Another donated dress - Some body type theorizing - YouLookFab Forum

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Another donated dress - Some body type theorizing

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Here is yet another gift from my friend. Some interesting points for body type watchers.

It is beautifully made of silk crepe de chine.

Unfortunately, it really doesn't fit. For one thing, it's a wrap. I'm a slim hourglass verging to rectangle. Wraps can look great on me if they are jersey...but in this case, I can't fill out the very generous top. As a matter of fact, my much bustier friend couldn't fill this one out, either—hence the donation! It's too big around the waist, too, but with a wrap that is easily remedied. In the photo, I have done some "alterations" with pins, wrapping it tighter and pinning the neckline shut.

Next, the sleeves. DH HATES them. Hates. Since he rarely expresses a strong negative opinion about my clothing, I think I need to listen to him on this. Besides, I agree. These really, really, REALLY aren't "me."

(I still don't know for sure what my style IS, but I know it's NOT uber-feminine. It's a rare ruffle that I actually enjoy wearing. It has happened, yes—but not as a rule, and probably only with some more masculine details to counter it.)

Here's the body type note—my friend is an adorable apple with narrow shoulders. I'll bet she picked the dress in large part for those sleeves! I never saw her wearing it, but I imagine it would give her a bit of the shoulder width she craves, along with a little extra femininity. Don't get me wrong: I don't think she needs ruffles to look feminine. Not in the least! (Especially with her lovely bustline, that she knows how to dress to advantage.) But I suspect SHE feels that she does.

Anyway, my husband said, what would happen if you took off the sleeves? So I rolled them to make it sleeveless.

Is it worth the alterations I'd need to make, or should I donate it to someone who will love it as it is? It's a nice fabric and I love, love, LOVE the polka dots. But I don't really want to fill my closet with less-than-FAB items as I try to define my own style.

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Body Type

27 replies

Latest reply was from rata

Heather

Veteran

Suz, I think it is TOTALLY worth the alteration! This could be made into a four season dress for you with the right layers, hosiery, etc. KEEP and alter for sure. What a great friend.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

The dress is alot better without the sleeves but it still sounds like it doesn't fit you.
Why not pass it on and look for something that fits?

bj1111

Veteran

if you're handy with a needle and thread, you could just sew the sleeves down where they are.

i need to see it from the side to see about filling in the top. from the front it seems fine.

Kappy

Veteran

Cute with the sleeves tucked in! I love the polkadots too. It looks like it fits great in the pic. How does it feel?

Vildy

Veteran

Yeah, the sleeves were real sugary. If that's the point where the new shoulder line is
going to fall, it really shows off beautiful shoulders. I think that should be a prime consideration unless all of your clothes do this so one is as good as another.

Di

(website)

Veteran

I liked the sleeves, but I can appreciate that my taste veers towards girly (or really, catapults straight into it). I do wonder if it might be a little more flattering an inch or two shorter? (And I voted long on the grey, I'm usually a midi fan.)

It's cute, but unless you really love it, I think it might be more trouble than it's worth to you.

anna

You look great in that dress in pic #2 without the sleeves. Why not get rid of the sleeves and use it with a cardi on top ? The fabric and color looks so nice.

Katzah

Member

I like the way it looks on pic # 2, if is not very expensive to alter it then do it an keep it, to me this would be a wardrobe staple, polka dots are always on trend

CK

It's very cute without the sleeves, but it sounds like it would need a lot of alterations, which can add up. If you love it, then go for it! Otherwise, pass it on.

Queen Mum

Veteran

ha- when I saw the first pic, my thought was "oh, those sleeves need to go!" and then viola! My wish was granted!
Version 2 looks great on you. Have it altered and wear that puppy!

rae

(website)

Veteran

I have trouble envisioning the fit issues with the bust - the way you have it pinned, does the fabric lay nicely, or can you sort of still tell it was meant for a larger bust? If you can't tell, then chopping off the sleeves seems like an easy fix.

taylor

Veteran

taking the sleeves off instantly updated that dress...fairly simple alteration, so worth keeping. Not sure about the dress bust being to big issue.

MNsara

Veteran

What a difference it makes without the sleeves! It's the v-neck that makes an impression now!

From the pic distance it looks fab! BUT only you know what it feels like to you. If all the adjusting, pinning, and bust fit makes it feel less than fab, then pass it along and wait for that '10'!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Like everybody else I like it sans the sleeves. Do you plan to alter the top as well to fit your bust?

nancylee

Veteran

Another vote to lose the sleeves. It really transforms the look of the dress from girly to sophisticated. But I'm not sure it would be worth all the alterations bother and cost. Unless it's a simple nip or shorten, extensive alterations often disappoint ( in my experience).

Kristine

Veteran

I also prefer it without the sleeves. If you have the chance it might help to see a closer shot of the waist area. I like the dress but I understand what you're saying about not keeping it unless it's perfect. It was a freebie so you can always keep it "just for now". If nothing else, it sounds like it might offer some clues to your style too!

Sylvie

Veteran

I love it without the sleeves. I think sleeve removal is a worthwhile alteration, especially if you love the fabric and style.

However, like the other posters, I'm curious about the body fit. If you're able to get the fit you want just by pulling the wrap tighter and you don't feel like there's too much extra fabric, then definitely keep and alter.

If you have to pin yourself into the dress each time you wear it, I wouldn't keep it unless you could remove the sleeves yourself (ie, for free).

yellowgirl

Whoah, so cute without the sleeves! Do you love it? Is it a 8, 9 or 10? In my book, it would have to be one of those to bother with the time & expense of alterations. You look fab in it!

Anonymous

I can totally understand having a dress that's made of beautiful fabric that doesn't quite fit. I can sew a little, but still I've ruined a few things that I've tried to alter.

My vote is to fold the sleeves under and baste them, just with a needle and thread, and try wearing the dress out a time or two. If you really love it, and it feels comfortable (psychologically--not physically, lol) then a proper alteration might be worthwhile.

I can't believe how much better that dress looks without the flutter sleeves! Really beautiful!

Deborah

Veteran

Suz, its lovely without the little ruffle on the sleeve. If you are confident it fits well and that you will wear it I would have the alteration done. You look gorgeous in it.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thanks so much, everyone! You are all so kind and thoughtful.

And I really find the process of picture taking and then looking at the photos to be so instructive in itself!

I realize it was tough to see how much extra fabric there is in the top, since I'd managed to pin it. And also, the photos were not close up; we've just got a new camera and I need to figure out how to use it properly and how to resize images.

I think I'll try basting those sleeves and wearing it pinned a few times around the house, just to see how it feels. That's a great suggestion. And then if it seems as if it would be too big an alteration, I'll regretfully let it go.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The alteration is a great idea. You look great, Suz!

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

hi Suz! i agree you look great with the alterations, it can be worn 4 seasons, and with beautiful silk crepe - yummy yum!!!

i sew a lot, design my own clothes, and do a lot of alterations. here's a little secret - with all those polkadots going on, you can just hand sew your alterations with thread that matches the dark color, do tiny stitches and keep it neat, if possible take in the fullness alongside existing seamlines....and no one will know that it has not been professionally altered. if you are nervous about making the $$$ investment when you are CERTAIN, this could be a good way to go. also, you learn a lot about garment construction and how you like your clothes to fit this way! and if it turns out that you want to pass it on after wearing it a few times, hand stitching is easily removed if needed.

its a conundrum when you're trying to find your style preferences - you don't want to invest tons of time money and energy in things you don't end up loving. but how do you know what you love without trying things out.....so this could be a good opportunity to try a look out for a small investment.

plus, i loooooove silk crepe! so wonderful to wear! you mite want to get some silk crepe dresses in the end, even if this particular one doesn't do it for you! hope this helps, please ask if you have any questions, steph

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

"....when you are NOT CERTAIN...."

honest, i sew better than i type!!

steph

Freckles

Veteran

Stunning dress and you rock it without the sleeves, ti has a totaly different vibe.

Hope you take Step's suggestion and give it a try. Anxious to hear the final decision on the dress.

Anonymous

The sleeve adjustment looks great! It's a very cute dress and I like the style on you a lot. However, I'd make sure the other fit issues aren't going to bother you before you alter.

rata

I love the dress without . Ive got a top with sleeves like that, and i need too cut them off so i can wear it without a cardi and get the look youve achieved.