opinions on whether to alter these dresses or not.

Dress #1:

Ann Taylor, recent fall purchase. The length is perfect and it fits perfectly, with room for movement. The question is whether or not I should alter the cap sleeves? It would be a very simple alteration, as the cap sleeve could easily be removed to make it a sleeveless dress.

I am paranoid about the breadth of my shoulders, and my initial gut was "yes" but then when I see the pics I'm not so sure. Maybe they are just fine the way they are?

Dress #2:

Tahari. NOT a recent purchase. I cringe because I bought this maybe as long as two years ago and have yet to wear it. The tags are still on it. It was intended to be a replacement/upgrade to an ATL ponte knit sheath that, I discovered, the dye would run all over the place when it got wet in the rain! Some of you may remember that -- it happened while we were in Hong Kong. It is very well made, very nice 3/4 wool fabric, but it is a regular. It fits well everywhere except the hem length... I intended to shorten it but I never got to the tailor!!!

It's been so long, now midi's are in style so I wonder if I *should* bother altering it at all? Maybe go ahead and wear it at this length now, and shorten it later when the fashion cycle turns away from midis? That said, not sure midis are my style... to be honest I feel a bit frumpy in this length. But maybe my eye just needs to get used to it?

Pic 2 is midi length ... too long?

Pic 3 is hiked up to the length I'd have it altered. I am holding it in the back, and the belt is covering the excess fabric. Ignore the bunching at the hips -- it would not do that if I hemmed.

Neither dress is styled... I just popped them on with the boots I was already wearing.

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Dressing

30 replies

Latest reply was from shiny

Lyn D.

Veteran

Hi Shiny,
when I first saw dress 1 I thought it was fine as it is. Seeing you without sleeves in pic 2 makes me lean toward altering though because I see only lovely shoulders and arms, definitely not broad at all!
I also quite like the length of dress 2 as is, especially for cooler weather- BUT if it is unworn after 2 years there is a reason, and if altering means this great dress gets worn then go for it!

Kari

Veteran

Shiny, I think that though you carry off cap sleeves quite well, if altering dress #1 will make you feel secure, do it. Celia actually altered a dress of her own that's quite similar to yours to remove the cap sleeves; I saw it in person and she looked GREAT!

I actually like #2 as a midi length dress. I'm rather drawn to longer lengths these days. The length in #3 doesn't seem at all bad, though; it's just that to me there is something extra special about the divine fit of #2, and the length makes it look quite sophisticated.

shiny

Veteran

Lyn, I vacillate on skirt/dress length. Since I'm only 5', I do tend to think a little above the knee is most flattering to my height. But then I think "I'm 47 years old -- who wants to see my aging knees? I should be more modest!" At the knee strikes the right note between those two, so most of my dresses are that length. But then, when I want to wear flats, to my eye it looks better with a dress a bit shorter.

Actually looking at the pics again, I probably hiked #2 up too far. I might not go that high. Although since the neckline provides modest coverage, maybe I would show a bit of leg?

You are right: it's gone unworn but not for lack of trying. I've put this on several times... and taken it right back off again to choose a different dress instead. It is a VERY comfortable dress. The fabric is luscious. I have reached for this on occasions when I wanted a more modest neckline (like work). I just keep getting hung up by the hem length!! Then again, midi's haven't been in style. That's why I'm now pausing ... maybe I just need to get over that?

shiny

Veteran

You think the longer length looks sophisticated, Kari? Hmmmm.... maybe I'm just getting stuck because I know this is a regular, not a petite? For a regular, it fits just fine elsewhere, waist is at the right spot, etc.

DeclawedJaguar

Veteran

I also like dress number 2 as is. The length is flattering and modern. Do you think you could try wearing it as is, just to see how it feels?

Anonymous

I love #2 as is. Perfection to my eye!

Queen Mum

Veteran

#1- yes, remove the cap sleeves for instant sex appeal

#2- I'm torn. I'm trying to look at the longer length through the eyes of sophistication, but I really prefer it a bit shorter... especially with boots. If you plan to wear with pumps, that could be a different story.

But declawed's suggestion makes sense. What do you have to lose by wearing it a few times as is and see how you feel? You can always shorten it later, but you'd hate to regret not leaving as is.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I'm all for removing the cap sleeves in dress #1 Shiny. Although it looks fine (I don't see any shoulder problems to speak of), it might be more versatile without the cap sleeves as it would fit better under sweater or blazers.

I love #2 as is and wouldn't change a thing. I love the midi length and find it more modern to my eye.

Lyn D.

Veteran

Shiny, I am older than you and didn't like to show my knees for years, till a fashion stylist pointed out that knees are well- just knees! (and when you are 70ish you will look back and wish you showed them more when you were middle-aged!)
When I look at dress length I look at the whole silhouette , and would only be a little judgemental if I was seeing a lot more than knees showing on someone 40+.

Anonymous

Dress 2 looks absolutely perfect as a midi! Please do wear it, it looks great on you!

Clarissa

Since you say you are 5', as am I, I would get the black dress hemmed unless you plan to wear heels 3 inches or above. I always wear flats except for special events, so I would go with the shorter length. I am a teen though so I don't know if you think that's too short for your age but I think it will be fine.

sarah

Veteran

I actually like the cap sleeves, but I know I'm an outlier around here as far as cap sleeves are concerned, and it would look great sleeveless, as well. I like the midi length - it looks more fashion-forward to me.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

My eye has completely adjusted to midi lengths and I far prefer the dress at its current length. LOVE. That is gorgeous sophistication. You look so wonderful!

I do understand. I'm a bit taller than you but only by a few inches and I also feel that as a rule, "at the knee" looks best on me. But if I wear a heel or a wedge I think a midi can work beautifully. And I have really enjoyed wearing midis in the past season or two.

I do hear what you are saying about flats. I just wouldn't wear it with flats, in that case! (Said by a person who only does low-ish heels because she walks everywhere.)

I think the sleeve on #1 look fine on you, but if you'll feel better by making it sleeveless, that will look wonderful, too.

Deborah

Veteran

I cannot believe you haven't worn #2. That is a stunning LBD! I love the midi length on you, it is sophisticated and elegant and the boots add a bit of a 'cool' factor, but pumps would look wonderful also. Please wear and enjoy. In my wardrobe that dress would be a work horse:)

I like #1as is cap sleeves and all. But I understand if you feel better in the dress without them.

Shiny, I am thinking I may have found my style twin:) I am just over 5" not quite 5"1. Your style resonates with me and your recent postings have been quite similar to some of my work outfits. I have versions of both these dresses in my wardrobe.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I love #2 as is, but am also a midi fan these days. Because you look so stunning sleeveless, I am in favor of removing the sleeves in #1 - it looks fine as is but I think it will go up a notch sleeveless.

catgirl

Veteran

Shiny, I'd keep the second dress at midi length - you can always shorten if the midi looks fades away. And I'd chop the cap sleeves, though I don't see anything unflattering. It's more that antsy feeling I get when I feel my shoulders confined by fabric that way. Free the shoulders!

KathyL

Veteran

I am a fellow petite at 5' nothing and I don't feel like that length of midis is flattering on me. I would vote to hem it. I like the cap sleeves in the first dress.

Aida

Veteran

WELL #2 is just stunning! I adore the length, and I am a fellow shortie I agree with QM that you may as well wear this sheathe a few times at the midi length before deciding what you want to do with it; if you DO end up shortening, I would vote on the knee (in the middle). I also quite like #1 as-is, but slimming the sleeves would be okay too.

shiny

Veteran

You have me leaning towards wearing #2 as is, at least a few times, before committing to alteration. Because I'm lazy I'd probably do the same for the cap sleeve dress as well.

Second question: what shoes with a midi? If you have similar length dress can you please post or link to posts with styling -- particularly shoes -- ideas? It really may just be my eye that isn't used to it.

I do love the outfit Angie wore in her blog post with the skirt that is the banner for this month. It's just that, to my eye, her skirt is narrower than this sheath. If I kept the length, I still might find myself wanting to taper it in -- just slightly, not too much.

But yes I will give it a try a few times.

Thank you all - it is so great to have extra eyes and opinions.

Aida

Veteran

You could wear tall heels, of course, but also kitten heels, wedges, tall boots, short boots, even flats (ballet, loafers, oxfords...). I've worn all of these with my midi length skirts.

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Deborah

Veteran

For shoes, I think you could do tall boots, ankle booties, Ballet flats, pumps, the world is your oyster. I am at work so can't add any pictures but have a look at these blog posts from Angie:

http://youlookfab.com/2011/09/.....d-dresses/

http://youlookfab.com/2011/04/.....d-dresses/

shiny

Veteran

WOW Aida! Just wow! Love all your looks!

Yes, this does look fresh and modern.

Okay, I'm sold. I will wear this dress a few times at least, before committing to alteration. Now if only I could find some booties....

I may start off by duplicating your #6, because I have some awesome cobalt suede pumps...

Aida

Veteran

Shiny, I think that flat/unexpected shoes really does wonders for making the midi length look current. Especially for us shorties. Personally, it makes me feel like I'm showing that I know what it takes to look modern, and so what if I'm short? Can't wait to see you style this gorgeous dress! (And thanks for the compliment!)

EDIT: Added one more with oxfords, one of my favorite unexpected shoe choices!

shiny

Veteran

Deborah, this is what I get for not following the blog close enough for awhile.. and it's why I came back. To acclimate my eye to new trends.

Those blog posts -- first thought was "oh so wonderfully 1940s!" And that is one of my favorite fashion decades.

shiny

Veteran

Aida, check! I will challenge myself to wear the dress with flats, not just heels.

Which is good, because I threw my back out yesterday and have spent 95% of the day flat on my back nursing it...and I should probably wear flats for the next week just to be safe...

Now let's hope the weather isn't 90 degrees this week, because this dress is a tad too hot for that, since it is lined. And I do not have any in-office (frigid AC) days planned.

Beth Ann

Veteran

I'm late to this party, but I just wanted to say that I think your rock the midi length! The dress is classic and sleek, and all one color, so I think this would be a perfect way for you to explore the trend. A longer midi skirt with a contrasting top might indeed make you seem ultra-petite, but this is quite lengthening as it is. Give it a whirl!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

FWIW, I find the shape of the black dress more flattering than the olive dress!

Keep the length on the black dress. You have plenty of shorter dresses so this makes for a nice change. But you might like to taper the side seams (from lower hip to hem) a little to create more curve on the bottom.

shiny

Veteran

Thanks, Angie. Looking at the photos, I might size up in the olive dress. I ordered it online (it's online only offering). I don't mind body-con for going out, but I'd likely get more use (where to work) if it was a size bigger. Not to mention to accommodate for inevitable weight fluctuations.

Do you think the dress would work one size up? Or not bother? I.e., is it the silhouette you aren't crazy about, the color, or the fit?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You look fantastic in olive, Jennifer! To my eye, the green dress looks a tad tight on top. I would love to see a size up because I think it has killer potential.

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