Ask Angie: Baby doll tops and dresses

Patience

I'm hoping you can satisfy my curiosity on baby doll tops and dresses-- that is empire seams with gathering. Which body type does this style flatter? It seems that this style is always around but I never feel that there's anyone who can wear it to killer effect.

16 years ago

Body Type

11 replies

Latest reply was from janegoldsmith

marianne

Active Member

I am no expert and avoid babydolls like a plague, but I always thought they're supposed to look good on women with a narrow rib cage and small chest, so I would guess pretty pears? I'd be curious to know if it's the right assumption. Still I am not sure if it can get to the killer level because to me it looks a bit juvenile - but I may be completely off.

16 years ago

Ariadne

Veteran

They almost always look like maternity tops to me. I wonder if they really flatter anyone.

16 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

There is empire and there is empire. My new go-go dress is a FLAT empire cut. No gathers and very sleek and straight. No volume. It’s more of a cut line really. I think it’s KILLER. As for the gathered empire styles, I look utterly ridiculous in them. The bod is too straight.

However I have clients who look killer in them for sure. Pretty pears and adorable apples generally look wonderful. Gals with boho style look great in them too. That’s another thing – I am 180 degrees in the opposite direction of boho which is another reason I look terrible in gathered empire cuts. I hope that makes sense, Patience.

16 years ago

Maya

Veteran

I always like them when I'm browsing the web and see them on models. Then when I get them in the mail they look simply awful. I'm actually surprised to hear they would be flattering on apples and unflattering on straighter body types. I feel like the opposite is true. On a straighter body, you can tell it's the garment that causes that poofing at the waist. On anyone else, it looks like it's the body that's doing it.

16 years ago

anne

Veteran

I like certain styles most of the time. Here is one I have worn heaps
http://i297.photobucket.com/al.....0_5368.jpg
most lately as a coverup after swimming on a cooler day, but usually with jeans.

I think they can look good on apples too, especially as contrasted to a fitted top and pants with bulges at the waistline

16 years ago

carissa

(website)

Active Member

in general i am anti volume adding strategies, i.e. gathers under the bust. i am pro empire - cut close to the body.

i like the volume when its paired with a thigh skimming pant. at least then you can see the wearer's silhouette in her shapely legs.

16 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

My issue with babydoll shirts, is there are too many of them in stores. Last summer it was almost impossible to find a normal shirt. My issue with empire seaming (that does not have gathers) is the seam is never low enough for me. The seam in Carissa's Bratique Helene shirt is specifically designed to land UNDER the bust--but that is the first time I've ever had that happen.

BTW, Carissa, I'm thrilled to see you participating so much in the forum. Addictive, isn't it?

16 years ago

carissa

(website)

Active Member

Thank you Nicole.

Yes, the forum is enlightening, enjoyable and can be addictive.

Its also a challenge for me to decide what I think about the issues presented and then articulate an intelligible response!!

16 years ago

Patience

Veteran

It does make sense, Angie. I was wondering because I often admire them on the hanger and feel they usually do nothing for me on. I was thinking they were a little boho too which is not my style either. I do try to stick to empires with no gathers.

Nicole, I am with you concerning this style always being everywhere and how frustrating this is. They often seem to be paired with cap sleeves too. Aargh. I try to just pass them up, thinking "not my body type, not my body type..."

Welcome, Carissa.

16 years ago

ChristineB

Active Member

I like them as long as the empire seem is in the right spot, and there are very few gathers. I even have a few empire button up shirts. Unfortunately they're short sleeved, so I've only been wearing them under things lately, but I'll wear them when it gets warmer.

I like the empire seam because it effortlessly draws attention to my waist. I don't like the maternity looking ones with lots of gathers though.

16 years ago

janegoldsmith

(website)

Member

Baby Doll Dress Jane Goldsmith assess both the brand and their products against a set of ethical criteria covering environmental impact, working conditions and fair trade. We don't expect perfection - garment supply chains are often complex and fragmented and many ethical brands are still small companies, but we do look for real commitment. In recent years a number of pioneering brands have started making clothes the ethical way. Best of all these clothes are superb, stylish pieces that make you look good and feel great.

16 years ago

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