Dresses for Work - YouLookFab Forum

Okay I think I'm going to pass on the Vince jacket for now, and keep hunting. It's just not perfect enough, but I am determined to find my perfect jacket one of these days.

In the meantime, I'm thinking I'd be wise to invest in work-appropriate dresses, ones that travel well, can work in mild, warmer temperatures (because I'll be traveling a lot to NC, GA, CA), and will integrate nicely into my "day to night" wardrobe with a simple change of accessories. When I travel on planes my stomach tends to poof (water retention etc) so pants/skirts/jeans aren't all that realistic. A dress that is roomy and forgiving and skims around the waist is better. Something with a lot of stretch. I am thinking jersey and ponte knits.

Here's what I found on Nordie's this morning. I may order a few of these to check them out - did not see any of these at the store yesterday. Except the green one, but they didn't have it in my size.

Which ones are your favorites?

Has anyone tried any of these on?

#1 appeals to me because of the pattern. So fun! I also appreciate the shape - hides the tummy.

#2 would size up on this one so it's not too form fitting. Love the black along the sides - slimming? Grey is nice work neutral. Add pop of red in accessories.

#3 Maybe not work appropriate - or better for spring. Again, I'm a sucker for pattern and no waist style.

#4 Saw this in the store but wasn't in my size. LOVE the color. May actually be too warm to wear where I'll be traveling, but I want to try this one out. Would be nice for Boston winters.

#5 nice neutral for work, love the sleeve length, love the strategic color blocking to give me back a resemblance of a waist.

#6 Love the idea of this one since it's a jersey. Would travel well. You think it is work appropriate? (Apparently there IS no dress code at my new job, but I still like to look nice).

#7 If this fits me, not too tight, it'd be perfect for work. Add a jacket or cardigan and I'm set.

This post has 7 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

12 years ago

Jacky

Veteran

I really like #3 and #7, although leaning toward #7. I really like the shape of the grey panel layered over the black.

I've worked for a couple years at companies whose dress code tends to be "please wear something," so if your company is similar and has no actual dress code, I wouldn't worry about any of these being not work-appropriate as long as you feel comfortable and fabulous looking in them.

Amy

(website)

#7 is gorgeous!

shiny

#7 of course is out in my size. Though I guess I could size up and try the 6p

#7 was my first pick, too. Darn on the size. I like #6 but agree I'm not sure it says 'work' necessarily.

carter

I really like #1, 2, and 4

Suz

2, 4, and 7 are my top picks! But they all look like they have potential.

I was also going to suggest the Tory Burch "Etta" which is great on petites, but it seems it's not available any more. Might be worth a call to see if they can track it down because it was an Angie pick and is a great dress. I had it but sent it back because it wouldn't see enough wear in my climate/ lifestyle. It would be a brilliant work to evening dress. It drapes really well, does not wrinkle, and is not heavy/ hot despite having sleeves.

unfrumped

Another yay- poo for 7 if its sold out.
I'm not against some cheery patterns but they might be hard to " repeat" if you're trying to build a working wardrobe.

Carter, #1 is my favorite... it may be too short for work but you never know. I just adore the pattern.

cheryle (Dianthus)

I like 2, 5, and especially 7. I also think 6 could be great on.

unfrumped, good point!

I am taking #3 off the list. I think the pattern will be too overwhelming.

I just wish I could try on in the store. Sigh. So frustrating none of these were there, except the green dress, which wasn't anywhere close to my size. So I'm going to order a bunch and then wind up returning a bunch!

I think either 2 or 5 would be a great addition to my work wardrobe. One or the other, not both. Have to see which fits/flatters the best. Hard to tell by the photos.

DonnaF

If you like #4, you might also want to check out Kamalikulture dresses on Zappos and at Nordstrom. On Zappos, you have to scroll down a bit to get past all those black ones. Angie's blog shows her in a couple of them. It looks like many of their prints probably sold out by the end of the season. I think Suz (at 5'5" IIRC) bought one, but I don't know how they would look on those of us who are even more height challenged!

And welcome back!

lyn*

I like #4 and #5 the best - bummer about not being able to try things on in the store though; it's so much more convenient when you are able to do that!

I also really like the one that Suz had linked to

Kristin L

I like #2, #5 and #7 best, but I don't think you'd go wrong with any of them.

Mellllls

I love them all but 3 looks too summery to me even for warmer climates.

Vicki

Shiny, I love 2, 4 and 6 (jersey is great) for their versatility, wearability and travel benefits. You've picked some gorgeous ones.

Ariadne

Love them all. I think any/all of them would be stunning and versatile on you, with the exception of #3, which you've already nixed.

Windchime

I'd choose 4, 5, or 7. They look comfortable, attractive, and professional. You could layer jackets or sweaters over them. Hopefully 4 shows up in your size.

Echo

Hmm, I am a total spanner. #3 is my fave of all of them, and I think with a black topper and perhaps tights it would be fine for winter. Or perhaps I am skewed in the style department because I would wear it in the winter! The pattern on #1 is more overwhelming to me because of the warmer colours and the sleeves. #5 would be my second fave.

Lyn D.

All great choices!
Can you order the lot and show us on?

MRL

My favorites are 2, 4 and 5. I find that dresses are great for work because they are easier in the AM (don't have to put pieces together) and comfortable.

Quick update, I'll post pics when I can. I got 1, 4 and 7 today.

#1 is a KEEPER. It's everything I'd hoped it'd be! Really well made, love the pattern/color, roomy but flattering, fits perfectly, modest for work, will easily work in multiple seasons for in-office, AND I would totally wear it going out at night too. I am going to have to try more in this brand!

#4 is... so close... gorgeous color. Great neckline. Substantial fabric for winter. But too form-fitting for the office -- especially since the zipper in the back goes the entire length of the dress. It's a bit too va-va-voom. I am debating about ordering a size up, but worried it already fits perfectly in the shoulders and length. I could use a couple extra inches for something that skims the curves. Okay heck I'm going to go for the next size up... the color is just so beautiful!

#7 is... going back. I had to size up on this one, and it is a tad too tight in the waist, but too loose everywhere else, and too long and too wide in the shoulders. It's also just meh on me, style wise. Very well made though. I would totally recommend this for someone who:

1. Is a TALL petite
2. Is slim rectangle shape with "normal" waist
3. Wishes to create a stronger shoulder line. Mine is way too strong for this dress - I look like a linebacker.
4. Has black hair. Would be quite lovely with black hair!

I also ordered the Lanai to try it out, but it's also going back. It just isn't doing it for me. Not sure why. Might be a sizing issue - it's not laying right in the shoulders and the back. Seems rather long on me too.

Oh - too bad about the Lanai. It works for Una who is 5'1". And Shannon, too (same height). So I thought it had a chance on you. But onwards!

Looking forward to seeing the dresses.

Can't wait to see you model #1. Love it.

Category