Casual resort wear. - YouLookFab Forum

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Casual resort wear.

anne

Veteran

My work end of year party is coming up. It's an evening outdoor event, and the theme is casual resort wear.
I have an old faithful dress I could wear (pic one) , but have also been wondering about getting a new dress. Seems like even Angie would approve of a maxi dress for this occasion.
I don't want to spend too much. Tried on 3 cheap dresses today. This one (pic two) is the best, though looks pretty bad in the photo.
Am actually feeling good about my body at the moment, but not necessarily when clothed.
Any hints for a more flattering maxi?

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Dressing

23 replies

Latest reply was from Jaime

Bijou

Veteran

Anne, it is lovely to see you. I really like the maxi dress, it looks great and perfect for summer parties.

SarahD8

Veteran

I think the maxi is amazing on you! To my eye the slight high-low hem and the seaming of the skirt that echoes the same shape give the dress structure and avoids the “nightgown” look that is common with maxis.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I think maxis are tricky, because all that fabric can hang down shapelessly. Once you start adding tailoring, you quickly find yourself in "dressy dress" land, much more formal than you intended. How about one with ruching to emphasize/create a waist? I know this isn't your price point, am just thinking about the shape of the dress. https://www.amazon.com/Bailey-.....B076W2XDP6

anne

Veteran

Here's a link to the dress https://www.target.com.au/p/ca.....k/62621069
Thanks Bijou and Sarah. I like the seaming and hem too. I just feel like my waist has disappeared and that I have no bust! Same old problems as always.

anne

Veteran

FI, We were writing at the same time. And I agree about the problematic shameless of the maxi. Not sure I have seen any with ruching that look clearly " resort" yet, but I have not looked very far yet. I want the dress to look flattering and current and thematically suitable, because if it doesn’t meet all three, I may as well just wear the white dress.

Runcarla

Veteran

The maxi is cute, but the white dress in #1 is beautiful on you, and you have accessorized it very well. I’m assuming it is an earlier photo - pre-short hair? FWIW, your short hair in #2 is perfect! If budget is an issue, wear the white dress.

Sara L.

Veteran

I really like the maxi on you. I think the self belt keeps your waist from disappearing. I can't really see your bust due to the camera angle, but I'm flat, flat, flat so I usually focus on fit - making sure there is no extra fabric in the bust area.

Jules

Veteran

Any reason why a maxi instead of a midi? It seems like there might be more options in the latter, and the proportions can be easier. I'd suggest something with sleeves and waist definition, like a wrap, except for the fact that your lovely arms deserve showing off
I like both dresses you've shown FWIW. Perhaps if you don't find a worthy dress, you might look for an inexpensive tropical print scarf with a white background to pair with the dress.

kellygirl

Veteran

I think both dresses are fab casual options! More structure would probably make it more conventionally flattering but I think it looks great!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I like Jules’ idea for making the white dress more “resorty”. A lightweight shirt with that kind of print, worn unbuttoned over the dress, would work too. You could also add accessories like a chunky, bright-colored resin necklace, sunglasses, or a floppy hat to any dress.

These are overboard, but might be silly fun, if you want to be a little costume-y. That would make me feel more comfortable with that dress code. You probably have something similar from your kids. https://www.amazon.com/LAFALA-.....B07B48XX7L

notsaf

Veteran

I think dress #1 with the gold sandals looks lovely on you.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Get the maxi dress! I love it on you!

SO NICE TO SEE YOU, Anne. Missed you.

JAileen

Veteran

Both dresses look great on you.

slim cat

Veteran

I love your printed long dress! Color is lovely on you and fit is fine ( I'm small chested too ). You can play with sash - tie it on the side slightly, tie it on the back and wear bolero/shrug/scarf in light color, switch to the skinny belt.
Jewelry usually helps me to bring the focus higher - layering a few necklaces to fill the space ( if I can put it that way - it adds something to the visual ). Vote for the new dress ( you look great in white too )!

Anonymous

Hi Anne - I agree that you look great in both dresses. And consider yourself lucky for being smaller-chested. It's far easier NOT to look too sexy and inappropriate in resort-wear when you don't have big breasts to dress around ....and I'm assuming since it's a work situation , looking too casual and sexy is not the goal.

Sal

Veteran

I think the new dress is really pretty - but only get it if you love it. I find it flattering on you.

I see slim arms and a healthy body.

rachylou

Veteran

The maxi looks great! So does the white, but the maxi looks great!

Anonymous

Both are nice but my vote is for the maxi too! Gold sandals, big hat, sunnies, bangles, umbrella drink- resorty

anne

Veteran

Firstly, thanks so much for the welcome back Bijou and Angie. I have been rather less present on YLF for awhile - haven't needed to shop.

I'm surprised so many of you like the maxi dress, and heartened about the white dress and all the styling suggestions. I think I'll keep looking for maxi's (or Jules, maybe midis too) but it was nice that so many of you liked one of the first I tried.

Yes Lisa, being a work event is definitly a consideration. Otherwise I may have worn my playsuit, but I feel it is a bit lacking in leg coverage. It's also a little uncomfortable as I sized down.

Slimcat - I totally agree with you on the jewellery filling in the space!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Get the maxi! I can see you getting lots of wear out of it for summer, both casual and occasions.

lyn67

Veteran

Wow a really beautiful maxi, it fits you fab!

The Cat

Veteran

#2 is gorgeous on you!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Maxi looks terrific on you and the gold necklace is very pretty with the white dress too!