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Ask Angie and others :: This dress (ETA - Keeping)

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Last thread for today... I think

This dress has been puzzling me for about a week as I was unsure whether to post anything, and then today's blog post happened... Anyway, I'll reserve my own comments for now and ask you all what you think. The dress in unstyled and this is on purpose - I want you to see it as blank canvas.

I sit firmly on Team Solid Colour. I have one patterned dress, but it's different sort to this one. So, this is totally different from anything I ever tried on.

Questions - please educate me and explain this dress to me:

Keeper or not?
If yes - why it works? If no - why doesn't it work?
Finally, how would such thing be styled for colder months with this sort of neckline?

Thank you in advance for your input.

Shopping

18 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

ClaraT

Veteran

Not Angie but I wonder what it would look like with a belt (maybe a red belt but even a black one)? I like the shape, where it hits your leg, the sleeve length *and* the pattern. Plus it looks comfortable. I'd love to see it with shoes, too, as that could affect the final look. So:
1. Keep.
2. See above.
3. Belt and pumps? Belt and black boots? Solid (black or grey or?) blazer and belt (and pumps or boots)? Red belt/shoes if you like color? I think this is a versatile dress.

Sharon

Veteran

Ornella, I like the style and the pattern but wonder if it is a little big for you? To my eye, it is not quite conforming to your curves, but neither is it straight enough to be a shift style. Did you try it in a smaller size?

I think this type of pattern is the best kind for someone who bats for Team Solids, in that the pattern is discreet and symmetrical and doesn't hog the limelight the way some more obvious prints do. And it reads neutral, so it would be easy to add colourful accessories.

Liz A.

Veteran

I LIKE it a lot, but I'm not sure if I LOVE it. The style and cut works on your for sure. Being so tall though, I'd love to see you in a larger scale pattern, even just for comparison's sake.

The neckline I think would be easy peasy to add a scarf and go.

AviaMariah

Veteran

I too think you've got to try it with some different shoe options to really get an idea of how it's going to look. This looks like a really versatile dress. I think it's one of those times where you have to decided how comfortable you are with the body-con aspects (not that I think it's too body-con at all!). I like the idea of adding red because you wear that color so well.

Jules

Veteran

I was thinking the same as Liz - large scale pattern might be better. This one reads more as textural interest than pattern, IYKWIM. And I have something similar: a very nice and flattering snakeprint in similar grey tones (yours may be black & white but is reading as grey) that I bought last year and while totally wearable, it just is not turned out to be that easy to style in interesting ways or just plain fun to wear, it's rather dull.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well. I think it depends what you want. This looks like a killer fantastic easy-on-easy-accessorizing dress. Boots and long cardigan and belt plus scarf? Easy casual. Heels and a cuff and a clutch? Works for a date. Jacket on top? Makes for meeting-appropriate wear for a MOTG. I assume it is stretchy -- if so, it even goes on the bike.

I think it's flattering. The length is perfect (a rare thing!!) However, I agree with others that the pattern might be so small as to read more as texture on your frame. If you want a pattern that speaks pattern, you might need to go larger.

For colder months, a scarf is easy. You don't really need one indoors, just outside with your coat. But you could use one as an accessory as well -- either red, cobalt, black, white, or purple/ plum/ fuchsia.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I echo Suz 100%.

A larger scale print works especially well with your height Ornella, but you can wear a small print if that tickles your fancy. Why not?

Personally, I wouldn't wrack your head on how to layer this till the cows come home for 4 seasons. Dresses like this are Summer items for me - or when it's still warm in Autumn. With flats or ankle straps. No hose. And some type of topper - like a denim jacket, short blazer, or trench coat.

Tanya

Veteran

You have already gotten some wonderful advice. I justw anted to chime in that I love the dress on you. Another way to wear it in cold weather would be to layer it over a white shirt or black turtleneck.

Diana

Veteran

I think it's lovely. A good length, and fitted without being too body con.

Personally I'd wear it with a blazer over it for winter, or as a "skirt" with a pullover on top. The neckline does not concern me, in fact it's far higher than most of the ones I wear year round. In winter I always have a scarf anyway. If I think I might be cold indoors I make sure to pick a scarf that matches the outfit and not just my coat. Or I'll wear a lighter scarf as part of the outfit and just put a big blanket scarf on top for outdoors.

Beth Ann

Veteran

So, have you decided? I adore the shape and silhouette! I like the print, and think it would fit in your wardrobe. If I were shopping for myself, however, I would prefer a larger scale print. This piece would play really nicely with color, too.

Scarlet

Veteran

I think it looks very good on you. Flattering and form fitting but sleek. I would love it with a blazer or long cardigan, boots, and a scarf. I agree that the pattern reads more as texture, but that's neither here not there, just depends on what you want.

Deborah

Veteran

Ornella, this is a lovely, classic dress IMHO. It is flattering and current. In my climate this wold be a Spring and Autumn dress. I would add a blazer for the office, denim jacket for casual. Keep it simple

Lantana

Veteran

Hands down a keeper. It flows smoothly over your curves and the fabric has a soft drama that complements your colouring.
You could dress it down with a moto or fake a skirt by wearing a sweater.

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Thank you all for chiming in. You have helped me a lot.

I have decided to keep the dress.

I agree the dress reads less like a pattern and more like a texture. It's probably as neutral as pattern can go and for now that is fine. For me it is dipping the toes in the patterns - I think anything bigger would overwhelm me in terms of how I'd feel wearing it. So, baby steps for now.

In terms of size and body con aspects, I would not change the size - this one still feels just a little fluid, smaller one would be too body con and a definite no.

Suz :: yes, the material is stretchy and it would easily go on the bike

Angie :: you have addressed the exact same thing I've been thinking about - it can be warm days dress. The fact I stumbled across it in October does not necessarily make it cold days dress too.

Also, while I know larger scale print would look great on my height, I am also aware it is hard to come across. Especially with one key thing this dress has - the length.

Which brings me to what I initially thought about the dress - I was sold on the length from the word go, so much that I was literally blinded by it and could not realistically asses whether the dress has the sort of potential I wanted to see in it and I was not sure whether I was missing to see something obviously wrong with it.

This sort of length is unseen on me in my current wardrobe and it is the length I want to wear more. You have confirmed my ideas ho to style it and I since it was inexpensive I can allow myself this indulgence to have something different I'll play with.

Thank you, it's play time now

Anonymous

I'm glad you're keeping it Ornella. I look forward to seeing it styled

Astrid

Veteran

Yes, I'm glad too! It looks like a great fit and a good way to get started on wearing some pattern. And the length is a big bonus point.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Great! Glad you will keep it. I think it will be super versatile in your wardrobe.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Can you believe that I forgot to tell you that you look fabulous in this frock. Shame on me, Ornella. Better late than never. xo