Ask Angie and others - update

OK first the question for Angie. Years ago I promised you that I would never buy a casual maxi skirt or dress. Any chance you'll let me off? I think I would really like to have a knit maxi to wear at home, long enough to cuddle up on the couch with my legs all covered.

This next ones's for everyone. Does anyone else struggle with dresses that have around the waist? I think I look like the proverbial sack of potatoes with a string tied around it. The elastic is usually too high, obscuring my real waist and showing up my none too small rib cage, small bust and bit of a tummy.

They are one of the most popular looks for sundresses in Australia at the moment and it is annoying. They may look better with a belt over the top, but wearing belts is far from desirable once the hot summer days come (I have plenty of summer dresses to take me up to about 90 F - it is above that, that my wardrobe doesn't deliver - I have precisely one dress that is fit to leave the house)

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11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Not Angie...but I am sure she would give you a pass on loungewear, Anne! You must do what is comfy. Besides...just to give a nod to environmental norms...the beachy dress that feels peculiar in Paris or even where I live is right at home in hot Australia.

I don't care for dresses that have the elastic at the waist, either. The blouson effect can be appealing (or not, depending) but I find they never fit me properly and I don't like the look without a belt.

Oh that style of dress is terrible on me! :/ Too bad it's all over your shops.

Diana

I HATE elastic waist dresses. I won't buy them unless the elastic can be removed. On me the elastic always migrates to my narrowest point, which is my natural waist and it is HIGH, so I look like my torso is like one inch long. :P. Also, when I sit it will shift around and end up on top of my lower rib cage, which I. Can. Not. Stand.

I like a nice sleek maxi skirt though! I think the trick is to keep the skirt fairly slim.

Adelfa

I wouldn't dream of wearing a dress with elastic around the waist! Talk about adding about 20 pounds.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Anne, there is nothing to let off the hook. I want you to be happy and feel fabulous in your clothes - which includes loungewear. If that means wearing a casual maxi dress - of course I support it. Style is always about YOU, and not about anyone else.

I have many clients in elastic waist dresses. We usually add a skinny belt to cover up the elastic.

Beth Ann

I can wear them when I make them --- and lengthen the torso by a good two inches from the pattern.

I like drawstrings better, and I do have a Gap sweatshirt dress with a drawstring waist that I'm liking these days. I bought it in tall for more length in general, but the waist is longer, too.

minimalist

Anne, my lounge maxi has a halter neck and empress waistline ; would that work for you?

I don't struggle with elastic waists bc I don't even attempt them.

Hestonian

Active Member

I am not a fan of the elastic waistband. It never hits at my waist and looks very odd.

Debra

Be comfortable I like a long slim fitting plain maxi, I think they can look quite elegant to lounge around in.....no elastic waist though.

Lyn D.

I hear you on this type of dress Anne!
This one looks fine without the tie in the pic though.

anne

Well I have bought the maxi
http://shop.cottonon.com/shop/.....tripe-5mm/
I am going skirt rather than dress. Thanks Angie!!

Thanks for all the empathy on the elastic waist issue. Still looking for my ideal dress for 100+ weather! (no belts)

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