Are prints always less dressy than solids? - YouLookFab Forum

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Are prints always less dressy than solids?

Aquamarine

Veteran

I am slowly upgrading my dressy capsule. I am happiest knowing I have some items to wear for those occasions that crop up unexpectedly, as well as having backups for times I can't find a dress or outfit for a planned event. I have come to realize this makes me less stressed....I don't really enjoy shopping when I *have* to buy something.

I am lacking a LBD or its equivalent for colder weather. Perusing dresses online, winter LBDs just don't make me happy. I dunno, add in dark footwear or boots and it's just too much. Plus I have very dark hair. So I ordered this dress to try:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ep.....ltback=213

Your thoughts on whether or not it's sufficiently dressy for cocktail party-like occasions? Winter wedding? Funeral? Or does the print make it less dressy? It doesn't read that memorable from here, but I guess I will see when it arrives.

(As an aside, I found it for around $260 at Bloomies and Nordstrom did price-match.)

Shopping

16 replies

Latest reply was from MsMaven

Sara L.

Veteran

I think the dress is dressy enough for all the occasions you've listed. It depends on styling as well. Fancy jewelry and shoes will make a big difference on the dressiness factor.

Anonymous

I think if you put the right accessories with it, it will be fine. It looks like a versatile dress that could be dressed up or down.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

LBDs don't make me happy either, Aquamarine. You DO have the option of another dark colour and metallic footwear - just to put that out there.

No. Patterns aren't always more casual than solids. See my dark lace dress below. It's dressy. It's all about the fabric - which is my point. The patterned dress you just ordered is more casual because of the fabric - not the pattern. It's a lovely dress though, and hope it works out.

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Here's the dress:

Boss by Hugo Boss 'Epulina' Jersey Sheath Dress

$375.00 $187.49

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Diana

Veteran

I had the same thought as Angie. The jersey fabric makes it casual, not the print. I do think that you could probably wear it for most of the occasions you've listed (I'd add a blazer for the funeral or for more businessy events), although I personally would find it too casual/day for an evening wedding.

Although I don't think prints bring down the dressy factor of an item, I do think that all-black does up the dressy factor of many items. So I think a black jersey dress might be more appropriate. But since you don't want black, I think I'd look for a print dress in a dressier fabric.

Another thing to consider about prints is that some of them don't photograph well. But if you're not expecting to be photographed a lot, then it's not an issue at all.

Carole

Veteran

The dress doesn't appear "dressy" to me but maybe that's ok. The only occasion listed that might require something dressier would be a cocktail party but perhaps it could be sufficiently dressed up with accessories!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Actual prints - as opposed to lace, sequins, embroidery, etc., which are more patterns than prints - in any particular fabric probably are always more casual than the same fabric in a solid. I'm trying to think of an exception. Maybe jeans in a printed twill? Then they'd be dressier than a plain denim, I suppose?

The dress is lovely, although it seems more daytime than eveningwear in that matte jersey. I'd think it'd be suitable for a funeral and many winter weddings, unless they were explicitly black tie. Same with parties - I don't know many people whose party dress code is actual cocktail wear or black tie only anymore, which to me means satin, sequins, lace, maybe velvet - a very specific subset of fabrics as well as dress styles and lengths.

kkards

Veteran

l like the dress, to me, it does read as "semi-dressy", ie ok for work, funerals, daytime weddings etc. not sure I would wear to an evening wedding or a holiday party, but that's not to say that it wouldn't work, i think it depends on how "dressy" you want to go.

Aquamarine

Veteran

Yes, I agree this might not work for a night-time wedding, although it would probably depend on the crowd. Sadly, people do skew way more casual for a lot of the events I have been to lately. I guess I am hoping for a versatile dress that can be accessorized for a wide range of events. A black-tie affair would necessitate a nicer dress, but I have not been to one in years.

Sara and Betty...that's what I am thinking, but I'll see when the dress arrives.

Angie...I realize another color would also work, and I would love a burgundy/wine colored dressy dress as an alternative to a LBD. I ordered and tried on a few at the start of Fall, but none worked. So I have moved on for now.

Your dress is lovely and I see your point. i was under the impression, though, that jersey *was* sufficiently dressy. Could the quality of the jersey matter? This is interesting to me.

Diana...I agree black can make clothes look dressier, but gosh darn it I do get tired of it this time of year. I was looking at a black Boss dress in a wool fabric, but it's too expensive for me right now.

Carole...I saw this dress in a few other shopping sites and it looked more fitted and darker, which led me to pull the trigger at Nordstrom. I do feel the right accessories could amp it up a notch.

Laura, you've read my mind. I do agree some/most prints read more casual than solids, but I am hoping this one will be subdued yet more interesting than flat black. And yes, we have all lamented how casual everyone is. Unless I get an invitation that specifically specifies black tie, I am going to assume many people will be dressed more casually than I am.

Thanks, kkards. Versatile yet appropriate trumps dressy for me, at least at this juncture in my life. With two kids in college, I need to stretch my dollars.

MsMary

Veteran

I consider that print to be kind of a faux solid. I would wear that dress to all but the dressiest events.

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

The fabric and the print have a comparable weight has far as making an outfit formal. I've been looking at gowns and dresses for a summer wedding and haven't noticed jersey or stretchy fabric to be a preferred material. From a cursory glance, the fabric tends to either be substantial (crepe, lined), lacey, gauzy, or silky. Floral patterns seem to be a hit or miss. Have you looked at Black Halo cocktail dresses? Some of them might fit the bill, but I don't know your style well enough to advise specific models.

Anonymous

Comment wasn't helpful. Deleted.

lyn67

Veteran

Have stalked it from closer, and think the dress has a gorgeous print and color mix if (some may have not noticed but it has some small amounts of reds there, too). Think this dress would work well with some fab and current accessories to many smart casual-to business casual occasions. You can always team it with a luxurious plain jacket (black/white/gray/red satin/velvet) for achieving an even dressier look.

VioletMyra

Aah, yes . . . the ubiquitous LBD, what a dilemma it can pose. For summer I have a LND (navy) and for winter I have a LBD (burgundy). My colouring changes enough that navy does not give me the glow I want through winter so I wear burgundy.

Perhaps you would find something more to your liking in another glorious colour from your palette.

Best wishes.

Joy

Veteran

My first thought was , like Angie, that it isn't the print, it's the jersey fabric that makes the dress more casual than if it were the same print in a lined woven silk or light weight woven wool. However, like MsMary, I think in this age of The Casual, you could wear yours to the events you mention unless they are very dressy.
Maybe your LBD is cream or chocolate or red...some other neutral.

MsMaven

Veteran

It would work for me at most events here in California. I tend to get tired of prints very quickly, but this looks like one that would last a long time. The right print can go on for years.