casual black sundress: keep, toss, or chop?

Went looking in my closet for casual black sundresses this afternoon and found this Liberty of London for Target one that has not been worn. It's 100% cotton and quite comfy, although slightly tight at the bust. There are some wrinkles in the photo because it hasn't been ironed. I'm not sure about the underbust seam (which is not really under my bust, but kind of in the middle of it, which makes it kind of a baby doll shape on me) or the neckline. It's not a double strap - one of those is my bra strap showing, which does not bother me in the least. I would wear it with some sort of topper to work and as is for casual outdoor events.

Options are keep, consign, or chop into a skirt (as I did with my lavender check dress-turned-skirt). I could actually chop it right below the bust seam and make a midi, or a little lower and make a knee-length skirt.

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13 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

To tell the truth I'm unsure about baby doll cuts anymore, maybe Angie can weigh in on this style of dress and tops and whether it is still current.

That issue aside, I really like the way it looks on you! I would keep it even if it's a baby doll cut because it looks so great on you (and the empire waist is less noticeable because it is black). Besides, maybe my hunch about empires is all off and they are still relevant.

... And to add further, I would definitely NOT chop it off as the empire tops feel more dated than empire dresses, if that makes any sense.

Diana

Oh, Denise, I meant chop it into a skirt and throw out the top part.

Tanya

I really like the dress, but not how it fits around the bust area. I would chop it of and turn it into a gorgeous midi skirt.

IndyGal

Active Member

Agree with Tanya, I'd chop into a fun skirt. As a dress, I think it makes you look bigger than you are around the middle. I think there are much more flattering dress options out there for your cute figure.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Hmm. I really like the dress, Diana! But I don't want it cutting you ON the bust line. The empire line has to fit under the bust.

rae

It makes me wiggy when bustlines sit on the bust... I guess I'm a toss vote. :T

Anonymous

I vote to consign this piece unless you need a black summer skirt. There's a reason that you have it in the back of your closet.

Angie, Rae, and Tanya: I think you're right that the bust line thing is annoying and looks odd. I don't think there's a way to fix it, unfortunately (well, I could lower the straps as they are adjustable but that would result in way more cleavage showing that I am comfortable with). I think I am going to try to chop it into a midi skirt.

Joy, I actually do need a floaty black summer skirt. I have other black skirts but they are shorter and slimmer and feel a bit too restrictive for hot summer days. I think this would make a nice, lightweight, floaty skirt and as a bonus it is 100% cotton including the lining which is getting rarer and rarer these days.

biscuitsmom

I think it'd make a really nice skirt....Im glad you're doing that

ManidipaM

Another vote to skirtify...! It really is a very pretty dress --- if only it fit just so.

I have one of those cotton on cotton empire lines in pink, which too has the seam sitting too high and adjusting the straps sends the neckline too low --- so I know exactly how aggravating this can be. Mine's too straight in the 'skirt' to chop up as well, so I use it sleep in on really hot, sticky-humid nights. The cotton wicks moisture away and I don't feel smothered in a voluminous nightdress.

You don't necessarily have to cut it. You can layer a light cardi over the dress. I know some of us have moved past cardis but they are a summer necessity for me. It is too hot for blazers and I need that extra layer.

Sarah A

would a thin t underneath work to let the straps out enough so the empire line hits underbust? If not, I think I vote to transition to a skirt... I really like the from detail stitching!

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