Can I make this dress a little more grown up? - YouLookFab Forum

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Can I make this dress a little more grown up?

Kristin L

Veteran

After reading Angie's post today, I started thinking about a dress I've got. I had been watching it on Mondcloth and shopruche, but I couldn't bring myself to get it. Then a girl posted it on my swap site and with a bit of luck I was able to swap for it. I love the color and the lace, but I'm worried that it looks a little young if that makes sense. Any ideas on how I can make it a little more grown up? Or should I put it back up to swap? I deliberately haven't styled it because I don't want to sway judgement.

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Dressing

16 replies

Latest reply was from

Julie

Veteran

It's a gorgeous dress. I have a couple of similar style.
You could try pairing it with skinny jeans for a more grown up look. If you want to dress it up a bit more, go with a boot cut jeans, and some nice boots. For a sporty look go with the skinnies tucked into tall boots. A nice cardigan over top to complete the look. Let us know how it works for you

Cheers
Julie

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hmmm. That's a tough one. It's hard to say just what makes it feel a bit young. It's not just that it exposes skin. It's something about the shape of that neckline...maybe shirring? I am not sure. It reads a bit "baby doll" to me. But that is a very personal reaction and I am sure many others will not agree. What if you knotted a denim shirt over top? How would that work?

Jyoti

(website)

Veteran

My favorite trick for making a dress look a little older and more dressed up is to throw a blazer over top. I *think* a boyfriend blazer with the sleeves scrunched up would look great, although I put a disclaimer to this statement that I find it hard to know with blazers until you actually try!

Echo

Veteran

Hmm, it strikes me as a little bit young, but more because of a combination of things than any one thing in particular. It exposes skin and has a shorter hem; the waist is a little high (giving it a slight babydoll vibe) and the skirt is a little bit full; the neckline isn't so much exposed as ... maybe just the gathering changes the look. I'm not sure you can make it more grown up, but then again, I am not sure you have to. It would be a fun dress for a summer fair or day at the zoo, or a day out with friends. It looks nice on you and it is cute, but not everything is appropriate for every occasion, and I am not sure that this would be a go-to dress for when you want a "grown-up" look. But that doesn't mean the dress isn't worth keeping and wearing.

july3feb2

I like the idea of a button up over top tied in front too. What about a thin black turtleneck under with black tights and boots? With a blazer?

Gaylene

Veteran

I think it depends on how "grown up" you want to look. The dress is very pretty, but because of the fabric, style, and length, it does have a younger vibe. I think it would be fun to play with the styling suggestions that others have made, but, to be honest, I don't think they would make the dress more grown up, just sportier or more covered up.

The dress is lovely on you as is; why not just wear it as a cute, breezy little sundress?

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

I think dresses in this shape and length will always come off as younger. You've gotten some great suggestions already i think! Pair it with things that don't come off as young. And/Or you could stick with a darker color palette. Pair with fabrics like leather or velvet come fall, etc, etc etc. Just play around with your closet and i think you'll figure it out! Good luck!

Clarissa

I feel like if you pair it with a jacket made of a black dressy fabric it will look older. I feel like black and dressy fabrics make an outfit look more fancy, hence older and more mature.

harmonica

Veteran

Just wanted to support what others have said. I find the style of the dress a bit young, but pairing it with more grown-up items might work. It is a nice dress and fits you well, so depends on how it plays with the rest of your wardrobe and how you want to wear it.

Deborah

Veteran

I am trying to imagine if, and how Angie's client Karen might style this:).

If you want to make it a bit more sophisticated, how about crop leggings, ballet flats and a crop denim jacket?

Kristin L

Veteran

Thanks everyone. I'll try those solutions and see what will make the dress look even better. I think I should also clarify that my goal is not to make the dress grown-up or have it be a go-to for a nice function. To me, it's still a nice summer dress. I've just been stuck on how I can make it just a hair more mature. Disclaimer: I live in college town and was wanting to stand out a little bit from those who are just starting college.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I love Deborah's suggestion of cropped leggings, cropped denim jacket and flats. Green is such a pretty colour on you Kristin.

rute

Veteran

I'm thinking of a little Chanel type of jacket and kitten heels!

Anonymous

I agree about the babydoll look. Here's what I would start with if it were me:

1.) Denim jacket with sleeves rolled - camel colored sandals or red shoes - silver jewelry
2.) Denim jacket or Black cardi - black tights - black peeptoe booties - silver jewelry
3.) White jacket - camel colored sandals

You have a lot of possibilities!! Try these and post pics please!!

Anonymous

If it has a tie in the back, I'd swap it. Otherwise you've gotten some great suggestions. Pretty color on you!

Anonymous

I like the dress. I vote wear it as is, for more casual occasions. I like all of the suggestions you got as well. I'm not sure if the dress has any hem allowance. A longer length might make it look more grown up, perhaps.