Dresses I like but don't suit me

anne

Something Sal suggested has made me think of getting a dress that would work for both work and casual, and I have been attracted to ones a little like http://m.portmans.com.au/shop/.....hirt-dress
But I tried one on recently, red from Portmans, but I can't find it online(eta I can now. Here it is http://m.portmans.com.au/shop/.....hirt-dress)
and the self fabric waist tie looks absolutely awful. But so many long sleeved floaty dresses have them right now.
Thoughts? Either on how to make them look better or alternatives?

7 years ago

Body Type

13 replies

Latest reply was from anne

anne

Veteran

In fairness to Sal, she suggested a semifitted dress, not one like this. Why am I always attracted to styles I can't carry off!? In my teens it was sweetheart necklines when my small bust couldn't fill them out, now it's dresses like this and also pleated skirts, which look terrible but I keep hoping one might look different!

7 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

The link took me to a bunch of dresses... a beltless floaty dress is what you're after? I feel this has to be out there...

7 years ago

anne

Veteran

http://m.portmans.com.au/shop/.....hirt-dress
Try this link. This is the style I mean. But even on this model, and much more so on me, it looks a bit like string round a floursack

7 years ago

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

I can't think of a time when I kept/used the self tie or belt that came with a dress. One problem is that the accompanying belt is often very cheap looking. Another problem is that the waistline usually doesn't hit me at the waist and the little loops on the dress pull it in a funny way. If the dress has a sewn-in waist or an elasticized waist under the belt, this can be a problem. If the dress doesn't have a sewn-in waist (or elastic) then it's easy to discard the self belt, remove the belt loops, and get a nice belt that sits (and fits) well at your waist.

7 years ago

Liz

Veteran

For me, a dress where the belt has to do all the work of creating a waistline (it's a loose, flowing garment without the belt) just doesn't work. The belt can't make up for the lack of seams in the dress pattern, and the effect is very bunchy. I usually end up wearing those styles loose and get rid of the belt altogether.

For what it's worth, I think the dress looks just fine on the model. (I wonder if your usual desire to want very fitted clothing around your waist is
affecting how you see yourself in these styles?)

7 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I think Sal is bang on the money that a waisted shirt dress is fab for you, Anne - although I'd suggest a more fitted silhouette on the bottom. The belt will shorten your torso and you like fitted things. Knee-length or just above knee-length is good.

7 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What Liz and Angie said. I think the dress looks lovely on the model -- and a version of it would also look great on you. Straighter on the bottom than this, as Angie said. You can change the belt up to something that looks better than whatever tie they provide with it.

7 years ago

anne

Veteran

Thanks guys
I should make sure I quote Sal correctly. As well as suggesting getting a dress that would work for work and casual she said

"Anne: I really liked this WIW from a while ago:

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....is-dress-9

That is the sort of casual dress I mean, not too loose but not too fitted either."

So she wasn't really suggesting a shirt dress - just there are so many around at the moment

Emily K - I know what you are saying about self ties and using other belts. I guess the floaty nature of these dresses had me thinking that other belts wouldn't quite suit. I agree about sewn in waists and belt loops too - they are usually too high for me

Liz - I wear my denim shirt dress without the belt too ( or with the belt looped just at the back) The red dress did actually have a sewn in waist though. I think the hard thing possibly was that I was really attracted to how it looked on the mannequin. And of course I do not have a mannequins body!

Angie and Suz - I'll keep on looking and take on board your suggestions. I suspect getting one at the length you suggest may be difficult - lots are quite short. I was thinking of wearing them with leggings.

My weight is up quite a bit at the moment (since I've shown any pics) with the onset of the cold weather BUT my body image is not suffering - I do honestly quite like the way I look at the moment - more hourglassy. I should stop eating so much much, but I can't seem to, especially since I think I look ok. I've moved back into "normal weight but too much bodyfat" territory again (according to my latest appraisal from the PT) Anyway I guess what I meant is that I like how I look naked and in certain looks, but perhaps the extra weight is showing in other styles.

7 years ago

Sal

Veteran

Hi Anne

Sorry to be late to the thread. What led me to this was your jeans struggle (which I understand). You didn't seem convinced that cropped jeans would work and I know the feeling when you then need different boots and tops and then whole situation spirals.

I also find belts that come with dresses can be wrong and end up removing them or replacing them. Here are a couple of Ezibuy dress photos of the sort of winter/spring dress I think would suit. Something that could be worn with flat shoes or boots or sneakers or dressed up a little with tights and a necklace if you wanted.

I think a shirtdress would be lovely on you - I would like one myself but have never quite managed to find one that works brilliantly on me.

Sorry to send you down the rabbit hole:)

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7 years ago

anne

Veteran

Sal,
Don't apologise! I was very taken with your idea! You really did completely understand the overwhelmingness of the Jean change issue.

Thanks also for the new dress pictures. I am going to look for clothes in my lunch break today and your visuals are helpful

7 years ago

Veteran

Ooohhh, from Sal's last comment, I like the red striped dress!

7 years ago

Lyn D.

Veteran

I like Sal's choices too Anne!
Agree that self-belts are never great- too soft and narrow to be anywhere near flattering IMO.

7 years ago

anne

Veteran

Glad it's not just me Lyn!
Sigh. Didn't get out at lunch to shop or anything.

7 years ago

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