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auditioning some styles K/R - updated with styling suggestions

Sally

Veteran

I decided to try some styles for the upcoming summer and ordered a few clothes online to see if certain silhouettes suited me. I have my own ideas and asked my sister what she thought but thought I would come to the experts before I send stuff back. Sorry this is a bit of a novel but wrote my thoughts on each one. You could just skip to the pictures.
pic 1 and 2. - I normally wear jean shorts or short cotton shorts. I thought cargo shorts would be a more stylish choice as my jean shorts have ripped and are falling off me. I feel like a scout leader in these shorts which is not such a bad thing to be but it feels too preppy for me. I do prefer the t-shirt with it though. Any ideas? My sister said it would be ok for a school excursion or a cricket match.
pic 3 I have enough t-shirt dresses and think this is too casual for work. The hem makes it even more casual. I suppose it would be ok for the beach.
pic 4 another dress that looked better in the catalogue. I feel like I"m wearing a sack. I thought it would be practical for work.
pic 5 -another dress I thought would be practical for work but feel like a shapeless sack in it. I suppose that is why I thought it would be good for school teaching.
pic 6 - a midi- I really like this one and so does my sister. Its quite different from my usual style but could see myself wearing it to spring/summer parties with a denim jacket or a cardigan.
pic 7-9 I don't usually go for the drapey look but for some reason I like this and so does my sister. I don't like it fully tucked in but with a drapey top or semi-tucked. Keep or return? any styling suggestions.

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Shopping

26 replies

Latest reply was from Bijou

Anonymous

I like 6 most of these, definite keeper! How about adding a little belt to 4? 3 sure for the beach. The shorts and maxi skirt I'd much prefer with a sleeveless top and sandals.

Staysfit

Veteran

My favorite is definitely the dress in picture 6.

There is something about the shorts that seems slightly off to my eye, maybe the length? I wish they were slightly longer or maybe shorter….

I like the dress in picture 3, it’s too bad it’s too casual for work. I would return it if you already have others that you would wear for the same purpose.

I like the dress in picture 5 better than in picture 4. It has less material. I agree that they have little shape especially when compared with the dress in picture 6 which has waist definition. I really like the waist definition and would consider returning dress 4 and 5 to look for something better.

I do like the drapery top and skirt in pictures 7-9 because I like it with the length of the skirt. If you paired the same top with something shorter I’m not sure how it would look?

lozz_oz

Veteran

It’s nice to see you in colours other than black
I like the shorts and good job with the front tuck tops; I like all the dresses, and you have already identified where you think you would wear them.
The two you refer to as sack like seem to have enough structure. (Personal bias as I like that style of dress, particularly photo 4)
Love the colour of the pleated skirt - could you have it sitting higher up, or is it perhaps too large at the waist?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Staysfit. I feel like the shorts are good but could be a little shorter. The skirt is fab — I like it with a semi-tuck or slightly cropped top, or one loosely knotted at the waist.

Anonymous

6 is my favorite and then 1.

RobinF

Veteran

I like the shorts, the navy dress and the flowered dress the most. I like the skirt too but not sure how it should be worn, maybe as Janet suggested?

cat2

Veteran

I like the skirt, and think you can put the flowy T over something slimmer.

Joy

Veteran

Return #3,4,& 5 as they do not fit well into your life style. Try rolling the hem of the shorts to see if you like them at a shorter length. Return anything that does not spark joy or is meh.

Helena

Veteran

I quite like 4 actually! 6 is gorgeous. 7 I like but think I would prefer with a more fitting top - even the drapey one knotted or something, just to give it a little more structure?

rachylou

Veteran

It’s easier for me to say I think not 3 and 5 (‘hospital gowns’). Love 6(!!) and the shorts (neat and tidy) and pleated blue skirt (smart!).

slim cat

Veteran

Dress in #6 and shorts in #1as fav .
Some tops look a bit too big on you - like #2 and in #7-9.
The skirt has a lot of potential but right now it's bit too long and a bit too big in a waist ( at least in pictures ). In similar situation I had my skirt shorten and tighten in the waist - elastic waistband tends to stretch with wear. I do tank tops and fitted tees with light jackets with my skirt ( linen moto jacket or classic denim one ) - or black graphic tee with some jewelry.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The shorts in #1 look sooooo cute! Wear them with black to add that harder edge you are after.

#4 - is my fave! SUPER cute

#5 - I need to see a better pic of and a more frontal view, but so far, I see good potential.

#6 - NICE!

$7 - love that skirt! Try Janet's styling suggestions.

DonnaF

Veteran

Not to be a spanner, but I'm wondering if all or most of these are at least a size too big? The skirt, especially, looks too big on you. I would really like to see everything a size down.

Sloper

Veteran

I like the shorts - with the cuffs and length they have a bit more personality - good with the tee, maybe try a lighter color shirt?

I also like the dresses in 4 & 5 - I'm a fan of these type of shapes, but of course if you are not comfortable....

I like Janet's idea of a cropped top with the blue pleat skirt.

Sally

Veteran

Thank you everyone. I was asleep while you were answering my request for help but I have got up and tried some of the suggestions. It has also highlighted that I need to fish out my summer sandals get myself some more woven t-shirts/graphic t-shirts, singlets etc.
@ suntiger I'm keeping 6. I have some bamboo style flat sandals I will try with the skirt too.
@staysfit I have tried to the skirt with a more fitting top and tried the drapey top with the fitting shorts. I have also tried making the shorts shorter and I think it is better like that or with the longer short version.
@lozz_Oz I am getting persuaded on the navy shirt dress. It is a very light fabric and I"m wearing a slip underneath. I've tried the skirt at my natural waist line. It is size 10 (Aus/NZ) and while the waistband is comfortably loose, I don't know if I would want it tighter.
@Janet - I have tried the shorter short option and it would just be a case of me moving the button up. Do you think it is worth it? I did try some options with the skirt.
Thank you Phoebe
@RobinF - Interesting that you like the two looser dresses. I suppose it is personal preference. I think i might keep the shirt dress and would like to replace the buttons
@cat 2- The top is a little big for me but I am trying it over tighter things and might try and knot it.
@Joy - thank you. I am getting persuaded on the navy shirt dress, but as you say it is important that I feel good in it.
@Helena - I can see why people like 4. I probably just need to give it a good iron and try different shoes. It would be good for work.
@Rachylou - Yes I think 3 and 5 are out even though Angie thinks 5 has potential, I don't like the feel of the fabric
@slim cat. I hear you about the tops. I have lost weight and I do have a tendency to buy big tops anyway in an attempt to hide my tummy. I tried it with slimmer tops, but I need to get some nicer ones.
@Angie I do see what you mean about number 4. I think it might be nice with a bright cardigan and it is very soft fabric. Number 5 has a heavy fabric which is a bit scratchy. I did try the shorts with black but think I need to get some better t-shirts as many of mine are too. I have also tried the skirt with different tops.
pic 1 - 2 tank top and skirt - I don't know if I would want the skirt smaller. Perhaps it is just my shape that makes it look big.
pic 3 with cropped cardigan
pic 4 with white t-shirt and denim jacket
pic 5 - shorts long
pic 6-8 shorts shortened. - did a back photo too as I was worried that the shorts make my bottom look flatter.

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Sally

Veteran

@DonnaF I could try a size down in the skirt. The dresses are all pretty fitted at the bust area and I don't know if I would feel comfortable if the shorts were tighter. I've tried them shorter. See pics above.
@sloper - I think with dress 5 the material feels heavy as well as shapeless but yes I might be able to try a fitted cardigan with pic 4 or just get used to the shape as a new silhouette for me. It is certainly comfortable.

slim cat

Veteran

Better angle in new pics - skirt’ length looks better. Black tops work well with cobalt blue skirt - jewelry, scarf for added color/fun elements?.. Maybe short ( or medium length ) necklace. Shorts are so good in shorter version- shows your slim legs !

Katerina

Veteran

I haven’t read the other comments yet and my faves are based on the pictures only. My favorite is the solid blue dress in no 4. I also like the shorts in no 1-2, they look very pretty on you - good fit. Can be styled in many ways. I also really like the dress in no 3 - perfect casual dress for hot days and looks great on you. No 6 is nice - more classic feminine, but if I would choose only one dress, it would be no 4. I am not a fan of no 5. I am unsure about the skirt in 6-8… the colour and length are nice, but difficult to style with tops, vill it boss you around?

Jonesy

Veteran

Ditto what Angie said! I really like the shorts but to my eye, loose legs look great on the shorter side, so I prefer them cuffed like you've done in the latest batch of pics.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I especially like the blue skirt and you have styled it nicely. I think the shorts work longer and shorter moreso than in between, if that makes sense.

Sally

Veteran

Thank you Slim cat. Yes I will play around with jewellery and different tops with the skirt. I think it will be a favourite this summer/spring.
Katerina - Yes I think I will wear the blue one as I have a bright yellow cardigan that I think will go well with it. It is also good for work as it is quite modest. I know what you mean about the cobalt skirt. It can be tricky to style but its good to have something different once in a while and I have to accept just flattering enough if that is the term.
Jonesy - yes I prefer the shorts on the shorter side too. Plenty of people around wear them that short to sports events etc.
Shevia - I do know what you mean about the length of shorts. I am happy with the blue skirt especially because it is completely out of my usual style.

Star

Veteran

Love the shorter shorts look, very flattering, front and back.

lyn67

Veteran

Shorter shorts and the dresses nr 4&6 are fab to me, the pleated skirt looks best in nr 4 from your second batch and nr 3 is great for the beach!

Sal

Veteran

I am late to this but like your new additions and how you have styled them. I think they will be fun and useful over summer. I love the pleated skirt and the dress in no 6 - and agree you need shorts. I liked them styled with the singlet/tank.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YES! Well done on the styling update. Successful!

From the new set of pics, #4, 5 and 7 are the winners to my eye.

Bijou

Veteran

You made me laugh at the Scout Master comment with the shorts. In the second set of photos I really like the shorts rolled shorter and they look great with black - way cooler than what Scouts get to wear.

The blue dress and floral dresses are both lovely and I think the blue skirt is a winner too. If the dress in #5 is scratchy send that back, you can do better than that and I know for me if something is not comfortable or easy to wear, I will generally pass on it and just grab my jeans which are always comfy to wear.